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Nutritional guidelines continue to advocate eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables—the so-called five-a-day. New research found that eating more than this amount does not offer extra benefits, and that a ratio of two servings of fruit and three of vegetables might offer the most health benefits.
As Americans begin to slowly move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may face old and new challenges. People should use this transition period to prepare mentally and emotionally for a post-COVID world. Steps include planning how to safely return to social gathering, restarting health habits that have fallen away, and addressing mental health issues.
People who are not ready to return to the gym can get an all-around workout at home by using only their body weight. Body-weight exercises are often comparable to using weights and machines, and help people return to fitness after an injury or long layoff. They also can help older adults improve everyday movements. A simple workout might include chair squats, step-ups, and push-ups.
Men have a higher risk of having erectile dysfunction (ED) as they age and many can benefit from taking an ED drug. There are currently four choices in the US, and men usually adopt a trial-and-error approach to find the drug and dosage that works for them. The choice also can be dictated by how fast they want the drug to work and how long the effect will last.
Fiber improves digestion and may help lower a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most people meet only half their daily fiber needs. The main reason is not following a basic healthy diet with foods high in fiber. Making small changes in dietary habits and adopting new fiber-rich foods can help people reach their quota.
Updated guidelines suggest current and former smokers get an annual lung cancer screening including those who have quit within the past 15 years.
A majority of adults are now considered overweight or obese. Poor diet and lack of exercise are the main contributors, but age also is a factor. Declining muscle mass means the body burns calories at a slower rate. Changing one’s diet to cut out liquid carbs and eat more whole grains and following a regular exercise routine that includes strength training is the best formula for weight loss.
The most common reason for swelling in both ankles is incompetent valves in the leg veins. People can treat this by wearing support hose and elevating the ankles above the level of the heart when possible. Eating less salt can help prevent ankle swelling that occurs in warm weather.
Noticeable bruises as a person ages are related to the tiny blood vessels in the outer layer of skin becoming more fragile. There is not much people can do about this, but they should see their doctors if bruises resemble red or purple spots, appear only on the lower legs, or become painful.
A study described in a research letter published March 22, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that participants steadily gained weight during the first part of the pandemic, from February to June 2020.