wellbeing20.19 min read
Lp(a) test reveals a hidden heart-health risk beyond routine cholesterol checks
17 days ago•Source: The Washington Post
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21.475 min•21 days ago
Quit Alcohol, Your Brain Could Rebound, New Science Explains
Research summarized by The Washington Post suggests that even low levels of alcohol can harm the brain, but quitting or cutting back can allow the brain to recover to some extent, with potential cognitive improvements and a lower dementia risk over time.
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Daily steps for aging adults to prevent falls, says expert
A geriatric expert says falls prevention starts years before they happen: stay active, review medications, and make homes safer, with fall-risk assessments advised before age 65.
Tiny Scratch, Big Fight: A Tetanus Wake-Up Call
Nikki Arellano’s minor leg scratch led to a life-threatening tetanus infection—rare but possible in unvaccinated people or those overdue for Td boosters. The disease can cause severe muscle spasms and required intensive care, underscoring the importance of staying up to date with tetanus vaccination.
5 Simple Ways to Start the Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health and Longevity
The Washington Post Well+Being piece highlights decades of research showing the Mediterranean diet—rich in plant-based foods and lean proteins—improves cardiovascular health and may lower cancer and Type 2 diabetes risk, with a large Spanish trial reporting about a 30% reduction in heart attacks and strokes. It also provides five easy ways to adapt the diet to different cuisines and lifestyles.
Science Says Standard Time Is Healthier Than Daylight Saving Time, Year‑Round
A Washington Post Well+Being piece explains that while lawmakers seek to make daylight saving time permanent, science shows standard time better supports our circadian rhythms and overall health. Keeping daylight saving year‑round could cause chronic circadian misalignment linked to sleep loss and higher risks of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, and some cancers; the Sunshine Protection Act has passed the House and would require Senate approval and a presidential signature to take effect.
Two decades of cannabis use taught me lessons I wish I knew at 13.
An essayist recounts growing up in Upstate New York and smoking cannabis for nearly 20 years, using it as an escape from family chaos, and reflects on what she wishes she’d understood at 13 about long-term effects, addiction risks, and the broader implications as cannabis becomes more common.
Nocturnal Urination: Easy fixes to reduce midnight bathroom trips
Waking up at night to pee is common and can be caused by factors like pregnancy, drinking too much before bed, or age-related changes. While usually not an urgent medical issue, persistent nocturnal urination can disrupt sleep. Simple lifestyle tweaks—such as moderating evening fluid intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol late in the day, and timing fluids earlier—often help, with medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Hormones may not drive muscle gains, new study suggests
A recent study found that fluctuations in female sex hormones across the menstrual cycle have little effect on how muscles respond to resistance training, and the researchers suggest this may also apply to male hormones, implying hormones may not be the primary limiter of muscle growth for either sex.
A Simple Blood Test, A Storm of Questions About the Future
A writer grapples with whether to take an Alzheimer's blood test after noticing memory lapses; the test itself is easy, but the potential results trigger fears about family, insurance and future planning, prompting experts to advise caution and to prioritize cognitive assessments and informed interpretation of what a positive result might mean.
The sleep-tracker paradox: wearables that wake you up
Orthosomnia—a fixation on perfect sleep—can be worsened by wearables, as data from trackers is not always accurate and can spur anxiety about each night's sleep. Experts advise stepping back from the numbers, practicing solid sleep hygiene, and listening to body cues rather than chasing the app score.
Sudden Hearing Loss at 32: urgent care could have changed the outcome
A Washington Post Well+Being essay recounts Alison Hodgins’s experience with sudden unilateral hearing loss at age 32. She details Aug. 11, 2024 in Vancouver after a sauna, cold plunge, and sunset yoga, arguing that recognizing the condition as an emergency and seeking prompt treatment could have improved her outcome. The one-ear loss is permanent, and she now lives with tinnitus linked to a widely misdiagnosed condition.