Staying Healthy Archive

A 2025 study suggests that urgent care clinics frequently prescribe prescription medications inappropriately for conditions such as ear infections, bronchitis, sprains or strains, or digestive discomfort.

Tai chi uses a series of gentle, flowing motions and slow, deep breathing to exercise the body and calm the mind. It’s good for health in many ways, especially for balance, which improves as the body becomes more attuned to changes in movement. Tai chi can be practiced outdoors as well as indoors, which is helpful during winter months. To get started in a tai chi practice, it helps to take a class with an instructor who supervises practitioners’ progress. Classes can be found at wellness centers and health clubs.

Poor night vision could be caused by an outdated eyeglass prescription or an eye condition, such as dry eye, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration. People should see an eye care specialist for a complete eye exam to check for these issues.

A 2025 study found that many people who use a fitness app to track their daily steps were able to maintain or increase their numbers over two years, suggesting the devices may have a long-term effect on motivation.

Diastasis recti occurs when the rectus abdominis muscle — the “six-pack” — separates and leads to a midline abdominal bulge. This might happen because of pregnancy, aging, genetics, excessive abdominal pressure, or abdominal surgery. The bulge becomes more noticeable when lifting heavy objects, getting out of bed, or even performing everyday tasks. The condition usually doesn’t resolve on its own. Working with a physical therapist can help decrease the muscle separation.

A urine test, also known as a urinalysis, can reveal a great deal about a person’s health. The kidneys produce urine to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body. But urine also contains various chemicals, minerals, toxins, bacteria, and red and white blood cells. Analyzing a urine sample with visual, chemical, and microscopic exams can reveal the presence and amounts of these substances, which can provide clues to specific conditions.

Complete recovery from total knee replacement surgery can take six to 12 months. Working with a physical therapist to regain strength and mobility, most people can return to normal daily function within three months. It’s important to remain active once physical therapy concludes. Lower-impact activities, such as walking, hiking, biking, swimming, golfing, strength training, and aerobic activities, are recommended. High-impact activities, such as running, may shorten the life span of the implant.

Red light therapy involves using devices that emit red or near-infrared light aimed at the skin. It is believed to reduce inflammation and boost production of collagen. Research suggests it can improve an array of skin problems, including fine lines, dark spots, redness, slow-healing wounds, scars, and acne. Unlike ultraviolet light, red light therapy isn’t associated with greater risks for skin cancer. Scientists are still determining the optimal doses of red light therapy for various skin conditions.

Women live longer than men. However, that longevity gap in the United States has increased to 5.8 years, the largest gap since 1996, according to a 2024 study. Why the widening gap? Researchers believe that in many cases, women are better than men at addressing certain health needs that contribute to longer lives, such as losing excess weight, quitting smoking, getting regular skin check-ups, and not ignoring mental health issues.

Colon cleanses are marketed to help detoxify the body, boost weight loss and immune function, and increase energy. But the colon removes toxins on its own. Colon cleanses also pose multiple health risks.