Exercise helps more than just the waistline, and should be a part of every healthy person’s life, the National Library of Medicine says. According to the agency, exercise: Helps control your weight. Reduces your risk of heart disease by strengthening the heart and improving your circulation. Helps lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Helps your…  read on >

Workplace wellness programs are great ways to get in shape, but what if your employer doesn’t offer one? Here’s how to get the (exercise) ball rolling. First, talk to your human resources manager and make the case for wellness initiatives with physical activity components. Highlight the U.S. government’s exercise guidelines for adults — to get…  read on >

Whether you’re training for a marathon or just logging miles, cold-weather running requires some special health and safety precautions, according to a sports medicine expert. That said, it also gives you a chance to get ahead of the competition because people often don’t train once serious cold sets in, Dr. Joshua Blomgren said in a…  read on >

For those still open to adding to their list of New Year’s resolutions, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering its top 10 healthy suggestions. First, Americans should make an effort to cut back on sugary drinks, medical experts advise. Diabetes screening is also a good proactive step as the new year unfolds. The AMA…  read on >

A lack of exercise puts kids at risk for very adult problems, like obesity and diabetes. Now there’s also research that links exercise to their cognitive development and achievement in school. Turns out that physical activity gives the young brain needed boosts, according to a study published in Monographs of the Society for Research in…  read on >

Exercising with a buddy can give you both mental and fitness boosts. In fact, under the right conditions, the intensity and duration of exercise among workout partners can be more than twice that of solo efforts, according to research led by Kansas State University’s Dr. Brandon Irwin. Here’s how to make the most of a…  read on >

Being well should include focusing on mental health, avoiding substance abuse and getting the proper medical care, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says. Here are the agency’s suggestions for a healthier lifestyle: Don’t smoke or abuse drugs. Limit alcohol. Eat healthy foods. Exercise often Keep an eye on weight, blood pressure,…  read on >

Gaining too much baby weight is an issue for many pregnant women. What’s more, if you don’t lose those pounds, they could pose a problem during your next pregnancy, according to a study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. Researchers looked at nearly 8,000 women who had babies two years apart and found that…  read on >

Getting into shape or losing a few pounds is a worthy New Year’s resolution, but one that comes with a warning: Take it slow. Jumping whole-hog into an exercise regime is a good way to get yourself hurt if you haven’t worked out for a while, experts say. “People get into trouble when they want…  read on >

If you’re exercising outdoors this winter, take special precautions, a sports medicine expert advises. With winter’s chill upon us, it’s become increasingly important to check the weather conditions — including the forecast and wind chill — before starting out. Then, adjust your clothes accordingly, suggested Dr. Theodore Shybut, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at…  read on >