Health And Families News

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Ageing: the real cancer risk and the call for geriatric oncology reform

Ageing is identified as the leading cancer risk, reflecting a global and Canadian shift toward older populations. The piece argues for routine geriatric assessments before cancer treatment and for more specialized geriatric oncology services, noting that Canada currently has few clinics and that such care can save costs. Barriers include funding, workforce shortages, inertia in oncology care models, and ageism. The authors—Kristen Haase and Shabbir Alibhai—call for targeted, nurse-led or geriatric approaches to expand access and improve quality of life for older adults with cancer (republished from The Conversation).

2 hours ago•Source: The Independent

Walk to a stronger heart: pace, hills and short bursts boost cardio benefits

health-and-families

11.995 min•3 days ago

Walk to a stronger heart: pace, hills and short bursts boost cardio benefits

Experts say walking counts as cardio when you raise your heart rate into aerobic zones: aim for a brisk pace or hills to reach about 70–90% of your max heart rate (roughly 220 minus age) with a cadence around 100 steps per minute for moderate intensity. For extra benefit, add short bursts of higher intensity (1–4 minutes at ~80% max HR). Even short walks can lower blood pressure and blood glucose and reduce all-cause mortality, while longer easy walks are fine for stress relief. The walk’s quality matters as much as its length.

via The Independent