Staying Healthy Archive

I was surprised to see an ad in one of my cooking magazines promoting palm oil as a healthy fat. I thought it was supposed to be really bad for you. What's the story?

When you have a medical appointment, your health provider writes notes on the visit that are available to you. It's a good idea to read these — though you may be surprised or confused by some of the language — and to check in if you have questions or need to make important corrections.

When you're packing a hurricane go-bag, keep health priorities in mind. If you don't prepare in advance, you might leave behind medicines, medical supplies, important paperwork, and other essentials that can help you stay healthy. Here's how to plan ahead.

Foods are an important source of dietary fluids. For example, eating the recommended two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables each day might provide about two cups of fluid. Dairy products, smoothies, and soups also contribute to fluid intake. The amount of fluid to consume each day from food and drink depends on a person's body size and health needs. The National Academy of Medicine recommends about 11 cups (88 ounces) per day for women and 15 cups (120 ounces) per day for men.

While the best health outcomes are linked to taking about 10,000 steps per day, people who walk as little as 2,200 steps may lower the odds of developing heart disease or dying early compared to those who walk fewer steps.

Sleep problems are an all-too-common reality for most older men. They often sleep less deeply and are more easily awakened. They also are more likely to suffer from conditions that affect sleep, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Adopting several lifestyle and behavioral changes can help men maintain a proper and healthy sleep cycle.