Harvard Health Letter articles from July 2006

Harvard Health Letter archives from July 2006

Lifetime achievements.(americans health aspects)
July 1, 2006... Americans are staying healthier and living longer than ever before, although the United States lags behind other countries. Life-expectancy figures are statistical crystal balls that predict the average number of years a person of a given...

Getting into the sting of things.
July 1, 2006... Venom from stinging insects can cause a bad allergic reaction, and some heart medications may make it worse. The long days of summer lure many of us outdoors to take in some fresh air, soak up some rays, and -- the health-conscious think to...

This is an earful that nobody wants.
July 1, 2006... Tinnitus creates continual noise, even when there is nothing to hear. Solutions are hard to find. William Leighton heard hundreds, if not thousands, of fire alarms and sirens in his 27 years as a Bangor, Me., firefighter. But they didn't...

By the way, doctor; Can you help me make sense of these diabetes tests?(American Diabetes Association)
July 1, 2006... Q. What does it mean if my fasting blood sugar level is high (135-145) but my glycosylated hemoglobin test is negative? A. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) defines diabetes as having a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher...

By the way, doctor; How can I avoid dehydration?(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Q. What exactly is dehydration? It put me in the hospital after a mild flulike illness. How can I avoid it in the future? A. It may come as a surprise, but your body is 50%-60% water. Each of your trillions of cells is about half water, and...