Don’t expect to sweat away the heart risks posed by sugary sodas and drinks, a new study warns. Canadian researchers found that even if the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity protects against cardiovascular disease, it’s not enough to counter the adverse effects of sugar-sweetened beverages. “Physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease… read on > read on >
All Do It Herself:
Exercise Can Be a Painkiller for Cancer Patients
Being active may help ease ongoing cancer pain. That’s the key takeaway from a study of more 10,600 people with a history of cancer and over 51,000 without the disease. A team led by Erika Rees-Punia of the American Cancer Society and Christopher Swain of the University of Melbourne in Australia asked participants about their… read on > read on >
Healthy Living Builds ‘Cognitive Reserve’ in Brain That May Prevent Dementia
New research suggests healthy lifestyles can help stave off dementia, perhaps by building a resilient ‘cognitive reserve’ in the aging brain. The study was based on the brain autopsies on 586 people who lived to an average age of almost 91. Researchers compared each person’s lifestyle and end-of-life mental skills to their neurological signs of… read on > read on >
Neighborhood Gyms Can Be a Lifeline for Stroke Survivors
Exercise is crucial to recovering from a stroke, helping victims regain lost physical and mental function. And stroke survivors are more likely to remain physically active — or even exercise more than before — if they have access to a neighborhood rec center or gym, a new study finds. The odds of a patient being… read on > read on >
Nerve Zaps Plus Intense Rehab Can Help Stroke Survivors Use Hands, Arms Again
Losing the use of an arm after a stroke can be devastating, but new research could offer survivors fresh hope. The study found that a combination of targeted brain stimulation therapy, along with intense physical rehabilitation, can restore control of an affected arm or hand. “This is the first time that brain stimulation combined with… read on > read on >
Just a Small Boost in Fitness Cuts Men’s Prostate Cancer Risk
Even small increases in a man’s cardio fitness can significantly reduce his risk of developing prostate cancer, researchers report. An annual increase in aerobic fitness of 3% or more is linked to a 35% lower risk of prostate cancer, according to a report published Jan. 30 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. “Improvements in… read on > read on >
Tips to Help Your Skin Thrive This Winter
Winter isn’t kind to your skin. Dry, cold weather causes dryness, and you might even develop “winter rash” — dry, irritated skin that’s red, bumpy, flaky and burns. That’s why it’s prime time to step up your skin care routine. Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde, assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, shared… read on > read on >
All That Sitting at Work Is Shortening Your Life
Your office chair could be a killer. New research shows that folks who spent most of their workday sitting were 16% more prone to an early death, compared to folks in non-sitting jobs. The Taiwanese study did offer workers a glimmer of hope, however: Getting up & moving a bit during the workday or adding… read on > read on >
When Weight Loss Cures Diabetes, Risks for Heart Disease Tumble, Too
Folks who drop pounds to help control their diabetes receive other substantial heath benefits for all their efforts, a new study says. Substantial weight loss that led to even a short-lived remission in type 2 diabetes also prompted a 40% lower rate in heart disease and a 33% lower rate of kidney disease, researchers report… read on > read on >
Cardio or Resistance Workouts: Is There a Best Combo for Your Heart?
Getting bored with your treadmill or exercise bike? Picking up a couple dumbbells instead of lacing up your running shoes once in a while won’t do your heart any harm, a new study reports. Splitting the recommended amount of physical activity between aerobic and resistance exercises reduces the risk of heart disease just as well… read on > read on >