UCLA Health Connect

Best way to help gut microbiome is to eat healthful diet

It seems like every new health discovery is connected to the gut microbiome these days. I’m 68 years old, and this is new to me. I understand about probiotics, and I even take one, but now I’m seeing ads for prebiotics and postbiotics. What are they? Do I need to take them?

VR may be an effective add-on therapy for surgery

I’m having hand surgery next year to help with carpal tunnel, and I’m not thrilled about having anesthesia. I’ve been reading about surgeons whose patients use virtual reality headsets to need less anesthesia. Does that really work?

A decade of PrEP: HIV prevention medicine has been a lifesaver

'There is still much work ahead to ensure more people at risk can access PrEP,' says Dr. Jessie Clark, professor of infectious diseases

People with synesthesia experience the world with multiple senses

When our grandson first learned his colors, he sang them along with music. We thought he was copying that song for learning the ABCs. But when he got older, he started saying that he “hears” the colors. We have been told this is called synesthesia. How and why does it happen?

Creatine beneficial for young, healthy weightlifters

My boyfriend has been lifting weights at his gym. He’s working on getting stronger, and one of the trainers there suggested he start taking creatine as a supplement. I’ve never heard of that before. What is creatine, and what is it made out of? How does it affect your body?

DRE and PSA test work together in prostate cancer screening

I am 84 years old and just got a new doctor. When I asked her about the prostate exam my previous doctor did every few years, she seemed dismissive, saying, “Oh, we don't do that anymore.” Is this a personal choice by the physician? I worry about missing an important diagnosis.

Latest shootings underscore gun violence as a public health issue

It’s a ‘human-rights’ crisis, says Dr. Ninez Ponce, director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

Time of day may make small difference in workout results

I’m a 33-year-old woman in good health. The problem is that I got into some bad habits during the pandemic and gained weight. I’m back on track with diet, and now I am adding exercise. I remember reading that the time of day that women exercise makes a difference. Is that true?

Make a plan to stay healthy during the holidays

Tips for managing extra calories

For many stroke patients, robotic thrombectomy speeds treatment and improves outcomes

When performed remotely, the procedure can help underserved communities.

Early RSV season primarily impacts infants

What can I do to protect my baby from RSV? What are the symptoms?

A mom's C-section no longer automatically rules out future vaginal births

‘In the past, there was this thought of ‘‘once a cesarean, always a cesarean,’’ says UCLA Health obstetrician Dr. Aparna Sridhar

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