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Healthwatch
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Healthwatch
Are You Getting Health Care You Don't Need?
~6.1 mins read
Knowing which types of care you can safely skip might actually improve your health — and could save you money and time.
Older recommendations favored daily low-dose aspirin to help prevent cardiovascular disease, including first instances of heart attack and stroke.
New recommendations favor low-dose aspirin for people who've already experienced a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease. Adults ages 40 to 59 who are at a high risk for these conditions and low risk for bleeding also may consider it.
The discomfort or complications of testing. If you're needle-phobic, getting a blood test is a big deal. And while complications of noninvasive testing are rare (such as a skin infection from a blood test), they can occur.
The anxiety associated with waiting to find out test results
False reassurance that comes with false negatives (results that are normal or nearly so, suggesting no disease when disease is actually present)
All treatments have side effects. Even minor reactions — like occasional nausea or constipation — seem unacceptable if there's no reason to expect benefit from treatment.
Ever wonder if every medical test or treatment you've taken was truly necessary? Or are you inclined to get every bit of health care you can? Maybe you feel good about getting the most out of your health insurance. Perhaps a neighborhood imaging center is advertising discounted screening tests, your employer offers health screens as a perk, or you're intrigued by ads touting supplements for a seemingly endless number of conditions.
But keep in mind: just because you could get a particular test or treatment or take a supplement doesn't mean you should. One study suggests that as much as 20% of all health care in the US is unneeded. In short: when it comes to health care, more is not always better.
Isn't it better to be proactive about your health?
We're all taught that knowledge is power. So it might seem reasonable to want to know as much as possible about how your body is working. And isn't it better to take action before there's a problem rather than waiting for one to develop? What's the harm of erring on the side of more rather than less?
The truth is that knowledge is not always power: if the information is irrelevant to your specific situation, redundant, or inaccurate, the knowledge gained through unnecessary health care can be unhelpful or even harmful. Unnecessary tests, treatments, and supplements come with risks, even when they seem harmless. And, of course, unnecessary care is not free — even if you're not paying a cent out of pocket, it drives up costs across health systems.
Screening tests, wellness strategies, and treatments to reconsider
Recommended screening tests, treatments, and supplements can be essential to good health. But when risks of harm outweigh benefits — or if proof of any benefit is lacking — think twice. Save your time, money, and effort for health care that is focused on the most important health threats and backed by evidence.
Cancer screening: When to stop?
Screening tests for some cancers are routinely recommended and can be lifesaving. But there's a reason they come with a recommended stop age. For instance, guidelines recommend that a person at average risk of colorectal cancer with previously normal colonoscopies stop having them once they turn 75. Similar limits apply to Pap smears (age 65) and mammograms (age 75). Studies suggest that beyond those ages, there is little benefit to continuing these screens.
Watch out for wellness marketing
Dietary supplements are a multibillion-dollar industry. And a whopping 70% or more of US adults take at least one, such as vitamin D, fish oil, or a multivitamin. People often consider them as insurance in case vital elements are missing from their diet, or they believe supplements can prevent dementia, heart disease, or another condition.
Yet little evidence supports a benefit of routine supplement use for everyone. While recent studies suggest a daily multivitamin might slow cognitive decline in older adults, there's no medical consensus that everyone should be taking a multivitamin. Fish oil (omega-3) supplements haven't proven to be as healthful as simply eating servings of fatty fish and other seafood low in toxic chemicals like mercury and PCBs. And the benefits of routinely taking vitamin D supplements remain unproven as well.
It's worth emphasizing that dietary supplements clearly provide significant benefit for some people, and may be recommended by your doctor accordingly. For example, if you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency or a condition like age-related macular degeneration, good evidence supports taking specific supplements.
Reconsider daily aspirin
Who should be taking low-dose aspirin regularly? Recommendations have changed in recent years, so this is worth revisiting with your health care team.
Yet according to a recent study, nearly one-third of adults 60 and older without past cardiovascular disease take aspirin, despite evidence that it provides little benefit for those at average or low risk. Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding and raise risk for a certain type of stroke.
Weigh in on prostate cancer screening
Men hear about prostate cancer often. It's common, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men. But PSA blood tests and rectal exams to identify evidence of cancer in the prostate are no longer routinely recommended for men ages 55 to 69 by the United States Preventative Services Task Force.
The reason? Studies suggest that performing these tests does not reliably reduce suffering or prolong life. Nor do possible benefits offset downsides like false positives (test results that are abnormal despite the absence of cancer). That can lead to additional testing, some of which is invasive.
Current guidelines suggest making a shared decision with your doctor about whether to have PSA testing after reviewing the pros and cons. For men over age 70, no screening is recommended. Despite this, millions of men have PSA tests and rectal examinations routinely.
