It’s natural for blood sugar to rise after eating. But if you are older or have diabetes or prediabetes, they can rise to a dangerous level that can damage your health over time. Making a habit of walking after dinner can make a huge difference. Why Blood Sugars Rise After Meals “What you eat sends [blood sugar] up, and then insulin gradually pushes it back down,” explains Daniel Cox, Ph.D. Cox is a University of Virginia professor researching the effectiveness of lifestyle c

Not surprisingly, an annual eye exam is helpful for detecting and treating a range of age-related vision problems. But that’s not all your eye doctor might see. “Eye exams can help diagnose many medical conditions,” says Peter Nixon, M.D., a retina specialist with Austin Retina Associates in Texas. “That’s because your physician will look at the small blood vessels and retina in the back of your eyes. The health of the eye gives a good snapshot of what’s happening througho

If you’ve noticed your grocery bill steadily creeping up, you’re in good company. From bread to eggs to meat, food prices have been on the rise in the U.S. In fact, grocery store and supermarket prices increased 1.1 percent in just one month this year (from September to October) and are 5.4 percent higher than they were in October 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It’s a concerning trend, but it doesn’t mean you have to choose between eating heal

You’ve probably heard the good news about frequent walking: less stress, lower blood pressure, and better blood sugar. But there are additional health benefits that don’t get as many headlines. “Walking is a highly underrated exercise,” says Layne Nordquist, C.P.T., an area director and master trainer at VASA Fitness in Denver. In fact, any amount of walking — even five minutes—can give you a health boost, according to the latest fitness guidelines. That’s especially good new

If you’ve noticed your grocery bill steadily creeping up, you’re in good company. From bread to eggs to meat, food prices have been on the rise in the U.S. In fact, grocery store and supermarket prices increased 1.1 percent in just one month this year (from September to October) and are 5.4 percent higher than they were in October 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It’s a concerning trend, but it doesn’t mean you have to choose between eating heal

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about visiting the dentist. Things like needles, drills, and sharp tools are enough to unnerve anyone, regardless of their age. But if you’re 65 or older, it can be especially hard to smile when thinking about your teeth. That’s because older adults are at higher risk for certain dental issues. Maybe your mouth feels dryer than it used to. Perhaps your dentist has recommended some procedures you’ve never heard of. And you might find out you h

Eating a satisfying and nourishing meal in the morning sets you up for a healthy day. And many of us prefer to spoon into a bowl of cereal for breakfast because it’s a quick, filling and delicious choice. So much so, that nearly 300 million Americans eat cereal each day. A healthy box of cereal can help older adults meet their overall nutritional needs. Unfortunately, many of the eye-catching packages in the cereal aisle are low in nutrition and big on sugar and additives — m

Eat less, move more, don’t smoke. You know these heart-smart rules, well, by heart. Even so, cardiovascular disease remains America’s biggest killer, and the risk increases as you get older. But whatever your age, it’s never too late to protect your ticker. “80% of heart disease is actually preventable,” says Martha Gulati, M.D., former president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. The key? Taking action now. These simple tips will help you get started. Heart t

When you think of volunteering, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s serving Thanksgiving dinner at a shelter or joining your community for spring clean-up day at your local park. Helping others during high-need seasons is admirable. Still, there are plenty of reasons to give back all year long. And many of them benefit you just as much as the people (or furry friends) you’re serving. “Volunteering is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health,” says Julian