Sitting tai chi provides stroke survivors with recovery benefits similar to those achieved with standard rehabilitation, a new study finds. Tai chi involves a series of slow movements of the hands, arms, neck, legs and core combined with deep breathing. Researchers developed a tai chi routine that stroke survivors can do while sitting. “Tai chi…  read on >  read on >

When the world gets you down, go for a walk and make your heart happy. Physical activity is one of the best ways to manage stress and boost your mood, while reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity…  read on >  read on >

If you’re thinking about getting a device to help you sleep better, an expert offers some advice. Sleep-tracking devices range from those that record how much you sleep to those that monitor your sleep stages, but it can be difficult to know if they’ll provide good results and useful information. “Because these devices record wake…  read on >  read on >

With the advent of smartphones came the rise of selfies, shared daily by “like”-seeking millions across social media. But a small new study suggests that, unlike photos taken with regular cameras, smartphone selfies distort facial features in a not-so-flattering way. And those unappealing — if inaccurate — results may be fueling a hankering for plastic…  read on >  read on >

Insomnia is widespread in heart disease patients and significantly boosts the risk of heart attack, stroke or other major heart event, a new study says. The findings show the need to check for and treat sleep problems in heart disease patients, according to researchers. “Our study indicates that insomnia is common in heart disease patients…  read on >  read on >

When implanted heart devices get infected, doctors recommend surgery to remove them, but many patients ignore that advice, a new study reveals. More than eight in 10 patients with an infected implant (such as a defibrillator or pacemaker) choose antibiotic treatment instead, though it puts their life at risk. Having the devices removed carries a…  read on >  read on >

Alzheimer’s patients are often drowsy during the day, but it might not be because of poor sleep at night. Instead, a clinical trial that monitored patients’ sleep and then studied their brains after death discovered an entirely different reason for such sleepiness — they suffer a loss of neurons that help keep a person awake.…  read on >  read on >