Probiotics have a lot to offer
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Found in fermented foods and supplements, these beneficial bacteria are particularly renowned for their role in promoting gut health, enhancing immune function and supporting overall well-being. Gut health and digestion Probiotics are most commonly associated with improved gut health.... READ MORE
Natural physical changes make daily activities more challenging
Q: Why do everyday activities become more of a struggle later in life? A: As we age, our bodies go through changes that can affect strength, flexibility and overall mobility, often starting earlier than expected. Here are some age-related changes to be aware of: Muscles shrink. Muscle loss begins in your mid-30s at a rate of 1% to 2% a year. While that may not sound like much,... READ MORE
You may be paid to monitor your mobility
Last year a local man had a stroke and had to re-learn to walk. His doctors wanted to monitor his recovery, so they outfitted his home with three sensors and gave him a fourth sensor to wear on his belt. “He had been treated for foot drop, so we wanted to see how active he was, how much walking he did in his apartment, and also how he interacted with his wife, who was quite... READ MORE
Help UMD with a two-hour hearing study
As we get older, loud restaurants, stadium games and other background noises can interfere with our hearing. It may become harder to understand certain accents. Or perhaps you’re just not catching every word in a sentence. If we get a standard hearing test, though, the audiogram may appear normal. What then? The Hearing Brain Lab at the University of Maryland in College Park... READ MORE
The best leafy green vegetables to eat
Leafy green vegetables are a diverse group of vegetables known for their vibrant green color and abundance of nutrients. On a calorie-for-calorie basis, leafy greens surpass other vegetables in their abundance of vitamins (A, E, K, folate), minerals (calcium, potassium), fiber and phytonutrients, registered dietitian nutritionist Jenn Schmidt told Health. As part of a healthy... READ MORE
How to reduce your risk of dementia after age 55
About a million Americans a year are expected to develop dementia by 2060, roughly double today’s toll, researchers reported in January. That estimate is based on a new study that found a higher lifetime risk than previously thought: After age 55, people have up to a 4 in 10 chance of eventually developing dementia — if they live long enough. It’s a sobering number, but... READ MORE
Reasons alcohol keeps you awake
Alcohol is a common part of socializing and unwinding, with almost 87% of American adults having consumed it at some point, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Surprisingly, around 20% of Americans use alcohol as their sleep aid, unaware it may worsen insomnia. For me, if I drink even one regular full glass of wine, I will sleep for an hour and then... READ MORE
Why cooking, no matter the recipe, is healthier
You may be one of the 90% of Americans who don’t like to cook — but you probably know that you should cook more. Because while eating out or ordering takeout saves time, it depletes your bank accounts and your health. The health benefits of a home-cooked meal outweigh almost any other method of eating, no matter the recipe. Here’s why: You’re in control of the ingredients. ... READ MORE
Work with your hands? Watch out for carpal tunnel syndrome
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m a homebuilder and have begun experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands. Sometimes I drop things because I can’t get a good grip. A friend suggested I might have carpal tunnel syndrome. But doesn’t that mostly affect people who use computers all day? Can you explain more about the condition? A: Working with your hands day after day can take a toll on... READ MORE
New guidelines intend to prevent strokes
The majority of strokes could be prevented, according to new guidelines released last fall that are aimed at helping people and their doctors do just that. Stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than half a million Americans have a stroke every year. But up to 80% of strokes may be... READ MORE
