Staying Healthy Archive

A 2022 study suggested that having diverse social interactions is linked to improved happiness and well-being. In other words, it appears to be helpful to interact with family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers; the more varied the interactions are, the better.

In December 2022, Congress extended Medicare coverage of telehealth visits through the end of 2024. The extension will also cover telehealth visits with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.

Napping for  more than 30 minutes each day may be associated with increased risks for health problems. Causes of excessive napping include boredom, poor sleep at night, underlying conditions such as anemia or depression, medication side effects, dehydration, or malnutrition. Treating underlying conditions, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, becoming more active, and practicing good sleep hygiene may help reduce prolonged nap times.

Some medications, such as eye drops or inhalers, can be used with gadgets that make taking them easier. The devices might be especially helpful for someone with shaky or weak hands. Examples of gadgets that might help include eye drop guides, injection aids, inhaler spacers, and tube squeezers. The guides can help improve one’s grip, aim, or ability to squeeze out medication. Having better control may help a person take the correct amount of the drug.

Taking regular afternoon naps for less than 60 minutes can improve mental alertness and increase productivity.

Scientists wonder if gut microbes might influence behavior in animals, including humans. Some studies suggest a link. For example, a 2022 study suggested that gut microbes can influence an animal's motivation to exercise. Scientists speculate that the same might be true in humans. Other studies have found that a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii is tied to risky behavior in lab mice and risk-taking behaviors in humans. Scientists now even consider it conceivable that gut microbes might influence things like human intelligence, attitudes, empathy, and more, although the idea has yet to be proved.

People who follow a combination of healthy diet plans that share similar traits may have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The rates of heart disease among men are predicted to rise significantly by 2060. The primary reason is America's rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. While controlling calorie intake and increasing activity are the two best strategies for weight loss, another effective method is hospital-based weight management programs that offer a team of physicians, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, life coaches, and counselors who provide instruction, guidance, and support for weight management.

A 2022 study found that vitamin D deficiency significantly increases the likelihood of age-related loss of muscle strength, known as dynapenia, a major risk factor for falls.

In the last 10 years, an average of four drug recalls a day have occurred in the US. Drug recalls happen for a number of different reasons, and while they are common, most are not for dangerous or life-threatening issues.