5 ways to defeat decision fatigue
It happens to all of us at some point. Two (or more) roads diverge in the (metaphorical) wood, and you have no earthly idea which is the right one to take. There’s the anxiety of […]
Heart attacks kill 6 times as many women as breast cancer. Here’s how to survive one
Each year, 435,000 American women have heart attacks. Nearly 20% of them are under age 65. In fact, heart attacks kill six times as many women as breast cancer does. Yet women aren’t always evaluated and […]
Health care jargon in politics, explained
With two Democratic primary debates down and another on the way, we are already deep in the throes of election season (as if it ever ends). Health care was arguably the biggest issue in the […]
Is there a scientific explanation for ‘near-death’ experiences?
A growing body of evidence suggests that the loss of consciousness after death is much less immediate than previously thought. Nearly 20% of people who were revived after being declared clinically dead reported that they […]
Playgrounds for older adults boost activity, decrease loneliness
Just hearing the word “playground” probably has you imagining a boisterous group of kids jostling for position to take another go down a sky-high slide. But over the past decade, cities around the world have […]
5 important questions you should ask your pharmacist
When you think of the medical professionals in your life, you probably think of your primary care provider, possibly your physical therapist, and maybe even your psychiatrist. But what about your pharmacist? Pharmacists are highly […]
A healthy social life fends off dementia, researchers say
Staying socially active has always been good advice for staying happy and healthy. Now research shows just how meaningful those conversations and connections can be. People who are more socially active in their 50s and […]
The most dangerous (but non-fatal) industry in every state
When people think about dangerous jobs, they tend to focus on jobs where people might die. There is plenty of merit to this, as anyone working in a job where deaths are common would want […]
The average age of a first-time grandparent in the US is now 50
There’s a strong stereotype associated with grandparents: They’re old. But like all stereotypes, it’s not exactly true. The average age of a first-time grandparent in the United States is only 50. And yet, that number […]
The most dangerous highway for summer driving in every state
Summer driving is an American tradition for vacation fun, but the season comes with a special set of highway hazards. With teen drivers out of school and on the roads, families embarking on long road trips, […]
I’m 44 and my body is going downhill. What do I do?
When I first envisioned writing this article several weeks ago, the headline was a bit tongue-in-cheek. I obsess about my health a fair bit, but overall I was a reasonably healthy guy. There were no […]
This easy workout might be the key to maintaining muscles as you age
One of the least pleasant things about getting older is the tendency to lose muscle. Research shows that starts happening by the age of 40, and by the time you hit 80 you can have […]
How to lower stress & fight depression in just 5 minutes a day
Mindfulness is having a moment. A psychological practice in which the user develops the skill of bringing his or her full attention to the present moment, mindfulness has roots in Buddhism. Not that it’s new to […]
4 hidden health risks of hearing loss
Hearing loss might seem like an inconvenience – you turn the TV louder, or choose quieter restaurants, or ask people to repeat themselves – but it’s actually not just an annoyance. It’s also linked with […]
Anger can lead to more health risks in older people than sadness can
When it comes to your health, a good cry may be better for you than a clenched fist. That’s because anger can lead to more health risks in older people than sadness, according to a […]
5 effective ways to reduce your prescription drug costs
With each passing decade, your pillbox fills up a bit more—and makes a bigger dent in your budget. A recent report from Congress found that 12 of the 20 most-prescribed brand-name drugs for seniors had seen price […]
5 simple steps to cut your risk for dementia
As you get older, it’s natural to worry about developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Or you may fear having to care for a partner or parent who has one of those debilitating neurological disorders. The […]
Here’s how to keep medical bills from sending you into bankruptcy
Dealing with major health problems is stressful enough, but mounting medical bills can make that stress even worse. It’s hard to pin down exactly how many people file bankruptcy because of medical debt, in part because it’s […]
5 hot weather safety tips for older adults
Older people can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or outside does not have to reach 100°F (38°C) to put them at risk for a heat-related illness. Headache, confusion, […]
Nearly half of older people worry about dementia. Few talk to a doctor
The World Health Organization this week issued its first international guidelines for lifestyle changes to stave off dementia. Meanwhile, however, a new study from the University of Michigan finds that older Americans are reluctant to discuss the subject with […]
Should you upgrade your massage with CBD oil?
In the last few years, cannabidiol (CBD) has become a darling of alternative health aficionados. And as its popularity grows, it’s gaining acceptance with mainstream consumers. In March CVS announced plans to sell certain CBD products in some stores. Saks […]
The real reason you can’t handle alcohol anymore
Summer is here, and summer months are the most popular time for drinking (excluding December). During these booze-infused months, there seem to be two common refrains among those of us long past our boozy college […]
6 activities that can help your osteoarthritis
If you’re amongst the 30 million American adults living with osteoarthritis, (OA as it’s called), chances are the pain, swelling, and stiffness may have limited your activities and fitness routine over the years. This “wear […]
Insurers are pushing customers toward virtual doctors. Should you let them?
If you haven’t encountered telemedicine yet, it’s a good bet you will soon. Telemedicine, also called telehealth, is a broad term that encompasses just about every type of digitally delivered medical service. It could be […]
Do you know the signs of heatstroke & other heat-related illnesses?
This summer is already a scorcher in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, with record-setting temperatures being recorded. Staying safe while you’re out and about in the heat can be challenging, especially if you aren’t […]
13 expert safety tips to stay safe while boating this summer
The arrival of summer and warm weather means putting on your captain’s hat and taking to the open water on boats. But like driving, boating is a big responsibility and comes with risks. Follow these […]
Is 75 the new 65? How we need to rethink what it means to be ‘old’
In 1950, men and women at age 65 could expect to live about 11 years more on average. Today, that number has gone up to 17, and the United Nations forecasts that it will increase by about […]
10 steps for recovering from childbirth
Lots of people talk about “bouncing back” physically after childbirth, but a new baby affects every part of your life. For tips that really work when it comes to better sleep, a balanced budget and more after […]
Are selfies hurting your wallet & your health?
Love them or hate them, smartphones have become a big part of our everyday lives, taking up nearly three hours and 40 minutes of our time, each day. They help keep us feeling connected, impact […]
Losing weight helped this couple pay off $22K in debt
Brian LeBlanc was fed up. The 30-year-old policy analyst from Alberta, Canada, had struggled with his weight for years. At the time, he weighed 240 pounds and had trouble finding clothes that fit. He decided […]