Population-based studies have linked regular sauna use with better heart health. The high temperature inside a sauna—which usually ranges from about 150° F to 195° F—causes blood vessels to dilate, raising the heart rate and increasing blood flow throughout the body. However, randomized trials haven’t found much evidence that saunas can improve measures of cardiovascular health. People with low blood pressure, valve disease, and heart failure should be cautious while using saunas.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
A 2025 study found that in brain MRI scans, people with any evidence of gum disease were more likely to have higher amounts of a marker for disease in the brain’s small blood vessels, compared to people without gum disease.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
According to a 2025 study, women who walked at least 4,000 steps per day once or twice a week had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and early death compared with women who did not reach this threshold.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Overweight or obese men diagnosed with prediabetes who received counseling on healthy eating habits and online support significantly improved their diets and reduced their risk for developing diabetes, according to a 2025 study.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Research suggests that people can exercise in the evening without it affecting their sleep if they avoid physical activity several hours before bedtime.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
A form of strength training called time under tension (TUT)focuses on the amount of time muscles are activated during an exercise rather than the number of repetitions or amount of weight. TUT forces people to use a slower tempo and controlled movements when exercising, which keeps the muscles engaged longer, helping to stimulate muscle growth. TUT can be applied to practically any type of strength training exercise, including free weights and gym machines.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are far more common in women, men can also get them. Signs and symptoms include frequent urination, burning or tingling during or just after urination, cloudy urine with a strong odor, or blood in the urine. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Deep breathing helps your body unwind. Sit comfortably, breathe in for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale slowly for eight. Long exhalations activate the vagus nerve, calming your heart and easing stress. Try it for 15–20 minutes a day.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
A huge study of 473,000 adults found that watching 4+ hours of TV a day is linked to higher risks of dementia, depression, and Parkinson’s. It can’t prove TV is the cause, but it’s one more reason to switch off and get moving.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
A study finds air pollution is linked to reduced cognitive ability. You can’t control outdoor air, but you can improve what you breathe: keep smoking out of the house, avoid busy roads when exercising, close windows on bad-air days, and choose walking, biking, or transit when you can.
Content restricted. Requires subscription