Exercise and Fitness Archive

Four classes of drugs commonly prescribed to older adults-opioids, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and antidepressants-may be driving the dramatic rise in deadly falls over the past three decades. Known as fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs), these drug classes affect brain function and can make people feel sleepy, dizzy, or confused-all of which can leave them vulnerable to falling. People currently taking these drugs shouldn't stop taking them abruptly, as doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. People should ask their primary care clinician to review all their medications at least once a year.

Tai chi uses a series of gentle, flowing motions and slow, deep breathing to exercise the body and calm the mind. It's good for health in many ways, especially for balance, which improves as the body becomes more attuned to changes in movement. Tai chi can be practiced outdoors as well as indoors, which is helpful during winter months. To get started in a tai chi practice, it helps to take a class with an instructor who supervises practitioners' progress. Classes can be found at wellness centers and health clubs.

A 2025 study suggests that urgent care clinics frequently prescribe prescription medications inappropriately for conditions such as ear infections, bronchitis, sprains or strains, or digestive discomfort.

Over-the-counter cold remedies can be helpful, but they must be carefully considered before use. They contain drugs that can cause serious side effects, interact with other medications, and worsen certain health conditions. For example, decongestants can help ease a stuffy nose but also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. And cough suppressants can help someone stop coughing, but taking too much can cause dizziness, confusion, or even changes in mood or thinking.

X-rays can detect a broken bone, dislocation, or joint problem. People should seek an x-ray if an injury results in severe pain; severe or persistent swelling or bruising; difficulty moving or bearing weight; or a noticeable deformity.

Walking is often viewed as a casual form of exercise, but it also can be your primary form of moderate-intensity exercise if you increase the intensity, duration, and frequency of your workouts. You can adopt several types of workouts to help increase pace and endurance, such as intervals, timed walks, and pole walking. Wearing appropriate walking shoes and improving their walking mechanics also can improve walking speed and endurance.

People who are hospitalized and stay in an intensive care unit have a high risk for home falls and injuries after being discharged, according to a 2025 study. Implementing physical therapy and increasing patient awareness about medication side effects may help.

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for preventing heart disease and extending life. Physical activity triggers favorable changes such as making cells more sensitive to insulin and reducing inflammation. It also helps keep blood vessels supple and flexible (which supports efficient blood flow), strengthens muscles (which helps burn more calories), and remodels the heart, making it more efficient at pumping blood through the body. Together, these changes all reduce a person's chances of developing common risk factors for heart disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.

A 2025 study found that many people who use a fitness app to track their daily steps were able to maintain or increase their numbers over two years, suggesting the devices may have a long-term effect on motivation.

Diastasis recti occurs when the rectus abdominis muscle - the "six-pack" - separates and leads to a midline abdominal bulge. This might happen because of pregnancy, aging, genetics, excessive abdominal pressure, or abdominal surgery. The bulge becomes more noticeable when lifting heavy objects, getting out of bed, or even performing everyday tasks. The condition usually doesn't resolve on its own. Working with a physical therapist can help decrease the muscle separation.