Harvard Health Content API

Popular exercise styles can be subject to trends. Scientists have studied high-intensity bursts of exercise a great deal in recent years, but research continues to also focus on the health benefits of moderate-intensity, continuous movement. Studies suggest both types of exercise can lower the odds of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. High-intensity exercise, however, can help people fulfill recommended exercise guidelines in less time. It does pose drawbacks, however, such as a higher risk of injuries and inflammation to joints and muscles.

As estrogen levels drop, women’s bodies store more fat around the abdomen, fueling a weight shift to the belly. Women can counter this by ramping up protein intake and doing strength training to maintain muscle mass and metabolism.

Vaginal moisturizer and lubricant both combat vaginal dryness, but they’re not the same. Vaginal moisturizers are absorbed into vaginal tissue, while lubricants remain on the surface. Women should speak to their doctor if vaginal dryness persists.

Dentists can help detect health problems far beyond the mouth. These conditions include oral cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoporosis, acid reflux, and eating disorders. People can maximize their dental check-ups by sharing health updates and voicing health concerns. Only two-thirds of Americans visited the dentist in the past year, and many avoid dental visits due to fear or embarrassment. There are many strategies to help people tamp down these emotions, including music, relaxation, and medication.

A 2024 study suggests that reallocating as little as five minutes per day from time spent sitting, standing, or walking to vigorous exercise may help lower blood pressure. Switching out a bigger block of sedentary time for exercise may offer even  greater benefit.

Eating a traditional Mediterranean diet or green Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes more foods high in plant foods, including green tea and duckweed, may help reduce brain shrinkage, a 2024 study suggests.

In a 2024 study, researchers found that the heart rate variability of a dog and its owner mirror each other during interactions, which may reflect the strong emotional connection between humans and their dogs.

Putting on your socks and shoes while standing on one leg is a way to evaluate your mobility, balance, core strength, flexibility, and stability.

Over time, many men experience grief brought on by physical decline where they can no longer perform activities like before, have less endurance, and need more time to recover. Men can manage this grief by accepting these changes as part of normal aging, focusing on what they still can do, adjusting their goals to meet their new abilities, and talking with others going through similar issues.

Erectile dysfunction pills have helped millions of men continue to enjoy an active sex life. However, they may not work for all men, and others may not like being dependent on the medication or are bothered by side effects, such as headaches, flushing, upset stomach, or dizziness. In these cases, men may benefit from nondrug options, such as increasing aerobic exercise, adopting a plant-based diet, performing Kegel exercises, and using sexual aids that help them get and keep erections.