Not Reading Directions Some wipes, like the kind made with benzalkonium chloride, are only approved to kill bacteria. They might not work as well on viruses. Wipes with “disinfectant” on the label should kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) keeps a list of approved disinfectants on its website. Check the product’s label for the EPA registration number. Drying Surfaces Too Fast They should stay visibly wet for a little while. The amount o

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your body and brain as you age. Whether you’re going for daily walks, taking SilverSneakers® classes, or chasing grandkids around the yard, movement helps maintain strength, mobility, heart health, and mental sharpness. But what about supplements? Can certain vitamins or nutrients give your body the extra support it needs to stay in motion? Here’s what the research says and what to keep in mind before adding anything new

Looking to mix up your movement practice and find new ways to work stiff joints and achy muscles? Try Tai Chi, a gentle martial art rooted in Chinese tradition. Not only does it improve balance, strength and flexibility, but research shows Tai Chi may also relieve chronic pain. In particular, research suggests that Tai Chi may help ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia and offer relief from chronic lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, tension headaches and more. This mind-body

Long-term use of melatonin supplements may be linked with a higher risk of heart failure, according to new research — but does that mean people taking it as a sleep aid should stop using it now? In a review of electronic medical records, thousands of adults who had chronic insomnia and took melatonin for a year or longer had a 90% higher chance of heart failure over the next five years, compared with participants who had the same health factors but didn’t take melatonin. Mela

People in the United States are obsessed with dieting and body size. That may be due to the fact that 40.3% of adults have obesity today, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The weight loss industry likely contributes to these twin obsessions, as the global weight loss and diet management market size was worth about $143 billion in 2022, and is projected to soar to roughly $299 billion by 2030. And with more than 15 million Americans now losing wei

Signs of vision loss and blindness can be subtle and increase over time or can appear suddenly. Contact an eye doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: seeing flashes of light seeing floaters or specks seeing halos around light sources decreased vision watery eyes or eye draining eye redness double vision lines look wavy or distorted blind spots in the center of your field of vision often seeing changes in your vision quality losing peripheral visio

If you’ve ever felt an involuntary tightness, hardness, or bulging in a muscle, you may have experienced what’s called a muscle spasm . Spasms are common in the abdomen, arms, hands, and feet. You can also feel them in your calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps, and along the rib cage. This type of cramping can occur in anyone for various reasons. Many cases of simple muscle spasms are caused by excessive exercise and vigorous physical activity. Patience, rest, gentle stretchin

Obstructive sleep apnea may exhibit some surprising signs and symptoms. While it’s often associated with older adult males carrying extra weight, it can actually affect anyone, depending on the shape of their jaw and airway. Consider some of these alternative signs and whether the underlying cause might be due to untreated sleep apnea. 1. Depression Sleep apnea can impact mood, often contributing to depression. Common signs include persistent sadness, low energy, poor concent

Cold cuts are convenient for making high-protein sandwiches, but choosing the healthiest lunch meat requires reading labels and avoiding too much salt, saturated fat, and preservatives like nitrates. 1. Turkey Breast Turkey breast is one of the leanest options, providing high protein and very little fat per serving. Choose oven-roasted or lightly seasoned versions and check the label carefully to avoid added sodium, sugars, or fillers. 2. Chicken Breast Like turkey, chicken b

Increasing your steps by even a little bit may help slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease among people at heightened risk, according to a new study. In a paper published in Nature Medicine , Mass General Brigham researchers found that physical activity was associated with slower rates of cognitive decline in older adults with elevated levels of amyloid-beta, a protein associated with Alzheimer's. Cognitive decline was delayed by three years on average for people wh

Originally used for radar and other technologies, the power of microwaves was first harnessed specifically for heating food in 1947. By the late 1960s, commercial microwave ovens were small and inexpensive enough to become fixtures of the modern kitchen. And by the 1970s, scientists were starting to wonder just how this form of electromagnetic radiation might be affecting the food that it heated. Microwaving food produces different textures and flavors than other cooking meth

The Plank Challenge may be all over social media. But there’s another reason to burn off belly fat that has nothing to do with sculpting killer abs. Belly fat, technically known as visceral fat, can spell bad news for your health.  If you’ve never heard of visceral fat before, this type of fat burrows deep into your abdomen, where it surrounds organs like the liver and intestines. That doesn’t just make your belly rounder. Visceral fat also cranks out inflammatory proteins th

