When was the last time you tried something fun without worrying about the outcome? We’re often taught that in order to reap the benefits of a new activity, we need to do it consistently. Yet as helpful as habits can be, dabbling — or engaging in activities sporadically just for the pure enjoyment of it […]
Television characters who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital are more likely to receive CPR than people in real life. But the CPR on these shows often depicts outdated practices and inaccuracies about who is most likely to experience cardiac arrest and where, according to newly published research from my team at the University of Pittsburgh.
You don’t necessarily have to hit the gym every day, eat kale at every meal, or get eight hours of sleep every night to make a difference in your health — taking baby steps in all three areas may still move you forward. A study found that, in combination, eating just a few more veggies, […]
Instead of opening your teenager’s blinds as soon as the sun comes up Saturday morning, you might want to let them keep snoozing. A new study suggests that sleeping in on the weekend to catch up on sleep lost during the week can boost young people’s mental well-being.
An estimated 1 million people in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes ongoing digestive symptoms, pain, and tiredness. But that number may one day decline thanks to a simple blood test, which Canadian scientists say can not only detect the disease years before symptoms appear but also opens the doors to potential prevention.
After a long run or sweaty yoga session, all we want to do is flop down on the couch and catch our breath. But while we may temporarily feel tired after a workout, a new study supports the idea that exercise actually adds to our body’s daily “energy budget” — it doesn’t deplete it. There […]
It’s a new year, and millions of people are swapping wine and cocktails for sparkling water and nonalcoholic beer in observance of Dry January. But there’s another lifestyle challenge taking place over the next few weeks as well, and it’s a bit of a mouthful (literally): Veganuary. The goal is to eat only plant-based foods […]
As the saying goes, everyone has a story to tell — but sometimes it can be hard to find a safe person to share it with. That’s why StoryRX exists: The collaboration between New York-based nonprofit Life Story Club and health care providers encourages older adults at risk of social isolation to join weekly meetings […]
Better sleep. Protection against anxiety and depression. Lower risks of heart disease and dementia. A longer life. According to a wealth of research in the field of behavioral medicine, these are just some of the well-being boosts associated with having a sense of purpose. Are you in possession of this powerful elixir for living well? […]
In some instances, a deep emotional loss — like the death of a loved one — can result in a temporary condition called broken heart syndrome. Now, there’s more evidence to suggest that the opposite may also be true: Strong and supportive relationships can help improve heart health for people with cardiovascular disease.
I’m in the habit of kicking my shoes off when I come home, and I respectfully oblige when directed to do so at another person’s house. But I’ve always felt a minor flash of panic in the latter circumstance — as I’m caught wondering whether I’m wearing my good socks or the ones with only a […]
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and feasting. However, amid the joy of gathering and indulging in delicious food, it is essential to keep food safety in mind. Foodborne illnesses can quickly put a damper on your celebrations.