Side Effects

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Are you taking one of these medications that increase fall risk?

Chances are, if you’re 65 years of age or older, you’re currently taking at least one prescription drug that could cause a dangerous fall, a hip fracture, head trauma and worse. Coinciding with the rise in medication is the rate of death from falls. Here’s a list of the worst offenders…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The weird effect a popular over-the-counter pain reliever has on risk perception

You probably consider yourself to be level-headed, right? Sure, you like to be adventurous, but you draw the line at risky behavior because it’s the smart thing to do. But if you’re among the 1 in 4 who turns to a popular OTC pain reliever for minor aches and pains, you’re unknowingly putting something in your body that can muddy your perception of risk…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Beta blockers may pose unique danger for women

One of the most common prescriptions for hypertension in the U.S. is beta blockers, drugs that are supposed to keep your blood pressure in the green zone and protect your heart. But now, according to a new study, these same medications are hiding a danger of heart failure, especially if you’re a woman.

Jenny Smiechowski

3 dangers of drinking too much green tea

With all the hype around green tea’s health benefits, it’s tempting to sip on the stuff all day, every day. But it turns out that drinking too much of this typically healthy beverage comes with a few potential side effects… including one serious one.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Common stomach drugs that can lead to memory problems

More than 15 million people in the U.S. take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to control stomach acid, heartburn, and the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD. But most don’t know that PPIs are actually able to bypass the blood-brain barrier and can affect your brain itself.

Jenny Smiechowski

The real reason statins cause muscle pain

If you’ve never taken statins, you might be thinking, what’s the big deal about a little muscle pain? But if you’ve experienced it, you know statin-related muscle pain can get pretty serious… But the bigger question here is why the heck are statin drugs so hard on your muscles? Researchers may have finally figured out an answer…