If you regularly find yourself dashing to the market for last-minute meal ingredients, it might be time to start stocking your freezer. The reasons are plentiful, and with pro tips from chefs on what frozen foods to always keep on hand and why, getting started is easier than you might think. Maintaining a well-stocked freezer won’t just save you the headache of trying to figure out a feasible meal plan on a busy weeknight or when guests pop by unexpectedly; it will also save

Statistically speaking, every six seconds, someone in the world is told that they have Alzheimer’s disease — a brain condition that causes mental decline and erodes your ability to remember, think and learn. Age, genetics and family history — risk factors we can’t change — are considered driving forces behind this form of dementia. But that doesn’t make you powerless when it comes to limiting the possibility of cognitive decline. There are ways to help reduce your risk of Alz

Your prostate is only about the size of a walnut. But this small gland can cause big problems if left unchecked. Warning signs of prostate cancer “Most men with prostate cancer don’t have symptoms at first,” says urologist Christopher Weight, MD. But if you notice certain warning signs, like changes in your pee routine or pain, it’s a good idea to visit a urologist. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. But when it’s found early, it’s also one of the most

You're back in school and suddenly have to take a test, despite not having been present to learn any of the material. Your teeth are suddenly falling out. You run into an acquaintance you haven't seen in 20 years. You're suddenly falling from a high distance, or maybe even flying. Dreams are a concept that humans have been fascinated with deciphering for thousands of years. Experts are still working on determining exactly what causes them, but they have posited a number of th

Neurologists often describe puzzles, such as crosswords, as “brain food.” They certainly keep the brain active and can lower your risk of cognitive decline. However, in order to ace your New York Times puzzle of choice—and stay healthy, more generally—the brain needs actual , nutrient-dense food. Dr. Ella Akkerman, MD , a neurologist at VSI, says that our body needs nutrients to ensure that biochemical reactions throughout the body, including those in the brain, function nor

These days, we’re more aware of how sugary beverages can affect our health, and for good reason. Millions of Americans have Type 2 diabetes, and reducing sugar intake can help people manage or prevent the condition. However, some popular drinks have kept their “health halos” because they can (rightfully) slap “no sugar” on their labels. But experts emphasize that these “no sugar” labels don’t mean nothing problematic is going on there. “Many drinks marketed as healthy or low-

Avocados These pear-shaped fruits (yep, they’re fruits!) are packed with potassium. Your body needs potassium to manage its sodium levels, which in turn controls the amount of water you hang onto. The better that system works, the less bloat you’ll have. Bananas Bananas deliver a potassium punch. One study showed that women who ate a banana before each meal bloated less than those who didn’t. Experts think that’s because they deliver certain gut bacteria that help calm gas pr

Fiber Foods that are high in fiber -- like fruits and veggies, oatmeal, nuts, and legumes -- can help with constipation that becomes more common as you age. They're also able to help lower your cholesterol levels, manage your blood sugar, and keep you at a healthy weight. If you're a man who's 51 or older, aim to eat 30 grams of fiber each day. If you're a woman, try for about 21 grams. Whole Grains They're a great source of fiber and rich in B-vitamins, which you'll need mor

Bananas are a convenient, versatile, and nutritional fruit rich in fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals. Research suggests that bananas have many health benefits, including improving digestion, weight management, energy levels, heart health, athletic performance, and more. 1. Increases Energy Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel source for energy. Because bananas are a solid source of carbohydrates and B vitamins, you may experience increased energy after eating this

You may have heard the saying that raw oysters are safer to eat in months with an “R” in them—from September to April, when it’s cooler in the Northern Hemisphere. But this old rule isn't true. Eating raw oysters is risky year-round, and the danger has little to do with temperature or storage. Although modern farming and supply chains have improved food safety, the risk of eating raw oysters goes beyond how they’re harvested or stored. Oysters are filter feeders, meaning the

While outdoor air pollution certainly poses a concern, it might be easy to forget that the quality of the air you breathe at home may be just as important. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor pollutant levels be 100 times higher than outdoor air pollutants. Higher levels could lead to health effects, including allergic reactions, asthma, heart disease, and possibly cancer. Unexplained respiratory symptoms could offer a clue that it may be time to

For seniors, lower back pain is a common and sometimes debilitating problem. It can get worse over time, too. Since your back plays a key role in pretty much everything you do, this type of pain can prevent you from fully enjoying your life. The good news: Lower back pain does not have to be a normal part of aging. Addressing the problem can make you feel much better. Here’s a look at what causes back pain and the many ways it can be treated. What’s the difference between acu