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The brain has the capacity to “grow” as a person ages. Exposure to challenging experiences and tasks that require a person to learn and memorize information and skills stimulates the brain to form new neural connections, an ability called neuroplasticity. This helps to maintain, and may even improve, memory and other brain functions.
Studies show that people who regularly adhere to the Mediterranean diet lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, many types of cancer, and cognitive decline with age. But it’s possible that this healthy diet can be made even healthier. New research suggests that making the diet “greener” by boosting amounts of dark green vegetables, green tea, and plant proteins high in the micronutrients known as polyphenols offers even greater benefits.
A minimally invasive treatment known as radiofrequency ablation is just as effective as surgical procedures to treat varicose veins.
Uncommon cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques that involve striking the chest (known as a precordial thump and percussion pacing) are not recommended for cardiac arrests that occur outside the hospital.
People with type D personalities are anxious, irritable, and angry. They also tend to feel ill at ease in social situations and uncomfortable opening up to others—and they have a higher-than-average risk for heart disease. The negative emotions that characterize Type D temperaments trigger the stress response. Repeated surges of stress hormones in the body can cause blood pressure to rise and make the blood more likely to clot. Stress also activates the immune system, triggering inflammation that damages blood vessels.
Cancer survivors should be aware that cancer and its treatments—including newer immune-based therapies—can compromise cardiovascular health. Risk calculators to estimate the 10-year odds of having a heart attack or stroke may underestimate risk in people who’ve received treatment for cancer. Cancer survivors should stay vigilant for any new heart-related symptoms during and after treatment. The most common include shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, and a rapid, irregular heartbeat.
Kiwifruit, or simply kiwi, is a brown, fuzzy, egg-sized fruit with bright green flesh. One provides about 80% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement, and it’s also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin K.
People who have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker should avoid the iPhone 12 as well as wearable devices, such as the Fitbit and Apple Watch, that use magnetic chargers.
After receiving a stent, people normally take aspirin and another anti-clotting drug for up to a year afterward and sometimes longer. Doctors adjust the timeline depending on an individual’s situation.
People new to exercise should do it whenever they feel motivated and energized. Morning workouts may help people feel energized and creative and lead them to make more careful food choices throughout the day. But people’s joints and muscles may feel more limber in the afternoon, and an afternoon workout can provide a healthy, energizing substitute for a 3 p.m. snack.