Fight chronic inflammation and cholesterol to protect your heart

High cholesterol and chronic inflammation together raise the risk for heart attacks, strokes, and related problems. Several approaches can fight both at the same time. One is eating a heart-healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, lean proteins (fish and poultry), low-fat dairy foods, and olive oil. Another is controlling weight, since fat tissue triggers chronic inflammation. Other approaches include increasing physical activity and addressing sleep and stress issues.

Content restricted. Requires subscription

Can we slow the aging process?

Scientists are beginning to understand the natural biological processes that control aging, and they have made exciting discoveries about tinkering with the process. For example, they’ve been able to make aged cells act like brand-new cells in lab experiments; they’ve figured out how to make worms live five times as long as they normally would; and they’ve been able to keep mice from becoming obese and from developing diabetes, kidney failure, and heart failure.

Content restricted. Requires subscription

Can you avoid macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration can be slowed or treated. There is hope for future treatments, and many approaches are being studied, such as gene therapy and stem cell therapy. For now the only advice to help ward off AMD is to practice healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising, not smoking, controlling blood pressure, and eating a healthy diet. Getting regular, comprehensive eye exams is one of the best ways to detect eye disease early and save vision.

Content restricted. Requires subscription

Anti-Asian racism: Breaking through stereotypes and silence

On top of the unprecedented strains that COVID-19 has has placed on all of us, Asian Americans have confronted skyrocketing rates of discrimination, verbal assaults, and physical violence. The cumulative burden of these incidents contributes to mental and emotional trauma, even among those not directly attacked.

Content restricted. Requires subscription

Stress may be getting to your skin, but it’s not a one-way street

In addition to everything else associated with stress, it can have negative effects on the skin, and can also aggravate certain skin conditions. But skin and hair also product stress-inducing signals that can travel back to the brain, adding to psychological stress and perpetuating a stress cycle.

Content restricted. Requires subscription