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Healthy aging and longevity Archive

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If you use cannabis, do it safely

Cannabis is legal in a growing number of states for adult recreational or medical use, or both. As access expands, here's what to know about safely purchasing and using cannabis products.

When therapeutic touch isn't healing

Physical touch has long been linked to the healing process of medicine, but a person's comfort level with this may depend on their feelings and life experiences. Here's why touch matters during medical visits, and how to get the care you need while having your wishes respected.

Motorcycle rallies and organ donation: A curious connection

Even though motorcycles are riskier than other modes of transportation, the number of motorcycles registered in the US has doubled in the past 20 years. A study examined whether large gatherings of bikers would lead to more fatal accidents and an increase in rates of organ donation.

 

7 things your dentist wants you to know

Oral health and overall health are strongly linked. Harmful bacteria and inflammation can trigger or worsen conditions throughout the body, including cardiovascular problems and diabetes. People should brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between teeth. Oral care product claims can be misleading. The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance can help people choose oral care products by verifying product claims.

You don't say? Facts about flatulence

It's normal to accumulate and release gas; in fact, the average person releases two liters of gas per day. Certain foods can increase gas production since they take longer to digest.

Prune juice for constipation? A new study says yes

Drinking about one cup of prune juice daily may help relieve chronic constipation, according to a 2022 study.

U.S. adults like integrative medicine, but few discuss it with their doctors

A 2022 poll found that two-thirds of Americans ages 50 to 80 use integrative medicine, but many don't talk to their doctor about it. Respondents used massage, yoga, meditation, and other integrative techniques to address physical and mental health conditions.

Harvard study: Curb late-night eating to stave off weight gain

A 2022 study found that eating later in the day increases hunger, decreases the number of calories a person burns, and promotes fat storage. Over time, those effects could lead to weight gain.

Drinking coffee linked to healthier hearts and longer lives

A 2022 study found that coffee drinkers were less likely to develop irregular heartbeats, cardiovascular disease, heart-related deaths, and deaths from any cause over a 12-year period, compared with people who did not drink coffee.

Podcasts to enhance your health IQ

Listening to health-focused podcasts can help boost a person's knowledge about the latest medical treatments and trends, and how to live a healthy lifestyle or cope with chronic disease. Just make sure the podcasts come from reliable sources. When choosing a health podcast, it's important to seek out credible hosts, such as well-credentialed health professionals or health journalists who present scientific data in a balanced rather than biased manner. People should avoid programs that promote poorly researched or scientifically unfounded diets or treatments.

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