Shoveling snow is a strenuous workout that poses risks for people with heart conditions. “We have to think of shoveling snow as a pretty significant exertion, like an exercise,” said Dr. Donald Ford, chair of family medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio. “So if you’re going out to exercise, people who have heart conditions… read on > read on >
All Travel:
There Might Be a Perfect Indoor Humidity to Curb COVID Spread
It’s sort of like the Goldilocks principle — a room that’s either too dry or too humid can influence transmission of COVID-19 and cause more illness or death, Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers say. Maintaining an indoor relative humidity between 40% and 60% is associated with lower rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths, they reported… read on > read on >
Healthy Dining Is Healthy for the Planet, Too
Plant-based diets can be better for the environment, but they’re not all created equally, new research shows. The best type of plant-based diet for health and environmental benefits are those higher in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, vegetable oils and tea/coffee. Meanwhile plant-based diets high in fruit juices, sugar-sweetened beverages, refined grains, potatoes and… read on > read on >
Got the ‘Winter Blues’? Exercise Can Help
A good workout can boost mood, making it an ideal routine as the days get shorter and darker. If you’re one of the millions affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and you feel tired, unmotivated, down on life and crave carbs and sweets, staying active can help. An expert from Baylor College of Medicine in… read on > read on >
As Nicole Pummels Florida, Experts Warn of Generator Dangers
Hurricane Nicole left thousands of Floridians without power Thursday morning, leading the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to warn residents about the dangers of generators and candles. The Category 1 hurricane made landfall south of Vero Beach on the East Coast and was quickly downgraded to a tropical storm. It was expected to dump heavy… read on > read on >
Heat Waves, No A/C: A Deadly Combo at Texas Prisons
Heat waves may be killing prisoners in Texas, according to an analysis that found far-higher-than-normal death rates in the state’s non-air-conditioned prisons. “The majority of Texas prisons do not have universal air conditioning,” noted lead study author Julie Skarha. “And in these settings, we found a 30-fold increase in heat-related mortality when compared to estimates… read on > read on >
Another Reason to Keep Daylight Saving Time: Fewer Deer-Car Collisions
Motorists are more likely to plow into a deer on U.S. highways after the annual “fall back” end of daylight saving time (DST), a new study shows. That’s because frisky deer in the middle of their mating season (also known as rut) are crossing roads that become shrouded in darkness earlier in the day with… read on > read on >
Most Americans Admit to Driving While Drowsy: Poll
Most people consider drowsy driving dangerous, but an estimated 37 million Americans still get behind the wheel at least once a year when they’re so tired they can barely keep their eyes open. About six in 10 people admitted to drowsy driving in a new survey by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). “Drowsy driving is… read on > read on >
Heading South for the Winter? Check This Medical Checklist
Escaping from a cold, wintery place to a warm climate can be fun for so-called “snowbirds” who migrate south for the winter. Still, experts say it’s a good idea for older adults to prepare by having a “medical checklist” to ensure both regular care and help in case of an emerging issue while away from… read on > read on >
Along Eastern Seaboard, Hurricanes Getting Bigger, Wetter
The Atlantic seaboard could be in for faster-forming and wetter hurricanes, new research warns. Climate change is the overarching cause, experts say. As parts of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico recover from powerful hurricanes Ian and Fiona, scientists are trying to better understand the conditions that cause storms to intensify rapidly. “Our findings… read on > read on >