Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is a major problem as people age. It can lead to disability, osteoporosis, falls, hospital stays, and even death.[1] Wondering how to prevent sarcopenia? Taking a few natural steps now can improve muscle health and help maintain autonomy and well-being into … Read More
I love taking long walks in the park near my house. Walking is peaceful to me, and I love the chance to be outside and get my legs moving. And while I also enjoy running and would love to run more, it is definitely more of a challenge for me; … Read More
Your total cholesterol and your LDL cholesterol have traditionally been considered the most important predictors of your risk for cardiovascular disease and are therefore most doctors’ primary focus when interpreting your cholesterol test. In addition to these numbers, your HDL and triglycerides are becoming more and more recognized as important … Read More
Energy Drink Dangers A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that energy drinks can cause abnormal heart electrical activity and increase blood pressure. Forty healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 40 were given two unmarked 16-ounce bottles of different commercially available … Read More
Studies examining the association of sleep behaviors with neuromuscular performance and daytime function in older women found that sleep deprivation is associated with worse physical function during the day. Women who slept less than six hours per night walked 3.5 percent slower than those who slept six to eight hours. … Read More
Whenever I have considered going vegetarian or vegan, I have always decided against it for one simple reason: I enjoy meat, from roasted chicken to the occasional steak to fresh salmon. I already avoid many animal products like dairy and eggs, and much of my diet already is plant-based, but … Read More
You no doubt have heard that high cholesterol is bad for you, but what does that really mean? And exactly what is cholesterol? You may have heard terms like low-density lipoprotein or high-density lipoprotein, but which is good and which is bad? And you may wonder whether you can reduce … Read More
Thanks to medical advances, Americans are living longer than at any other time in history. For many, the same medical technology that increases lifespan also increases quality of life. But for some, longevity comes at the expense of dignity and comfort, and in contravention of what they may actually want. … Read More
As the old adage goes, you are what you eat, and when it comes to hypertension, your diet is a major driver of your blood pressure. If salty foods have a familiar place on your dinner plate, chances are you’ll see your blood pressure numbers rise. Conversely, a low-sodium diet … Read More
Cold weather can be hazardous for anyone, but particularly for older adults, because falling temperatures can cause hypothermia and frostbite, particularly if there are multiple days in a row in which the temperature drops below freezing. This makes it crucial for older adults to protect themselves from adverse weather and … Read More