Not everyone needs heart tests
There are now more ways than ever to evaluate the health of your heart. But none are routinely recommended if you're at low risk and have no signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease. That's right: in the absence of symptoms or a high risk of cardiovascular disease, it's generally safe to skip EKGs, stress tests, and other cardiac tests.
Yet many people have these tests as part of their routine care. Why is this a problem? Having these tests without a compelling reason comes with risks, especially false positive results that can lead to invasive testing and unneeded treatment.
Four more reasons to avoid unnecessary care
Besides the concerns mentioned already, there are other reasons to avoid unnecessary care, including:
The bottom line
You may believe your doctor wants you to continue with your current schedule of tests and treatments, while they might think this is your preference! It's worth discussing if you haven't already, especially if you suspect you may be taking pills or getting tests you don't truly need.
If your doctor says you can safely skip certain tests, treatments, and supplements, it doesn't mean that he or she is neglecting your health or that you don't deserve great health care! It's likely that the balance of risks and benefits simply doesn't support doing these things.
Less unnecessary care could free up resources for those who need it most. And it could save you time, money, and unnecessary risks or side effects, thus improving your health. It's a good example of how less can truly be more.
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Healthwatch
Stepping Up Activity If Winter Slowed You Down
~4.7 mins read
Better health, better mood, better balance, and a multitude of other benefits await.
heart disease
stroke
diabetes
cancer
brain shrinkage
muscle loss
weight gain
poor posture
poor balance
back pain
and even premature death.
If it's cold outside: It's generally safe to exercise when the mercury is above 32° F and the ground is dry. The right gear for cold doesn't need to be fancy. A warm jacket, a hat, gloves, heavy socks, and nonslip shoes are a great start. Layers of athletic clothing that wick away moisture while keeping you warm can help, too. Consider going for a brisk walk or hike, taking part in an orienteering event, or working out with battle ropes ($25 and up) that you attach to a tree.
If you have mobility issues: Most workouts can be modified. For example, it might be easier to do an aerobics or weights workout in a pool, where buoyancy makes it easier to move and there's little fear of falling. Or try a seated workout at home, such as chair yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or strength training. You'll find an endless array of free seated workout videos on YouTube, but look for those created by a reliable source such as Silver Sneakers, or a physical therapist, certified personal trainer, or certified exercise instructor. Another option is an adaptive sports program in your community, such as adaptive basketball.
If you can't stand formal exercise: Skip a structured workout and just be more active throughout the day. Do some vigorous housework (like scrubbing a bathtub or vacuuming) or yard work, climb stairs, jog to the mailbox, jog from the parking lot to the grocery store, or do any activity that gets your heart and lungs working. Track your activity minutes with a smartphone (most devices come with built-in fitness apps) or wearable fitness tracker ($20 and up).
If you're stuck indoors: The pandemic showed us there are lots of indoor exercise options. If you're looking for free options, do a body-weight workout, with exercises like planks and squats; follow a free exercise video online; practice yoga or tai chi; turn on music and dance; stretch; or do a resistance band workout. Or if it's in the budget, get a treadmill, take an online exercise class, or work online with a personal trainer. The American Council on Exercise has a tool on its website to locate certified trainers in your area.
If you've been cocooning due to winter's cold, who can blame you? But a lack of activity isn't good for body or mind during any season. And whether you're deep in the grip of winter or fortunate to be basking in signs of spring, today is a good day to start exercising. If you're not sure where to start — or why you should — we've shared tips and answers below.
Moving more: What's in it for all of us?
We're all supposed to strengthen our muscles at least twice a week and get a total at least 150 minutes of weekly aerobic activity (the kind that gets your heart and lungs working). But fewer than 18% of U.S. adults meet those weekly recommendations, according to the CDC.
How can choosing to become more active help? A brighter mood is one benefit: physical activity helps ease depression and anxiety, for example. And being sufficiently active — whether in short or longer chunks of time — also lowers your risk for health problems like
What are your exercise obstacles?
Even when we understand these benefits, a range of obstacles may keep us on the couch.
Don't like the cold? Have trouble standing, walking, or moving around easily? Just don't like exercise? Don't let obstacles like these stop you anymore. Try some workarounds.
Is it hard to find time to exercise?
The good news is that any amount of physical activity is great for health. For example, a 2022 study found that racking up 15 to 20 minutes of weekly vigorous exercise (less than three minutes per day) was tied to lower risks of heart disease, cancer, and early death.
"We don't quite understand how it works, but we do know the body's metabolic machinery that imparts health benefits can be turned on by short bouts of movement spread across days or weeks," says Dr. Aaron Baggish, founder of Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital's Cardiovascular Performance Program and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
And the more you exercise, Dr. Baggish says, the more benefits you accrue, such as better mood, better balance, and reduced risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cognitive decline.
