Welcome to Club Meds. More than 4 out of 10 senior citizens take five or more prescription medications — a phenomenon known as polypharmacy, research shows. This practice increases the risk of addiction and medication errors, like taking the wrong dosage or skipping doses altogether. Potential consequences include hospitalization, mental impairment and painful falls. Many … Read more
So much for feeling young at heart. A startling Northwestern University study recently revealed that most Americans’ hearts are aging faster than they are. Men’s tickers were, on average, seven years older than their chronological age, while women’s were approximately four years older. A higher “heart age” than your actual age means you’re at greater … Read more
Nearly 70% of US adults ages 65 and over are living with hypertension — a significant risk factor for heart disease, the country’s No. 1 killer. For those with high blood pressure, experts suggest exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and consuming a nourishing diet. And to make the most of that nourishing diet, experts … Read more
Sex may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, it can be really uplifting for health. Sex is a form of aerobic exercise that conditions the heart and lungs — and it triggers the release of endorphins that improve psychological well-being. But there’s also the risk of injuries. Most boudoir blunders, like minor … Read more
Romaine positive! Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the US — nearly 53,000 Americans are expected to die of it this year. Experts say you can reduce your risk of developing this “silent killer” disease by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and getting screened at age 45 or earlier if you have … Read more
Life’s ruff enough without the added challenge of getting your pudgy pup or tubby tabby to slim down. America’s obesity crisis extends beyond humans — studies suggest that around 60% of dogs and cats nationwide are overweight. The consequences are far from fluffy. Those extra pounds can lead to serious health issues, sky-high vet bills … Read more
Talk about chronic relief. Cancer patients tend to use cannabis to manage side effects of their treatment and ease symptoms such as nausea, pain, insomnia and anxiety. “Research has shown that there is a high rate of cannabis use among cancer patients — more than 50% in some studies, and up to 80% among those … Read more
You’ve been itching to avoid this antibiotic — maybe for no reason. Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by a Scottish bacteriologist. The medication has since become a common treatment for a range of bacterial infections, including strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections and certain urinary tract infections. But not everyone can tolerate penicillin. People allergic to … Read more
A OK? Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. The body converts it into vitamin A, which is vital for good vision, a strong immune system, glowing skin and cellular processes like reproduction and growth. Most healthy individuals get enough vitamin A from their diet, but those with certain medical conditions may … Read more
Shell shock! Nearly 54 million US adults are believed to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when muscles in your throat relax and repeatedly block your airway, causing you to stop breathing as you sleep. Besides disrupted sleep and snoring, OSA can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, … Read more
Talk about omnAIpresent. Some 75% of Americans have used an AI system in the last six months, with 33% admitting to daily usage, according to new research from digital marketing expert Joe Youngblood. ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence services are being utilized for everything from research papers to resumes to parenting decisions, salary negotiations and even … Read more
These seniors are having a moment. Life expectancy in the US hovers around 78.4 years — there’s a special group of people who surpass this mark with flying colors. The retirees, known as “SuperAgers,” exhibit the memory and cognitive abilities of people in middle age. A new report out of Northwestern University reveals unique traits … Read more
A new study has found that the average woman tries to lose weight seven times over their lifespan — but fails six times. The recent double-blinded poll, of 2,000 U.S. women between the ages of 30 and 65, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Boston Scientific, found that 78% have tried to lose weight … Read more
Smoking leaves more than just a bad taste in your mouth — it could be fueling your oral cancer risk. Studies have consistently reported that cigarette users are five to 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. A new study out of UC San Diego suggests that a chronic weed habit carries … Read more
Is this the start of Goo York City? UK scientists have discovered a massive “blob” of rock underneath the Appalachian mountains that’s slowly oozing its way toward New York City, per a slimy new study published in the journal Geology. “This thermal upwelling has long been a puzzling feature of North American geology,” the study’s … Read more
Don’t stall — your butt is on the line. Nearly 53,000 Americans are expected to die of colorectal cancer this year, making it one of the deadliest cancers in the US. Though the death rate has been declining in older adults, it has been steadily rising among people younger than 55 since the 1990s. Because of this … Read more
Just dew it! Spending time outdoors has long been shown to enhance physical and mental well-being by encouraging exercise, fostering social interaction, reducing stress and anxiety, elevating mood, improving focus and even promoting better sleep. Exposure to daylight — especially in the morning — helps synchronize our internal clocks, making it easier to fall asleep … Read more
Don’t drop the ball on this one. Boosting your brain health can be a real balancing act — one that involves regular exercise, a good diet, healthy amounts of sleep and plenty of mentally stimulating activities. But there’s one little trick that’s been shown to help you stay sharp as you age, and while it’s … Read more
The federally funded food stamp program is really delivering for brain health, a new study finds. Over 41 million people participated last year in the US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps low-income families purchase nutritious food. We’ve long known that healthy foods — especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins … Read more
It’s music to our ears. Approximately 11 million people in the US consider themselves deaf or severely hard of hearing. No medications have been approved to treat hereditary hearing loss, but cochlear implants can help people with deafness perceive sound by bypassing damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. “This … Read more