Strength training is crucial as women age
When Sarah Baldassaro turned 50, she took stock of her health and began working with a fitness coach on strength training, a type of exercise that’s crucial for women in midlife. “Now I would say I’m stronger overall than I ever have been at any age,” said Baldassaro, 52, of Alexandria, Virginia. “My fitness level is much more like when I was in my early 30s.” Medical experts... READ MORE
Why some retirees age so well overseas
For his new book, Healthy to 100, longevity researcher Ken Stern wanted to answer a question that nagged him: Why do so many people in some European and Asian countries live long, healthy lives? How can Americans be like them? For six months in 2024, he traveled to five of the most successful aging nations — Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Spain — to find out why their... READ MORE
When a leg cramp is more than that
I live in Denver Broncos territory here in Colorado, and recently, I was watching a documentary about John Elway when something he shared stopped me cold. Elway talked about the loss of his twin sister to lung cancer at the age of 42. She had never smoked, and, according to public interviews, she dealt with unexplained leg cramps early on. That detail didn’t sound like a typical... READ MORE
What are the risks and signs of stroke?
Dear Mayo Clinic: A friend from my book club recently had a stroke. I learned that women have a higher risk of strokes. What are the risk factors, and are there signs to watch for that indicate someone is having a stroke? A: A stroke can happen at any time and to anyone. You might be talking to your loved one and notice they’re suddenly slurring their words. Or, while grocery shopping, ... READ MORE
Try these winter vegetables this season
Colorful, nutritious winter vegetables — crops that thrive in the cooler months or are harvested in the fall and maintain their flavor and health benefits throughout the winter — play an important role in the eating-seasonally movement. This lifestyle trend, which promotes packing your plate with food grown naturally at that time of year in your region, is enjoying a resurgence of... READ MORE
Vanity fare: The right foods can brighten skin
The old axiom “you are what you eat” holds true. What we eat can play a huge role in the health of our bodies, including the brain, heart and skin. Certain foods can turn around tired-looking skin and even offer some natural protection from the sun. “Skin health starts from the inside and is dependent on how well we nourish it through our dietary choices,” said Cindi Lockhart, a... READ MORE
No, eating fat doesn’t make you fat
There’s a certain logic to the idea that eating high-fat foods — even nutritious foods such as avocados, nuts and olive oil — can lead to weight gain. After all, one gram of fat contains nine calories, while one gram of protein or carbohydrate contains only four calories. But just as science has debunked the idea that weight loss or weight gain is simply the result of “calories... READ MORE
How to save money on prescriptions
Have you ever been standing at the pharmacy counter, minding your own business, when the clerk says, “That’ll be $958,” and you briefly exit your body? I used to be that pharmacist delivering the sticker shock, though I always tried to soften the blow. I’ve seen people turn pale, mutter words I can’t print here, and leave the pharmacy crying. Back in the 1990s, we didn’t have ... READ MORE
Sneak more fiber into your diet
How we eat during the holidays can be much different from the rest of the year. One big change during this season? Your fiber intake may have taken take a hit. Consuming enough dietary fiber daily supports your health in many ways. After age 50, women should have around 22 grams of fiber per day, while men should aim for 28 grams per day. Check out these dietitian-approved tips for... READ MORE
How to locate a good age-friendly doctor
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are relocating to a nearby state to be closer to our daughter and will need to find a new primary care physician when we arrive. We are both in our late 70s and are interested in getting a geriatrician to oversee our healthcare going forward. Any suggestions for finding someone? —Searching for Care Dear Searching, Choosing a geriatrician as... READ MORE
