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Breathe Better With COPD
… Maybe you’ve noticed that you get out of breath doing light activities lately. Or have a cough that won’t go away. You might think it’s temporary, or just part of getting older. But these issues can also be signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more … Treatments for COPD can’t yet cure the disease. But they can slow the rate at which it gets worse, and make you feel better. Medications can help some people breathe more easily. These …
Breaking Down Food
… and vitamins and minerals (called micronutrients). Having a balanced diet helps ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans offer guidance on … limits while choosing food and drinks that are rich in nutrients. The guidelines suggest getting 10% to 35% of your calories from protein; 25% to 35% from fat; and 45% to 65% from … like whole grains, beans, legumes, and starchy vegetables. Complex carbs can help you get more fiber, too. Fruits and vegetables are also a great source of fiber and are rich in …
Curbing Chronic Kidney Disease
… CKD can’t be cured. But catching and treating it early can slow it down or even stop it from getting worse. So it’s vital to know if you have CKD or are at risk for the condition. … … to know if a drug is really working, Himmelfarb explains. During that time, kidney damage can get worse. Himmelfarb and other scientists are now working on ways to predict the best drugs to …
Wellness Tips in Spanish
… version, “Su Versión Más Saludable: Herramientas de Bienestar.” Find out about eating right, getting enough physical activity, and guarding yourself from germs and bugs. Get advice for managing stress and adapting to change. And learn how to improve your …
Protect Yourself Against HPV
… More than half of all sexually active people get a genital infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives, but … for females. Only Gardasil is available for males. “Because the vaccines only work before you get infected, and most people become infected relatively soon after they begin sexual activity, … vaccines are recommended for teen boys and girls not yet vaccinated, young women through age 26, and young men through age 21. The vaccines are also suggested for gay and bisexual men and …
Catching a Cold When It’s Warm
… Most everyone looks forward to summer—time to get away, get outside and have some fun. So what could be more unfair than catching a cold when it’s warm? … rhinovirus—that infects humans. About half of people with enterovirus infections don’t get sick at all. But nationwide, enteroviruses cause an estimated 10 million to 15 million …
You’re Never Too Old
… know that it’s as true for older people as it is for any age group? You’re never too old to get moving, get stronger and improve your health. Fitting exercise and physical activity into your day can … you back out of the driveway. “Even if you haven’t been active previously, it’s important to get started and stay active,” says Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of NIH’s National Institute on …
Stopping Middle-Age Spread
… energy and substances you need to grow, move, and stay healthy.] … tends to slow down as you get older,” says NIH’s Dr. Rafael de Cabo, an expert on aging. “But your appetite and your food … a slower metabolism means you’ll need fewer calories. But you also want to make sure you still get all the nutrients your body needs. Get tips on healthy eating as you age. De Cabo studies the …
When Body Parts Swell
… your body fluids build up in one place, it can lead to swelling. This is called edema. You can get edema anywhere in your body—your feet, legs, ankles, hands, or even face. It can appear in … Drugs called diuretics may be used for conditions like heart failure. These help your body get rid of excess fluid. “We also have certain treatments that almost all patients get, no matter … with edema. If you experience sudden swelling in one or more limbs, or minor swelling that’s getting worse over time, see a health care provider right away. Early treatment for many types of …
Cloudy Vision?
… They occur when proteins in the lens break down over time and clump together. The risk of getting cataracts rises as you get older. More than half of people in the U.S. over the age of 80 either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them. “Everybody who lives long enough gets cataracts,” says Dr. Chantal Cousineau-Krieger, an eye surgeon at NIH. Some people may …
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