Skip to main content

Physical activity and exercise Archive

Articles

Read More about Is BMI the best predictor of future health?
Is BMI the best predictor of future health?

Is BMI the best predictor of future health?

Body mass index (BMI) is determined by a combination of one's weight and height. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 represents a healthy weight, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 or greater is obese. BMI is a better measure of health than just weight, but it still has its flaws. It doesn't assess body fat as well in older folks as it does in younger adults. And it doesn't distinguish between fat that's in the belly from fat in other places, like the hips. For this reason, measurements comparing waist to hip size are also used.

Read More about Could high calcium intake damage my heart?
Could high calcium intake damage my heart?

Could high calcium intake damage my heart?

Past research hinted at a link between heart disease and a high intake of calcium from supplements, but more recent analyses have not found a connection between the two.

Read More about Going to sleep late at night associated with obesity, big bellies
Going to sleep late at night associated with obesity, big bellies

Going to sleep late at night associated with obesity, big bellies
An international study published online June 1, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that middle-aged and older adults had an increased risk of being obese or having a big belly if they went to sleep late, compared with a bedtime between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Read More about Steps to stay safe when you push or pull an object
Steps to stay safe when you push or pull an object

Steps to stay safe when you push or pull an object
Pushing or pulling heavy objects requires strong core and leg muscles as well as the proper stance and technique. Pushing an object is generally safer than pulling an object. To push an object properly, one should stand close to it; keep the knees slightly bent, with one leg slightly behind the other; brace the elbows against one’s sides; tighten the abdominal muscles; and then push the object forward. People who have significant balance issues or use an assistive walking device should not attempt pushing or pulling heavy objects.
Read More about Is your medication making you lightheaded?
Is your medication making you lightheaded?

Is your medication making you lightheaded?
Many medications can cause lightheadedness, such as drugs to treat depression, high blood pressure, or bladder problems. It’s important to learn about a medication’s potential side effects and be on high alert if lightheadedness is a possibility. A person can jot down the day and time a drug is taken as well as any side effects that follow; those details can help a doctor determine if changes in medicines are required. Someone who continues to feel lightheaded after about a week should report it to the doctor.
Read More about Are you too embarrassed to go to the doctor?
Are you too embarrassed to go to the doctor?

Are you too embarrassed to go to the doctor?
Lots of people feel embarrassed during a doctor visit. They may be uncomfortable talking about certain conditions, disrobing, or admitting that they didn’t follow the doctor’s orders. To combat those feelings, it helps to mentally prepare for an appointment. One can question whether certain fears are realistic, chat with a friend for outside perspective, or practice relaxation techniques. During an appointment, it helps to speak up, share concerns, and advocate for oneself and ask for accommodations to deal with embarrassing issues or awkward situations.
Read More about Breathing your way to better health
Breathing your way to better health

Breathing your way to better health
Taking time out of a stressful day to perform simple breathing exercises can reduce chronic stress and prevent the harm it can inflict on the body. Even a few short breathing sessions can make a big difference for many people. Chronic stress, when it goes unchecked, can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, and reduced immune response.
Read More about You don't say? Pointing a finger(nail) at your health
You don't say? Pointing a finger(nail) at your health

You don't say? Pointing a finger(nail) at your health
Regular, healthy nails are smooth, uniformly shaped, and often with a lighter half-moon shape under the nail near the cuticle. Yet some conditions can show their mark on your fingernails, such as lung disease, psoriasis, and a heart valve infection.
Read More about Live long and prosper
Live long and prosper

Live long and prosper
Calculating longevity is complex because multiple factors must be considered, such as a person’s age, past health issues, current health status, geography, and lifestyle. While genetics is the best predictor of a person’s ability to live a long life, adopting certain habits can help the body stay healthier longer. These include not smoking, maintaining a healthy body mass index, doing at least 30 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous activity, consuming only moderate amounts of alcohol if any, and following a heart-healthy diet.
Read More about Master the stairs
Master the stairs

Master the stairs
Stair climbing is an excellent form of exercise for older adults, as it challenges multiple muscle groups at once, including the quadriceps, glutes, and calves. It also helps improve leg muscle power and overall fitness. There are different places suitable for stair climbing, from stair machines found in most gyms to outdoor stairs like stairways in stadiums to household stairs.
Result 1191 - 1200 of 2749
Recent Articles
blog image 1

Even a little exercise linked with lower stroke risk in people with afib
blog image 1

Testosterone therapy without evidence of deficiency may boost heart risk
blog image 1

Weight-loss drug may lower risk of heart attacks and infections
blog image 1

What to eat on the DASH diet
blog image 1

Migraine: How it's diagnosed and what that means
blog image 1

Tricep workouts you can do at home
blog image 1

Mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve focus
blog image 1

Antihistamines may not offer meaningful relief from eczema symptoms
blog image 1

Overweight and taking blood pressure medications: Study finds it's a trend that's working
blog image 1

FDA approves first mRNA-based flu vaccine
/

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE 32-page gift worth $29.95.

PLUS, don’t miss out on your 25% off promo code.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle—You’ll discover powerful, research- backed strategies for health longevity drawn from Harvard Medical School experts—ways to eat for a longer life, build strength and flexibility to stay independent, protect your bones, heart, and brain as you age, and even cultivate the habits linked with “super-agers” who stay sharp and active well into their 80s and 90s—all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of Living Longer, Living Well!.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of Living Longer, Living Well.