Healthy aging and longevity Archive

Two-thirds of Americans with long COVID are women. Women approaching menopause who have long COVID seem to experience worsened symptoms of both conditions. Women's sex hormones appear to contribute to this phenomenon. Hormone therapy is becoming both a treatment and a diagnostic tool to determine driving factors behind affected women's symptoms. Because symptoms overlap, some women may have trouble being correctly diagnosed with perimenopause or long COVID.

A variety of factors seem to account for why mosquitoes bite some people more than others. These include a person's scent, blood type, and breathing patterns. People can minimize bites by using fragrance-free products and wearing long sleeves and pants.

Sleep problems are an all-too-common reality for most older men. They often sleep less deeply and are more easily awakened. They also are more likely to suffer from conditions that affect sleep, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Adopting several lifestyle and behavioral changes can help men maintain a proper and healthy sleep cycle.

The original Presidential Physical Fitness Test consisted of five exercises: a one-mile run, pull-ups or push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run, and sit-and-reach. The test gauged upper-body and core strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility for America's youth. Still, with some modifications, older adults can use the test to assess a baseline of their fitness and identify areas where they need to improve.

Many professional athletes and celebrities swear by the therapeutic benefits of ice bathing, which involves briefly immersing one's body in cold water. The science around possible health benefits is thin. Still, fans say the practice makes them feel mentally and physically invigorated and reduces muscle soreness. People can try ice baths by filling their tub with cold water and immersing themselves as completely as possible for several seconds to a few minutes.

While the best health outcomes are linked to taking about 10,000 steps per day, people who walk as little as 2,200 steps may lower the odds of developing heart disease or dying early compared to those who walk fewer steps.

Wondering how to save money, stay cooler, and be kinder to our planet during a long, hot summer? These five tips help ensure maximum fun and suggest ways to stay comfortable and safe this summer while making sustainable choices to benefit the environment.