Author: News Room

5 min readThe body’s preferred method of getting vitamin D is sun exposure—but if you’re limiting time in the sun or trying to protect your skin when you’re outside, your body likely isn’t making enough. That’s where eating plenty of foods high in vitamin D comes in.Vitamin D’s primary function is to support the metabolism and use of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that help maintain healthy, strong bones and prevent muscle cramps and spasms, explained Brookell White, M.S., R.D.N., the nutrition data curator at MyFitnessPal. “Our nerves also use vitamin D to help transfer messages from the brain to…

8 min readUnlike some diseases and health conditions that present with symptoms early, high blood pressure is not as easy to recognize. That’s why knowing the most common high blood pressure causes—and anticipating a potential diagnosis—are so crucial to maintaining optimal heart health. “High blood pressure, in most cases, is asymptomatic,” said Lawrence Phillips, M.D., a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health. “So people don’t feel that they have it, which is why regular screening is so important.”Often referred to as a “silent killer,” about half of Americans have high blood pressure, per the American Heart…

Your lip sunscreen should contain two types of moisturizing ingredients, known as humectants (think: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera) and emollients (petrolatum, coconut oil, shea butter), says New York-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. Humectants draw moisture into the top layers of your lips, and emollients lock the moisture into place—without emollients, the moisture will evaporate and your lips will be left drier than they were before.Additionally, Dr. Harth says that the best sunscreen ingredients are octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone, boasting multiple advantages: “They’re invisible, stay more on the skin and lips, and won’t clog pores—an advantage for people with…

3 min readKey PointsA new study looks at how long-term olive oil consumption could impact brain and gut health, specifically in older adults.The observational data saw improvements in metabolic disease, cognition, and other processes to do with the gut-brain axis.Extra virgin olive oil was seen to have the most benefit. Refined olive oil did not.Olive oil is a known source of healthy fats and an anti-inflammatory food that contains heart-protective antioxidants. And it turns out, the versatile ingredient could have even more superpowers. A new study explores its potential for brain and gut health in older adults by way of…

4 min readStress has been linked to everything from digestive issues to heart disease and stroke, making it something you want to actively work against. While there are plenty of ways to de-stress, research suggests that walking can help people feel less frazzled.“Walking literally changes your brain,” says Judy Ho, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and the author of Stop Self-Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation. “It increases blood flow and oxygen and triggers the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which is associated with spurring motivation.”But while walking in general is helpful, mindful walking is especially…

4 min readAdding walking to your day is a great way to get in more exercise. This low-impact activity has been linked with a slew of health benefits while being easy on your joints. But having personal goals in mind is also important to ensure you’ll stick with a walking routine. A simple way to start a walking plan that will stick is to aim to walk a mile a day.This goal is simple and straightforward, and it’s also doable for most people. “One day where you walk a mile doesn’t seem like much,” says Tony Gentilcore, C.S.C.S., a fitness…

3 min readFinding time to exercise can be tricky enough, let alone carving out a moment to stretch afterward. But regularly skipping the cool-down phase after walks raises the risk you’ll end up uncomfortable or even injured over time.The good news: It only takes five to 10 minutes of cool-down time after your walk to keep your body limber and lower the risk of injury. It starts with the end of your walk, too. When you’re coming toward the end of your walk, gradually slow your pace. From there, leave room to stretch important muscle groups you just worked, like…

4 min readAlthough colds are incredibly common, they’re never pleasant. Dealing with congestion, a sore throat, and fatigue isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. And just when you think it can’t get more uncomfortable, you realize you’ve passed your cold to someone else in your circle. While this is unavoidable in some cases, we asked doctors to explain how long colds are contagious and what you can do to minimize the spread of germs.“A typical cold is most contagious during the first two to three days of symptoms, less contagious over the next seven to 10 days, and there…

9 min readAn arsenal of research suggests that walking is good for your body and mind. Studies have shown that taking a regular stroll helps lower blood pressure, improves cognition, and even promotes heart health.“Walking is an easy-to-do exercise that has so many benefits with very little risk of injury or death,” says Adam Mills, M.S.E.d., R.C.E.P., exercise physiologist and cycling coach at Source Endurance. But what exactly are the major benefits of walking, and where do you start?The key is in the time spent—at least 30 minutes a day to get all of the benefits, according to Melina B.…

2 min readKey PointsDenise Austin, 69, demonstrated a quick and easy full-body workout on her Instagram.”Use your muscles! If you don’t use them, you lose them,” she says.Here are the details on each move so you can do the exercises at home.Denise Austin is our go-to source of inspiration for quick, easy workouts that deliver real results for every age. Unsurprisingly, the fitness pro is kicking off National Fitness Month by sharing four simple exercises to incorporate into our routines ahead of summer.“It’s National Fitness Month!” Austin declares in her Instagram video. “Here are four moves that you can do…