As people age, the risk of falls increases, making balance-focused exercise important for prevention. Simple moves like thigh raises and heel-to-toe walking can help improve stability, strengthen muscles, and reduce the likelihood of dangerous falls.
A long-term study found that people who do strength training are about 20% less likely to develop knee pain and osteoarthritis compared to those who don’t. The benefits apply even if you start later in life, as strength training can still help protect joints and reduce damage over time.
Don't wait until you go outside to practice good sun protection. Make it part of your daily health care ritual, like bathing and brushing your teeth. For instance, after you wash your face in the morning, apply a facial moisturizer that contains sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Soon it'll be as automatic as brushing your teeth.
The 2026 lipid guidelines explain how people can estimate and lower their risk of a heart attack. They include information about tools and tests, updated targets for LDL (bad) cholesterol, and advice about lifestyle changes and medications.
Think games are just for kids? Activities like chess or bridge boost memory and, when social, enhance emotional connection—while teaching or volunteering can also keep your brain sharp and engaged.
Exercise boosts brain health and memory by improving blood flow and stimulating chemicals that support new brain cells. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
Stress is your body’s response to physical or emotional pressure, and when it builds up, it can drain mental energy and impair memory. But there are ways to reduce stress and free your mind to think more clearly.
Snoring is common, but factors like alcohol, medications, weight, smoking, and sleep position can all make it worse. In this Ask the Doc video, Harvard Medical School Dean Dr. David Roberts shares tips that can help reduce snoring and improve your breathing at night.
Third spaces are physical locations outside the home and work where people meet and socialize with other individuals. Add in a fitness component—gyms, exercise classes, walking groups—and the mental and physical health benefits multiply.