Staying Healthy Archive

When considering medical information offered in an online health support group, it’s best to verify it with a doctor or at least compare it with information from a credible source (such as a large national nonprofit health organization). After all, anyone can start or join an online health group; they don’t have to be health experts to share information, which might not be science-based and could be wrong, ineffective, or even harmful. Plus, medical advice might not be appropriate for an individual.

Influencers, news headlines, and well-meaning friends and family offer conflicting advice on wellness. Quick fixes and fads may do little for our health, and some even prove harmful. Try to work these five simple habits that can boost health and wellness into your everyday life.

Radiation from diagnostic tests has the potential to damage tissue in the body, including cell DNA. Rarely, that can cause cell mutations that lead to cancer 10 or 20 years later. The long-term cancer risk from standard x-rays is considered very low; the risk from computed tomography (CT) scans might be higher. If a doctor orders a CT scan for someone who recently had that same type of scan, the patient should ask what the results might show, whether they’ll affect treatment, and whether an alternative test can be substituted.

Eating a variety of flavonoid-rich foods may offer greater protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer than eating only a few high-flavonoid foods, according to a 2025 study.

The body’s pH level supports a variety of crucial functions. Certain health conditions can create a pH disturbance. People can support a healthy pH by eating a balanced diet featuring fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and fish.

Solo-agers are people 50 and older who aren’t married, don’t have children, and live alone. Many of them don’t have people they can count on to help them with household tasks or manage their ongoing care, if needed. While solo aging can offer perks, it can also leave older adults vulnerable to deteriorating mental and physical health. Solo-agers may count on help from siblings, neighbors, friends, community groups, or paid help. They can build their support by setting up a buddy system, staying in regular touch with loved ones, and tapping senior programs.

Evidence suggests that chewing gum can help people feel more focused and less stressed. Chewing sugar-free versions can hinder cavities. But constant gum-chewing can tire jaw muscles, and xylitol-containing gum can trigger abdominal distress.

In a 2025 randomized trial of about 1,000 people (ages 50 or older), followed for four years, those who took 2,000 international units of vitamin D₃ per day showed cellular signs that suggested they were aging more slowly compared with people who did not take the supplement. It’s unclear if this benefit would continue from taking daily pills longer than four years. Scientists do know that taking vitamin D₃ supplements is important for people with osteoporosis or with vitamin D deficiency (as determined by a blood test).

With age, people develop brown spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Women are more likely than men to invest money and time to look younger. Sun protection and a variety of skin care products can help, including those containing alpha-hydroxy acids, retinols, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can also ease signs of aging. These include injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) or hyaluronic acid, laser treatments, and chemical peels. Skin care and treatments should be customized to each person.

The Blue Zones are locations in the world where people are regarded as being among the healthiest and longest-lived. They include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. According to some research, most residents of Blue Zones live seven to 10 years longer than the average American and have lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. These individuals follow certain healthy behaviors related to diet, exercise, and emotional well-being that people can adopt.