The holiday season is fast approaching. Regardless of what you celebrate, this time of year is a great opportunity to appreciate the gift of health, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To stay safe and healthy this holiday season, the CDC suggests: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Cover your… read on >
Before you accept the challenge of running a marathon, it’s important to make sure you and your body are prepared, says Rush University Medical Center. The school provides eight marathon training tips for the prospective runner: Get a checkup. Ask your doctor if your heart can handle the stress of a marathon. Create a marathon… read on >
With the arrival of winter, it’s time for skiing, sledding and ice skating, but it’s also when snow blindness can strike. Snow blindness is like a sunburn in the eyes. It’s caused by the same UV rays that give you that summer tan. In the case of snow blindness, the rays are reflected off the… read on >
Hiking in the chilly weather can be a fun way to stay active. But before you head out on the trail, it’s important to prepare for unexpected conditions. For safe winter hiking, the North Country Trail Association has this advice: Never go out alone. Always make sure someone knows where you are going. Beware of… read on >
Playing sports may improve the brain’s ability to process sounds, a finding that could lead to new therapies for people who struggle with hearing, researchers report. “No one would argue against the fact that sports lead to better physical fitness, but we don’t always think of brain fitness and sports,” said study senior author Nina… read on >
If you can tackle a tough workout, that may bode well for your longevity, new research suggests. A woman’s risk of dying from heart disease, cancer or other causes is much lower if she can engage in vigorous exercise, scientists report. The new study included more than 4,700 middle-aged and older women, average age 64,… read on >
The holiday season can give you real headaches, but you can take action to prevent them, an expert says. To reduce stress, make plans well in advance and know your limits, advised Dr. Bing Liao, a neurologist at Houston Methodist. “The nature of the holiday season already increases stress levels, so finding small ways to… read on >
Figuring out which nutrition and exercise information is trustworthy may be difficult, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The agency debunks these common misconceptions: Bread, pasta and rice are not necessarily fattening. Try to eat whole grains to feel fuller. You do not have to avoid all fats if you’re… read on >
People are creatures of habit, so breaking old practices and forming new routines can be daunting. To start and maintain a new routine, NorthShore University Health System recommends: Figure out what needs to be in your routine. Set small goals. Lay out a plan. Be consistent over time. Be prepared. Make it fun. Track your… read on >
Pre-workout supplements are the buzz around many gyms and athletic facilities. But before you chug these products and start exercising, it’s important that you know more about the supplements. Cleveland Clinic offers this advice about these products: The supplements typically come in powder or pill form. The main ingredient is usually caffeine. Most brands range… read on >
