A Cheat Sheet for Better Balance

Diet and exercise get a lot of attention for healthy aging. And they should, but not at the expense of other health factors. Poor balance, for example, can be perilous but is rarely considered by most.

Poor balance is a common cause of falls, which send millions of people in America to the emergency room every year with broken bones or head injuries.

Thankfully there are a variety of things you can do to improve your balance.

Physical therapy is one of the best thongs you can do to reduce the risk of falls. It focuses on improving communication between your joints and brain, as well as the balance system in your ear (vestibular system) and vision.

It also focuses on flexibility, walking patterns, and exercises to build strength and coordination in your legs and hips. Many movements can be practiced at home after receiving the proper training.

Stronger muscles are also very important to balance. Core muscles, in particular, play a significant role. Abdominal and gluteal muscles (in the buttocks) keep you upright and propel motion.

Gentle exercises like pelvic tilts, wall planks, and leg lifts can all help build core strength.

Tai chi and yoga are both forms of exercise that can help prevent falling. Both help you pay attention to the control and quality of movements.

Tai chi involves slow movements that shift weight from one limb to another. Yoga uses a series of postures to move through and hold while focusing on breathing.

Both techniques can help flexibility, range of motion, strength, balance, and reflexes to help reduce the risk of falling.

Another thing that can help with balance is vision care. Suppose you can’t see where you are walking; the chance of falling increases. Keep up to date with comprehensive eye exams and wear eyeglasses if needed.

Lastly, devices like canes and walkers can be helpful. Just make sure they are measured properly, and you learn how to use them.

Regular Physical Activity before First Heart Attack May Reduce the Risk of a Second One

A happy senior woman in swimming pool, leaning on edge.Scientists have long touted the benefits of regular physical activity for heart health, and new research shows that this holds true even in heart attack cases. In a recent study, individuals who were physically active before experiencing a heart attack were significantly less likely to have a second heart attack in middle age than those who were inactive.

These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle to reduce heart disease risk and improve overall cardiovascular health. So, next time you want to skip your workout or forego that afternoon walk, remember that staying physically active can go a long way in preventing future heart attacks.

For this new study, researchers examined data from 1,115 adults in Mississippi, Minnesota, Maryland, and North Carolina who had a heart attack between the mid-1990s and the end of 2018. The average age was 73 at the time of the heart attack.

All participants reported exercising at two time points in the years before their heart attack. Questionnaires were used to track leisure time activities, sports, and work-related physical activity such as household chores. All participants received a total exercise score.

It was found that after a median follow-up of two years, those in the highest physical activity group had a 34% lower risk of having a second heart attack compared with those in the lowest activity group.

A history of high physical activity was found to be helpful in the first year after a heart attack. In the least active group, the risk of having another heart attack was found to be 63%. It was also noted that during the first year post-heart attack, the risk of dying from any cause was 39% lower in the most active group compared with the least active group.

“Our study provides additional evidence for the value of maintaining high physical activity levels in middle age before you have a heart attack, which can contribute to a better prognosis afterward,” said the study’s lead researcher, Yejin Mok.

It has long been known that regular physical activity can help to prevent stroke, heart attack and other forms of cardiovascular disease. However, this new study was one of the first to explore whether exercise protects against another serious cardiovascular event after an initial heart attack.

Researchers recommend adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both. It is also recommended to do muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week for maximum heart-protecting benefits.

Maintaining Heart Health

As this study shows, keeping the heart strong and healthy is vital for enjoying a high quality of life as you age. Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10.

The omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in cardiovascular function, while CoQ10 is involved in energy production at the cellular level. These two heart superstars are supported by five other ingredients that can help to promote and support cardiovascular function as you age. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Is Your Diet as Healthy as You Think It Is?

First person top view photo of woman's hands holding lunchbox with healthy meal nuts and berries over apples glass of juice flowerpot stationery keyboard mouse on isolated dark wooden table backgroundAs people become more aware of the benefits of a healthy diet, finding ways to eat healthily has become increasingly popular. And so are the potential options for achieving diet-related health goals.

But a new study suggests that people who are trying to eat healthily are substantially missing the mark.

Only about a quarter of people could accurately estimate how healthy they ate when asked to assess their diet after spending a year trying to lose weight. Perhaps even worse was that only 1 in 10 understood how their diet had actually changed over the year, with most assuming they had made much more significant strides than they had.

