Exercise may help older women to avoid an abnormal heart rhythm, a new study suggests. The study focused on atrial fibrillation. In people with this irregular rhythm, the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of contracting in a regular pattern. This can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. The new study included more than 80,000 women. When the study began, the women were 50 to 79 years old. Researchers asked them how often they walked outside or exercised enough to sweat. Eleven years later, the most active women had a 10% lower rate of atrial fibrillation than those who walked less than 10 minutes a week. The most active women did exercise equal to 3 hours of brisk walking or 2 hours of slow cycling each week. The reduction in risk was similar for women who got more strenuous exercise — about 2 hours of running a week.
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I have been having a problem staying asleep. I heard that a brandy before bed helps? Is this a good idea?
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The traditional Mediterranean diet is centuries old. It has flourished in rural regions of Greece and parts of southern Italy and France. Here are its 10 characteristic features:
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An abundance of vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and other plant foods
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An abundance of unrefined grains, such as whole-grain cereals and breads
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Olive oil as the major source of fat
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Moderate to large amounts of fish
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Fruit as the typical dessert, with sweets containing honey or sugar eaten several times a week
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Yogurt, cheese and other dairy products eaten daily in small to moderate amounts.
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Four or fewer eggs per week
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Moderate to large amount of poultry and small amounts of red meat
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A reliance on locally grown, fresh, minimally processed foods
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Moderate amounts of alcohol, usually wine with meals.
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Walking, biking or even riding public transit to work can help with weight control, a new study suggests. The study was based on a survey of about 7,500 people in the United Kingdom. Nearly 74% commuted by car. About 10% of men and 11% of women used public transit. About 14% of men and 17% of women walked or biked to work. A nurse visited people and measured their height, weight and percentage of body fat. Researchers adjusted the numbers to account for factors that may affect weight. These included age, medical conditions, income, social class and other exercise. They found that BMI was lower for those who did not drive to work. Effects were similar whether people commuted by foot, bicycle or public transit. For example, men in these groups had BMI scores between 0.9 and 1.1 points lower than the men who drove themselves.
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Researchers measured the vascular health of over 5,000 people who lived near major roadways to assess the effects of long-term proximity to car fumes.
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Nearly 10 percent of people with high blood pressure have resistant hypertension, meaning their blood pressure is still high despite taking at least three medications. Taking combination pills, exercising, and eating less sodium can help.
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Left and right bundle branch blocks are abnormalities of the heart’s electrical conduction system that show up on an electrocardiogram. They rarely cause symptoms and don’t need special treatment in most cases.
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Coughing or gagging may help slow a very rapid heartbeat caused by supraventricular tachycardia. Known as vagal maneuvers, these techniques work by stimulating the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen.
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Men who eat processed red meats such as sausages and cold cuts may raise their risk of heart failure. These foods may be especially detrimental because of their high levels of sodium, nitrates, and other additives.
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