Aerobic exercise
Learning Center
Buying athletic shoes? Check your arch
Athletic shoes should be tailored to your arch type (high arch, neutral arch, low arch). Your arches play an important role in how you adapt to various surfaces as you walk. But there is no one "best shoe" for a particular foot type, and comfort and proper fit should be the main criteria you use.
Do you have a living will?
Life-threatening situations can happen to anyone, so it's important to have a living will or other advance directive. These documents spell out your preferences regarding medical treatments you would or would not want to keep you alive. You can also outline your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want and save your family from having to make tough decisions in a crisis.
Does zinc work for colds?
The jury is still out on that question because many zinc studies, both those that find it beneficial and those that don't, are flawed. In studies with positive results, zinc lozenges or syrup appeared to shorten a cold by one day and seemed most effective when taken within 24 hours of the start of symptoms. Taking zinc lozenges with food may reduce side effects, such as a bad taste and nausea. Steer clear of zinc nasal spray, however, which may permanently damage your sense of smell.
Don't believe shaving myths
Contrary to popular belief, shaving hair doesn't make it grow back thicker. And shaving doesn't affect how dark your hair is or how fast it grows. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip that can feel coarse as the hair grows out. During this phase, the hair might appear darker or thicker, but it's not.
Exercising? Take it up a notch
Want to get the most out of your workouts? Try interval training! This simply means alternating bursts of intense activity with intervals of lighter activity. Take walking. If you're in good shape, try incorporating short bursts of jogging into your regular power walks. If you're less fit, alternate leisurely walking with periods of faster walking. (For example, if you typically walk outdoors, walk faster between certain mailboxes, trees or city blocks.) The more vigorously you exercise the more calories you'll burn, even if you increase intensity for just a few minutes at a time.
Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls
Have you ever tripped down the stairs? Slipped on a rug? It may seem silly, but falls are nothing to take lightly. Here are tips to fall-proof your home: 1. Keep electrical cords out of walking paths. 2. Securely fasten carpet, rugs and carpet runners to the floor. 3. Keep walkways and stairways free of clutter. 4. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub or shower.
Focus on fit when shoe shopping
To find shoes that fit properly, try these tips: 1. Have your feet measured. Shoe size can change as you age. 2. Ask the salesperson to measure both feet. If one foot is larger than the other, try on a pair that fits your larger foot. 3. Shop for shoes later in the day after you've been walking for some time, when your feet are at their largest.
How much exercise do you need?
For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Moderate aerobic exercise includes activities such as brisk walking or swimming. Vigorous aerobic exercise includes activities such as running or aerobic dancing. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week. The guidelines also recommend that you do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least twice a week.
Is healthy aging in your genes?
Sure, your genes affect your health. But your lifestyle, your environment and even chance may matter even more. What you eat, how much you exercise, how you manage stress, how much sleep you get and whether you smoke all play a role in whether you develop a heart condition. Stack the cards in your favor with healthy lifestyle choices.
Stress and headaches: Stop the cycle
Stress can make your head hurt, and a headache can really stress you out. Either way, you can rein in the pain with these tips to keep stress under control: 1. Simplify. Ask yourself what really needs to be done and what can be dropped. 2. Delegate. Look over your to-do list and delegate what you can. 3. Laugh. Staying positive with humor is a great way to relieve stress. 4. Relax. When you feel your muscles begin to tense, breathe deeply. Focus on inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly for at least 10 minutes. 5. Exercise. Regular exercise provides a healthy break from the stress of daily life.
Refine Your Search
Type
- All
- HealthTip
Age
- All
- 45 to 64 middle
- 19 to 44 younger
- 65 to 80 older
- 80 and over
Focus
- All
- Clinical Treatment