Prior research has shown that people overestimate how well they stick to healthy eating habits, like snacking on fruits and veggies, choosing whole grains, lean proteins, and substituting lower fat for full-fat dairy.

Researchers evaluated the diets of 116 adults between ages 35 and 58 in the Pittsburgh area who were trying to lose weight.

They used the actual eating data and the participant’s recollections to calculate two separate Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores. One was based on the true diet numbers, and the other was based on people’s perceptions of what they ate.

The HEI is a measurement to assess how an eating pattern aligns with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It goes from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a healthier diet.

Most people were overestimating their diet by about 10-15 points than the HEI suggested, with only about a quarter coming close to their score.

Learning how to eat healthily can help you reach your health goals, and most importantly, taking a true assessment of your diet quality can ensure you are making the right decisions.

Diet is closely linked with several health conditions, and a high-quality diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and minimally processed foods. Discovering, and adhering to, a healthy diet, like a Mediterranean-style diet, may reduce the risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and more.

Study Finds Strong Link between Psychological Stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Closeup of one mixed race business woman holding sore tummy while feeling ill with menstrual stomach cramps and belly ache in an office. Hungry employee on period getting sick, bloated and uncomfortable with digestive pain caused by stress and anxietyNew research has found a possible link between psychological stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition that affects the large intestine and causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While the cause of IBS is unknown, it’s thought to be related to changes in how the brain and gut interact.

There has been a lack of understanding in the scientific literature on the treatments and causes of irritable bowel syndrome. This may be due to the shortage of useful experimental animal models. However, recently, chronic social defeat stress (cSDS) and chronic vicarious social defeat stress (cVSDS) have been linked to major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder. The studies on these conditions helped emphasize the “gut-brain axis” in determining emotional and metabolic well-being.

This led researchers from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) to their work on understanding the effects of prolonged psychological stress on intestinal conditions. In their study, mice were subjected to physical stress and emotional stress. It was found that psychological stress-induced mice had higher intestinal transit ratio and visceral pain-related behaviors, both hallmarks of IBS.

Speaking about the study, Professor Akiyoshi Saitoh says, “From the aspect of the gut–brain axis, we suspect that the insular cortex plays an important role in determining the phenotype of emotionally-stressed mice.” The insular cortex is a part of the upper central nervous system controlling digestive functions and is involved in the process of coping with psychological stress.”

If you suffer from IBS, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress levels. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can be helpful in managing stress and may help to improve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about strategies that might work for you.

Managing Stress and Digestive Health

Stress can not only affect the digestive system, but it can also take a toll on the brain, affecting concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function. The Smart Pill can help counteract these effects through nine ingredients that help support, nourish, and maximize brain health and cognitive function. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps boost circulation, fight free radicals, and help to promote mental health.

To help with digestion, Healthy Colon provides an excellent solution. The unique blend of ingredients includes natural sources of fiber, herbal ingredients, and probiotics to help prevent constipation and diarrhea. Poor digestion can impact the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, depriving the body of the valuable nutrients it desires. But Healthy Colon can target a number of causes of digestive issues, promoting overall health and wellness.

Be Careful If This Is Your Favorite Snack

Black Licorice CandyThere aren’t many people who are so-so about black licorice. It has its lover and its haters, and that’s about it.

But loving black licorice and eating a lot of it can be dangerous.

At the root of the issue is the actual licorice root. Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glare, is a type of legume, like beans or peas, that is found in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It’s been enjoyed for centuries and was even buried in King Tut’s tomb.

Traditional black licorice flavor comes from a chemical called glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. It has a very potent smell but can deliver much more than flavor.

When eaten in large amounts, black licorice can significantly diminish a person’s potassium levels. Potassium is very important to heart health, and if levels get too low, it can lead to trouble like abnormal heart rhythms and congestive heart failure

There are even instances where high black licorice intake, likely combined with other health factors, have led to death.

And even when the results are not immediate and drastic, glycyrrhizin can lead to long-term heart problems by boosting blood pressure and promoting sodium retention.

Licorice is not usually lethal, but severe reactions are not particularly rare. A 2009 study of women in Finland found that high consumption during pregnancy was associated with poorer cognitive performances in children later on.

Further, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that black licorice can interfere with some medications, herbs, and dietary supplements, including diuretics and drugs used to treat heart failure.

The FDA also warns that if you are 40 or older, eating 2 ounces or more of black licorice per day for at least two weeks could result in a trip to the hospital for an irregular heart rhythm.

