Regular physical activity has all sorts of benefits, and now researchers say it may help ward off serious pneumonia. Until now, it wasn’t clear how exercise affected the risk of pneumonia, an infection of the lung tissue usually caused by bacteria or viruses. To find out, researchers analyzed 10 studies that included a total of…  read on >  read on >

Dirty air could cancel out some of the brain benefits of exercise, a new study suggests. “Physical activity is associated with improved markers of brain health in areas with lower air pollution,” said study author Melissa Furlong. “However, some beneficial effects essentially disappeared for vigorous physical activity in areas with the highest levels of air…  read on >  read on >

A heart condition, myocarditis, has been found in a number of U.S. college athletes who have had COVID-19, a new study finds. Myocarditis has also been linked in some young people to the COVID vaccine. But the odds are far greater that this inflammation of the heart muscle will occur in those who get COVID…  read on >  read on >

Repetitive head hits are common in football, and they’re also linked to debilitating brain injuries. But rendering a definitive diagnosis typically means waiting for autopsy results after the player has died. Now, a new study suggests that brain scans can reliably spot troubling signs of sports-inflicted neurological damage while a person is still alive. The…  read on >  read on >

A return to a more normal holiday season may also mean higher stress levels, so an expert offers some coping tips. Don’t get too focused on buying the perfect presents, making the best dinner or planning the perfect party. Try to be mindful of pleasant things and moments, suggested Jennifer Wegmann, a health and wellness…  read on >  read on >

Seniors, looking for a way to stay mentally quick and physically strong? Start scrubbing. Researchers from Singapore say housework may be a key to keeping your brain sharp as you age. Their new study found that in older adults, cleaning house was tied to a better memory and attention span, and stronger legs, which helps…  read on >  read on >

A new study is highlighting yet another consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic: It has likely made it even harder for kids with obesity to manage their weight. The findings, researchers said, are no surprise. Many adults, faced with normal life being upended during the pandemic, have seen changes on the bathroom scale. It’s also clear…  read on >  read on >