Eat These To Give Your Kidneys a Hand

Middle eastern, arabic or mediterranean dinner table with grilled lamb kebab, chicken skewers with roasted vegetables and appetizers variety serving on rustic outdoor table. Overhead view.Sure, you’ve heard of eating the rainbow of fruits and vegetables, but are you really doing it?

Unlikely, according to a new study.

Especially if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). People with the condition were found to eat fewer colorful fruits and veggies than those without the condition, which may play a role in both disease risk and severity.

It is no surprise that eating more fruits and vegetables is strongly linked to health in many diseases.

The study found that between 1988 and 1994, 52 percent of respondents with CKD had a low intake of fruits and vegetables, compared to 48 percent without the condition.

Between 2003 and 2010, 46 percent of respondents with CKD had low produce intake, compared to 41 percent of others. Between 2011 and 2018, the numbers were 48 percent and 46 percent.

Roughly 37 million U.S. adults have CKD. It occurs when kidneys cannot effectively filter waste from a person’s blood. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Fruit intake may be an issue for people with CKD because they are often told to reduce and monitor potassium intake, a common mineral in fruits and vegetables. The health benefits of this advice, however, are unknown.

The effects of reducing fruit and vegetable intake may be more harmful than beneficial in people with CKD, as well as in the general population.

Replacing processed and ultra-processed foods with fruit and vegetables, at least 8 servings per day, may help improve the effects of CKD and reduce the risk of associated conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Eating a balanced diet that is low in processed food and higher in fresh and minimally processed food, like the Mediterranean diet, is regularly associated with a healthier, longer, and higher quality life.

Fixing Brain Communication with Body May Help with Lower Back Pain: Study

Young woman suffering with back pain, sitting on a couch and holding her lower back with hand. Axial pain, backacheNew research suggests that fixing lower back pain could happen by altering how the brain and body communicate. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide suffer from lower back pain and are familiar with standard treatments, including shots, surgery, medications, and spinal manipulations. However, this new research suggests a new technique that doesn’t involve drugs or surgery.

Lower back pain is the world’s leading cause of disability. So, a group of scientists across the U.S., Europe, and Australia have come together to test the effectiveness of altering neural networks to recognize pain.

The study included two groups of 138 participants with chronic low back pain. One group received a graded sensorimotor retraining intervention (RESOLVE) and the other with mock laser therapy and noninvasive brain stimulation.

It was found that the RESOLVE 12-week training course resulted in a statistically significant improvement in pain intensity at 18 weeks.

“What we observed in our trial was a clinically meaningful effect on pain intensity and a clinically meaningful effect on disability. People were happier, they reported their backs felt better, and their quality of life was better,” the study’s lead author, James McAuley, Ph.D., said. “This is the first new treatment of its kind for back pain.”

Over time, communication between the back and brain changes. This leads to the brain interpreting signals from the back differently and changing how the body moves. Researchers believe that these neural changes make a recovery from pain slower and more complicated.

As the back becomes less fit, the way the back and brain communicate is disrupted, reinforcing the idea that the back is vulnerable and needs protecting. The new treatment that researchers are monitoring aims to break this cycle.

The RESOLVE treatment focuses on improving this transformed brain-back communication by slowly retraining the body and the brain without using opioids or surgery.

Pain Management

More and more people are turning to natural ways to help manage pain, including chronic lower back pain. Super Pain Relief is a natural formula that uses Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which has been shown in human clinical studies to help reduce multiple types of pain and inflammation.

Another essential ingredient in Super Pain Relief is Quercetin, also known as a powerful inflammation fighter. This unique combination of natural ingredients will not only help with pain but can also improve mobility and decrease stiffness while maintaining overall health and wellness.

For on-the-go pain relief, turn to Pain Eraser, a topical solution that can temporarily ease pain and discomfort on contact. Its powerful pain-reducing abilities come from camphor, a proven natural pain reliever, and menthol, which helps to provide soothing relief to sore and stiff muscles. This convenient spray provides fast-acting relief, whether at home or on the go.

Exercises to Improve Hand Mobility

Anti-stress balls in hand, according to the window with bright sunlightIf daily tasks are difficult because you suffer from stiffness, swelling, or pain in your hands, it is possible the right exercises can help you get back to normal.

Therapists typically suggest specific hand exercises depending on the cause of the trouble. Some movements help increase a joint’s range of motion or loosen tight muscles and tendons via stretching. Other exercises strengthen muscles around a joint to generate more power or build greater endurance.

