Jan 02

6 simple tips to reduce your blood pressure

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Small changes can make a big difference in your blood pressure numbers. If you suddenly find yourself with high blood pressure (hypertension) under the new guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, you might be wondering what to do. The guidelines lowered the definition for high blood pressure to 130/80 from 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), meaning more people now meet the criteria for stage 1 hypertension. While you shouldn’t shrug off the change, there’s also no need to panic. “Obviously, nothing happened overnight inside a woman’s body or to her health with the release of the guidelines,” says Dr. Naomi Fisher, director of hypertension service and hypertension innovation at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. The change, however, should spur you to take your blood pressure seriously. “These guidelines have been long anticipated and are very welcome by most hypertension experts. They may seem drastic, but in putting the knowledge we’ve gained from large trials into clinical practice, they will help thousands of people,” says Dr. Fisher.   Why does hypertension matter? If you are in this 130/80 range, […]
Dec 31

How to stay active: 13 lifestyle tips to beat laziness

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Learn how to stay active and avoid bouts of laziness in everyday life with expert-recommended tips. Maintaining an active lifestyle can keep multiple health problems at bay. Do laziness and lethargy suck your physical and mental energy? Maintaining an active lifestyle and learning how to be energetic can go a long way in making you feel better about yourself and being more productive. Some practical changes in your day can help you maintain an active lifestyle. These changes include adding some basic physical activity to your day, restricting mere sitting around, as well as eating a healthy diet. Ensuring regular movements in our daily routines is an easy way to maintain an energetic and active lifestyle. Here is your guide on how to increase your energy levels, and how to be active all day, every day!   What is an active lifestyle? An active lifestyle consists of regular physical activity, exercise, and movement in our daily routines, explains fitness expert Wanitha Ashok. These activities avoid muscle stiffness, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen muscles and bone density. This is especially important as prolonged sitting has become the new smoking, causing many health issues among people. “Even if one exercises for an […]
Dec 28

How to improve your life in 2025 according to science

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The start of a new year is a time for making changes and resolutions to improve your health and wellbeing. We look at some of the best tips that science has to offer. With the arrival of another new year, you might be reflecting on what you’d like to achieve and the kind of person you want to be over the next 12 months. But while roughly a third of us plan to make resolutions or set goals for ourselves in 2025, sticking to them is quite another matter. In previous years, surveys have revealed between 17% and 45% of us abandon these attempts after just the first month. The majority of people quit their resolutions by the middle of the year, according to one study. (Although if a recent YouGov poll is to be believed, Americans were somewhat better at sticking to their resolutions last year, with only 16% of resolution-makers giving up before the end of the year.) These failures can lead to what some psychologists describe as an annual cycle of “false hope syndrome”. Instead, there’s some evidence that it might be better to set goals that are more achievable. Research suggests that approach-orientated goals – those […]
Dec 25

A merry, healthy Christmas: Essential tips to boost immunity against winter illnesses

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Christmas is here, and it is the time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but as the winter season sets in, the drop in temperature can lead to various health issues due to factors such as reduced sunlight and increased indoor time. These factors can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to congestion, cough, flu, pneumonia, and respiratory problems. Winter can increase your chances of falling ill. Boosting your immune system becomes crucial during the winter to fight various health issues. You can even get vaccinated for flu and pneumonia for the betterment of your health. “People who are at a higher risk of experiencing these conditions, such as those with chronic conditions, children, and older adults, should get vaccinated immediately. The risk of respiratory issues like coughs and bronchitis can worsen during the winter due to various factors such as cold air and temperature,” says Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai.   Tips to boost immunity and stay healthy in winter Ensure you dress properly according to the weather to keep you warm and cosy. Individuals are advised to eat foods that are known to boost their immunity, such as ginger, turmeric, […]
Dec 20

