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New research suggests that people who wake up an hour earlier than usual, without sleeping less, may reduce their risk of major depression.
People who regularly skip breakfast miss getting vital nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin C, and fiber found in typical breakfast foods. They also are less likely to get the recommended daily amounts of folate, iron, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and D.
Older couples face many natural changes in their bodies that can interfere with their sex life. For men it’s falling testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction, while for women it’s often effects from menopause. Couples should see this new phase as an opportunity to explore different ways to stay intimate and satisfy each other’s needs without relying on traditional intercourse.
Approximately 88 million Americans—more than one in three—have prediabetes, a condition in which the average amount of sugar in the blood (glucose) is high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Among people who develop prediabetes, older ones are less likely than younger ones to eventually develop full-blown diabetes. Still, they should have their glucose levels checked, as prediabetes can put them at high risk for heart attack and stroke.
Men’s hair turns gray and falls out because of genes, declining hormones, and advancing age. The speed and severity this happens varies per person, but there is little that men can do about these hair changes.
Tai chi helps improve balance and coordination, especially among older adults. Now, a study has shown that the ancient mind-body practice also can offer health benefits similar to conventional exercise like aerobics and strength training.
Short-duration high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to have similar—and possibly better—health benefits than longer, lower-intensity exercise. HIIT workouts consist of quick spurts of draining physical effort, followed by rest, repeated multiple times, and usually last from 15 to 30 minutes. Research has found it’s possible to shrink HIIT workouts to five to 10 minutes—known as low-volume HIIT—and still receive benefits. Consistent intensity and attention to form and execution are needed to be effective.
Overtraining is the point at which people train so hard and for so many hours that recovery does not occur after regular periods of rest. This can lead to post-exercise fatigue. Many health issues also can cause the problem, such as anxiety, depression, an unhealthy diet, or poor sleep. Taking time off and spreading out exercise days often can improve fatigue. If not, see a doctor.
At some point, almost everyone experiences the passing of a loved one whether it’s family, a friend, a spouse, or a beloved pet. Grieving is a natural process that is essential to healing. The best way to deal with grief is to look for ways to make the mourning and healing process less challenging. These include acknowledging grief, embracing the lost loved one’s community, and speaking with others who have gone through grieving.
Depending on the stage of localized prostate cancer, a man’s doctor might recommend radiation therapy or hormonal therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), or a combination of both. Hormone therapy decreases androgens, the male sex hormones that fuel prostate cancer cell growth. When used with radiation, hormone therapy helps to improve radiation’s effectiveness. The side effects are common, but can be managed with diet, exercise, supplements, and other lifestyle habits.