Preventive care Archive

Healthy aging and longevity

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

Published November 1, 2021

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.

Healthy aging and longevity

Steps to stay safe when you push or pull an object

Published November 1, 2021

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.

Healthy aging and longevity

Is your medication making you lightheaded?

Published November 1, 2021

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.

Healthy aging and longevity

Are you too embarrassed to go to the doctor?

Published November 1, 2021

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.

Healthy aging and longevity

Breathing your way to better health

Published November 1, 2021

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.

Healthy aging and longevity

You don't say? Pointing a finger(nail) at your health

Published November 1, 2021

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.

Healthy aging and longevity

Live long and prosper

Published November 1, 2021

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.

Healthy aging and longevity

Master the stairs

Published November 1, 2021

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.

Diseases & Conditions

Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?

Updated November 1, 2021

The first vaccines approved in the US to prevent COVID-19 were an entirely new type: mRNA vaccines. Over the past year, they've proven unusually effective and safe. How do mRNA vaccines differ from traditional vaccines, and what makes them so exciting?

Healthy aging and longevity

Can vaping help you quit smoking?

Published October 28, 2021

While considered less harmful than smoking tobacco, vaping is not risk-free, so the FDA's recent announcement authorizing sales of new vaping products was surprising. Some research suggests e-cigarettes may help some people quit or cut back on smoking, but there are many concerns about their known and potential health risks — especially for children and teens.

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Preventive care Archive

Articles

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

Steps to stay safe when you push or pull an object

Is your medication making you lightheaded?

Are you too embarrassed to go to the doctor?

Breathing your way to better health

You don't say? Pointing a finger(nail) at your health

Live long and prosper

Master the stairs

Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?

Can vaping help you quit smoking?

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