Here are a few exercises that may help improve range of motion and reduce pain, fatigue, swelling, and stiffness in your hands.

Wrist Extension and Flexion:

  • Place your forearm on a table on a rolled-up towel for padding with your hand hanging off the edge, palm down
  • Move the hand upward until you feel a gentle stretch
  • Return to the starting position
  • Repeat the same motions with the elbow bend at your side, palm facing up

Wrist Supination/Pronation:

  • Stand or sit with your arm at your side, the elbow bent at 90 degrees, palm facing down.
  • Rotate your forearm so that your palms face up and then down.

Wrist Ulnar/Radial Deviation:

  • Support your forearm on a table on a rolled-up towel for padding or on your knee, thumb upwards
  • Move the wrist up and down through its full range of motion

Thumb Flexion/Extension:

  • Begin with your thumb positioned outward
  • Move thumb across the palm and back to the starting position

Hand/Finger Tendon Glide:

  • Start with your fingers extended straight out
  • Make a hook fist; return to a straight hand
  • Make a full fist; return to a straight hand
  • Make a straight fist; return to a straight hand

Hold each position for 5-10 seconds and do one set of 10 repetitions three times per day.

All of these exercises should be done slowly and deliberately to avoid potential pain and injury. If you feel numbness or pain during or after exercising, stop and contact your doctor.

How to Come Up with the Best Way to Relieve Your Back Pain

Man's hands on his back with red spot as suffering on backache. Male person sick from lower back pain from Herniated or slipped discs,Degenerative, sacroiliac joint, spinal stenosis, Pancreatic CancerAmericans have sore backs. Nearly 65 million report an episode of back pain at some point, while about 8 million report chronic back pain.

It happens for many reasons: work, rest, or injuries can contribute. There is a diverse array of causes, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Finding the treatment to suit your specific needs is essential to treat, manage, or relieve back pain adequately.

There are many options to treat back pain, so it can be very confusing. Options include doing nothing, moving more, or having surgery. In some cases, you can see, recommendations have major contrasts!

So, how do you decide on a treatment? Keeping these things in mind can help:

Know what you’re dealing with. When you’ve identified the type of back problem you’re suffering from, you’ll be more equipped to learn how to treat it. For example, if chronic back pain is the result of inactivity, moving more may be the optimal solution.

If the pain is the result of injury or structural issues, rest may be best.

Although there are many options to treat back pain, not all are appropriate for specific conditions.

Take an active role in your care. Learn as much as you can about the risks and benefits of the treatments you’re considering, and be clear on your treatment goals. You might not want to become a wrestler, but you may want to get up and down easily to play with the grandkids.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to question advice. If a health professional suggests an invasive, experimental, or expansive treatment, think about getting a second opinion from a doctor with expertise in your specific condition.

There are several factors involved in treating and relieving back pain. Taking them all into account will give you the best chance of reaching your goals and restoring your vitality.

Dealing with Travel Tummy Troubles

Couple suffering from stomachache, standing at airport terminal, free spaceDon’t you hate it when you’re on vacation, and uninvited guests decide to join?

I’m not talking about your annoying brother-in-law, either. I mean indigestion.

It’s not uncommon for people to experience digestive troubles when they’re travelling. The trio of diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion can show up and put a damper on your trip.

Travel can disrupt your body’s natural rhythms. Time changes and altered eating and sleep schedules can all take your digestive system for a ride.

And it has the potential to ruin a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here are some things that can help you get back on track and put your gut at ease.

Diarrhea can be very common, especially when travelling internationally. You can work to prevent it by staying well-hydrated and choosing what you eat and drink very carefully. Bottled water is an important decision, as is avoiding food that has been sitting out on a buffet.

Remember to wash your hands regularly and always wash or peel fruit.

If diarrhea hits, remember to increase fluid intake and look to OTC remedies to help. If it persists, contact a doctor.

Constipation happens when your schedule is out of wack. Whether it’s caused by a long trip, time change, or simply staying up later than normal, it can be a reality of travel.

You can limit its impact by eating plenty of fiber and drinking plenty of fluids before your trip. Also, try to make an effort to eat fiber-rich foods while on your trip, and keep water intake stable. If you become constipated, try laxatives.

