Healthy aging and longevity Archive

Allergies that cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose (what doctors call allergic rhinitis) can cause more frequent and louder snoring. Treating allergic rhinitis can reduce snoring and other symptoms related to poor-quality sleep.

Treating insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) may reduce the risk of depression in older adults. CBT-I seeks to modify thoughts and habits to improve sleep. It outperformed a more traditional insomnia treatment, sleep education therapy (SET), which seeks to change environmental factors and behaviors that contribute to poor sleep.

A 2021 study found that a low-carb diet may not necessarily be bad for heart health, despite its high saturated fat content. However, the study period was short, and the diet used in the trial was healthier than many low-carb approaches. More research is needed to confirm the results. In the meantime, experts recommend finding a sustainable diet that provides a healthy daily mix of nutritious foods instead of solely looking at carbohydrate content.

The benefits of olive oil to help reduce the risk of heart disease are well-known, but a recent study showed that people who consumed the highest amount of olive oil daily had a lower overall risk of dying early, as well as lower risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

There are many questions a patient should ask when a new medication is prescribed. Examples include why the medication is needed, what side effects to watch for, whether it might interfere with other drugs, how to take the drug, how long to take it, what to do for a missed dose, how to store it, how much it costs, whether there's a generic form, what signs indicate the drug is working, and how to get refills.

Platelet-rich plasma injections are used to reduce pain and speed healing for a number of common problems that affect the tendons, muscles, and joints, ranging from arthritis to shoulder pain. But a growing body of research shows that they may not be effective for some conditions, including knee osteoarthritis, ankle osteoarthritis, and Achilles tendinitis. There is some evidence that it may be effective for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). People should consider whether there is a better option before undergoing PRP injections.

Hiking is similar to walking but can be more challenging and can provide a nice change of pace. Walking over uneven terrain typically burns more calories than a walk on a flat surface. It also builds muscle strength and improves balance. A wilderness walk also brings mental health benefits. Choosing a path to a scenic destination may motivate people to go farther and climb higher and increase fitness gains.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, taken individually or in combination, are touted as a way to relieve joint pain from arthritis –– and even to prevent it in the first place. Are they effective?

Having surgery to remove cataracts restores blurred or distorted vision, helping to improve quality of life for older adults. Now, a new study makes a strong case that removing cataracts may reduce a person's risk of developing dementia.

The burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change, and pollution from this burning has been linked to millions of premature deaths worldwide. And, according to a new report, even low levels of air pollution may harm our health although we can take steps to limit exposure.