Staying Healthy Archive

Strength is not only measured by how much weight a person can lift, but by how well they perform certain movements that are needed to help them stay active, mobile, and injury-free. Three tests that offer a good assessment of strength are grip strength, push-ups, and the sit-and-rise exercise. They can measure strength and highlight areas where people need to improve.

There are no health benefits to taking a daily calcium supplement in addition to the amount of calcium a person gets from a regular well-balanced diet. Too much calcium from supplements can lead to problems, like a higher risk of kidney stones and poor absorption of micronutrients.

A small 2024 study found that serving a ranch dip with salty snacks led people to consume far more calories and eat faster.

Older adults with greater joint flexibility had a lower risk of death than those with less flexibility. Increased flexibility can improve mobility and reduce pain, which may keep people active and help them stay healthier.

Some people might benefit from having an additional expert on their health care team. Examples include an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a certified personal trainer, a dietitian, a personal chef, or a certified driving rehabilitation specialist. A person's doctor can advise on which types of experts would help round out the health care team. Before seeking additional experts, it's important to consider how much their services will cost. They might or might not be covered by insurance.

A 2024 study found that the accuracy of a blood pressure reading is compromised if a person's arm isn't in a certain position. For the most effective measurement, the person should be seated, feet flat on the floor, with the arm supported so the elbow is at heart level.

Beyond plain fruit, it's hard to find extremely healthy holiday desserts. Dietitians recommend opting for desserts that are at least a little healthier than others. Examples of better options include fruit crisps, fruit or vegetable breads, dark chocolate bark, meringue cookies, or fruit dipped in dark chocolate. Yet even those can have high amounts of saturated fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and calories. Dietitians say it will help to have a smaller portion and savor it slowly.

Scientists have discovered new ways to measure how rapidly the body is aging. For example, it's possible to determine body age by measuring the length of telomeres—the ends of the chromosomes inside of every cell. And a 2024 study found that levels of certain proteins in the blood correspond to body age. It's hoped that this information can help lead to anti-aging treatments and also help motivate people to make lifestyle changes (if necessary) to slow the process.