Indigestion, like bloating, can also be a regular occurrence during travel. You can get a handle on it by watching alcohol consumption, avoiding food that trigger reactions, not eating massive portions, and slowing down while eating.

Many people like to go heavy on food while travelling, but just remember that it’s likely to come with some consequences!

Risk Of Hip Fracture Is Higher Among Vegetarian Women: Study

Senior woman falling down at home because stumbled on a door kerbRecent studies have shown that vegetarian women are at a higher risk of hip fracture than those who consume meat. While the health benefits of a vegetarian diet are plentiful, this recent discovery is something to keep in mind if you are considering a vegetarian lifestyle. Be sure to talk with your doctor about ways to ensure you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs if you go vegetarian.

One recent study published in BMC Medicine analyzed data of over 26,000 middle-aged UK women. Researchers investigated the risk of hip fracture in occasional meat-eaters, pescatarians, people who eat fish but not meat, and vegetarians compared to regular meat-eaters.

Over a twenty-year observation period, 822 hip fractures were recorded, representing just over 3% of the sample population. After certain adjustments were made, including smoking and age, vegetarians were the only diet group with an increased risk of hip fracture. The study concluded that those with a vegetarian diet had a 33% higher risk of hip fracture compared to regular meat-eaters.

Lead study author James Webster said, “Our study highlights potential concerns regarding risk of hip fracture in women who have a vegetarian diet. However, it is not warning people to abandon vegetarian diets. As with any diet, it is important to understand personal circumstances and what nutrients are needed for a balanced healthy lifestyle.”

It has been previously noted that plant-based diets often reduce nutrient intake that is vital for bone and muscle health. These types of nutrients are normally found in larger quantities in meat and other animal products. Researchers now stress the need for more studies to investigate further why vegetarians are at a greater risk of hip fracture. The relationship between these key bone and muscle nutrients needs a better understanding.

Maintaining Joint and Bone Health

Whether you are vegetarian or not, your bones may require support to help them stay strong and healthy. Bone Rescue can help to support the maintenance and development of bones thanks to its unique formula, including strontium. Chemically similar to calcium, strontium can provide great support for aging bones. Bone Rescue contains 680 mg of strontium along with additional ingredients to help keep bones strong and healthy.

Joints can also be a common problem for those with bone problems, so it is essential to get the proper vitamins and nutrients to help keep them strong, flexible, and healthy. Healthy Joints contains multiple ingredients to help support and improve joint health. The primary ingredient in Health Joints is AprèsFlex®, an extract from Boswellia, which has been found in studies to provide rapid support for joint health and mobility. This unique formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which contain compounds that are some of the building blocks of healthy joints.

You May Be Able to Prevent Recurrent Kidney Stones by Doing This

Guy feeling unwell with a stomach ache while sitting at homeIf you’ve ever had a kidney stone, it wouldn’t be a surprise if your top priority in life is to make sure it never happens again.

The blinding, excruciating pain that comes when passing it is enough to strike fear into anybody.

New research suggests that about 30 percent of people who’ve passed a kidney stone have a recurrence within five years. But the data also says there is something you can do to likely prevent it.

And it’s relatively easy:

Change your diet.

It might not even require a full-scale change, either. It could be as simple as eating a little bit more calcium and potassium while cutting back on the processed foods that are all too common in the Western diet.

The researchers recommend two to three servings of low-fat dairy per day (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.) to get roughly 1,200 mg per day (which is the current recommended daily intake). Potassium consumption is a little less defined, but eating as many fruits and vegetables as possible can ensure you’re getting plenty.

Potassium-rich fruits and vegetables include bananas, grapefruits, apricots, mushrooms, peas, cucumbers, zucchini, and melons like cantaloupe and honeydew.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic arrived at their conclusion using data from questionnaires completed by kidney stone patients between 2009 and 2018. They compared the diets of 411 people who’d had kidney stones and a control group of 384 who hadn’t.

During a median follow-up period of just more than four years, 73 patients had recurrent kidney stones. Lower levels of calcium and potassium predicted that recurrence.

The good news is that although people are unlikely to make dietary adjustments to prevent a first kidney stone, they are likely to make some changes to prevent having to live through the excruciating pain ever again.

Drinking plenty of water – upwards of nine 12-ounce glasses per day – may also help prevent a recurrence.

If you’re hoping to avoid another kidney stone, try increasing potassium and calcium intake. It could make a huge difference in your risk for recurrence.

