Independent Living Archive

Online tools enable consumers to vet dietary supplements before taking them. That's important, since dietary supplements sometimes contain hidden prescription drugs, controlled substances, or untested and unstudied components. Some of the most reliable tools to vet supplements are provided on the websites of the FDA, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense. Consumers can look up basic information about dietary supplements, clinical evidence about their use and effectiveness, suspicious ingredients they may contain, and safety violations.

Wondering how many grams of protein to have per day? The answer may surprise you. Discover the recommended daily protein intake and how to calculate it here.

Many claim that apple cider vinegar aids in weight loss, but there's little proof that it works. Here's what we know.

Tramadol is a painkiller used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Learn more about this medication and if it might be right for you.

High temperatures stress the body, leading to thousands of heat-related illnesses and deaths every year in the US. Learn when hot weather becomes dangerous and how to create your own hot weather safety plan.

Drinking water and changing your diet are just some ways to avoid kidney stones. See the full list here.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to assist doctors in the exam room. One day, AI may listen to doctor and patient conversations in order to suggest tests or treatments the doctor should consider, highlight possible diagnoses, and draft notes for medical records.

Going for a brisk walk with one or more friends has many health benefits. It's a form of socializing, which is good for thinking skills and helps stave off loneliness, isolation, and many chronic diseases. Walking with others helps people stay accountable and stick to an exercise regimen, and motivates and challenges them to work harder. Plus, it's safer to walk with buddies, who can all watch for hazards and call for help in an emergency.

Blood pressure measurements taken at a doctor's office can vary widely from one visit to the next, according to a 2022 study. It included blood pressure measurements from almost 537,000 people, each with an average of 13 doctor visits over two years.

A 2022 study found that yoga may offer some protection against frailty. Participants who practiced yoga improved two markers of frailty—walking speed and the ability to get up from a chair—compared with people who didn't practice yoga.