Healthy aging and longevity Archive

Putting excessive stress on muscles can overstretch or tear muscle fibers. The resulting injury is called a muscle strain. The damage could be a small nick or lesion on muscle tissue. In severe cases, the muscle can rip into two separate pieces. If pain isn't severe, it helps to take a break from intense activity, massage the muscle or use topical creams containing menthol, take over-the-counter painkillers, stretch the muscle gently, get enough sleep, eat protein at every meal, and consume lots of fluids. If pain persists, it's best to see a doctor.

Screening methods for colorectal cancer continue to evolve. Stool tests are becoming more accurate, and it appears that an experimental blood test might one day provide another effective screening option. The most accurate colorectal cancer screening is a colonoscopy, which allows a doctor to peer inside the colon and rectum, find cancers, and remove potentially precancerous polyps on the spot to prevent future cancer. It's unclear if a stool or blood test will ever be as good for screening as a colonoscopy.

Older adults might be able to lower their blood pressure by reducing their sitting time by as little as 30 minutes per day, according to a 2024 study.

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.

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.

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.