Insulin resistance can make you more than twice as likely to develop major depression, even if you haven’t developed full-blown diabetes, a new study reports. Initially healthy people who later developed prediabetes were 2.6 times more likely to come down with major depression during a nine-year follow-up period, according to the findings. “The insulin-resistant folks… read on > read on >
All Do It Herself:
AHA News: A Year of Committed Exercise in Middle Age Reversed Worrisome Heart Stiffness
TUESDAY, Sept. 21, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — A year of exercise training helped to preserve or increase the youthful elasticity of the heart muscle among people showing early signs of heart failure, a small study shows. The new research, published Sept. 20 in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, bolsters the idea that… read on > read on >
Post-Stroke Rehab: There’s a Sweet Spot in the Timing
After a stroke, the best time to work on regaining hand and arm use is 60 to 90 days later, according to a new clinical trial. Starting intensive rehab at less than 30 days can be helpful, too, but waiting until six months can be too late for maximum benefit, said researchers from Georgetown University… read on > read on >
Kids in Marching Bands Under Threat From Heat Illness
It’s not just athletes on the field who suffer when outdoor temperatures get too high. Members of college and high school marching bands are at increased risk of heat-related illness, too, researchers warn. “They go out there, and they often wear these really heavy wool uniforms,” said lead author Andrew Grundstein of the University of… read on > read on >
Using a Hair Removal Gel or Cream? Here’s How to Do It Safely
When hair sprouts where you don’t want it, you can always shave, but other ways to remove unwanted body hair can last longer. The downside: Chemical hair removers can cause burning, itching or redness. “Hair removal creams, lotions and gels are quick and easy to use, but they can sometimes irritate the skin,” dermatologist Dr.… read on > read on >
What Helps Your Heart More, Losing Fat or Gaining Muscle?
Shedding excess weight does much more for the long-term heart health of young people than building muscle, new research suggests. It’s not that gaining muscle while young proved to be a cardiovascular problem. It’s just that losing fat offered bigger heart benefits. “We absolutely still encourage exercise,” said study lead author Joshua Bell, a senior… read on > read on >
Special ‘Strategies’ Can Help People With Parkinson’s Walk, But Many Patients Unaware
Movement can be very difficult for people with Parkinson’s disease, as shaking and stiffness play havoc with balance, coordination and gait. There are many different tricks Parkinson’s patients can use to improve their walking and avoid injury from a bad tumble — but a new study reveals that people often have to figure them out… read on > read on >
Anxious? Maybe You Can Exercise It Away
Anxiety prevention may be just a snowy trail away. New research suggests cross-country skiers — and perhaps others who also exercise vigorously — are less prone to develop anxiety disorders than less active folks. Researchers in Sweden spent roughly two decades tracking anxiety risk among more than 395,000 Swedes. Nearly half the participants were skiers… read on > read on >
Mom’s Exercise in Pregnancy May Help Baby’s Lungs
Exercising during pregnancy can benefit babies’ lungs, Scandinavian researchers report. “This study offers a fascinating hint that increased physical activity of mothers is associated with better lung function in their babies and, therefore, possibly their health in later life,” said Jonathan Grigg, head of the European Respiratory Society Tobacco Control Committee, who was not involved… read on > read on >
All Those Steps Every Day Could Lead to Longer Life
Miami publicist Robin Diamond is “step-obsessed.” She aims for 10,000-plus steps every day using her Apple watch and even bought a treadmill during the COVID-19 quarantine to make sure she reaches her daily goal. The 43-year-old has lost 15 pounds since April 2019 and feels better than ever before. “Walking saved my sanity and restored… read on > read on >