Staying Healthy Archive

Social isolation and loneliness are other significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease in older women.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended for pain relief in people with high blood pressure because most other options can raise blood pressure. A 2022 study suggests acetaminophen might sometimes have a similar effect.

People can get sunburned even with sunscreen on, particularly if they use old sunscreen or certain drugs and skin care products that leave skin vulnerable. People should stay out of the sun at midday, wear a hat and sunglasses, and frequently apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Over two decades ago, the Diabetes Prevention Program study showed that type 2 diabetes could be slowed or even prevented in people with early signs of it. Now, a long-term follow-up study focusing on death rates from several causes has produced some surprising results.

Tai chi is gentle and not strenuous, but it has been shown to have a positive effect on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, and it can be practiced by people in nearly any state of health or physical condition.

News and social media are filled with disturbing stories and images. Anxiety about war, coming on top of two years of the pandemic, is hitting us particularly hard. The symptoms of war anxiety can be physical or mental; knowing what tools to use and how can help break the anxiety cycle.

Some people decide to adopt a vegan diet because of concerns about the health effects of eating animal products; for others it's more about concern for animal welfare and the environment. Regardless of the motivation, those who want to make this change should anticipate potential pitfalls and be aware of issues specific to vegan eating.

Most people are able to lose weight in the short term, but will probably regain that weight as time passes. By studying people who lose weight and are able to maintain the loss for several years, insight into their approach can help others understand the strategies that are most likely to lead to long-term success.

People who work the night shift might benefit from eating their meals during daytime hours. A 2021 study found a rise in blood sugar in people following night shift hours who ate some meals at night, but not in those who ate all meals during the day.

Olive oil, when consumed as a regular part of the diet, may help protect against an early death and specifically against deaths related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurogenerative conditions, and respiratory conditions.