Independent Living Archive

Keeping hands clean is a simple way to protect against from colds and flu. Proper handwashing involves using plenty of soap, lukewarm water and taking at least 20 seconds to clean the back of hands, between the fingers, and around the nails.

Belching is a natural bodily reaction that serves as a protective mechanism against the stomach getting overinflated from swallowing too much air. Eating and drinking too fast and consuming carbonated beverages can cause excess air intake, so addressing these issues can help reduce excessive belching. Seek medical care if belching becomes frequent and causes discomfort, as it could be a sign of a digestive disorder.

A 2024 study found that older women with urinary incontinence experienced significant improvements in symptoms after engaging in low-impact yoga or stretching and strengthening exercises three times a week for three months.

About three million American adults have epilepsy, which is marked by recurring seizures. But far more people will have a seizure that strikes for another reason. Seizure triggers include high fever, head injury, extreme lack of sleep, blood sugar fluctuations, alcohol or drug misuse, certain medications, brain infections, stroke, and eclampsia. People can help someone having a seizure by moving them away from hazards, preventing choking, and tracking details. Most seizures are not a medical emergency.

A 2024 study suggested that closely following the MIND diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods and limited animal products and saturated fats, may slow cognitive decline compared to other eating patterns.

Cold weather can not only lead to dry skin, but also cause or worsen other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. Frosty temperatures and dry air can break down the skin barrier, which contains substances that help seal in moisture. People can ward off or ease winter skin problems by applying creams and ointments, coating cracked skin areas with petroleum jelly, using a humidifier, taking lukewarm showers no more than once a day, and using moisturizing soaps and liquid body cleansers.

A sleep study is performed to detect sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. It often takes place in a special lab. The person is hooked up to equipment that records the brain's activity and monitors snoring, blood oxygen levels, and other variables.

Ice baths typically happen in water that's between 50° and 60° F. Studies about their health benefits are inconclusive, but ice baths can be risky. People should never take an ice bath without someone nearby, and stay in for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Setting health goals can help people in their 50s avoid developing a chronic condition that can hamper healthy aging. Goals can include improving balance through various exercises; learning a new skill to improve brain sharpness; seeking age-appropriate cancer screenings, such as for colorectal, cervical, and breast cancers; prioritizing bone health by boosting calcium and vitamin D intake and weight-bearing exercise; maintaining muscle strength through strength and resistance training; and paying closer attention to diet.