Caregiving Archive

A notable rise in eating disorders is particularly marked among adolescent girls. Many kinds of eating disorders can affect children and teens, and parents need to understand their causes and be aware of signs suggesting their child may have an eating disorder.

It can be helpful to think of health as a spectrum, with illness at one end and wellness at the other. Someone who is in the neutral (middle) position can move to the wellness side by adopting and sustaining healthy lifestyle habits — and that has little to do with a person's shape or size.

Sleep supplements, such as cannabidiol (CBD), melatonin, valerian, and chamomile promise a better night's sleep. But there is little evidence showing that they are effective. In addition, supplements aren't regulated, so it's not always clear if a formula contains what's listed on the label. Experts say that behavioral strategies are a better way to improve sleep. These include getting more exercise, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, and sleeping in a cool, dark room.

A 2021 study verified that intermittent fasting may be an effective weight-loss strategy. It also seemed to improve some measures of risk for cardiovascular disease, such as lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Past research shows that exercise may help to prevent dementia. A new study found that this may be true even for people who only do light daily activity, such as errands or housework. People who got only a little exercise still had a lower risk of dementia than those who were inactive. The risk reduction, however, was not as large as that seen in people who exercised more. Adding small daily bouts of activity may still make a difference when it comes to brain health.

In 2022, Americans are projected to spend $35.6 billion on dietary supplements, even though there is little, if any, evidence of benefits. Loopholes in guidelines and clever marketing allow companies to promote these products with misleading promises. While some people may need specific supplements to help with deficiencies, for the average healthy person, following a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables provides all essential vitamins and minerals.

Consuming more than a half tablespoon of olive oil per day may protect people from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease, according to a 2022 study.

Many habits can contribute to poor brain health, but four areas can have the most influence. They are the four S's: sitting, socializing, sleep, and stress. Research has found that poor habits in these areas can affect cognitive skills like memory, learning, and problem solving, and are linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Adopting simple lifestyle changes may help.