Latest news with #Aspirin


Boston Globe
08-07-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
How the risks of drinking increase in older age
Advertisement Alcohol can present new problems in older age — particularly at 65 and older — for even light or occasional drinkers. Older adults tend to have less muscle mass and retain less water in their tissues compared with younger people, which can increase blood alcohol concentration, said Aaron White, a senior adviser at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This means it takes fewer drinks for older people to feel intoxicated, and heightens the risk of severe injury from falls. According to Nixon's research, older people also show deficits in working memory at lower blood alcohol concentrations than younger drinkers. In another study Nixon worked on, some older adults in driving simulations showed signs of impairment after less than one drink. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions such as dementia, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and heart disease. But it can also worsen outcomes for the majority of older adults already living with chronic disease, said Aryn Phillips, an assistant professor of health policy and administration at the University of Illinois Chicago who studies alcohol and aging. Advertisement Drug interactions also come into play. Mixing alcohol with prescription medicines that older adults commonly take, such as those for treating diabetes or hypertension, can make the medications less effective or cause harmful side effects, like ulcers or an irregular heart beat. Benzodiazepines, when combined with alcohol, can slow breathing and act as a powerful sedative. Even over-the-counter medication can be dangerous. Aspirin, which some older people take to reduce cardiovascular disease risk (despite the potential side effects), can lead to severe gastrointestinal bleeding, which older people are already at higher risk for, said Michael Wheeler, a professor of nutrition science at East Carolina University who researches alcohol-induced liver disease. Some older adults also contend that hangovers worsen with age. While there's no strong scientific evidence supporting this, the hangovers may seem worse because alcohol can exacerbate other symptoms of aging, like poor sleep, White said. How to Reduce Your Risk Experts said alcohol use among older adults appears to have risen in recent years, though national trends are difficult to track outside of self-reported surveys. A federal survey from 2023 found that 12% of adults 65 and older — about 7 million people — reported drinking at least four or five drinks in a sitting in the previous month. After decades of mixed messaging around alcohol's health harms and benefits, recent studies have made it clear that no amount of alcohol is good for you. Still, Sacco acknowledged that 'drinking has meaning for people,' and whether to moderate or quit altogether 'is a call that you have to make in consultation with your doctor and your loved ones.' Advertisement But what is a 'safe' amount of drinking for the older set? That's difficult to say. The available studies attempting to establish exactly how much alcohol it takes to drive up health risks in older populations use different benchmarks for moderate drinking, making it tricky to draw a consensus. 'Even as an expert in this field, I understand the confusion,' Wheeler said. Nixon advised that adults 65 and older should consume no more than one drink per day and no more than seven per week. (The NIAAA does not establish guidelines around alcohol consumption, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate drinking for adults of all ages as two drinks or less per day for men, and one drink or less per day for women.) All the experts emphasized that older people should pay close attention to their bodies' response to alcohol, and to stop drinking or cut back if they feel like it's affecting them more physically or cognitively. 'If you're not currently drinking, don't start,' Phillips said. And if you do drink, be honest with your doctor about your consumption, and do it in a safe environment, knowing that your tolerance may not be what it used to be, she added. 'The answer doesn't have to be abstinence,' Nixon said. But healthy aging 'probably does not include multiple drinks a day for most people.' This article originally appeared in Advertisement


Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can onion juice boost your hair growth? Here's what you need to know
Onion juice is a popular home remedy for hair loss and promoting hair health. It's been used for decades, but its effectiveness is still being researched. Before trying onion juice for hair care, it's essential to understand its benefits and potential drawbacks. Onions have uses beyond cooking, and their juice may have hair growth-promoting properties. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy. If you're considering using onion juice for hair care, it's crucial to learn more about its potential benefits and how it may fit into your hair care routine. How can you use onion juice for hair care? If you are interested in trying onion juice for hair care, according to healthline, here's a simple recipe you can try out at home: Mix 3 teaspoons of onion juice and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Apply this mixture evenly to your hair and scalp, covering the entire area. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse out completely with a mild shampoo. This may help eliminate any lingering onion odor and clean your hair. Why you should use onion juice for hair Use onion juice as a home remedy for many problems related to hair and scalp. As per reports onion juice has various benefits for your hair: Promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss Restoring shine and luster to hair Preventing premature graying Treating dandruff and scalp infections Soothing an inflamed, dry, or itchy scalp Addressing thinning, dry, or brittle hair Potentially helping with alopecia Points you should know before using onion juice According to reports, if you're allergic to onions, it's best to avoid using onion juice. Onion juice can cause skin irritation, such as redness and itching, especially if the mixture is very strong. To minimise this risk, you can mix onion juice with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil. Onion juice, however, is not a treatment for conditions including alopecia or baldness, which require medical treatment or a hair transplant. Aspirin is one of many treatments that can increase skin sensitivities, so patch testing or speaking with a doctor before putting onion juice on your skin would be prudent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Can onion juice help with hair loss? Onion juice may help with hair loss due to its high sulfur content, which is essential for growing strong hair. Sulfur-rich proteins like keratin support hair growth, and onion juice can provide an extra boost of sulfur to promote thick and healthy hair. The sulfur present in onions may also encourage collagen production, which helps develop healthy skin cells, and possibly encourage hair growth. Also, onions help improve circulation, and applying onion juice to the scalp could increase blood flow to hair follicles. However, more research is needed to confirm the significance of these findings. Also read | Is icing your face safe and effective? Know its benefits, risks, and application tips


