Healthy aging and longevity 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.

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.

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.

Knuckle cracking doesn't "crack" a joint. The sound comes from gas bubbles bursting in the fluid inside the joint. While knuckle cracking is mostly harmless, other types of noises or the presence of pain can indicate a more serious joint problem.

Doctors advise that the best ways to lower risk for heart disease is to exercise, eat right, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits, like stress management, social engagement, and adequate sleep. But what do cardiology doctors do to practice what they preach? Three Harvard cardiologists share their heart-healthy habits and how they've overcome the same challenges their patients face.

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.

Hiking continues to be one of the safest activities people can enjoy during COVID because it is done outside and away from confined group settings. The outdoor adventure also is one of the best exercises for both body and mind, as it can improve lower-body strength and endurance, increase balancing skills that can protect against falls, lower levels of stress and anxiety, and reduce the risk of depression.

Researchers who began collecting data on thousands of people, starting when they were children and following up decades later, found that five risk factors influence health outcomes in adulthood. Parents should know the important steps they can take to get their children started toward healthy lives as adults.

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.