We’ve long been told that vegetarianism can improve heart health, nutrient intake and digestion while lowering the risk of chronic disease and certain cancers — but some plant-based diets may do more harm than good. Case in point: A new study in the scientific journal Neurology finds that high-quality, vitamin-rich plant-based diets go a long … Read more
Your love life could be affecting more than just your heart. A sweeping new study compared people who are or have been married with those who’ve never tied the knot and found one group faces a much higher lifetime risk of cancer. “It’s a clear and powerful signal that some individuals are at a greater … Read more
An estimated 42% of Americans over the age of 55 are expected to develop dementia at some point, but there’s a bright side to that dark statistic. Researchers from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health are adding to growing evidence that one particular personality trait can lower the risk of dementia — … Read more
Sleeping doesn’t count as cardio, but it is good for your heart. And the time you conk out each night could be the difference between a high and a low risk of heart attack or stroke. Finnish researchers studying bedtime habits have found that drifting off to dreamland at the same time each night can … Read more
After a minor stroke, there are several risk factors that can predict another event, according to new research. A study published in the journal Circulation by the American Heart Association investigated what happens after someone has a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini-stroke.” This was a follow-up to the previous PERSIST study, which … Read more
Even occasional binge drinking could triple the risk of a serious liver condition, a new study suggests. Just one episode per month was associated with a threefold increase in advanced liver fibrosis in people with underlying metabolic liver disease, according to research from the University of Southern California (USC). Advanced liver fibrosis is a condition that occurs … Read more
This might make you think twice about skipping your annual shot. A new study suggests older Americans who get a high-dose version of a common vaccine may face a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia than those who stick with the standard jab. The protective effect appears strongest in women — who are about twice … Read more
This campaign wants you to lighten your load. FCancer, a nonprofit focused on cancer prevention and early detection, has declared its mission to “beat cancer off, literally” — imploring men to ejaculate more for their health. At least 21 times a month, to be exact. Ejaculating at least 21 times in a month may reduce the … Read more
It’s known as a “mini” stroke — but a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is no small thing. Though it typically lasts only a few minutes, this temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain can be an early sign that a full-blown, potentially disabling stroke is on the horizon. “A TIA can be a blessing … Read more
Add another downside of lighting up to the list. The risks of smoking are well-documented, from the fact that a single cigarette shortens your life to weed not actually helping anxiety or depression. And while each substance has different neurological effects, new research has found that both marijuana and tobacco physically affect the brain, resulting … Read more
It won’t just be planes that are grounded. A major airline is rolling out a new cabin crew fitness policy – and those who fail risk going without pay. Air India officials will be carrying out body mass index (BMI) checks on its aircraft staff from May 1, local media outlet NDTV reported. Air India … Read more
Dementia is anything but fast — in fact, it’s often described as the “long goodbye.” Over 6 million Americans have the profoundly slow disease, which tends to take years, or even decades, to unfold. The largely irreversible condition gradually erodes personality, cognitive abilities and physical mobility. The good news is that there are lifestyle changes … Read more
Kitchen aid? A new study out of Japan found that older adults who practice a key mealtime habit might lower their risk of dementia by anywhere from 30 to almost 70%. In fact, if they’re beginners with low skills, the benefit is even greater. The World Health Organization estimated that in 2021, there were 57 … Read more
Spring breakers and summer vacationers, pack some extra bug spray. The CDC updated warnings for travelers this week, following outbreaks of a mosquito-borne disease that can cause excessive brain bleeding and vomiting. After detecting a higher-than-expected number of cases, a level 1 global travel advisory was issued by the agency. The CDC updated a travel … Read more
Fast fashion may be affordable, but it can come with hidden health risks for kids. A go-to option for dressing rapidly growing kids at a low cost, fast-fashion lines have been known to fill up landfills with non-biodegradable fabrics containing toxic chemicals. Preliminary research being presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society reported … Read more
A pesticide commonly used in America’s food supply has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, new research suggests. A UCLA study published in the journal Springer Nature Link suggests that exposure to chlorpyrifos could increase the risk of the neurological disease. The chemical is often used on agricultural products like soybeans, fruit and nut trees, broccoli, cauliflower and other … Read more
After ages of being dismissed as “baby blues,” postpartum depression, anxiety and even psychosis are finally being taken seriously. But while moms are dealing with massive hormonal changes on top of stress and sleep deprivation, dads’ mental health can also face challenges. And a new study published in JAMA Network Open found that fathers’ risk for … Read more
Not all booze is created equal — and for wine lovers, that could be good news. Across the country, Americans are cutting back on alcohol, with surveys showing most adults now believe even a drink or two a day can be bad for your health. But new research suggests the story isn’t so simple, suggesting … Read more
Ultra-processed and uber-risky. Cardiology researchers published new findings Tuesday linking junk foods to cardiovascular distress, falling in line with the Department of Health and Human Services’ new dietary guidelines urging Americans to steer clear of foods like chips and candy. Diets made up mostly of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) were found to increase a person’s risk … Read more
It’s utterly simple. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the US, with heightened risk for low-income and marginalized groups. Outside of genetics, reducing these numbers comes down to improving blood pressure, increasing physical activity and making dietary changes. And a single dietary change can make a surprisingly big difference, according … Read more