What's the next step to take?
For most people, increasing activity is doable. If you have a heart condition, poor balance, muscle weakness, or you're easily winded, talk to your doctor or get an evaluation from a physical therapist.
And no matter which activity you select, ease into it. When you've been inactive for a while, your muscles are vulnerable to injury if you do too much too soon.
"Your muscles may be sore initially if they are being asked to do more," says Dr. Sarah Eby, a sports medicine specialist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. "That's normal. Just be sure to start low, and slowly increase your duration and intensity over time. Pick activities you enjoy and set small, measurable, and attainable goals, even if it's as simple as walking five minutes every day this week."
Remember: the aim is simply exercising more than you have been. And the more you move, the better.
profile/5170OIG3.jpeg.webp
Healthwatch
Stepping Up Activity If Winter Slowed You Down
~4.7 mins read
Better health, better mood, better balance, and a multitude of other benefits await.
heart disease
stroke
diabetes
cancer
brain shrinkage
muscle loss
weight gain
poor posture
poor balance
back pain
and even premature death.
If it's cold outside: It's generally safe to exercise when the mercury is above 32° F and the ground is dry. The right gear for cold doesn't need to be fancy. A warm jacket, a hat, gloves, heavy socks, and nonslip shoes are a great start. Layers of athletic clothing that wick away moisture while keeping you warm can help, too. Consider going for a brisk walk or hike, taking part in an orienteering event, or working out with battle ropes ($25 and up) that you attach to a tree.
If you have mobility issues: Most workouts can be modified. For example, it might be easier to do an aerobics or weights workout in a pool, where buoyancy makes it easier to move and there's little fear of falling. Or try a seated workout at home, such as chair yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or strength training. You'll find an endless array of free seated workout videos on YouTube, but look for those created by a reliable source such as Silver Sneakers, or a physical therapist, certified personal trainer, or certified exercise instructor. Another option is an adaptive sports program in your community, such as adaptive basketball.
If you can't stand formal exercise: Skip a structured workout and just be more active throughout the day. Do some vigorous housework (like scrubbing a bathtub or vacuuming) or yard work, climb stairs, jog to the mailbox, jog from the parking lot to the grocery store, or do any activity that gets your heart and lungs working. Track your activity minutes with a smartphone (most devices come with built-in fitness apps) or wearable fitness tracker ($20 and up).
If you're stuck indoors: The pandemic showed us there are lots of indoor exercise options. If you're looking for free options, do a body-weight workout, with exercises like planks and squats; follow a free exercise video online; practice yoga or tai chi; turn on music and dance; stretch; or do a resistance band workout. Or if it's in the budget, get a treadmill, take an online exercise class, or work online with a personal trainer. The American Council on Exercise has a tool on its website to locate certified trainers in your area.
If you've been cocooning due to winter's cold, who can blame you? But a lack of activity isn't good for body or mind during any season. And whether you're deep in the grip of winter or fortunate to be basking in signs of spring, today is a good day to start exercising. If you're not sure where to start — or why you should — we've shared tips and answers below.
Moving more: What's in it for all of us?
We're all supposed to strengthen our muscles at least twice a week and get a total at least 150 minutes of weekly aerobic activity (the kind that gets your heart and lungs working). But fewer than 18% of U.S. adults meet those weekly recommendations, according to the CDC.
How can choosing to become more active help? A brighter mood is one benefit: physical activity helps ease depression and anxiety, for example. And being sufficiently active — whether in short or longer chunks of time — also lowers your risk for health problems like
What are your exercise obstacles?
Even when we understand these benefits, a range of obstacles may keep us on the couch.
Don't like the cold? Have trouble standing, walking, or moving around easily? Just don't like exercise? Don't let obstacles like these stop you anymore. Try some workarounds.
Is it hard to find time to exercise?
The good news is that any amount of physical activity is great for health. For example, a 2022 study found that racking up 15 to 20 minutes of weekly vigorous exercise (less than three minutes per day) was tied to lower risks of heart disease, cancer, and early death.
"We don't quite understand how it works, but we do know the body's metabolic machinery that imparts health benefits can be turned on by short bouts of movement spread across days or weeks," says Dr. Aaron Baggish, founder of Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital's Cardiovascular Performance Program and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
And the more you exercise, Dr. Baggish says, the more benefits you accrue, such as better mood, better balance, and reduced risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cognitive decline.
What's the next step to take?
For most people, increasing activity is doable. If you have a heart condition, poor balance, muscle weakness, or you're easily winded, talk to your doctor or get an evaluation from a physical therapist.
And no matter which activity you select, ease into it. When you've been inactive for a while, your muscles are vulnerable to injury if you do too much too soon.
