(Sumetee Theesungnern/EyeEm, Getty Images) Two years into a pandemic that landed people in their living rooms, generating countless hours of television bingeing and stress eating, the nation has a new problem to worry about: Nearly half of U.S. adults, many already classified as overweight, reported they put on extra pounds. Turning to fad diets or…
(Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision, Getty Images) Lea en español Could kindness be a magic elixir that makes us happier – and healthier? Research suggests acts of kindness like donating money, volunteering and mentoring can boost the giver’s emotional health, but science also is studying how altruism improves physical health. Acts of kindness can take many forms, especially…
Gary Foster is the chief scientific officer at WW. (Photo courtesy of WW) While running a weight loss study, Gary Foster asked a patient what she thought of the program. “What I’m most grateful for,” she said, “is teaching me a sense of self-compassion.” This intrigued Foster because self-compassion was a small part of their…
(Olga Simonova/EyeEm, Getty Images) Watching what Olympic athletes can do on snow and ice might have you thinking about trying some cold weather activity yourself. And a glance at the thermometer might quickly have you saying, “nahhh.” Before you head back to the couch, know there are experts who say that not only can embracing…
(simarik/iStock, Getty Images) People with higher levels of a nicotine byproduct in their blood scored lower on a test for a wide range of brain functions, regardless of whether they had other health conditions known to affect cognition, according to new research. Having high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes – both known to impair…
(AYDINOZON/iStock, Getty Images) People who follow seven rules for healthy living – such as staying physically active and eating a healthy diet – could offset a high genetic risk for heart disease, according to new research that suggests it could mean as many as 20 extra years of life free of heart disease. The study,…
(magicmine/iStock, Getty Images) Make a list of the ABCs of heart health, from arrhythmia to Zumba classes, and you might not think to include a T – for thyroid. But the small gland that produces crucial hormones can have a big effect on the cardiovascular system. “Both an overactive thyroid and an underactive thyroid can…
(netrun78/iStock, Getty Images) Looking back on the past year … wait, nobody really wants to relive that, right? Even now, the omicron variant means COVID-19 precautions – getting vaccinated, getting boosted, following safety measures – aren’t going away. But “this is a new year where so many new beginnings are going to be happening as…
(Jorg Greuel/Photodisc, Getty Images) Twenty years ago, the Canadian province of Ontario launched an aggressive campaign to tackle stroke from every angle: It hyped prevention and awareness; beefed up its acute care practices and response times; and increased access to post-stroke rehabilitation. It worked. Stroke rates fell 32% within a decade. But that wasn’t all….
(Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Moment, Getty Images) From popcorn to pomegranates, here are the top 10 food stories readers craved this year, ranked in order of unique page views. 1. Popcorn as a snack: Healthy hit or dietary horror show? Prepared properly, popcorn can be a feel-good nutritious hit. Done wrong, it can get bad reviews….