Letting the air out of bloating

The digestion process slows as one ages, causing digested food to take its time moving along the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach through the intestines. The longer food stays in the digestive tract, the more opportunity there is for gas to be produced and build up, resulting in bloating. Recurrent bloating also can be caused by people’s reactions to certain foods, especially those that contain sugars called FODMAPs. Adjusting one’s diet to avoid trigger foods and taking over-the-counter remedies can help prevent and manage problem bloating.

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Working during retirement years

Continuing to work in retirement can address many specific health needs of men as they age, such as stronger social connection, better cognitive health, and a greater sense of purpose. Regular work has been linked with higher rates of happiness and a lower risk for multiple health conditions. For men who don’t want to re-enter the workforce, options like volunteering and mentoring can offer many of the same health benefits.

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Try this: Hydration packs

A hydration pack is a backpack designed for almost any kind of outdoor activity that carries large amounts of water and allows easy, hands-free access, which provides a convenient way to stay hydrated without needing to stop for frequent water refills.

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The complex story of HDL cholesterol

Lowering high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, is important for preventing and treating heart disease. The other cholesterol—high-density lipoprotein (HDL)—is often called “good” cholesterol, but this may be misleading. While some HDL particles gather excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and artery walls and deliver it to the liver where it's excreted, other particles are not good at this job, and some can even increase levels. People should focus on their LDL and not focus as much on HDL unless it’s very low or very high.

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What is essential tremor?

Essential tremor is marked by involuntary shaking of one or more body parts, such as the hands, arms, legs, or head. Avoiding caffeine and stress and getting plenty of rest can be helpful. Several medications are available to ease the symptoms.

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Coming full circle

Shoulder mobility is crucial for safely reaching overhead, carrying heavy items, and engaging in sports such as golf, tennis, and pickleball. Halos are one of the best exercises for improving shoulder mobility, flexibility, and strength. They can be performed with a kettlebell, a dumbbell, or even a heavy book. Halos are done by holding the weight with both hands and rotating it around the head in a circular motion, first in one direction and then the other, as if drawing a halo over the head.

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