TRADITIONAL STROKE SYMPTOMS include a sudden onset of numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble talking, loss of vision, or coordination problems. However, women often experience nontraditional stroke symptoms including confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness. Men have an increased risk for stroke across most age groups except in the oldest age groups, where women’s risk is higher.

Department of Neurology at the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI.

OVEREXPOSURE TO THE SUN CAN DAMAGE YOUR EYES, causing severe conditions such as sunburn to the cornea, skin cancer on the eyelids, cataracts, and macular degeneration. To protect your sight, choose sunglasses with a label stating the glasses provide over 99 percent UV protection; have lenses that are neutral gray, amber, brown or green; and wrap all the way around the temples.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY.

NOT TOO LONG AGO, cervical cancer was the number one cause of cancer death for women in the U.S. But today, it’s fallen to 10th place, largely because of Pap testing. Since 1950, the rate of new cases and the number of deaths from the disease have dropped by more than 50 percent. Still, approximately 11,070 cases of invasive cervical cancer will occur in the U.S. this year, and an estimated 3,870 women will die of it. Women should get a Pap test every year or two.

Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 10 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, monthly, $32/yr.

PEDICURES CAN HELP YOUR FEET LOOK AND FEEL BETTER, as long as you avoid the risk for infection and injury with these recommendations: Bring your own instruments, including clippers, files, and pumice stones, along with flip flops to avoid contracting athlete’s foot. Ask your pedicurist to cut your nails straight across instead of curving the edges to avoid ingrown nails. Do not have calluses cut. Instead, ask that your pumice stone be used.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IS MORE THAN A SNORING PROBLEM. It’s a serious medical condition that strains the cardiovascular system and increases the risk for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. The most common signs and symptoms include waking up feeling tired, excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, breathing cessation while sleeping, morning headaches, and startled awakening with shortness of breath.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, 200 First St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, monthly, $27/yr.

MORE THAN 80 PERCENT OF ADULTS AGES 57 AND OLDER take at least one prescription drug a day, and about half of them regularly mix drugs with over-the-counter medications and supplements. A recent study found approximately one in 25 older adults experiences a major drug interaction. To prevent these occurrences, they should get all prescription drugs filled at a single pharmacy to allow the pharmacist to do a thorough drug interaction check each time a new one is filled.

University of Michigan Geriatrics Center, Ann Arbor, MI.

ALLERGY AND ASTHMA TRIGGERS ABOUND IN WARM WEATHER. To reduce your exposure, run the air conditioner in your home and vehicle. Cut back on morning activities when pollen counts are usually highest. Shower and shampoo your hair after playing or working outside. If you are allergic to bees, avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or perfumes and lotions with flowery scents. For maximum relief, take allergy medications an hour before spending time outside.

Weill-Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY.

THE SIMPLEST METHOD FOR TREATING LOW BACK PAIN may actually be the best method. One study found that in most cases of degenerative disk disease, a common cause of low back pain, the most effective treatment is a combination of physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. According to the findings, the symptoms of 90 percent of people with low back pain fade on their own within three months.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL.

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