The pursuit of happiness

The Harvard Study on Adult Development, the longest-running study on happiness, has found certain behaviors and lifestyle choices can influence a person’s level of happiness, such as letting go of negative relationships and past failures and maintaining social connections. Participating in other activities like volunteering, joining support groups, exercising, and rediscovering childhood activities also can help increase and maintain levels of happiness. (Locked) More »

Can brain training programs actually improve memory?

Brain training programs operate on the premise that practicing one cognitive task will translate into better memory and intelligence. However, available studies are often flawed. More research is needed before these programs are deemed to have any health benefit. More »

Why do I bruise more easily as I age?

Easy bruising is more common for older men due to less fat tissue and more fragile blood vessels. Common medications like blood thinners, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also can increase your risk. Men should see their doctor if they experience unusual or frequent bruising. (Locked) More »

Sniffing out sinus relief

Chronic sinusitis strikes when inflammation leads to swelling within the lining of the sinuses. This can interfere with normal drainage, cause mucus buildup, and make it hard to breathe through the nose. Over-the-counter treatments and home remedies can often control the problem, although surgery is sometimes needed for severe cases. (Locked) More »

A day at the 5K races

Older men needing fitness motivation or looking for a new challenge should consider a local five-kilometer (5K) run. The events are ideal for beginners or more advanced runners and even walkers. Training for one can help men gauge current fitness, identify areas for improvement, and reduce the risk of knee pain and osteoarthritis. (Locked) More »

Planning the rest of your life

As we age, the later years of life are likely to be filled with unexpected challenges and important decisions on a number of issues. Planning ahead for the eventualities of medical care and its costs, as well as end-of-life wishes, will make later-life situations easier to navigate. (Locked) More »

Overcoming resistant hypertension

Resistant hypertension is when blood pressure remains at or above 140/90 mm Hg despite taking the highest dosage of at least three different blood pressure medications, including a diuretic. An estimated 10% to 20% of people currently treated for hypertension will become resistant. Addressing issues like sleep apnea, excess alcohol intake, and use of over-the-counter pain medications can often help correct resistant hypertension. More »

Yoga can help with low back pain relief

A 12-week yoga program that focused on strengthening the core and improving mobility helped reduce pain and improve quality of life among people who suffered from chronic low back pain. More »

B vitamins may raise risk of lung cancer in men who smoke

High dosages of vitamin B6 and B12 supplements were associated with three to four times the lung cancer risk in male smokers compared with smokers who did not use the vitamins. However, men who quit smoking for at least 10 years prior to the study, and also took the high dosages of the B vitamins, did not have a higher risk of lung cancer. More »