Boost vitality by engaging your brain

A healthy diet, regular aerobic exercise, and proper sleep are essential to keep your brain healthy. But a new study that followed older adults into their 90s found that regular work engagement and a high level of life satisfaction are also associated with mind benefits. These help to utilize various thinking skills, increase a person’s sense of worth, and encourage more brain-building goals and activities.

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How important are whole grains in my diet?

Whole grains are equally important as fruits and vegetables for a balanced healthy diet. People who want to choose food products with whole grains should look for the word “whole” or “whole-grain” before the grain’s name as the first ingredient.

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Predicting low-risk prostate cancer

Men who follow active surveillance for managing their low-risk prostate cancer can now use two online calculators to estimate if their cancer will become aggressive in the future. Men can share this information with their doctor to help establish new strategies regarding when they should have PSA tests and biopsies, and whether to continue active surveillance.

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How to build a better core

People looking for new ways to strengthen their core can try walk-and-carry exercises, also known as “loaded carries,” where they hold weights like dumbbells or kettlebells while walking. This type of movement teaches how to brace the core, which engages much of the entire core musculature, including your shoulders, back, and hips.

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Self-care for bursitis

Bursitis is a common age-related joint inflammation that often strikes the knee and elbow, but also can occur in the hip, shoulder, or heel. Injury and repetitive use are the common causes. Fortunately, bursitis often goes away with some basic home self-care treatment. People can also reduce their risk of future flare-ups by practicing preventive measures and being more mindful about protecting their joints.

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Get FITT to better fight heart disease

People who have been diagnosed with heart disease or are at high risk should adopt a regular aerobic exercise routine to help fight many of the disease’s risk factors, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess weight. A formula known as FITT—for frequency, intensity, time, and type—offers a guide to putting together a routine that will keep a person motivated and provide the best heart-pumping workout possible.

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