Seniors battling insomnia are best off picking up some dumbbells or doing some push-ups, a new evidence review suggests. Resistance exercise, activities that make muscles work against an external force, appears to be the best means of improving sleep in older adults, researchers found. “Exercise that strengthens muscles, rather than aerobic or combination exercises, is…  read on >  read on >

Bad meetings don’t just waste time — they can leave workers with a “meeting hangover,” new research shows. More than 90% of employees surveyed by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte said they sometimes experience these “hangovers” — lingering frustration and distraction after unproductive meetings. More than half said these “hangovers” hurt their overall…  read on >  read on >

Many Americans remain unaware of the cancer risk for both men and women posed by human papillomavirus (HPV), a new Ohio State University poll has found. Most people don’t know much about HPV and its long-term cancer risks, and also have key misperceptions about how the virus is spread, the poll found. For example, the…  read on >  read on >

FRIDAY. Feb. 28, 2025Moving your body helps your brain, a new study suggests. Folks who regularly exercise have better mental and brain health, researchers will report in early April at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in San Diego and online. Moderate to vigorous physical activity reduces risk of dementia, stroke, anxiety,…  read on >  read on >

A federal vaccine advisory panel work session focused on next year’s flu shot has been canceled without explanation. It is the second vaccine advisory meeting that has been canceled or postponed since Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, was confirmed as secretary of health and human services (HHS). The U.S. Food and Drug…  read on >  read on >

Microplastics could be affecting the brain health of people living in coastal areas, a new study says. Marine microplastics — microscopic plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters — are associated with disabilities of memory, thinking and mobility, according to findings to be presented in April at a meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in…  read on >  read on >

Utah may become the first state in the U.S. to ban fluoride in public water statewide, a move that would override local decisions on whether to add the cavity-fighting mineral to drinking water. The bill now awaits the signature of Gov. Spencer Cox, who has not said whether he will approve the measure, The Associated…  read on >  read on >

The Los Angeles wildfires spewed toxic lead into the southern California atmosphere during their rampage, a new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study says. Airborne lead soared to 110 times normal levels during the wildfires, according to readings taken by an air monitoring site located about 14 miles from the Eaton Canyon…  read on >  read on >

Many Americans don’t realize how everyday habits and overlooked health issues can increase their risk for heart disease, according to a new Cleveland Clinic survey. The nationwide survey found numerous gaps in heart health knowledge. For example:  40% of repondents didn’t know that using tobacco harms heart health. 62% were unaware that air pollution can…  read on >  read on >