"Your muscles may be sore initially if they are being asked to do more," says Dr. Sarah Eby, a sports medicine specialist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. "That's normal. Just be sure to start low, and slowly increase your duration and intensity over time. Pick activities you enjoy and set small, measurable, and attainable goals, even if it's as simple as walking five minutes every day this week."
Remember: the aim is simply exercising more than you have been. And the more you move, the better.
P7as2
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P7as2
Shahid Kapoor And Disha Patani To Set The Screen Ablaze With Two Peppy Dance Numbers In Vishal Bhardwajs Arjun Ustara
~3.3 mins read
Bollywood fans have a major reason to rejoice! Shahid Kapoor is all set to bring his signature swag and dance magic back to the big screen this time with none other than Disha Patani, in Vishal Bhardwaj’s much-anticipated commercial entertainer Arjun Ustara. Slated for a grand theatrical release on December 5, 2025, the film also stars Triptii Dimri in a pivotal role and promises to be a complete cinematic package filled with action, drama, music, and visual spectacle. In a fresh casting twist that has already created buzz across social media, Shahid and Disha will be sharing screen space for the very first time, and not just in passing—the duo will groove together in two high-energy dance numbers that are expected to be the musical highlights of the film. A source close to the production revealed, “Shahid and Disha are pairing up for two back-to-back songs, both of which are ‘massy dance dhamakas.’ The energy they’re bringing to the sets is just electric. It’s a visual treat in the making.” This is a surprising cameo for Disha Patani, who has been roped in to deliver a stylish, performance-driven appearance that enhances the glamour quotient of the film. While the length of her role might be limited to the songs, her presence is expected to make a big impact thanks to her effortless screen presence and dance skills. The scale of the production is massive. Huge, elaborate sets have already been constructed specifically for these songs. The filmmakers are pulling out all the stops to ensure these tracks are not just foot-tapping but also visually stunning. “The shoot for the songs is about to begin,” the source added. “The choreography, styling, and production design are all in sync with the kind of numbers Shahid’s fans love—energetic, stylish, and full of charisma. The appeal of both songs is very different, but each carries Shahid’s trademark vibe that resonates with the masses.” From Bollywood beats to urban moves, Shahid has consistently raised the bar with his dance numbers over the years. Be it “Mauja Hi Mauja,” “Dhating Naach,” or “Bekhayali,” his genre seamlessly combines emotion and performance. Include Disha’s athletic elegance and expressive panache in the mix, and these two songs are ready to become instant chartbusters. One more reason behind the buzz surrounding Arjun Ustara is the return of Shahid Kapoor with mastermind director Vishal Bhardwaj. The two have teamed up earlier on award-winning ventures such as Kaminey and Haider, where both featured Shahid’s prowess to explore deeply complicated characters. Of course, expectations are high yet again. In Arjun Ustara, Shahid plays the title character, a role that insiders describe as nuanced, dark, and charged emotionally. The plot, aside from being adapted from the classic film Parasaram, hasn’t been forthcoming just yet, but the tone of the movie is likely to be a mix of Vishal Bhardwaj’s trademark storytelling with more popcorn, mass-appeal-oriented content, including high-octane action and larger-than-life dance numbers. Triptii Dimri, star of her own breakout performances in Bulbbul and Qala, is being cast as a major lead opposite Shahid. Her addition brings a new dimension to the cast, and her sensitive acting will be called upon to temper the film’s frenetic energy with emotional resonance. The thrill for the dance sequences lies not only in Shahid’s dancing but also in the way this fresh combination with Disha introduces something entirely new on screen. Their combined screen presence, complemented by high-end styling, cutting-edge choreography, and a cinematic canvas, has the potential to become viral content the moment it drops. “These songs are built for virality,” a crew member hinted. “Think large-scale visuals, catchy beats, and Instagram-worthy moves. They’re being designed to blow up online just as much as they will light up the big screen.” With Shahid’s precision and Disha’s charm, the two songs promise not just entertainment but an experience—the kind of cinematic moment that gets replayed long after the movie ends. As the team prepares to shoot the songs soon, excitement is building steadily. Fans of Shahid Kapoor are eagerly waiting to see what the actor delivers next, especially since his last outing, Deva, earlier this year received a warm response. Now, with Arjun Ustara, he’s gearing up for yet another transformation, this time combining commercial appeal with artistic storytelling. Disha Patani’s special appearance adds a touch of glamour and freshness, and the pairing with Triptii Dimri ensures a balanced, performance-driven cast. With a December 2025 release locked in, and with grand visuals, powerful music, and one of Bollywood’s most dynamic actors in the lead, Arjun Ustara is shaping up to be a must-watch film of the year. Stay tuned because Shahid Kapoor is not just coming back; he’s coming back dancing.
Read this and Other similar stories at MissMalini.com
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