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People who want to reinvigorate their walking workouts might try interval walking, which adds short bursts of fast walking that elevates the heart rate and improves fitness. Another option is Nordic walking, which uses special poles with hand straps that help engage the upper body and burn more calories. On the other hand, a mindful walk (also known as walking meditation) can help relieve stress.
The heart-protecting benefits of a daily low-dose aspirin have to be weighed against the risk of bleeding, a common side effect that is usually minor but sometimes serious. The calculation depends on age and whether a person has cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or a condition that raises risk of bleeding.
Sinus problems are common, especially those caused by allergies, which affect some 40% of American adults. They often manifest as stuffiness, congestion, or a reduced sense of smell. Sinus problems most commonly fall into three categories: acute viral infections, allergy triggered inflammation, and chronic sinus infections.
Many commercial sauces and dressings contain a lot of sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. For example, two tablespoons of an average supermarket barbeque sauce has more sugar than a glazed donut. But there are a number of healthier toppings that can be used on salads, fish, chicken, and pasta, such as homemade fruit salsa, pesto sauce, and olive oil and vinegar–based dressing.
Eating two fruits and five veggies a day may lead to a longer life, according to a recent study.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends more people should undergo lung cancer screening.
Breast centers and the federal government often differ when it comes to breast cancer screening recommendations.
A study published Feb. 16, 2021, in Circulation found that women with blood pressure readings in a normal range may still be at higher risk for cardiovascular events. For example, heart attack risk in women rose at a systolic (the upper number) reading of 110 to 119 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and was the same at this level as men with a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg. But experts say it’s too soon to change blood pressure recommendations for women until more research confirms the results.
People who are vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely visit with family members who aren’t vaccinated, provided they are not at high risk for severe illness and don’t live with someone who is.
The COVID-19 vaccine may cause a harmless temporary swelling of lymph nodes that could be mistaken for cancer on a mammogram or other imaging test.