If the eyes are the window to the soul, then skin is the door to our health. That’s how Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a dermatologist, sees it, because our health shows up on our skin. “I can see whether someone has diabetes, or if there’s a problem with blood vessels or lung function,” says Mina.
“Hey, Susan – want to go exercise later?” “No, thanks, Diane – but I’d love to get in some movement, if you’re up for that.” Huh? What’s going on between these two friends? One wants to exercise, but the other is only interested in movement. What about “physical activity,” “training,” “keeping fit” or any of
Fit people make better lovers. It’s true at any age, even later in life. And it shouldn’t surprise anyone. If you’re stronger, more agile, and have better stamina, then chances are you’re going to have a more satisfying sex life – and help your partner have one, too. Scientific research backs this up. In one
Everyone says they want to stay “young at heart.” But are they willing to lift weights to do it? Conventional wisdom has long held that running is better for heart health than weightlifting. Some research says that’s not so. For example, in one survey, scientists looked at health records of 4,000 people. They concluded that, while both
Inflammation is a natural body function that protects us from injury and illness. But if it goes on too long, it can become harmful, especially among “older” adults. Chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of health issues, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s. Exercise, not smoking, and staying at a
What’s on your “bucket list” of things you want to do at least once in life? Do you want to see your grandkids get married? Do you want to wear a dress you wore years ago but have outgrown? Maybe you want to climb a local hill – or Mount Kilimanjaro. We all have a
Here’s an interesting phrase you don’t hear every day: “compression of morbidity.” Sounds dreadful, doesn’t it? But it’s actually something everyone wants: to have all our age-related illnesses come in as short a time as possible at the end of life. In other words, to live really well right up until the end. The ultimate
Vince spent decades working the oil fields of Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay. And now in semi-retirement at 66, he keeps strong at the gym to enjoy adventures like snowmachining in the mountains. “I love being outdoors and doing physical things – always have,” says Vince. “I need to stay in good shape. I’m not ready to
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s just one reason that working out should be a part of your ongoing health care. Just like regular doctor exams, cancer screenings, dental cleanings, blood work, and other routine procedures mature adults should be doing regularly. Too many people skip out
Have you ever felt so exhausted that all you needed was a good night’s sleep? Everyone has. Maybe especially after the holidays! But have you ever STILL felt exhausted, even after plenty of shut eye? We wrongly think that “rest” means “sleep,” when in fact, there’s more to it than that. So says Dr. Saundra