Staying Healthy Archive

Research we're watching

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Some women squeeze in exercise by using active workstations, which enable them to move more during the workday. But you may wonder: will this type of multitasking make you less productive on the job?

A study in the May issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise says it doesn't appear to. The study authors tested the cognitive performance of 58 workers — 32 young and 26 middle-aged — who were asked to walk for 50 minutes at a time on an active workstation treadmill. The study authors concluded the walking didn't hinder the workers' ability to effectively complete mental tasks, aside from a slight dip in planning skills during the workout. And they were able to log an average of 4,500 more steps per day during their sessions.

Let's cover the original misinformation first: The earliest missives warned that microwaved plastic releases cancer-causing chemicals called dioxins into food. The problem with that warning is that plastics don't contain dioxins. They are created when garbage, plastics, metals, wood, and other materials are burned. As long as you don't burn your food in a microwave, you aren't exposing yourself to dioxins.

Migrating chemicals

There's no single substance called "plastic." That term covers many materials made from an array of organic and inorganic compounds. Substances are often added to plastic to help shape or stabilize it. Two of these plasticizers are

Ask the doctors

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Q. I've been trying to avoid high-fructose corn syrup. Is table sugar a healthier alternative?

A. Wouldn't it be nice if there were a healthy sugar that you could eat guilt-free? Unfortunately, when it comes to high-fructose corn syrup and table sugar, there really isn't a "good" option. High-fructose corn syrup and table sugar are actually pretty similar from a chemical standpoint.

The purpose and engagement of a job you love can keep you healthy and connected.

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While many women dream of kicking back and relaxing into retirement, there's increasing evidence that in some cases, it's better for your brain and your health to keep your nose to the grindstone a little longer.

"The research to date is mixed, but it tends toward the positive — that is, for many people, there are health benefits to working longer," says Dr. Nicole Maestas, associate professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School.

Research we're watching

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Dog is a woman's best … workout buddy? Maybe, says a study published online June 9 by BMC Public Health, which found that having a dog appeared to increase physical activity in older adults.

Researchers asked 43 pairs of dog owners and non-owners to wear an activity monitor for a week to track their physical movements. Subjects wore the device three times over the course of one year. They also kept an activity log that included information about themselves and their dog, as well as their daily schedule. As it turns out, the dog owners spent more time walking than those without a dog, and they also took about 2,670 more steps each day. So, if you've been thinking about getting a dog this might give you one more reason to consider a furry friend.

Can getting quality sleep help prevent the disease?

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A good night's sleep does more than rejuvenate you for the next day. It may help protect you against Alzheimer's disease. Research has begun to show an association between poor sleep and a higher risk of accumulating beta-amyloid protein plaque in the brain, one of the hallmarks of the disease.

"Observational studies have found that adults over age 65 with amyloid plaques in their brain have reduced slow-wave sleep, which is thought to play an important role in memory function, even though these people do not yet show signs of Alzheimer's, like memory loss and cognitive decline," says Dr. Brad Dickerson, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. "It may be that quality sleep could play a role in who may get Alzheimer's."

This benefit from the Affordable Care Act has been around for six years, but few seniors know about it.

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Since it was introduced in 2011 as part of Medicare Part B expansion under the Affordable Care Act, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) has gradually gained in popularity. Still, only a minority of older adults know about it, and even fewer get it, although it can offer many benefits to increase a person's preventive care.

The AWV is a type of annual visit that is designed to address the health risks and needs of aging adults, says Dr. Ishani Ganguli of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Simple tips and a driving evaluation may help keep you and other motorists safer on the road.

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Being able to drive a car is a ticket to freedom, no matter what your age. You don't have to rely on anyone else to get to a supermarket, do errands, meet with friends, or go to a doctor's appointment.

But sometimes, physical changes in older age jeopardize your ability to drive, and you may not realize it. "I hear it a lot — older drivers think they're fine, but their children, doctors, or even co-workers suggest that they get an evaluation," says Amy Donabedian, an occupational therapist and certified driving rehab specialist with the driving assessment program at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Ask the doctor

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Q. I'm confused about vitamin D. How much should I take?

A. There's considerable controversy as to whether most people should take a vitamin D supplement at all. Most of the vitamin D in our bodies is made by our skin, when it is exposed to sunlight. In contrast to most other vitamins, we don't get much vitamin D in our diet. Authorities recommend, however, that children from age 1, and adults through age 70, take 600 international units (IU) daily, and that adults 71 years and older take 800 IU daily. People with, or at risk for, certain bone diseases need to take more than this amount. There's general agreement that doses above 4,000 IU daily can be toxic to adults, with lower doses toxic to kids.