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Taking time out of a stressful day to perform simple breathing exercises can reduce chronic stress and prevent the harm it can inflict on the body. Even a few short breathing sessions can make a big difference for many people. Chronic stress, when it goes unchecked, can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, and reduced immune response.
Drinking coffee daily can provide a welcomed mental jolt for many people. But new research suggests regular coffee drinkers should stop at five or six cups per day, as drinking more may increase their risk for dementia.
Researchers found that treating urinary tract infections with antibiotics for seven days was just as effective as treatment lasting 14 days. The shorter duration also can reduce the risk of medication side effects like diarrhea and nausea.
Regular, healthy nails are smooth, uniformly shaped, and often with a lighter half-moon shape under the nail near the cuticle. Yet some conditions can show their mark on your fingernails, such as lung disease, psoriasis, and a heart valve infection.
Chest pain with exertion affects about one-quarter of people with stable coronary artery disease. A 2021 study found that these individuals can often eliminate their symptoms by following conservative drug therapy, without needing a stent or bypass surgery.
Calculating longevity is complex because multiple factors must be considered, such as a person’s age, past health issues, current health status, geography, and lifestyle. While genetics is the best predictor of a person’s ability to live a long life, adopting certain habits can help the body stay healthier longer. These include not smoking, maintaining a healthy body mass index, doing at least 30 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous activity, consuming only moderate amounts of alcohol if any, and following a heart-healthy diet.
Stair climbing is an excellent form of exercise for older adults, as it challenges multiple muscle groups at once, including the quadriceps, glutes, and calves. It also helps improve leg muscle power and overall fitness. There are different places suitable for stair climbing, from stair machines found in most gyms to outdoor stairs like stairways in stadiums to household stairs.
Men who follow either active surveillance or watchful waiting for their low-risk prostate cancer diagnosis still need to be engaged with their health while monitoring their cancer for changes. Examples include getting more exercise, losing excess weight, following a healthier diet, and managing stress. These changes may not only improve their long-term cancer outcome, but also help reduce other potentially serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis among older adults. Often called the “wear and tear” disease, osteoarthritis doesn’t occur because of overusing or stressing one’s joints. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, people can lower their risk or better manage the condition by losing excess weight, strengthening the muscles surrounding joints, and using over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
Studies have shown a link between lower risks of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and even dementia in people who consume higher amounts of olive oil. However, no definitive studies show extra-virgin olive oil has greater benefits than regular olive oil.