Staying Healthy Archive

Spending time alone with energetic young grandchildren can be physically challenging. It puts grandparents at risk for falls and injuries. It will benefit grandparents to improve their balance and do some muscle strengthening so they can lift or carry squirmy children and also get up and down from a chair or the floor while playing with kids. If children run off while in a grandparent's care, the grandparent should be wary of obstacles in the path to catch up to them, such as footstools or toys indoors and uneven terrain outdoors.

New studies and recommendations have suggested that older adults might benefit from avoiding alcohol. However, the consensus remains that moderate drinkers have a lower risk for heart disease and live longer than heavy drinkers and people who don't drink all. Experts suggest that people should not start drinking for possible health benefits, but if they do drink, they should do so in moderation, which for men is no more than two standard drinks per day.

A 2025 study addressed the role of genes versus lifestyle habits and life circumstances in influencing a person's health. Researchers found that genes seemed to have a stronger influence than lifestyle and life circumstances for some diseases, including dementia, macular degeneration, and certain cancers. For other diseases, such as atherosclerosis involving arteries of the heart and brain, rheumatoid arthritis, and diseases of the lung, heart, and liver, lifestyle and life circumstances had a stronger influence than genes.

Wearing nail polish does not harm nails. However, doing so for long periods can dry out the surface, prompting chalky, white patches to form. Removing nail polish with acetone-based products can also dry out the nails and surrounding skin.

Older adults might not think too much about how they want to spend their remaining years. However, some self-reflection can help them live their final years to their fullest. Asking themselves what is most important in five areas—relationships, health, education, personal growth, and recreation—can help people recognize where their passions lie. Once they discover which goals are most important, they then can begin developing plans to meet them.

With ticks thriving in a wider geographic range, appearing earlier and sticking around later, it's important to stay vigilant about protecting yourself against ticks that cause Lyme disease and other illnesses. Learn some steps you can take to avoid tick bites.

Our health is intertwined with the health of planet Earth, and the impacts of climate change threaten our well-being. Collectively taking small steps like eating more plant-forward meals, using bikes or public transit, and even sharing our pledges can help move the needle in a positive direction.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) drug ads promoting treatments for arthritis, cancer, heartburn, psoriasis, flagging memory, and more are all everywhere you look. All too often, the information shared is incomplete, biased, or confusing––here's what to watch out for and how to get the whole story when considering treatment options. 

Sepsis causes or contributes to an estimated 20% of all deaths worldwide. The condition begins with an infection that spreads and over activates the immune system, which releases damaging inflammatory chemicals that lead to organ failure. Any infection can trigger sepsis, but those that begin in the lungs, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or skin are more likely to do so. Older people are more susceptible to sepsis. The condition may be avoided by stopping bacterial or viral infections from occurring or worsening.