Dermatologist Dr. Caroline Opene is often asked if certain types of sun blocks are better for people with darker skin. Not necessarily, says the director of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health Skin of Color clinic. “In general, the best sunscreen is the one you put on consistently,” Opene said in a UCLA… read on > read on >
All Do It Herself:
Don’t Sweat It: Any Kind of Weightlifting Helps Build Muscle
Lifting weights regularly builds strength and muscle — and it doesn’t matter if those weights are heavy or light. It’s the act itself, and being consistent, that pays off, according to a new study. All forms of resistance training are beneficial, including body-weight exercises such as planks, lunges and push-ups, according to kinesiologists at McMaster… read on > read on >
Stressed? Depressed? Mindfulness Training Could Offer Long-Term Relief
The centuries-old practice of mindfulness is having a moment in present times, and a new study finds the therapy can improve mental health for at least six months. Analyzing the results of 13 prior studies, U.K. researchers concluded that in-person, teacher-led mindfulness courses were tied to reduced stress and anxiety. Mindfulness “was the seventh step… read on > read on >
As the Popularity of Pickleball Soars, So Do Related Injuries, Poll Finds
Pickleball is a hot trend and it’s getting folks exercising who haven’t been so active in a long time. It’s also racking up injuries — both overuse type and acute traumas — often in those aged 50 and up. A new poll suggests these players are forgoing care when they hurt their knees, wrists and… read on > read on >
Want a Healthier, Happier Old Age? Get Moving
The couch potato life may not be a happy one. When older adults become more sedentary, their overall quality of life takes a hit, new research cautions. Sitting still is your enemy, the study suggests. Even slow walking can help improve your mental and physical health, say the British researchers who tracked more than 1,400… read on > read on >
Aim to Live Happier This Summer. Here’s How
It might seem like sunshine, vacation and time spent with family and friends will bring you happiness this summer. But sometimes it takes a little more effort, said Lina Begdache, an associate professor of health and wellness studies at Binghamton University, State University of New York. If you’d like to lift your spirits, start by… read on > read on >
Dancing Your Way to Better Health
Someone who wants to work out, socialize and feel the beat at the same time may want to put on their dancing shoes. Dancing has many health benefits, according to a doctor from the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Fla., who is a competitive ballroom dancer. “I have patients ranging in age… read on > read on >
Exercise + Good Sleep Best Combo for Aging Brains
Getting regular exercise can help protect against mental decline in an aging brain. But poor sleep can take away those benefits. A new study found that people who were more active but slept less than six hours on average had faster cognitive (mental) decline. After 10 years, their cognitive function was equivalent to that of… read on > read on >
‘Browning Lotions’ Are the Latest Summertime Trend, But Are They Safe?
People are using “browning lotions” to tan quickly, but experts are questioning the safety of this trend driven by social media influencers. Browning lotions work with the sun’s UV rays to darken skin faster. “It is important to know that a tan is never considered to be healthy and exposure to UVA and UVB radiation… read on > read on >
As Pickleball’s Popularity Rises, So Do Related Injuries
Pickleball has burst onto the scene, inspiring people of all ages to pick up a paddle. But as with any sport, it’s possible to get hurt. Some best practices can help prevent injuries, according to a sports medicine expert. For pickleball players, the most common injury is to the rotator cuff tendon in the shoulder.… read on > read on >