Physical activity and exercise Archive

Contrary to popular belief, stretching probably won't help people avoid sore muscles or injuries, which often result from overuse. However, short but regular stints of stretching can improve flexibility (the ability to move the joints and muscles through their full range of motion) and help people stay active as they age. Improved flexibility can make it easier to do everyday tasks involving walking, climbing stairs, or reaching. And for people who hike, play pickleball, golf, or other sports, a regular stretching program may improve their performance.

Osteoarthritis affects more women than men. Risk factors include earlier joint injuries, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, or family history. People can try to prevent arthritis by staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in low-impact exercise.

Circulation problems affect how well arteries and veins function. . Artery problems are marked by diminished oxygen and nutrient rich blood flow to the brain and all other body parts. Related conditions include heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Vein problems often arise when valves in the vessels weaken, allowing blood and fluids to pool. That can cause varicose veins, discolored skin on hands or feet, and swollen legs, ankles, or feet.

Rajio taiso is a popular Japanese exercise routine done by people of all ages and backgrounds and consists of performing 13 stretching and bending movements set to music.

People with arthritis often avoid exercise because of their painful joints. However, exercise is one of the best ways to manage their symptoms, stay active, and improve their quality of life. Specific exercise routines can be designed around a person's type of arthritis, severity, and location, but usually focus on three areas: stretching, strength training, and low-impact aerobics.

A 2024 study suggests that optimism may help women stave off age-related physical decline.

Adjusting to new surroundings, such as a new or remodeled home, can affect people's hearing ability. Certain home features absorb sound, making it easier to hear. These include carpeting, paneling, curtains, and upholstered furniture. Other features allow sound to reverberate, making hearing more difficult. These include hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, and minimalist decor. Hearing aids don't necessarily help, since they magnify all sounds.

Vacation activities are often healthier than everyday habits. Since heart disease and cancer are linked to lifestyle choices people can change, such as poor diet and inactivity, maintaining habits fostered on vacation can improve overall health. These habits include spending more time outdoors, moving more, spending less time online, eating a more varied diet, dining more with others, getting more sleep, and engaging their brain in novel ways.

The US is seeing an unusual spike in the mosquito-borne illness dengue fever. What is dengue, and where is it occurring in the US? How does it spread? And what steps can you take to protect against this and other mosquito-borne illnesses?