Staying Healthy Archive

Aspirin has many proven benefits and some research has linked its use to a lower risk for fractures after falls. Now, a more rigorous study finds a daily dose offers no added protection from serious falls and fractures compared with placebo.

Bedtime procrastination often interferes with getting sufficient quality sleep, which is a pillar of good health. If you are guilty of staying up too late, there are things you can do to try to change your behavior.

The holiday season is full of parties, gatherings, food, and drink — making it an ideal time to adopt healthier eating habits. Doing so can help you manage stress and avoid overeating, and will set you up for success in the new year.

A 2022 study found a 31% reduction in Americans' use of prescription sleep aids from 2013 to 2018. The drop-off was even sharper among people 80 and older, who were 86% less likely to use FDA-approved sleep drugs by the end of the study period.

Fermented foods and drinks such as kimchi, kombucha, and tempeh are increasingly popular, adding to mainstays such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and beer. Heat and bright lights during manufacturing can destroy some beneficial probiotics. Fermented products can ease digestion, dampen inflammation, boost nutrient absorption, and battle harmful bacteria. People should look for product labels that say "live and active cultures" and avoid shelf-stable versions, which don't contain probiotics.

While muscle pain is a possible side effect of taking statins, most discomfort is not caused by the drug, but most likely a "nocebo effect" where negative expectations can lead to perceived side effects.

Many myths and misunderstandings about teeth and tooth health persist, such as what stains can be lightened, how cavities are formed, and whether fluoride is actually safe.

A new study suggests that older adults who maintain an high level functional fitness have a lower their risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke compared with those who are not as fit.

Most Americans only eat about one-half of the daily requirement for fiber. Changing food sources and eating habits are often at fault. Taking over-the-counter fiber supplements can help people who have trouble eating high-fiber foods; otherwise, increasing daily fiber intake with a few extra servings of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, or nuts and seeds can help people reach their recommended amounts.

Science suggests that the placebo effect, in which a person derives a physical benefit from a fake treatment, can have real health benefits for managing pain. It may even work if people are aware that the treatment is a sham. The ritual of receiving treatment is essential for the placebo effect to work, and it's possible for people to tap into its benefits by adopting healthy habits that require rituals and procedures like healthy eating, exercise, and meditation.