| 1. |
Losing weight on your own can be a challenge. Medical weight-loss programs offer support and structure to help you succeed. Medical weight loss is not a magic pill that takes off pounds, and it's not surgery. It is a physician-guided method for developi...
|
| 2. |
...ligned? Try adding these important but easy steps to your sleep routine: Avoid taking naps late in the afternoon and evening to prevent disrupting your natural sleep patterns. Darken your screens at least 30 minutes before going to sleep. The blue light can interfere with your body's sleep-wake cycle. Don't consume food, caffeine or alcohol at least three hours before bed. Ensure your bedroom is dark ...
|
| 3. |
...se awakenings become a problem? Don't watch the clock . If you’ve been awake for more than 20 minutes, get out of bed and take a warm bath or read until you’re tired. Exercise Regularly . Aim for at least 20 minutes of activity daily, but not within three hours of bedtime. Maintain a Restful Environment . Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool (between 60–67° F). It also helps to have a routine, such ...
|
| 4. |
We completely understand if you’ve bundled up on the couch all winter. It’s been so cold that we’ve even seen snowfall in unexpected places like Alabama, Florida and Georgia. But, now, it’s time to ease our way out of hibernation mode—and a little spring cleaning can help with that! Not only does it freshen your environment, but it also can improve your physical and ment...
|
| 5. |
Do you ever think about how much we talk about our bones but not in the medical sense? When we're tired, we're bone-weary. We laugh when a joke tickles our funny bones. We even call cool people "hip." But when was the last time you thought about your bones? And we don't mean pla...
|
| 6. |
...ct. And it's not just for the young. A 2023 study in The Lancet reported over 40% of people 50 to 92 have been sexually active in the last year. If you haven't been, that's okay, but there could be a medical reason that part of your life has changed. Common conditions, including menopause, diabetes, heart disease, urinary incontinence, lower testosterone and prostate issues, can hinder sex due to hormona...
|
| 7. |
...them naturally in many food items and also take them as supplements. Probiotics are usually referred to as "helpful" or "friendly" bacteria as they can eliminate unhealthy bacteria that might lead to medical problems. They can improve your gut health, benefit your digestion, aid immunity and even support weight loss. Studies suggest probiotics even fight obesity by producing hormones that manage hunger—l...
|
| 8. |
...luid-filled sacs between joints, become inflamed, it can cause joint pain that often worsens when sitting or during physical activity. Bursitis is caused by falls, overuse or trauma to the joint, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus. Hip Fractures and Misalignment . Falls, sports injuries, or medical conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis can cause fractures—the symptom...
|
| 9. |
...o stand on one leg is an indicator of longevity. If you have trouble, stand behind a chair, holding onto the backrest with both hands. Then, lift one knee toward your chest and try to balance for at least five seconds before switching legs. Repeat the process five to ten times. Modified Plank - Use an exercise ball to help build your core, as a strong body helps with balance. If you've done yoga befor...
|
| 10. |
...eir alcohol habits have changed since the onset of the pandemic. If your drinking habits changed over the last two to three years, you're not alone. Between 2000 and 2016, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported a rise in alcohol-related deaths among middle-aged, white Americans. And during the onset of the pandemic, alcohol sales spiked even higher (one study found online sales were up ...
|
| 11. |
It's easy to tell when we're parched after a workout, while eating a salty snack or if we're outside on a hot summer day. However, there are other signs your body may use to signal...
|
| 12. |
...for learning and memory. Alcohol can also alter your coordination, cause sleep problems and spike depression and anxiety. Cancer risk . People who drink excessively have a higher risk of developing breast, mouth, throat, esophageal, liver and colon cancers. It's believed alcohol increases estrogen, which is linked to an increased risk of getting breast cancer. Digestion . Heavy drinking can lead to st...
|
| 13. |
The CDC reports that over 34 million American adults have diabetes. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can cause long-term health complications like cardiovascular disease, nerve ...
|
| 14. |
... had no PCP Maybe you, too, have avoided the doctor's office because you're worried about the cost or had a negative experience in the past. If that's the case, maybe it's time to reconsider having a medical professional who can help you manage your health. Here are four big reasons you should seek out a primary care provider in 2022. Doctor-patient bond. A consistent relationship with a doctor means you...
|
| 15. |
...k beyond altering your fat intake. Exercise. Being overweight means an increase in LDLs. Activity encourages enzymes to move LDL from your blood. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, like walking or biking. Screenings. Adults 20 and older should schedule cholesterol checks with their healthcare provider every four to six years if low-risk....
|
| 16. |
... but decisions should be individualized based on your risk level after talking with your doctor. Sexually transmitted infections. All people between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once. Sexually active men should be tested annually for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Skin Health Skin cancer screening. Even if you are diligent about sunscreen and protective clothing, annual ...
|
| 17. |
October is breast cancer awareness month, and it's time to be sure breast health screenings, including mammograms, are up to date. But don't stop there. Stay ahead of the curve by staying current with all of these imp...
|
| 18. |
...cans didn't have a primary care provider as of 2018, and this number is only growing larger. However, it's important to develop a relationship with a PCP because they can: Maintain your comprehensive medical record, including medications, vaccinations and allergies. JAMA reports patients with PCPs are more likely to book flu shots, cancer screenings and blood pressure checks. Understand your health histo...
|
| 19. |
... losing as little as 5% can reduce your risk factors. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for the condition. In 2022, research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that patients experienced a reduction in liver fat as soon as five weeks after surgery. After a year of sustained weight loss, patients’ liver fat was nearly gone. Talk to your d...
|
| 20. |
...l vision loss (what you need to read and drive) or complete blindness. Risks Being 60 or older. Are of Black, Asian or Hispanic descent and older than 40. Family history of glaucoma. Suffer from some medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, high blood pressure or sickle cell anemia. Used corticosteroids for a long time. Past eye issues, including retinal detachment, thin corneas, t...
|
| 21. |
...ike fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, irregular heartbeat, swelling in your legs or ankles, dizziness and unexpected weight gain. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and seeking medical help when you need it—regardless of the weather—is important.
|
| 22. |
...cline. Exercise your mind and body. Physical exercise provides your body with oxygen, reduces inflammation and stimulates cell and blood vessel growth—even in the brain. That’s why getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week is important. However, puzzles that require you to utilize language, logic, visuals and problem-solving skills can help, too. Get b...
|
| 23. |
We see it glamorized all the time—5 a.m. wake-ups and working late. That’s because, for many people, success means constant productivity. However, is the allure of "hustle culture"...
|
| 24. |
...roup also offers a "Guide to Healthy Cleaning" . Even if no one in your house or workplace suffers from asthma, looking out for VOCs could prevent asthma in the future. In 2020, a study in a Canadian medical journal linked household cleaning product use early in life to wheezing and asthma risk in kids under three. Another study found weekly chemical cleaner use can decrease overall lung function.
|
| 25. |
... . Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Walking, water aerobics and dancing are good ways to get your heart pumping, but don’t forget to lift weights or use resistance bands at least twice weekly. Engaging in weight-bearing exercises like walking for 150 minutes per week can decrease fall risk by as much as 40%. Get a grip . Grip strength is an indicator of overall strength and i...
|