Abnormality In Upper Heart Chamber Can Lead To High Dementia Risk

Granny showing her granddaughter memories from the pastAccording to a new study, people with abnormalities in the heart’s left atrium may have a higher risk of developing dementia later in life by 35%. This risk was found in people with or without symptoms, including those who did not have atrial fibrillation or stroke, two conditions known to be associated with dementia.

The heart’s left atrium is responsible for receiving blood from the lungs and pumping it into the left ventricle, which then pumps the blood throughout the rest of the body. Previous studies have found an abnormality in the functioning or structure of the left artery can signal a person’s cardiac risk. This condition, known as atrial cardiopathy, is associated with an increased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation, which are both associated with a heightened risk of dementia.

This new study highlighted the need to better understand the relationship between a state of atrial dysfunction that may not be presenting symptoms and the association with dementia.

The study included more than 15,000 people who were originally recruited for the ongoing Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. All participants attended clinical visits every three years, and health records such as hospital record abstraction, ECG tracings, physician and coroner questionnaires, and death certificate data were analyzed. Researchers believe this information has led to discoveries and guidelines surrounding atherosclerosis, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, and cognitive decline.

The analysis of the health data found that over the 30 years of follow-up, 763 people developed dementia, and 1,709 had atrial cardiopathy. The participants with atrial cardiopathy appeared to be 35% more likely to develop dementia. When the findings were adjusted for participants who experienced atrial fibrillation and stroke, they still found a respective 31% and 28% increase in dementia risk in patients with atrial cardiopathy.

These findings suggest that a state of atrial cardiopathy that leads to dementia is not entirely a result of atrial fibrillation or stroke alone. Researchers believe these results
emphasize the importance of lowering vascular and heart disease risks.

More research is needed to evaluate the possibility of silent strokes or asymptomatic atrial fibrillation that may be missed in clinical trials.

Brain and Heart Health

Some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age. However, as this study shows, numerous other factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. 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 decline.

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, magnesium, and hawthorn extract. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Improving Self-Awareness May Help Manage Anxiety and Anger

Grey-haired mature caucasian woman meditating at homeBeing in tune with your emotions may sound straightforward, but it is not. For example, have you ever found yourself irritated by a person that has literally done nothing more than asking you how your day was?

Many people overestimate their level of self-awareness. Even people who think they are in touch with their emotions – perhaps they cry or laugh easily – often do not recognize the full spectrum of their feelings.

Improving self-awareness can require digging a little deeper.

Improved self-awareness is one of the benefits of mindfulness. Focusing on the here and now and being present, accepting whatever arises in your awareness without judgment, can help build emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

To help focus on emotions, try doing this.

Sit quietly in a comfortable position with your eyes closed and start to think about something sad, but not overwhelming. Notice where in your body you are feeling the sadness and place one of your hands there in a caring and soothing way. Repeat the steps but use different emotions like fear, anger, and joy.

Increasing self-awareness of these sensations can help you become more emotionally intelligent. By looking at emotions more carefully, you can learn how the body responds to an image, thought, or situation. The better you can recognize your body, the more you’ll be able to know when a certain feeling is arising.

Sensations can be an early warning signal for negative emotions that you might not want to act on immediately. Let’s just imagine your partner says something that bugs you in front of some close friends. Take a moment to recognize your body’s sensations, but don’t respond immediately. Wait a moment – or longer – to think clearly before responding.

Journaling can also help improve emotional intelligence, as can talking with trusted friends, family members, or a therapist.

Study Found That the Choice Music You Listen to Could Relieve Pain

Shot of a young woman using a laptop and headphones on the sofa at homeDid you know that listening to music could impact your pain levels? According to a new study, people who were given the impression that they had control over their music choice experienced more pain relief than people who were not given any control.

The study published in PLOS ONE included 286 adults experiencing chronic pain who were asked to rate their pain before and after listening to a music track. Two different versions of the track were composed. Participants were randomly assigned to hear either the low- or high-complexity version. They were also randomly selected to be given the impression they had some control over the musical qualities of the track. However, these participants heard the same track regardless of their choice.

It was found that participants who felt they had control over the music reported more significant relief in the intensity of their pain compared to those who were not given the impression. All participants reported enjoying both versions of the track, but no links were found between the music complexity and the amount of pain relief. However, it was noted that participants who engaged actively with music in their everyday life had even greater pain-relief benefits.