People using black licorice root supplements should also be careful and be aware that there is not much quality work around them to indicate any benefit.

Black licorice made with artificial flavors or anise oil, or red licorice, do not pose the same threat. That doesn’t make them healthy, just that they will not deplete potassium

So, if you love black licorice, snack in moderation. A few twists here and there are likely fine, but don’t go through a bag a day.

Diet Do’s and Don’ts for Colon Health

Ready to eat Italian style penne pollo pasta dinner and plastic spoon.By now, you almost certainly know that dietary decisions can play a key role in your health. And when it comes to your colon, it’s no different.

The foods you regularly eat can impact how your organs function and your risk for illness. A diet low in processed food is associated with better heart, metabolic, and brain health (and more), while a diet high in processed food can boost the risk for a host of chronic conditions.

Research released in August has reinforced that high consumption of ultra-processed foods can pose a severe threat to colon health.

So it might be time to rethink the convenience of pre-cooked or instant meals.

The study, led by Tufts University and Harvard University researchers, found that men who consumed high rates of ultra-processed foods were at a 29 percent higher risk for developing severe colorectal illness than men who consumed much smaller amounts.

Interestingly, the same association was not found in women.

Processed meats, for example, like cold cuts, frozen chicken strips, lunch meat, and bacon, fall into the ultra-processed food category, and pose a high risk for colorectal issues. Ultra-processed foods are also high in added sugars and low in fiber, which contributes to weight gain, obesity, and poor digestion. All of which are risk factors for poor colon health.

So what should you be doing – or avoiding – to give your shot the best chance for a healthy colon?

Here are some ideas:

Don’t rely on pre-cooked or frozen meals. Schedule time to cook a few times per week and freeze leftovers for later when you need a quick meal.

Do try to dedicate more time to shopping the perimeter of grocery stores. The perimeter is where you’ll find nutrient-dense and fiber-rich items like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. You’ll also find dairy, which can be good for gut health.

Avoid sugary drinks like soda, sweetened tea, and specialty coffees. These are all associated with higher risks for colon troubles.

Do try and maintain a healthy weight through diet and activity.

Traffic-Related Air Pollution in Residential Areas Increases Dementia Risk: Study

traffic jam in HamburgDid you know that living in a busy city or even a residential area can increase your risk for dementia? A new study has linked traffic-related air pollution to an increased incidence of the neurodegenerative disease.

Researchers found that for every one microgram per cubic meter (µg/m3) increase of fine particulate matter exposure, the risk of dementia increases by 3%. So, if you’re looking for a safe place to live as you age, consider moving to a rural area with less air pollution.

The research published in the Neurology journal reviewed 17 studies that included participants over 40. A total of 91 million people were reviewed, and of those, 5.5 million people developed dementia. The study adjusted for several factors that affect a person’s risk of dementia, including age, sex, smoking, and education.

When rates of air pollution exposure were compared, it was found that people who did not develop dementia had a lower average daily exposure to fine particulate matter air pollutants than people who did have dementia. The U.S. Environmental Pollution Agency (EPA) believes an average yearly exposure of up to 12 µg/m3 is safe.

This study found that the risk of dementia increased by 3% for every one microgram per cubic meter (µg/m3) increase of fine particulate matter exposure.

“While our meta-analysis does not prove that air pollution causes dementia, it only shows an association, our hope is these findings empower people to take an active role in reducing their exposure to pollution,” said study author Ehsan Abolhasani, MD. “By understanding the risk of dementia through exposure to air pollution, people can take steps to reduce their exposure such as using sustainable energy, choosing to live in areas with lower levels of pollution and advocating for reduced traffic pollution in residential areas.”

This study shows an alarming trend of how the environment may be increasing the risk of illness and disease. While more studies are needed to fully understand the link between traffic pollution and brain function, this is a stark reminder that living away from air pollution, even in a residential area, could benefit your health.

Numerous Factors Can Affect Brain Health

While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, other numerous factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential, such as exposure to traffic pollution. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps to boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

Raw Vegan Diet May Lead to Health Risk: Study

Healthy vegetarian food background. Vegetables, hummus, pesto and lentil curry with tofu.Vegan food has become a bit of a trend lately, and for a good reason. It has been shown to have many health benefits, including lower heart disease risk, decreased body weight, and low cholesterol levels. However, some people are only eating raw plant foods as an extreme form of veganism which may be causing some health problems.

