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Read More about Facts about fiber
Facts about fiber

Facts about fiber
Fiber improves digestion and may help lower a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most people meet only half their daily fiber needs. The main reason is not following a basic healthy diet with foods high in fiber. Making small changes in dietary habits and adopting new fiber-rich foods can help people reach their quota.
Read More about The weighty issue of weight loss
The weighty issue of weight loss

The weighty issue of weight loss
A majority of adults are now considered overweight or obese. Poor diet and lack of exercise are the main contributors, but age also is a factor. Declining muscle mass means the body burns calories at a slower rate. Changing one’s diet to cut out liquid carbs and eat more whole grains and following a regular exercise routine that includes strength training is the best formula for weight loss.
Read More about Why do I bruise so easily?
Why do I bruise so easily?

Why do I bruise so easily?

Noticeable bruises as a person ages are related to the tiny blood vessels in the outer layer of skin becoming more fragile. There is not much people can do about this, but they should see their doctors if bruises resemble red or purple spots, appear only on the lower legs, or become painful.

Read More about Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination
Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination
A study described in a research letter published March 22, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that participants steadily gained weight during the first part of the pandemic, from February to June 2020.
Read More about Are you taking too many supplements?
Are you taking too many supplements?

Are you taking too many supplements?
Taking too many dietary supplements can lead to potential problems. Examples include medication interference, difficulty managing a complicated regimen, missed prescription medication doses, and overdoing it on nutrient intake. It’s not that all supplements are without benefits. For some people, specific supplements may offer some chance of benefit, and little risk. But going overboard can be risky. It’s important to speak with a doctor before starting a supplement to make sure it won’t interfere with one’s health or current medications.
Read More about Plant-based diet quality linked to lower stroke risk
Plant-based diet quality linked to lower stroke risk

Plant-based diet quality linked to lower stroke risk

People who ate healthy plant-based foods had a 10% reduction in stroke risk, compared with people who ate unhealthy plant-based foods, according to a Harvard study published online March 10, 2021, by the journal Neurology.

Read More about Do-it-yourself assisted living
Do-it-yourself assisted living

Do-it-yourself assisted living
It may be possible to set up a version of assisted living in one’s current home by hiring various services and adapting the environment to health needs. Services that might be needed include help with basic care (eating, bathing, brushing teeth, and using the bathroom), meals, medication management, housekeeping, transportation, and yard maintenance. To create a safer environment, it’s best to have a single-floor living space with a sleeping area, bathroom, and kitchen or kitchenette; well-lighted rooms and hallways; smooth, even floors; grab bars and a shower bench or chair in the bathroom; and railings anywhere support is needed while walking.
Read More about High-tech socialization: Is a robotic companion in your future?
High-tech socialization: Is a robotic companion in your future?

High-tech socialization: Is a robotic companion in your future?
Social robots are assistive devices designed to engage humans and enhance their well-being. Some social robots look like pets and purr when stroked. Other social robots act more like companions; they can notice when people walk into a room, ask how they’re doing, chat about hobbies, play favorite music, or connect to family and friends. They can also remind people to take medications, connect someone to a doctor, or walk someone through physical or mental exercises. Expect to see an increase in social robots starting in 2022.
Read More about Expand your healthy cooking oil choices
Expand your healthy cooking oil choices

Expand your healthy cooking oil choices

The healthiest fats for cooking and using on food come from plants. Plant oils consist mostly of unsaturated fat, which in limited amounts is good for the heart. One can enjoy a wide variety of plant oils, such as avocado, canola, corn, flaxseed, grapeseed, olive, peanut, rice bran, safflower, soybean, sunflower, and walnut oils. But high heat can break down plant oil molecules and reduce health benefits. The most fragile plant oils include extra-virgin olive oil and nut oils, such as walnut oil.

Read More about Get savvy about sauces
Get savvy about sauces

Get savvy about sauces
Many commercial sauces and dressings contain a lot of sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. For example, two tablespoons of an average supermarket barbeque sauce has more sugar than a glazed donut. But there are a number of healthier toppings that can be used on salads, fish, chicken, and pasta, such as homemade fruit salsa, pesto sauce, and olive oil and vinegar–based dressing.
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