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Guidelines advise unvaccinated people at high risk for severe COVID to take Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir with ritonavir) soon after symptoms begin. However, a 2024 study suggests that people who are vaccinated and high-risk or unvaccinated and low-risk don’t need to do so.
The original Presidential Physical Fitness Test consisted of five exercises: a one-mile run, pull-ups or push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run, and sit-and-reach. The test gauged upper-body and core strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility for America’s youth. Still, with some modifications, older adults can use the test to assess a baseline of their fitness and identify areas where they need to improve.
Many professional athletes and celebrities swear by the therapeutic benefits of ice bathing, which involves briefly immersing one’s body in cold water. The science around possible health benefits is thin. Still, fans say the practice makes them feel mentally and physically invigorated and reduces muscle soreness. People can try ice baths by filling their tub with cold water and immersing themselves as completely as possible for several seconds to a few minutes.
As they age, men can face obstacles to achieving orgasms during sex, such as anorgasmia (the inability to achieve an orgasm), delayed orgasm (where it takes 30 minutes or longer to climax). Sometimes, lack of arousal is an issue. Men can take steps to help achieve orgasms, such as introducing strategies in the bedroom, such masturbation, using sexual toys, and reading erotica.
Walking may be hampered for a number of reasons, such as arthritis, a joint sprain, or muscle strain. Most often people already have pain from these conditions even before they begin walking. But individuals who are pain-free and then experience pain when walking that gets worse as they walk faster or longer could suffer from one of three conditions: peripheral artery disease, sciatica, or lumbar spinal stenosis. Ironically, the best strategy for any of these is to keep walking and staying as active as possible.
There are many varieties of low-carb diets. Each has its unique approach and some may help jump-start a weight-loss program, But long-term use of very low-carb diets can lack essential micronutrients and may raise the risk of health problems.
A professional head shave done by a barber is an easy, no-fuss way to maintain a shaved head. But do-it-yourselfers can get a clean shave by following these simple steps: cut the hair close to the scalp with an electric trimmer; rinse with warm water; cover the head with shaving oil, gel, or foam; then shave in the direction of hair growth with an electric shaver or a cartridge or safety razor, or both for a close shave.
Older adults might be able to lower their blood pressure by reducing their sitting time by as little as 30 minutes per day, according to a 2024 study.
Using a Web-based app, most people can correctly assess their need for a cholesterol-lowering statin and take the drug appropriately with good results, according to a 2024 study. If approved, the app could facilitate statin use without a doctor’s prescription.
The spouses of people who have heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure may face an elevated risk of depression, according to a 2024 study.