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Breathing your way to better health

Taking time out of a stressful day to perform simple breathing exercises can reduce chronic stress and prevent the harm it can inflict on the body. Even a few short breathing sessions can make a big difference for many people. Chronic stress, when it goes unchecked, can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, and reduced immune response.

You don't say? Pointing a finger(nail) at your health

Regular, healthy nails are smooth, uniformly shaped, and often with a lighter half-moon shape under the nail near the cuticle. Yet some conditions can show their mark on your fingernails, such as lung disease, psoriasis, and a heart valve infection.

Live long and prosper

Calculating longevity is complex because multiple factors must be considered, such as a person’s age, past health issues, current health status, geography, and lifestyle. While genetics is the best predictor of a person’s ability to live a long life, adopting certain habits can help the body stay healthier longer. These include not smoking, maintaining a healthy body mass index, doing at least 30 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous activity, consuming only moderate amounts of alcohol if any, and following a heart-healthy diet.

Master the stairs

Stair climbing is an excellent form of exercise for older adults, as it challenges multiple muscle groups at once, including the quadriceps, glutes, and calves. It also helps improve leg muscle power and overall fitness. There are different places suitable for stair climbing, from stair machines found in most gyms to outdoor stairs like stairways in stadiums to household stairs.

Health and happiness go hand in hand

People who describe themselves as happy tend to have fewer health problems, a lower risk of depression, and longer lives. Research suggests that, on average, 50% of people’s general level of happiness is determined by genetics, with the rest dependent on the individual’s perception and specific circumstances. Some research suggests that people can adopt various strategies that can increase happiness, from forming stronger social bonds to investing in experiences to interacting more with outdoor green spaces.

Post-traumatic stress disorder: When fear strikes the heart

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be triggered by many harrowing events, including serious car accidents, violent personal trauma, and military combat. Over a lifetime, about 8% of adults develop PTSD, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Many factors closely linked to heart disease—such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes—are also common in people with PTSD, so untangling the true nature of the association has proven challenging. But repeated, long-term stress can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, all of which can encourage clogged heart arteries. Ongoing research looking at the genetics and epidemiology of PTSD, cardiovascular disease, and their shared, related risks is under way.

Can vaping help you quit smoking?

While considered less harmful than smoking tobacco, vaping is not risk-free, so the FDA's recent announcement authorizing sales of new vaping products was surprising. Some research suggests e-cigarettes may help some people quit or cut back on smoking, but there are many concerns about their known and potential health risks — especially for children and teens.

Wondering about COVID-19 vaccines if you're breastfeeding?

If you're breastfeeding, you may have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Experts agree that people who are breastfeeding should receive the vaccine to help them and their baby stay healthy. Get informed by consulting trusted health sources, and talking with your medical providers about your options.

Cancer survivors' sleep is affected long after treatment

According to a new study, many people who have survived cancer treatment experience poor sleep long after treatment has ended. These people also reported emotional distress, financial hardship, and concern that their cancer might return. Many sleep disorders can be treated successfully, but an accurate diagnosis is essential to choosing the correct treatment.

What happened to trusting medical experts?

In all aspects of our lives, we rely on the knowledge and advice of experts. So why are hundreds of thousands of people in the US rejecting advice on COVID-19 from well-respected health authorities, and embracing advice from those with dubious expertise –– and unproven and potentially dangerous remedies?

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