It is a popular belief that the wear and tear of running causes osteoarthritis of the knees and other joints. Doctors now know this is not true. According to exercise scientist Paul Williams, studies show quite the opposite. [1] Williams heads up the National Runner’s Health Study as well as the National Walkers’ Health Study. […]
Insufficient or low-quality sleep may be more than an annoyance. It can be a major health concern meriting a visit to your general practitioner or a sleep specialist. Difficulty sleeping that impairs activities of daily living and lasts greater than three months meets the clinical definition of insomnia. Insomnia can be a disorder or a […]
Anyone who has a dog or cat knows the benefits they offer. Besides the obvious joy and love they give so much; pets have been linked to a variety of health benefits.[1] Acknowledging this is important, but it also must be taken into consideration that pets can sometimes become a fall hazard for elderly people. […]
Doctors at Northwestern Medicine and others are working with Google to develop ways to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to improve many areas of health screening and subsequently, overall improved health. Future health screening could be as simple as using your phone. Imagine the ability to use AI to check heart rate and respirations from a […]
According to research at UCLA, changes in a section of the brain that is critical for memory are associated with sitting too much.[1] The study involved people ages 45 to 75. An MRI of each person provided a look at the region of the brain involved with the formation of new memories. The study did […]
As people get older, it is possible to notice more pain or stiffness in the hands and wrist. This does not necessarily mean to stop doing things needing or enjoyable to do. Now, there are more options available to help ease joint pain, strengthen hands, and continue doing things that before were taken for granted. […]
A stroke can be a scary thing to experience. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke may assist in being able to take quick action and perhaps save a life. The signs of a stroke are: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body. Sudden […]
Laughter has physiological effects on the body; it changes brain function and body chemistry.[1] Some examples of the changes are: Increases heart and respiratory rates as well as oxygen consumption. Increases stroke volume of the heart and dilates blood vessels. Lowers levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Laughter also has the following effects on specific […]
From long haul truckers to teachers, there are many instances when adults find themselves needing to resist the urge to urinate from time to time. While delaying nature’s call for an hour or two won’t pose any health threats, it’s possible to harm our bodies by holding urine for too long or by making a […]
With cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the leading cause of death[1] in the United States, and obesity and physical inactivity being at epidemic proportions, there is a great need for novel strategies and interventions to reduce the risk of CVD. Accordingly, the benefits of pet ownership have received considerable attention from the Centers for Disease Control […]
