Many adults take a relaxing bath after an emotional day or to soothe sore muscles with hot water, but few seem to realize that frequent tub time may also mimic the effects of exercise. Researchers have identified a link between hot baths and healthy vascular function via a 2016 study. The study revealed that aquatic heat therapy’s benefits rival those of exercise training for sedentary participants,...
10/21/2019 7:00:00 AM
Step trackers, especially popular brands like FitBit, were designed to motivate people to get moving more. Being able to count the number of steps a person takes in a day gives them the tools they need to assess their current fitness levels and set new goals. Some of these trackers can even be connected to smartphones, with apps that allow for additional tracking — like calorie intake, weight, and...
10/21/2019 7:00:00 AM
There are those who seem to fall asleep the moment their head hits the pillow. Then there are those who stare at the ceiling, struggling to settle down for 30 minutes, an hour or more before finally dozing off.Being able to fall asleep quickly is important because it allows us to get the maximum amount of rest before the alarm sounds. And it helps us to didge the anxiety we might stir up if we lay...
10/18/2019 7:00:00 AM
Sometimes loneliness strikes unexpectedly. Loneliness can come on even if we have a close-knit group of friends or identify as a self-described introvert. Other times, we may desperately want to connect with someone but lack the time, energy or social skills to develop a bond with new or existing friends. Regardless of what triggers our loneliness, it can impact our health in a major way.There are...
10/18/2019 7:00:00 AM
Nearly 20% of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder, yet just over 1 in 3 of them seek treatment. Left untreated, anxiety can damage romantic relationships, friendships and careers. The good news? Many anxiety symptoms are manageable with learnable techniques and/or prescription medication. One little-explored type of treatment is to have a service dog. In fact, many people with anxiety have no idea...
10/17/2019 7:00:00 AM
The anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. A recent Time Magazine article lists story after story of people who believe annual cold-water plunges are responsible for their strong bodies and good health. But is there any evidence to support their claims? We have the real scoop.Claims abound that cold-water plunges can improve immune function, help circulation, fight pain and inflammation and even boost...
10/16/2019 7:00:00 AM
A good night’s sleep is vital. Sleep promotes healthy brain function, not to mention physical and emotional well-being. Without it, we can’t perform well and could suffer devastating health consequences such as heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke and depression, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. So it's pretty important. But over 60 million Americans struggle with sleep...
10/15/2019 7:00:00 AM
The average American logs 44 hours per week with their employer and 50 or 60-hour workweeks are common in some industries. Combine those long workweeks with other commitments, like parenting, social events and volunteer work, and it’s easy to pile too many obligations into an already hectic week. While some adults love leading fast-paced lives, it’s not necessarily good for their bodies — and they...
10/14/2019 7:00:00 AM
It’s an exciting time to be alive. We’re seeing some amazing medical breakthroughs, with plenty more advancements on the horizon. Some of the top researchers in their fields have shared their predictions, and the future of medicine looks bright.Lifesaving Heart AdvancesHeart attacks strike 735,000 people each year in the U.S., killing 610,000 of them. 210,000 of those had suffered at least one previous...
10/11/2019 7:00:00 AM
How many colors do you eat each day? A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential to a long, healthy life. But it's complicated to keep track of how often we eat broccoli. One way to eat better is to try to eat the rainbow every day. (And we don't mean Skittles!) The broader the array of colors we eat, the more varied the nutrients. Need some help adding more color...
10/10/2019 7:00:00 AM