Health Line
02-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Can Apple Cider Vinegar and Crushed Aspirin Treat Scalp Psoriasis?
While apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a frequently tried home remedy for scalp psoriasis, there is no evidence that crushed aspirin is effective at treating the condition—with or without ACV. It should only be tried with guidance from a medical care professional. What research says about apple cider vinegar for scalp psoriasis ACV has been called a cure-all ingredient for many health conditions because it contains numerous nutrients and antioxidants. In psoriasis, it's thought by some to ease itching and irritation, and to improve your skin's protective barrier. It may balance scalp pH and has mild antimicrobial effects. The National Psoriasis Foundation lists ACV as a natural remedy for psoriasis symptoms and recommends using organic ACV diluted with water at a 1-to-1 ratio so long as your skin is not broken or cracked. Once the solution has dried, it should be washed off. There are also many anecdotal stories online about ACV helping symptoms of psoriasis in people. However, much more research is needed to confirm any effectiveness of ACV for dermatological (skin-related) health conditions, including scalp psoriasis. Researchers of a 2023 study noted that there is still a lack of evidence and well-controlled and large-scale studies of the effectiveness of many home remedies, despite long-held assumptions that they work. What research says about crushed aspirin for scalp psoriasis Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an important ingredient for healthy skin and hair. It's often found in skin scrubs, moisturizers, shampoos, and other products. Benefits of salicylic acid for your skin include softer skin and reduced scaling. Additionally, some older research has found that aspirin may help lower the risk of melanoma, a skin cancer. Online, some tout the use of crushed aspirin in combination with ACV as a psoriasis remedy. However, there is no research showing the effectiveness of aspirin on psoriasis, with or without ACV. Additionally, aspirin can have blood-thinning effects and could be unsafe for some. It's recommended that you speak with a medical care professional before trying any home remedy to treat scalp psoriasis to avoid unwanted side effects or worsening symptoms. Psoriasis does not have a cure, and treatment focuses on improving symptoms and preventing flare-ups. While natural home remedies may help some, they can cause worsening symptoms in others.


Axios
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Extreme heat risk lingers as Virginia hits record temperatures
Nearly all of Virginia is still under "major" or "extreme" heat risk, according to the National Weather Service. Why it matters: The hottest of this early summer heat wave might be past us by Wednesday night, but there's a chance it feels like it's over 105°F through Saturday, per the local NWS office. The big picture: Multiple daily high temperature records in Virginia were tied or broken by Tuesday afternoon, according to NOAA data. Richmond reached a high of 100°F, a record last set in 1952. Dulles Airport was at 99°F, beating a 2010 record of 97°F. Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore broke a 1997 record when it hit 95°F. Threat level: People with underlying health conditions, outdoor workers and those without air conditioning are especially vulnerable to heat waves. On Monday, the Virginia Department of Health reported a single-day spike of 149 heat-related illness visits. VDH notes that the number of ER visits for heat-related illnesses between May and June 23 is higher than the average in previous years. What they're saying: Dominique Shelton, a lawn care worker in Central Virginia, told WTVR that the heat is "like a desert. It's taking everything from you." Tips on staying safe Check if your medications make you more susceptible to heat-related illness. These include antidepressants, Aspirin, and some medications for high blood pressure and ADHD. Full list here. If you have to be outside, drink 8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes and wear light-colored clothing. If you don't have AC, head to a cooling center in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover. Don't use electric fans when it's hotter than 95°F because it could actually increase your risk of heat-related illness. Spritz your face with cold water. Eat your hydration. Our colleagues have some great recipes. Tips for your dog Don't walk them between 10am and 4pm for more than a quick bathroom break. Stick to the shade and grassy areas. Bring a portable bowl for water. Get paw protectors if the sidewalks are too hot.


Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in high-risk group
Trial shows much smaller dose than previously recommended would work BIG C HOPE Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in high-risk group Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ASPIRIN could be prescribed to try to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group. A Cancer Research UK study found a small daily dose offers protection for people with Lynch syndrome. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up More than half of people with the genetic condition develop bowel cancer at some point in their life. Experts will apply for a prescription license to give 'baby' 75mg pills to the nearly 200,000 Brits with Lynch syndrome. CRUK said fewer than half of GPs knew they should prescribe aspirin to Lynch syndrome patients and many were worried about the dose size. The trial found a much smaller dose than the previously recommended 600mg would work, reducing the risk of side effects. Professor Sir John Burn, from Newcastle University, said: 'This tells us that aspirin can prevent bowel cancer at lower doses, minimising the chances of side-effects whilst offering vital protection for people with Lynch syndrome. 'Only a quarter of people with Lynch syndrome are currently taking aspirin and too many are missing out on a potentially life-changing opportunity to prevent cancer.' Lynch syndrome is estimated to cause about one in every 33 bowel cancer cases in the UK. Bowel tumours are one of the most common types, with 44,000 cases per year and 17,000 deaths. The 4 signs of bowel cancer that mean it's 'too late' - as doctor reveals cause of surge in young people being diagnosed 1 Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group Credit: Getty