These findings suggest that engagement and choice of music are important for pain relief. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between music choice and engagement. Strategies for boosting engagement are also needed to improve pain relief.

Pain Management

More and more people are turning to natural ways to help manage pain. Super Pain Relief is a natural formula that uses Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which has been shown in human clinical studies to help reduce multiple types of pain and inflammation. Another essential ingredient in Super Pain Relief is Quercetin, also known as a powerful inflammation fighter. This unique combination of natural ingredients will not only help with pain but can also improve mobility and decrease stiffness while maintaining overall health and wellness.

For on-the-go pain relief, turn to Pain Eraser, a topical solution that can temporarily ease pain and discomfort on contact. Its powerful pain-reducing abilities come from camphor, a proven natural pain reliever, and menthol, which helps to provide soothing relief to sore and stiff muscles. This convenient spray provides fast-acting relief, whether you are at home or on the go.

Your Heart May Pay the Price for Those Sleepless Nights

Happy young woman show heart shape with hands lying awake in cozy bed in morning, smiling pretty lady express love enjoying good sleep on orthopedic pillow mattress looking at camera, above top viewIf you’re struggling to fall or stay asleep, you could be putting your heart health at risk.

You might not feel it immediately like you do the sleepiness and grogginess, but a large pool of evidence suggests that poor sleep is linked to heart problems like a higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

A recent study has uncovered that people in midlife with a variety of sleep problems may triple their risk of heart disease.

The “sleep problems” are relatively common, too. They include trouble falling asleep, waking up in the wee hours of the morning, or sleeping fewer than six hours per night.

Sufficient sleep is highly important to long-term health.

Several issues can contribute to a sleep shortfall. For some, it could be as simple as not setting aside enough time for sleep. Others may have television, alcohol, or coffee habits that can disrupt sleep. Some even have medical conditions that impair sleep.

Researchers looked at data from more than 7,400 adults (average age was 53) in the Midlife in the United States Study that reported information about sleep habits and heart disease history. Some participants (633) used a device that recorded sleep activity.

To assess sleep issues, researchers looked at:

  • Regularity (if they slept longer on work days than non-work days)
  • Satisfaction (whether or not they had trouble falling asleep; woke up in the night or early in the morning and couldn’t get back to sleep; felt sleep during the day)
  • Alertness (how often they napped for more than five minutes)
  • Efficiency (how long it took them to fall asleep at bedtime)
  • Duration (how many hours they typically slept each night)

They also asked participants about heart-related problems, conditions, diagnosis, etc.

After looking at the data, researchers found that each additional increase in self-reported sleep problems was linked to a 54 percent increased risk of heart disease compared to those with normal sleep patterns.

The increase was much higher among people who both self-reported and wore a device, which is considered to have greater accuracy. Their risk was linked to a 141 percent higher risk.

Finding ways to improve sleep, including better sleep hygiene and treating medical issues that may impair sleep, may help save your heart in the future.

Strokes Affect Patient’s Vision Centers on the Brain, Resulting in Vision Loss

Disease Stroke written on a head shape.Research has found that people who have had a stroke may have an increased risk of vision loss. Many people don’t often associate the two, but after countless studies, it is now well documented that stroke can have an impact on eyesight.

The visual pathway leads from the eyes to the occipital lobe, the region of the cerebral hemisphere that processes vision. This pathway enters through the cerebral hemisphere on each side, so those who suffer a stroke affecting certain areas of the cerebral hemisphere could have an impact on the visual pathway, leading to a loss in visual recognition.

If this process occurs, patients will notice missing areas of peripheral vision. Those who had a bilateral occipital lobe stroke may suffer a profound loss of vision in both eyes. And, if the brain stem is affected, double vision may be experienced since it can affect cranial nerves that control eye movements.

Studies have also found that if a clot blocks the carotid artery in the neck or in the head, it could spread to the artery supplying the retina, which may cause vision loss.

There are some warning signs of a stroke that could lead to vision loss. Some symptoms include sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, missing areas in peripheral vision, double vision, dizziness, and darting eye movements. If you experience any symptoms, seek immediate attention.

Vision and Brain Health

Some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, but certain health conditions or the occurrence of a stroke may result in the brain not having the ability to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory even if there are no underlying problems. It has nine ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health, including ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

Stroke isn’t the only health concern that can affect vision. Age-related vision loss has been attributed to 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.

