Staying Healthy Archive

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.

An active social life is good medicine for the body and brain as it lowers the risk for many chronic diseases and protects against dementia and mild cognitive impairment. However, people who are introverts and enjoy their solitude can struggle with engagement. These individuals can benefit from socializing while maintaining their comfort levels by engaging in activities like joining social clubs and other groups, taking classes, and attending public events.

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.

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.

Nearly one in five hospitalized adults is harmed or dies each year due to a diagnostic error. Diagnostic errors include a delay in diagnosis, a wrong diagnosis, or unclear communication about a diagnosis. Tricky-to-diagnose conditions include pneumonia, heart attack, stroke, sepsis, blood clots, and lung cancer. Women, minorities, and older adults may be more vulnerable to diagnostic mistakes. People can lower their risks of diagnostic errors by telling the doctor about their medications, taking a trusted companion to appointments, and seeking second opinions in cases of doubt.

While there are limited studies about the health benefits of cold-water immersions, a 2025 analysis found regular ice baths or cold showers may help reduce stress levels, improve sleep, and increase quality of life.

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.

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.

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.