Staying Healthy Archive

Staying Healthy

Preparing for the holidays? Don't forget rapid tests for COVID-19

Published November 2, 2021

As the holiday season approaches again, the desire to gather is tempered by lingering concerns about COVID-19. Rapid COVID-19 tests could provide some reassurance if testing is done as guests arrive at a host's home, though it's important to be aware of the limitations of this approach, including cost, availability, reliability, and how results are obtained.

Staying Healthy

Could high calcium intake damage my heart?

Published November 1, 2021

Past research hinted at a link between heart disease and a high intake of calcium from supplements, but more recent analyses have not found a connection between the two.

Staying Healthy

Is BMI the best predictor of future health?

Published November 1, 2021

Body mass index (BMI) is determined by a combination of one's weight and height. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 represents a healthy weight, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 or greater is obese. BMI is a better measure of health than just weight, but it still has its flaws. It doesn't assess body fat as well in older folks as it does in younger adults. And it doesn't distinguish between fat that's in the belly from fat in other places, like the hips. For this reason, measurements comparing waist to hip size are also used.

Staying Healthy

Going to sleep late at night associated with obesity, big bellies

Published November 1, 2021

An international study published online June 1, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that middle-aged and older adults had an increased risk of being obese or having a big belly if they went to sleep late, compared with a bedtime between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Staying Healthy

Steps to stay safe when you push or pull an object

Published November 1, 2021

Pushing or pulling heavy objects requires strong core and leg muscles as well as the proper stance and technique. Pushing an object is generally safer than pulling an object. To push an object properly, one should stand close to it; keep the knees slightly bent, with one leg slightly behind the other; brace the elbows against one’s sides; tighten the abdominal muscles; and then push the object forward. People who have significant balance issues or use an assistive walking device should not attempt pushing or pulling heavy objects.

Staying Healthy

Is your medication making you lightheaded?

Published November 1, 2021

Many medications can cause lightheadedness, such as drugs to treat depression, high blood pressure, or bladder problems. It’s important to learn about a medication’s potential side effects and be on high alert if lightheadedness is a possibility. A person can jot down the day and time a drug is taken as well as any side effects that follow; those details can help a doctor determine if changes in medicines are required. Someone who continues to feel lightheaded after about a week should report it to the doctor.

Staying Healthy

Are you too embarrassed to go to the doctor?

Published November 1, 2021

Lots of people feel embarrassed during a doctor visit. They may be uncomfortable talking about certain conditions, disrobing, or admitting that they didn’t follow the doctor’s orders. To combat those feelings, it helps to mentally prepare for an appointment. One can question whether certain fears are realistic, chat with a friend for outside perspective, or practice relaxation techniques. During an appointment, it helps to speak up, share concerns, and advocate for oneself and ask for accommodations to deal with embarrassing issues or awkward situations.

Staying Healthy

Breathing your way to better health

Published November 1, 2021

Taking time out of a stressful day to perform simple breathing exercises can reduce chronic stress and prevent the harm it can inflict on the body. Even a few short breathing sessions can make a big difference for many people. Chronic stress, when it goes unchecked, can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, and reduced immune response.

Staying Healthy

You don't say? Pointing a finger(nail) at your health

Published November 1, 2021

Regular, healthy nails are smooth, uniformly shaped, and often with a lighter half-moon shape under the nail near the cuticle. Yet some conditions can show their mark on your fingernails, such as lung disease, psoriasis, and a heart valve infection.

Staying Healthy

Live long and prosper

Published November 1, 2021

Calculating longevity is complex because multiple factors must be considered, such as a person’s age, past health issues, current health status, geography, and lifestyle. While genetics is the best predictor of a person’s ability to live a long life, adopting certain habits can help the body stay healthier longer. These include not smoking, maintaining a healthy body mass index, doing at least 30 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous activity, consuming only moderate amounts of alcohol if any, and following a heart-healthy diet.

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Staying Healthy Archive

Articles

Preparing for the holidays? Don't forget rapid tests for COVID-19

Could high calcium intake damage my heart?

Is BMI the best predictor of future health?

Going to sleep late at night associated with obesity, big bellies

Steps to stay safe when you push or pull an object

Is your medication making you lightheaded?

Are you too embarrassed to go to the doctor?

Breathing your way to better health

You don't say? Pointing a finger(nail) at your health

Live long and prosper

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