Staying Healthy Archive

Many people get braces later in life. This helps ward off problems caused by crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, such as malnutrition, increased risks for cavities and gum disease, and some chronic illnesses. Getting braces can also create space for implants to replace missing teeth. There are two main types of braces. One consists of a row of tiny brackets glued onto the teeth, and a wire that runs through the brackets. The other type of braces consists of a series of aligners—thin, clear plastic molds that are worn on top of the teeth 22 hours per day.

A virtual village is a group of older adults who live in their own homes, near each other, and agree to help each other. They form a self-governing nonprofit organization and volunteer to provide village services such as transportation, friendly visits, errands, exercise and social events, a dedicated hotline, and referrals to vetted services and suppliers. The village won't replace an assisted living facility or nursing home, but it may help delay the transition.

With home monitors, smart watches, and other wearable tech, patients are increasingly bringing their own data to physical exams. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of all of this data—and when/if it can help with health recommendations.

Around age 40, most people lose some height, and the decline accelerates with age. This "shrinkage" can be slowed by preventing osteoporosis and improving posture. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help increase bone density, and exercises for the back and abdominal muscles can help with posture.

Some studies have found that drinking any amount of alcohol is unhealthy. But more than 100 large studies have found that people who have one drink per day have lower risks of cardiovascular disease. How can both be true? It depends on a person's current state of health, lifestyle habits (such as diet, exercise, and smoking), family history of disease, and the quantity of alcohol consumed. People who don't usually drink have no need to start: there are better ways to achieve a healthy heart.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and rates are rising, particularly in younger people. It can be prevented with screening tests; there are several different types of tests that are performed in different ways, and guidelines for when testing should begin and how often people should be tested.

Despite how it may sometimes seem, the COVID-19 pandemic is very much still with us. This is a good time to pause and assess where we are now and what you need to know about vaccines, boosters, and other measures to help you stay well.

Weight stigma is discrimination based on a person's weight, and it can lead to poor health and increased weight gain. One way to combat weight stigma is to use person-first language, and it's also important for health care providers to make sure they are not perpetuating this stigma when dealing with patients.

Knuckle cracking doesn't "crack" a joint. The sound comes from gas bubbles bursting in the fluid inside the joint. While knuckle cracking is mostly harmless, other types of noises or the presence of pain can indicate a more serious joint problem.