Author: healthtost
Last Update January 10, 2025 (originally published March 23, 2020) Basic Takeaways This blog explores the best fitness programs for women across the lifespan, from strength training for bone density in your 20s to exercise to prevent falls later in life. Along the way, you’ll find strategies for building cardiovascular health and maintaining lean muscle mass and fitness tips for menopausal women. While physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are vital at any age, you’ll learn why it may be important to shift your focus as you get older to maximize your results. …
New research reveals how sleep deprivation impairs the brain’s ability to suppress unwanted memories, highlighting the critical role of REM sleep. Study: Memory control deficits in the sleep-deprived human brain. Image credit: lightpoet/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in Psychological and Cognitive Sciencesa team of researchers investigated how sleep deprivation impairs inhibitory control of memory and contributes to intrusive memories, focusing on the role of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in restoring this function. Background Disturbing memories of unpleasant experiences can significantly affect mental health, especially in conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Suppressing these memories helps…
Let’s make our New Year’s resolutions for pleasure this year, shall we? Why? Simply put: pleasure is more sustainable than obligation. You can make pleasure its own virtue, because when you feel good, it’s much easier to help others around you feel good too. Well, here are 10 sex solutions you’ll really want to keep – pick the one that speaks to you, or shoot for all 10, you overachiever! 1. I will masturbate. There are SO many health benefits of masturbation. Reducing stress. Better sleep. Fewer headaches! Go acoustic (using only your hands) or use a toy: as long…
The uterus, also known as the uterus, is a unique organ shaped like an inverted pear. Located in the pelvic cavity, it sits above the bladder and in front of the rectum. For women who have never given birth (nulliparous women), the average size of the uterus is about 7.5 cm (3 inches) in length, 5 cm (2 inches) in width, and 1.75 cm (1 inch) in thickness . From the time you conceive to the last stage of your pregnancy, the uterus undergoes a whole series of changes. The uterus tends to be larger and its shape can vary…
As someone who has been a dietitian in various settings for the past 15+ years (!!!), I’m used to a lot of confusion about what we do. As an inpatient dietitian, I dealt with complaints about hospital food every day – I promise I wasn’t the one salting your mash! As an outpatient dietitian, I realized that people often expect us to be a living, breathing My Fitness Pal, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the nutritional facts of every food and someone who could easily create a personalized meal plan in minutes. Even today, as a dietitian who specializes in…
In an effort to close the gap in neurological outcomes for underserved populations, a UTHealth Houston project funded with $2.9 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will engage community partners to improve clinical trial design. Neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia contribute to the leading causes of death and disability in the US. The goal of the project is to create an infrastructure for community-engaged research interventions for these three neurological conditions that affect brain health. Historically, clinical trials for neurological diseases have not consistently or holistically included the voice…
The lymphatic system is an integral part of our body’s immune system, playing a vital role in maintaining overall health. Often described as the body’s “sewerage system,” it functions as a network of vessels and nodes that transport lymph fluid, delivering nutrients to cells and removing toxins and waste products. Unlike the circulatory system, which is powered by the heart, the lymphatic system relies on movement—such as muscle contractions, breathing, and manual stimulation—to function properly. When this system is working effectively, it not only benefits your overall well-being, but also has a profound impact on the appearance of your skin.…
Campbell “Pookie” Puckett and her husband Jett embarked on a magical journey into parenthood, introducing their adorable baby girl to the world with a name full of love and meaning. Short summary: Campbell “Pookie” Puckett and Jett welcome their first child, a daughter named Paloma. The couple shared heartfelt details about their childbirth experience and the meaning behind their daughter’s name. Fans reacted with overwhelming joy and congratulations, celebrating the new family member. On November 12, 2024, TikTok sensation Campbell “Pookie” Puckett and her husband Jett Puckett had a moment every parent dreams of – their beloved baby girl entered…
Depression can affect anyone. It is common and in many cases serious. These days, good treatments are available, usually involving a combination of psychotherapy and medication. However, finding the right treatment can take time. Not everyone responds equally well to every medication. Researchers at six European university medical centers, led by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, have collaborated to accelerate the process of deriving solid findings about new and known treatments. Key will be a joint study design, supported over the next four years with more than €13m (£11.7m) in funding from Wellcome.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), major depression…
A new analysis of US mortality data reveals the disproportionate impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on older adults, men and certain racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain injuryprovides a comprehensive analysis of TBI-related deaths in different population groups in the US in 2021.The findings show that suicides remain the most common cause of TBI-related deaths, followed by unintentional falls, and specific groups are disproportionately affected by these tragedies. Men, in particular, were found to be more likely to die from TBI – more than three times the rate of women (30.5 vs. 9.4).…