Staying Healthy Archive

Processed foods are those that have been changed from their original form. A minimal level of processing may mean the food has simply been chopped and frozen or that inedible parts have been removed. At the next level, processed foods have a few added ingredients. Foods with even more processing are called "ultra-processed" foods. Ultra-processing usually means that the original foods are not recognizable, and include additives such as preservatives, oil, sugar, salt, coloring, and flavoring. If there are more than a few ingredients listed on a food label, that food is probably ultra-processed, which is bad for health.

In a study published online Feb. 14, 2022, by the journal Heart, people ages 65 or older who exercised at least 20 minutes per day—especially men ages 70 to 75—had fewer heart attacks and a lower risk of premature death, compared with people who didn't exercise.

Two important types of fat in the body are white fat and brown fat. White fat is located in the chest, abdomen, and upper legs; too much of it constitutes obesity. Its function is to provide insulation against the cold, store fats derived from food, and continually release small amounts of the fats to be converted into energy. Brown fat is found in small amounts in the neck, shoulders, chest, and abdomen. Its main function is to burn the fat it stores, creating heat that keeps the body warm.

When adult children express concerns about their parents' health, it benefits the parents to consider them. It could be that the kids are observing symptoms of conditions best treated early. If parents disagree with their kids' concerns, experts advise that parents simply express appreciation for the feedback and say they'll think about what the kids have said. If the parents want more information, experts advise writing down the concerns and either calling the doctor or bringing the matter up at the next appointment.

Social isolation and loneliness are other significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease in older women.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended for pain relief in people with high blood pressure because most other options can raise blood pressure. A 2022 study suggests acetaminophen might sometimes have a similar effect.

People can get sunburned even with sunscreen on, particularly if they use old sunscreen or certain drugs and skin care products that leave skin vulnerable. People should stay out of the sun at midday, wear a hat and sunglasses, and frequently apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Over two decades ago, the Diabetes Prevention Program study showed that type 2 diabetes could be slowed or even prevented in people with early signs of it. Now, a long-term follow-up study focusing on death rates from several causes has produced some surprising results.

Tai chi is gentle and not strenuous, but it has been shown to have a positive effect on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, and it can be practiced by people in nearly any state of health or physical condition.

News and social media are filled with disturbing stories and images. Anxiety about war, coming on top of two years of the pandemic, is hitting us particularly hard. The symptoms of war anxiety can be physical or mental; knowing what tools to use and how can help break the anxiety cycle.