Proponents of the raw vegan diet claim that cooking causes ingredients to lose important enzymes and nutrients. They believe that by consuming the food raw, their diet will prevent and reverse disease, improve energy levels, and improve overall health. However, new research is suggesting that raw vegan diets, if followed for a long period, may cause more harm than good.

While it is true that some vegetables may lose nutrients during cooking, there are others that have greater nutrients when cooked. This is due to the nutrients binding within the cell walls of the vegetables. Cooking can break down the walls allowing the nutrients to be released and more readily absorbed by the body.

For example, when spinach is cooked, the body can absorb the calcium it contains more easily. Tomatoes are another great example of a food that can offer health benefits when cooked. During the cooking process, tomatoes may lose some of their vitamin C content, but it also increases their lycopene content by more than 50%. Lycopene has been associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and heart disease.

Studies have shown that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common in those who follow a plant-based diet. This is because many foods containing high levels of these vitamins and minerals come from animals. Of particular concern are vitamin B12 levels. Research has found that 38% of people on a strict raw food diet are deficient in vitamin B12. This is especially concerning since a vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with various health concerns, including vision problems, depression and other mood disorders, jaundice, and mouth ulcers.

While vegan food may offer many health benefits, the raw vegan diet may take things too far and could come with risk factors. If you plan on following a raw vegan diet, you must check your body’s vitamin levels regularly to ensure it gets the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy.

Maintaining General Health

To help ensure your diet is complete, 65+ Superfood Essentials is an excellent addition to a daily supplement regime. This breakthrough formula is a great way to support and promote cardiovascular and overall health. It contains Capros®, a patented and clinically studied Indian gooseberry extract that has been found to absorb free radicals and provide cascading antioxidants. Acai berry (the powerful natural antioxidant known to support total health) and resveratrol, a premier anti-aging ingredient, are also found in this formulation that can help ensure proper nutrients and vitamins that are essential as you age.

Easy Ways to Improve Air Quality at Home

Air purifier in comfortable living room with house plant on the wooden floor.It can feel nice and cozy to sit inside at home during the winter, but winter can be a real struggle for people with allergies or respiratory problems.

Stale indoor air and heating systems can boost the number of allergy-inducing dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores that circulate in your space.

Most things that cause the problems can be hard to detect because they don’t have a scent. The symptoms may easily be mistaken for something else without anything to alert you of the problem.

Respiratory issues like asthma flare-ups, fatigue and sleepiness, and even digestive issues can all occur at high levels in the winter because there is a limited flow of fresh air from outside.

Trying to improve air quality can help relieve the symptoms. It’s impossible to get rid of all of them, but you can improve conditions with a few simple steps.

Keep It Clean: A clean house can reduce dust, mold, and animal dander. Vacuum carpets and area rugs at least once per week. Regularly clean bedding, drapes, and other items that can attract allergens. Clean clutter because it traps and holds dust.

Be Careful with Plants: Plants can be great to have indoors if you take care of them properly. They can also be a nightmare for people with allergies and respiratory issues. Plants can collect and grow mold, which can pose trouble.

Change Air Filters: If you have forced-air heating systems, change the filters regularly to ensure allergens and irritants get trapped instead of recirculating in your home.

Investing in an air purifier can also help with symptoms, particularly if you can’t control the source of the problem – like having a pet.

Let Fresh Air In: Even when it’s cold out, consider occasionally opening the windows to allow some fresh air in.

Is Vitamin D an Easy Hack to Live Longer?

Empty cutting board and frame of varied food rich in vitamin D. Healthy eating concept. Top view, flat layMost people want to drink from the fountain of youth. The problem is that it likely doesn’t exist. If anything, various fountains may offer a chance at a longer and healthier life.

New research suggests that vitamin D could be one of them.

The popular nutrient, known as the sunshine vitamin because it is synthesized by the skin when exposed to direct sunlight, is mainly known for building and maintaining healthy bones. But there is plenty of data – some conflicting – that it can do a lot more.

There is little debate, however, about how adequate vitamin D levels are associated with a lower risk of several severe health conditions.

A new, large-scale review suggests that adequate amounts of vitamin D can extend life, while deficiencies can boost the overall risk of premature death, heart disease, lung disease, and more.

Research suggests that vitamin D receptors are found in most major organs and human tissue, suggesting that it can regulate a host of bodily functions.

