Staying Healthy Archive

Articles

Want to stop harmful drinking? AA versus SMART Recovery

People reckoning with problem drinking choose different paths, including two well-known self-help organizations built around peer support: Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery. Researchers questioned people participating in these programs, or no program, about their approach.

Mpox is back: What to know and do

In 2022, the largest known outbreak spread to nearly 100,000 people in more than 100 countries. Now, a new outbreak of mpox has put it back in the news. What should you know — and do — about this latest international health emergency?

Side effects after a COVID shot indicate it's working

Side effects from the COVID vaccine like fatigue, achiness, muscle and joint pain, chills, headache, and fever are signs the body is making greater levels of antibodies, which adds extra protection against the virus, according to a 2024 study.

A healthy lifestyle late in life still offers benefits

A 2024 study of people ages 80 and older suggested that following healthy habits—like eating a diversified diet that includes high amounts of fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, and tea; regularly exercising; and not smoking—can help people live longer.

Try this: Take it outside

The 1,000 Hours Outside challenge can motivate people to spend more time outdoors by trying to accumulate 1,000 hours of outdoor time over a year.

Body roundness may beat body mass for identifying risky fat

Body roundness index, which is calculated based on a person's height, waist, and hip size, might be a more accurate measurement than body mass index for predicting weight-related health risks, according to a 2024 study.

Step up your walking routine

Walking is one of the most accessible and versatile types of exercise. It can help people get the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and workouts can be adjusted to fit any fitness level. But sometimes walking becomes too routine. To make outings more exciting and challenging, people can do interval training, add hills or stairs, use walking poles, carry weights, incorporate body-weight exercises, or try to beat their best time on a route.

Mediterranean diet may help you live longer

A 2024 study found that women who closely followed a Mediterranean diet were up to 23% less likely than women who didn't to die over a study period of 25 years.

Tattoos may raise lymphoma risks

A 2024 study suggests that having one or more tattoos may raise a person's risk of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

Physical therapy: Myths vs. reality

People often aren't aware of the full range of conditions that physical therapy (PT) can effectively treat. PT can be used not only after surgery or injury, but also for stroke, brain injuries, balance problems, neuromuscular conditions, spinal cord injuries, and more. PT is also done to help people avoid falls, as well as for pelvic floor dysfunction and vertigo. People participating in PT work with physical therapists to determine goals and plan a course of treatment to meet those goals by improving mobility, strength, and flexibility.

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