What you may have missed in April

Here is a recap of the April news from Harvard Health Publications.

May 1, 2015 What you might have missed in April Here is a recap of the April news from Harvard Health Publications. Featured Blog Posts Physical therapy as good as surgery and less risky for one type of lower back pain More than a stretch: Yoga's benefits may extend to the heart Get your copy of Mobility and Independence Mobility and Independence, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, will help you maintain your mobility and safeguard your independence. It will give you recommendations for exercise, diet, preventive care, and lifestyle choices that will keep you stronger and steadier with fewer aches and more stamina. Plus, you'll get advice for aging in place, adapting and fall-proofing your home, choosing services, and more. HEALTHbeat Issues Dietary supplements for cholesterol: Are any worth a try? Various herbs and other supplements have been touted for their ability to improve cholesterol levels. Here's what the research shows — and doesn't show — about some of the best-known products. Read more » Grapefruit juice and statins Q&A: I've heard that people shouldn't drink grapefruit juice if they're taking a statin. Why? Read more » 6 ways to ease neck pain Neck pain usually evolves over time. And it may be spurred by arthritis or degenerative disc disease and accentuated by poor posture, declining muscle strength, stress, and even a lack of sleep. These six tips can help you take care of your neck. Read more » 4 ways to put off joint replacement Before you have surgery to replace an aching joint with an artificial one, try extending the life of your own natural joints by losing weight, protecting your joints, trying medical treatment, and getting effective pain relief. Read more » Why weight matters when it comes to joint pain If you're having the occasional twinge of joint pain when you go for a walk or climb stairs, or you're worried about arthritis because a parent had it, one step toward prevention is to check your weight. Read more » Good balance requires mental and physical fitness Maintaining mental fitness as well as remaining physically active can help you keep your balance and avoid stumbling. Read more » Regular exercise reduces falls and fractures Even if you're older, exercise is still a great way to protect your bones. The physical stress placed on bones during exercise stimulates the growth of new bone tissue. Read more » Get your copy of Managing Your Cholesterol Managing Your Cholesterol offers up-to-date information to help you or a loved one keep cholesterol in check. The report spells out what are healthy and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and offers specific ways to keep cholesterol in line. It covers cholesterol tests and the genetics of cholesterol. The report also focuses on treatments based on the latest scientific evidence, including the pros and cons of statins and other medications, and provides the lowdown on other substances advertised to lower cholesterol. Managing Your Cholesterol can also help you work with your doctor to individualize your treatment. Benefits of flexibility exercises Activities that lengthen and stretch muscles can help you prevent injuries, back pain, and balance problems. Read more » Is it just midlife, or is your thyroid slowing down? Maybe you're feeling tired, having trouble concentrating, noticing changes in your hair or weight, or just feeling blah. These symptoms can be signs of a sluggish thyroid. Read more » Stroke: Know when to act, and act quickly Identifying and treating a stroke as quickly as possible can save brain cells, function, and lives. Everyone should know the warning signs of a stroke and when to get help fast. Read more » Controlling your weight is key to lowering stroke risk There is a lot you can do to lower your chances of having a stroke. Even if you've already had a stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke"), you can take steps to prevent another. Read more » Trying to be perfect can cause anxiety No one is "perfect." Yet many people struggle to be, which can trigger a cascade of anxieties. Read more » 5 exercises to improve hand mobility and reduce pain If you find daily tasks difficult to do because you suffer from stiffness, swelling, or pain in your hands, the right exercises can help get you back in motion. Read more » How stretching keeps your joints moving Stretching exercises can help extend your range of motion. This is how your joints, tendons, and ligaments work together to make this happen. Read more » Stretch to ease screen-time-related neck and shoulder pain A study from the Harvard School of Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Microsoft showed that holding a tablet too low in your lap can strain neck muscles. Good ergonomics, regular posture checks, and flexibility exercises designed with the deskbound in mind can help correct these problems. Read more » News from Harvard Health Start planning now for long-term care It's important to plan now for long-term care that may be needed later in life. Types of long-term care include private-duty care at home, adult day care centers, assisted living, and nursing homes. Read more » Silent ischemia poses a threat to the heart When the heart temporarily gets less blood than it needs, it's known as cardiac ischemia. Often the result of clogged heart arteries, ischemia can cause chest pain (angina). Read more » Stop restless legs syndrome from stealing sleep Restless legs syndrome (RLS) involves uncomfortable sensations in the legs at night and an irresistible urge to move them, which can disturb sleep. Read more » Are you getting enough exercise? Intensity and duration of both cardiovascular exercise and strength training determine how effective a workout is. Read more » Whole grains may benefit your heart and lengthen your life Whole-grain foods offer nutritional benefits beyond just the fiber from the outer layer. The nutrients and compounds from all parts of the grain offer a wide range of cardiovascular benefits and have been linked to longer life. Read more » Check milk substitute labels to know what you are getting People who are unable to or don't want to drink cow's milk have alternatives, such as milks made from grains, nuts, and soy. Read more » Older brains can be better, smarter brains As we age, the brain compensates for slower processing by using more of its capacity for tasks that require reasoning and judgment. Read more » How to benefit from a low-glycemic diet A lower-glycemic-index diet reduces sudden increases in blood sugar. To get the benefits of such a diet without having to look up the glycemic index of foods, cut back on white flour and white rice, white potatoes, and added sugars. Read more » Featured in this issue Mobility and Independence Featured content: • Mobility and quality of life • Prime movers: Knees and hips • A good foundation: Feet and ankles • Equipment: Choosing the right stuff • A stable support: Your back and posture •  ... and more! Click here to read more » Managing Your Cholesterol Featured content: • Cholesterol in the body • The cholesterol connection • What causes heart disease • Why treat cholesterol? • Your cholesterol test •  ... and more! Click here to read more » Harvard Medical School offers special reports on over 50 health topics. Visit our website at http://www.health.harvard.edu to find reports of interest to you and your family. PHONE ORDERS - please call our toll-free number: 1-877-649-9457. You are currently subscribed to HEALTHbeat as dr.samah.saied.ahmed@gmail.com. EDIT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PROFILE UNSUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE TO HEALTHbeat VIEW HEALTHbeat ARCHIVES Visit our website at: www.health.harvard.edu Email us at: healthbeat@health.harvard.edu Follow us on:  Facebook Twitter Copyright © 2015 by Harvard University. Harvard Health Publications, 10 Shattuck Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA * Please note, we do not provide responses to personal medical concerns, nor can we supply related medical information other than what is available in our print products or website. For specific, personalized medical advice we encourage you to contact your physician.