The team used data from more than 307,000 people in the U.K. Biobank, a large-scale biomedical research database measuring both Vitamin D levels and genetic data.

They found that people genetically predisposed to suffer a vitamin D deficiency were 25 percent more likely to die from any cause during the study than people whose genetics promoted healthy levels of vitamin D.

Genetically-driven vitamin D deficiency also increased a person’s risk of dying from a heart-related illness by 25 percent and a lung-related illness by 96 percent. And the odds became worse as a deficiency was more dire, suggesting a dose-responsive relationship between vitamin D profile and health.

Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects that may account for why low vitamin D is associated with health risks. Vitamin D may also help regulate blood pressure, which could be linked to its effect on inflammation.

Vitamin D supplements can help boost blood levels if you can’t get enough sun. As can including vitamin-D-rich foods like mushrooms, fatty fish, and vitamin-D-fortified items like milk.

Getting more vitamin D is important for older adults because the ability to absorb it decreases naturally with age, while some medications can decrease absorption, as well.

The Little Snacks Offer the Perfect Cheat for the Benefits of Exercise

Pensive attractive mature woman with  blond hair with a quiet smile as she stands on an outdoor  countryside in a close up portrait. sunny autumn vacation  outdoorsWho doesn’t love a snack? A tasty little treat to keep you going through the day has been a favorite for most since they were kids.

But did you know you can benefit from an “activity snack?” If you’re pressed for time or don’t have the patience or motivation to be active for an entire hour, this could be the perfect solution for you.

New research is showing that activity snacks – short bouts of exercise – after a meal can help people retain and build muscle mass as they age. The study showed this form of exercise might work by increasing the number of amino acids your body uses from food.

When you eat protein, it is broken down into amino acids in the body. Amino acids build and repair muscle mass, a process called protein synthesis. Movement seems to improve this process, putting their food intake to better use.

There has been work in the past to highlight the benefits of short bouts of exercise, but this is the first to show its impact on muscle mass.

The small study measured how well 12 people used amino acids from meals to build muscle. Over three trials, participants had their sitting interrupted every 30 minutes by short bouts of walking or bodyweight squats.

When the participants engaged in these activities, there were improvements in how well amino acids repaired or replaced old or damaged muscle.

Although researchers conducted the study using young adults in their 20s, they believe that the results would hold up for older people who lose muscle faster.

Older people experiencing muscle loss, called sarcopenia, are at greater risk for injury, weakness, lost independence, and frailty.

Finding ways to prevent being sedentary after eating may be the best approach to improving muscle quality and metabolic health.

Have an activity snack for dessert after eating. A walk around the block, your house, or some bodyweight squats may turn the protein in your meal into muscle to help build and maintain strength with age.

Hit a few activity snacks per day. Ideally, they should be in addition to the 150-minutes of exercise that’s already recommended.

Fat Plays a Crucial Role in Improving the Body’s Food Responses to People with High Blood Pressure

Measuring blood pressure with blood pressure manometer, sphygmomanometer.A new study from King’s College London researchers suggests that people with high blood pressure may take longer and work harder to clear fats from the blood after meals. These people may also have higher levels of inflammation after eating. The study has identified this link partly due to visceral fat (the fat that wraps around the organs in the belly).

Data was collected from the PREDICT study, where 1,000 participants had their bodies’ responses to food measured over two weeks. This was the first time researchers compared responses between two groups of people following a nutritionally balanced meal.

Previous studies have found that people with high blood pressure have higher levels of insulin, blood fats, and inflammation than people with normal blood pressure.

“People with high blood pressure are more likely to have higher levels of visceral fat than people with normal blood pressure. Our study found that this visceral fat is indeed responsible for a considerable amount of the difference we see in blood fats and insulin levels between these two groups after meals,” said first author Panayiotis Louca.

Those with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, are at risk for many health issues. This is because high blood pressure strains vital organs like the heart and kidneys, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease and kidney failure.

Additionally, high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke and aneurysms. It can also damage the arteries and lead to problems like peripheral artery disease or hardening of the arteries. This new study also shows how high blood pressure can affect how blood clears fat from the bloodstream, leading to other health issues.

Taking Steps to Lower Blood Pressure

Taking steps to lower high blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication can help reduce these risks and improve overall health. It’s important to monitor one’s blood pressure regularly and work with a healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan. Taking control of high blood pressure can greatly benefit one’s well-being in the long run.

