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Men may be less flexible than women, but stretching offers important benefits for everyone, especially as they age. Stretching may help keep muscles limber, improve balance and posture, prevent injuries, and even benefit sports performance.
A number of physiological changes driven by the body’s internal clock help explain why heart attacks are more common in the morning. These changes include factors involved in blood pressure, blood clot formation, and inflammation.
A 2026 scientific statement from the American Heart Association details nine key features of a heart-healthy diet that can help people protect their cardiovascular health.
Sleeping 11 additional minutes, doing an extra five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and eating just a quarter-cup more of vegetables each day was linked to a 10% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart problems, according to a 2026 study.
People who maintain or improve their heart-related risks over time are less likely to develop calcification of the aortic valve, which may lead to aortic stenosis.
All adults should get a lipoprotein(a) blood test at least once in their lifetime, according to the 2026 cholesterol guidelines. Also known as Lp(a), these fatty particles are similar to LDL (bad) cholesterol but more dangerous.
People with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were less likely to develop depression and dementia than those with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, according to a 2026 research review.
Women who experience premature menopause (when menstrual periods end before age 40) have a 40% higher risk of heart attacks than women who experience menopause after age 40, according to a 2026 study.
Research suggests that when it comes to your overall health, opting for higher-quality, minimally processed foods over lower-quality, nutrient-poor foods is key—and perhaps even more important than the amounts or proportions of foods you eat. Small, consistent food swaps can make a big difference.
Food sequencing calls for eating vegetables and protein before carbohydrates to help stabilize blood sugar and control appetite. Research suggests this pattern may reduce blood sugar spikes and lower hunger hormones, and it may naturally lead to eating fewer carbohydrates.