Practicing yoga might help older adults become a little surer on their feet, a new research review suggests. The review, of 33 small clinical trials, found that older adults who participated in yoga programs typically gained some lower-body strength and boosted their walking speed. Experts said the findings suggest that yoga might help older adults… read on > read on >
All Do It Herself:
Could Walks in the Park Ward Off Postpartum Depression?
New moms who live on tree-lined streets may be somewhat less vulnerable to postpartum depression, according to a new study — the latest to link “green space” to better mental health. The study, of medical records from more than 415,000 new mothers, found that those living in urban areas with more tree coverage had a… read on > read on >
Does Running Bring on Arthritic Knees?
New research offers up some good news for diehard marathon runners: You don’t necessarily have to give up running if you are experiencing hip or knee pain. Contrary to widespread opinion, running marathons does not increase your risk for developing hip or knee osteoarthritis, the wear and tear form of the disease, a new study… read on > read on >
Arm in a Cast? Exercising the Other Arm Can Curb Muscle Loss
You can keep an arm in a cast from wasting away, researchers say, by working out your free arm. A small group of young men who performed eccentric contraction exercises with one arm — lowering a dumbbell in a slow and controlled motion — saw a 4% strength improvement in the other arm, even though… read on > read on >
70 or Older? An Extra 500 Steps a Day Could Do Wonders for Your Heart
While the idea of getting 10,000 steps a day is bandied about as a good walking goal, that can be intimidating to some people, depending on how fit they are. Now, new research in adults between the ages of 70 and 90 finds that a much smaller number of steps can make a difference in… read on > read on >
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Takes Big Toll on Mental Health
When Dr. Yezaz Ghouri sees patients with the cramping, abdominal pain and diarrhea that are hallmark symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), he’ll typically ask how life’s going. More often than not, his patients say they are experiencing stress in their lives. Now, Ghouri’s team has established a link between IBS and anxiety, depression and… read on > read on >
Short Brisk Walk Each Day Could Cut Your Odds of Early Death
A brisk 11-minute daily walk can help you live longer, a new University of Cambridge study reports. Researchers found that 75 minutes a week — 11 minutes daily — of moderate-intensity physical activity is enough to lower a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. The investigators estimated that 1 in 10 early deaths… read on > read on >
10 Ways You Can Cut Your Risk for Dementia
Causes of different kinds of dementia vary, but about 40% are affected by risk factors a person can influence through lifestyle choices. Two University of Michigan neurologists offer 10 tips for modifying those risks. Keep blood pressure in check. Dr. Judith Heidebrink, a neurologist who is co-leader of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s Clinical… read on > read on >
Over 40? Just 20 Minutes of Daily Exercise Can Keep You Out of the Hospital
If you’re over 40, regular exercise may not only keep you fit — it might keep you out of the hospital, too, a large new study suggests. Researchers found that among nearly 82,000 British adults, those who regularly exercised were less likely to be hospitalized for various health conditions in the coming years. The list… read on > read on >
Getting Your Child Ready for Spring Sports
Spring sports season will be here soon, so it’s time to get kids ready after a winter break. Sports can teach valuable lessons, including teamwork, good sportsmanship, good communication, preparing for success, handling a loss, time management and the importance of doing your best, according to Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. Pediatrician Dr. Stacy… read on > read on >