Harvard Women's Health Watch articles from March 2008

Harvard Women's Health Watch archives from March 2008

The ups and downs of folic acid fortification.
March 1, 2008... During our reproductive years, extra folic acid is essential. After that, it may be too much. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin found naturally in various fruits, vegetables, and legumes. We need folate to produce and...

"No-bones" calculator can help predict hip fracture risk.
March 1, 2008... A new risk calculator developed by researchers from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) assesses a woman's risk of breaking a hip in the next five years. And it does so without considering bone density. Bone density, as measured by dual...

Four small lifestyle changes can mean an extra 14 years.
March 1, 2008... If your New Year's resolve to eat better and be more active is wearing thin, here's some news that may help bolster your efforts: scientists have reported that people who engage in just four healthy behaviors a eating five or more servings of...

Should I get the HPV vaccine if I'm already infected?(human papillomavirus)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Q. I'm 26 and positive for HPV. Is there any point in my getting the new HPV vaccine? A. There are 30 to 40 strains of sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine Gardasil targets the four strains most closely linked to...

What are the side effects of lithium?
March 1, 2008... Q. What can you tell me about the side effects of lithium? I've heard it causes thyroid and memory problems. A. Lithium is a drug used to treat people with bipolar disorder (sometimes known as manic-depressive illness), a psychiatric...