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 contains various vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients to help support and maximize vision and eye health.

Bug Bites Are a Part of Summer, but They May Be Getting More Dangerous. Here’s What You Need to Know

Allergies and insect bites concept. Person scratches her legs, which is itchy from a mosquito bite. Close up. Summer garden on the background.Bug bites have always been a part of the summer season. Whether you’re out in the woods, sitting on a dock, out for a walk, or even sitting at home on your sofa, there’s a chance you’re going to get bit.

While most of the time, bug bites are little more than irritating, they can quickly become severe and life-threatening. And as bugs continue to move as climate changes and packages and other carriers move across the world, some bites may be more severe.

Even life-threatening.

If you’re sitting out by your flower garden or enjoying a sweet snack on a patio, you’ve likely seen bees, wasps, and hornets circling. Most people can treat these painful stings at home with an ice pack and OTC remedy for pain, itching, and swelling.

All that is true if the swelling is localized to the area of the sting and there is no severe allergic reaction. But if you begin to generally swell, have trouble breathing, experience dizziness, or have any facial or tongue swelling, call 911.

Ticks are a growing menace to outdoor activities and have the potential to cause incurable Lyme disease.

These pests are hard to notice and generally hang out in the grass, waiting to be whisked away. They embed themselves into the skin, and that’s where problems occur.

The best strategy is to cover yourself when you go outdoors fully. If that’s not the case, inspect yourself and any animals that were outdoors. If you see a tick, remove it with clean tweezers and pull up in a steady motion. If you can’t safely remove it, go to the doctor.

Signs of a tick bite that should be brought to the attention of a doctor include a bull’s eye rash, or spots on the palms of your hands or soles on your feet that could indicate a tick-borne illness like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Mosquito bites, although common, can also present some danger. If you develop persistent flu-like symptoms like a fever, head or body ache, or upset stomach, it could be a sign of Zika or West Nile virus. Get to a doctor.

Most mosquito bites can be relieved with OTS sprays and creams to take care of itching.

Be careful with big bites this summer. You can protect yourself with clothing, bug spray, and screens, but it’s always important to be aware of the potential risks.

Simple Exercise Routine May Help with Aging Brain: Study

Laughing funny elderly spouses sitting in living room on floor in lotus position practice meditation distracted from yoga exercise joking feels overjoyed, healthy active lifestyle of retirees conceptGetting older can be difficult for everyone, but a new study suggests a simple exercise routine may help keep the aging brain healthy as we get older. According to the findings, regular exercise may help protect aging brains from cognitive decline. Researchers say the benefits of exercise seem to be strongest in people who start exercising later in life. So, if you’re looking for ways to stay sharp as you age, it’s time to start moving.

Doctors have long recommended physical activity to help keep the brain healthy through aging. However, this study is the longest test of whether exercise makes any difference once someone starts to have memory issues. This research was performed during the pandemic, adding isolation to the list of risks for participants’ brain health.

The study included about 300 sedentary older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – a condition that is sometimes considered a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. Half of the participants were assigned aerobic exercises, and the rest were required to perform stretching and balancing moves that only modestly raised their heart rate.

Participants in both groups attended the YMCA, and when the pandemic hit, they met with trainers over video calls from home.

After a year, cognitive testing showed that neither group had worsened, and brain scans did not show any shrinkage that typically accompanies worsening memory problems. In comparison, MCI patients involved in a similar study of long-term brain health experienced a significant cognitive decline over a year.

“Previous research has found regular physical activity of any sort may reduce damaging inflammation and increase blood flow to the brain,” said Alzheimer’s Association chief scientific officer Maria Carrillo.

Some drugs target key markers known to lead to dementia, including amyloid plaque and metabolism to help process blood sugar and fats. However, research has shown that even with medication, effective treatment of cognitive decline requires a combination of customized strategies.

As the aging population grows and cognitive impairment cases increase, there is a growing urgency to find steps people can take to help offer protection. This study shows how simple exercise may be a helpful tool in the prevention of memory issues.

The next step in research must look at how much and what kind of exercise is needed for seniors to get the brain health effects. Some experts recommend that seniors move 30 to 45 minutes four times a week, which is an enormous task for sedentary people.

Brain Function and Anti-Aging

While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, this study shows how lifestyle changes can affect brain health. Along with exercise, getting the right vitamins and nutrients for brain health is vital as you age.

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. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

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