By maintaining healthy blood pressure, you can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help support overall heart health. Healthy Blood Pressure Support has been shown in human clinical studies to help support healthy blood pressure making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their risk of hypertension. In addition, Healthy Blood Pressure Support also supports healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.

A Cheat Sheet for Limber Joints And Limbs

Senior man stretching legs before workoutJoint pain seems to be a natural part of aging, and you’re destined to get sore as you get older.

But for many, it is possible to slow the loss of joint cartilage as you get older, to help limit pain, and perhaps most importantly, avoid surgery.

You can do a few cheats to help your joints and limbs stay limber and loose.

Cartilage is the shock-absorbing, slippery tissue that caps the ends of your bones. It can degenerate over time for various reasons. Overuse, injury, obesity, naturally weak cartilage, or abnormally shaped bones, can all cause the cartilage to wear down.

When it gets too thin, it can lead to big pain. Bones begin to rub on each other when you move, and painful bone spurs can develop.

Another pain-causing joint condition is osteoarthritis, which can lead to painful and achy joints, stiffness, and limited movement. It typically shows up in a person’s 60s.

But there are ways to prevent or limit this pain.

Building strong muscles around joints can help protect them and relieve some of the pressure on joints. Just be sure not to overdo it. Certain types of exercise: like bodybuilding or long runs on pavement, may advance knee damage.

Instead, work with moderate weights, perform stretches, and walk or jog on softer surfaces and always make sure you’re wearing adequate footwear. Playing sports like tennis and pickleball, and others can help with strength as well.

You can also try and reach a healthy weight. Extra weight on the joints can be a big contributor to pain.

If you already experience joint pain, losing weight may help. You can also try to modify activities to reduce pain. For example, if you have sore knees, it may be best to bike instead of run for exercise.

Canes can also help offload some stress from your joints, particularly if you’ve got hip, knee, or ankle pain.

There are several non-surgical treatments for joint pain. Talk to your doctor about other options, and continue to do your best to protect your joints as you age.

Study Reveals Poor Sleep Could Increase Risk Of Glaucoma And Irreversible Sight Loss

Despair And Insomnia Concept. Portrait of depressed young black lady lying in bed and covering face, suffering from sleep disorder, thinking about her problems and troubles. Alarm on the tableA lack of sleep could lead to an increased risk of developing glaucoma and sight loss, according to a recent study. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, and the findings suggest that getting enough shut-eye may be an important factor in prevention. Additionally, researchers believe that poor sleep can lead to several health problems, including inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which are known risk factors for glaucoma. If you want to protect your vision, getting enough rest every night is important!

For the study, researchers drew on 409,053 participants from the UK Biobank, all of whom were aged between 40 and 69. They were followed from 2006 to 2010 and analyzed the details of their sleep behavior.

It was found that those with glaucoma tended to be older and more likely to be male, with high blood pressure or diabetes, and were chronic smokers. Sleep patterns were also associated with varying degrees of heightened glaucoma risk. Short or long sleep duration was associated with a heightened risk of 8%; insomnia, 12%; snoring, 4%; and frequent daytime sleepiness, 20%.

Compared to those with no sleep disorders, those with daytime sleepiness and snorers were 10% more likely to have glaucoma. Insomniacs and those with a short/long sleep duration were found to have 13% more likely to have glaucoma.

While many explanations exist for the associations between sleep disturbances and glaucoma, more research is needed to confirm the findings. However, researchers suggest it may be due to the eye’s internal pressure. This key factor in the development of glaucoma rises when a person is lying down and when sleep hormones are out of order.

Another possible reason may be due to depression and anxiety, which often go hand in hand with insomnia. Researchers believe this could possibly be due to
dysregulated cortisol production.

Researchers concluded, “As sleep behaviors are modifiable, these findings underscore the necessity of sleep intervention for individuals at high risk of glaucoma and potential ophthalmologic screening among individuals with chronic sleep problems to help prevent glaucoma.”

Promoting Healthy Sleep and Eye Health

As this research proves, it is vital to take steps to ensure sleep patterns and vision are kept as healthy as possible as you age. One of the primary causes of age-related vision loss is low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. These natural pigments have been shown to protect the eye from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet light and environmental factors.
Some of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, but it is difficult to get enough of these pigments from diet alone. 20/20 Vision contains 20 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin to help give your eyes the nutritional support they require. In addition to those two ingredients, this unique formula also contains various vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients to help support and maximize vision and eye health.

Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is essential for the regulation of the circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.

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