Physical activity is good for the body and the brain, but what about people with thinking and memory difficulties? A new recommendation from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that exercise is indeed helpful for people with mild cognitive impairment. The condition, in which thinking and memory skills deteriorate, often occurs as people age. Mild… read on >
Holiday parties and gatherings mean more trips to nail and hair salons for some. But if you’re not careful, you might end up picking up more than you bargained for. In a recent small survey of nail and hair salon clients, more than two-thirds said they’d had one or more health issues after visiting a… read on >
With a hectic holiday schedule, exercise often falls by the wayside. But finding ways to sneak in activity will help you avoid weight gain and ease some of the stress this season can bring, according to University of Maryland researchers. First, don’t give up cardio exercise just because you don’t have time to do your… read on >
As you age, it’s important to keep up your strength. To build your muscles, you’ll need to lift or push weight, the National Institute on Aging says. Here’s the agency’s advice for starting a strength-training program: Talk with your doctor if you are unsure about starting a specific exercise. Don’t hold your breath during strength… read on >
Many studies have tried to pinpoint the best time of day to exercise for peak performance and best results. But most of these studies were designed for elite athletes. For general fitness, exercise can be whenever it’s most convenient for you. In fact, the best time of day for exercise is whatever time you can… read on >
The doctor who diagnosed Grace Anne Koppel with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) didn’t pull any punches. She should start getting her affairs in order, because she only had three to five years left due to her incurable lung disease. Expect to be hospitalized and on full-time oxygen support within a couple of years. “If… read on >
The U.S. National Institute on Aging suggests performing endurance exercises as you age. This type of exercise benefits your cardiovascular system, lungs and circulatory system. Examples include walking, jogging, swimming and biking. The agency offers these suggestions before starting an endurance exercise regimen: Warm up and cool down before and after exercise. Drink plenty of… read on >
It’s common doctors’ advice to the elderly: Walk around the block each day to help stay fit. Trouble is, that advice might do more harm than good if you live in a neighborhood with smoggy air, a new study shows. British research suggests the unhealthy effects of breathing dirty air might outweigh whatever benefit the… read on >
When it comes to getting and staying fit, women may have an aerobic edge over men, new research suggests. In a small new study, investigators compared oxygen uptake and muscle oxygen extraction in 18 young men and women while they worked out on a treadmill. Oxygen uptake is an important measure of aerobic fitness. Women… read on >
You might be excited to begin an exercise program for better health, but for some people, getting a fitness assessment first is the right way to get started. As part of this exam you’ll learn about appropriate exercises and safety guidelines, such as workout duration and the intensity level best for you. During the assessment,… read on >
