Health Bulletin

Antidepressant eases menopause-related symptoms
The antidepressant venlafaxine is nearly as effective as estrogen therapy (hormone replacement therapy) in reducing menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats, a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows.
Hot flashes and night sweats affect up to 80 percent of women in midlife and are the primary menopause-related symptoms leading menopausal women to seek medical attention. Estrogen therapy which has several side effects is currently considered the gold standard treatment for these symptoms. This new study has shown antidepressant could be a suitable alternative.

Arthritis increases chance of falls
A new Centre for Disease Control (CDC) study of adults 45 years and older shows that adults with arthritis were more likely to fall and have a fall injury compared with adults that did not have arthritis. If you have arthritis, you can reduce your risk of falling by exercising or receiving physical therapy that improves your walking speed, balance, and lower body strength. These types of fall prevention interventions are effective at reducing fall risk.