Exercise & Fitness Archive

Staying Healthy

Losing steam? Avoid these energy zappers

Updated July 2, 2021

Exercise & Fitness

Does exercise really boost energy levels?

Published July 1, 2021

Exercise can create physical changes that help increase energy levels inside the body. In addition, it can induce better sleep at night, which helps people feel more energetic in the morning.

Women's Health

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Updated June 1, 2021

A study published Feb. 16, 2021, in Circulation found that women with blood pressure readings in a normal range may still be at higher risk for cardiovascular events. For example, heart attack risk in women rose at a systolic (the upper number) reading of 110 to 119 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and was the same at this level as men with a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg. But experts say it’s too soon to change blood pressure recommendations for women until more research confirms the results.

Staying Healthy

Coming out of COVID

Updated June 1, 2021

As Americans begin to slowly move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may face old and new challenges. People should use this transition period to prepare mentally and emotionally for a post-COVID world. Steps include planning how to safely return to social gathering, restarting health habits that have fallen away, and addressing mental health issues.

Staying Healthy

No equipment necessary

Updated June 1, 2021

People who are not ready to return to the gym can get an all-around workout at home by using only their body weight. Body-weight exercises are often comparable to using weights and machines, and help people return to fitness after an injury or long layoff. They also can help older adults improve everyday movements. A simple workout might include chair squats, step-ups, and push-ups.

Staying Healthy

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

Updated June 1, 2021

A study described in a research letter published March 22, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that participants steadily gained weight during the first part of the pandemic, from February to June 2020.

Heart Health

Have a safe trip!

Updated June 1, 2021

People with heart-related conditions or risks should take simple precautions when travelling by airplane. These include taking steps to ease stress, such as listening to music or reading a good book; bringing medications in their original containers in carry-on luggage; and not worrying too much about blood clots, which are uncommon during air travel even in people with a history of clots.

Staying Healthy

Plant-based diet quality linked to lower stroke risk

Updated June 1, 2021

People who ate healthy plant-based foods had a 10% reduction in stroke risk, compared with people who ate unhealthy plant-based foods, according to a Harvard study published online March 10, 2021, by the journal Neurology.