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COVID-19 forced most gyms and fitness centers to close and to require more restrictions once they reopen. Home-based exercises are ideal for maintaining fitness during the pandemic. Investing in a stability half-ball and resistance bands can help replicate most machine or hand weight exercises.
New research has found that low levels of vitamin K among older adults may increase their risk of early death. Guidelines suggest men get 120 micrograms of vitamin K per day, or about the amount found in a cup of leafy green vegetables.
People hospitalized for a hip fracture who begin taking anti-osteoporosis medication within 15 to 84 days were less likely to have a subsequent fracture than people who started drug therapy later.
People who treat their high blood pressure with medication also can lower their risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment, like having trouble learning new tasks, concentrating, and making decisions.
Music has unique effects on the brain, engaging different parts of the brain simultaneously. It has been shown to have the ability to alter mood and even improve memory. Musical memories are stored in same part of the brain as habit-memories, such as riding a bike. This may explain why people with Alzheimer’s disease are sometimes able to remember how to play an instrument, when other memories have faded.
A herniated disc is a common problem that can lead to nerve-related pain. Most often the problem will resolve on its own within six months, with rest and use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
Taking a hot bath may have cardiovascular benefits, according to a March 24, 2020, study in the journal Heart. People who bathed daily in warm or hot water had a lower risk of stroke and other cardiovascular problems than less frequent bathers.
To stay healthy this winter, people should stick to tried-and-true infection-control strategies, such as handwashing, following a healthy lifestyle, having regular medical check-ups, and getting a flu shot and other recommended vaccines. This year, wearing a mask and avoiding large gatherings is also important. New products marketed to kill germs may be ineffective; the best cleaning strategy is to wipe surfaces clean, and then use a simple disinfectant.
A mammogram may show calcifications (small calcium deposits) in the arteries of the breast. These may signal that a woman has a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Arterial breast calcifications become more common with age. Some research has found that if a woman has calcifications in her breast arteries, she has a 70% chance of having calcifications in the coronary arteries as well.
If someone is unable to tolerate medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or anxiety, supplements may be an option. Evidence shows that certain supplements may be effective for these conditions, if taken properly under the supervision of your doctor. But to ensure you are buying products that are both safe and effective, look for a quality seal on the label.