Healthy holiday eating tips for the whole family

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With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy the season’s flavors while keeping your family’s nutrition on track. Holidays are a time for joy, togetherness and delicious food. With festive meals and treats around every corner, it’s easy for healthy eating habits to take a back seat. But with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy the season’s flavors while keeping your family’s nutrition on track. Dr. Jessica Lazerov, a pediatrician with Children’s National Primary Care, reveals her top tips for helping families maintain healthy eating habits during the holiday season.   Start with smart planning Before the holiday feasts begin, set the stage for balanced eating: Stock healthy options: Keep fresh fruits, veggies, whole-grain crackers, yogurt and nuts on hand for quick snacks before holiday events. Don’t skip meals: Skipping breakfast or lunch to “save room” for dinner often leads to overeating. Start the day with a healthy, filling breakfast like Greek yogurt or oatmeal topped with fresh fruit or scrambled egg bites made with chopped veggies and a sprinkle of cheese. Always make sure to drink plenty of water.   Fun ways to engage kids Get children involved in food preparation to make healthy eating fun: […]
Dec 17

The Definitive Amount of Exercise You Need to Make Up for Sitting All Day

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Here’s how to reverse the curse of a sedentary lifestyle, according to science.   There is no shortage of scientific research to tell you that a sedentary lifestyle—one that involves little to no physical activity—is detrimental to everything from our mental wellbeing to physical health to overall longevity. In fact, besides endowing you with all kinds of immediate aches and pains, sedentary behaviors and physical inactivity are some of the leading factors around the world for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Even for people who are relatively active, prolonged periods spent sitting—whether from desk-bound work days or lazy weekends in front of the TV—can chip away at the benefits of their healthy choices. But before you panic and start working your nine-to-five from the treadmill in the attic, there’s good news. It is possible to help counterbalance some of the health risks associated with sitting for hours (and hours) with a regular and attainable amount of movement. A massive meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine seems to have found the daily exercise sweet spot required to offset the negative impact of 10 hours of sitting. According to the published research, 30 to 40 minutes of mild to […]
Dec 14

Tips on how to take care of fitness in your 40s, what are the health risks involved

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Taking care of your health becomes increasingly important as you enter your 40s as this is a pivotal decade where preventive measures and lifestyle choices can greatly impact your overall well-being. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods is crucial for providing your body with the necessary fuel and combating age-related health issues. Regular exercise becomes even more important as it helps preserve muscle mass, strengthen bones and promotes cardiovascular health but additionally, paying attention to your mental health and managing stress is essential and this can be achieved through relaxation techniques, practicing mindfulness and seeking support when needed. Regular check-ups and screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers are also vital along with prioritising sleep, staying hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption or smoking, which are key factors in maintaining optimal health in your 40s. Want to adopt healthy habits to increase your chances of enjoying a vibrant and active life as you age? Dr Tarun Sahni, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, shared, “Taking care of your health in your 40s is crucial for mitigating health risks and ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life. In this phase, […]
Dec 11

Tips for maintaining healthy lifestyle over the festive season

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As we move into the festive season after celebrating World Diabetes Month in November, the focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes becomes even more critical. South Africans often indulge during this time, making it essential to keep wellness in mind. Simple changes in nutrition, sleep, and physical activity can significantly enhance well-being and prevent diabetes.   Form healthy habits to prevent diabetes Diabetes affects millions globally, with one in nine South African adults living with the condition, often undiagnosed. Developing healthy lifestyle habits can prevent this disease and improve overall quality of life.   Gut health and diabetes prevention There’s a growing focus on gut health’s role in preventing diabetes. A balanced gut microbiome can enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood sugar levels. Nicci Robertson, a nutritionist, recommends avoiding processed foods and focusing on diverse fiber sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, healthy fats, and proteins. Understanding changes in your body – like bloating, fatigue, or mood swings – can help assess your gut health. Comprehensive tests are available for more detailed analyses.   Exercise for diabetes prevention Regular physical activity, like walking, swimming, or cycling, significantly reduces diabetes risk by improving […]
Dec 08

7-Day Budget Dinner Meal Plan and Shopping List

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This healthy dinner meal plan will save you time and money this week.   According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Americans are spending, on average, 11.3% of their annual income on food. That’s almost $8,000 for a family making a total income of $70,000 a year. Thankfully, meal planning and cooking at home can help you save some serious cash. In this seven-day healthy meal plan on a budget, the recipes use inexpensive, easy-to-find ingredients to create delicious budget-conscious dinners for around $3 per serving (based off Instacart prices). Combine this meal plan with budget-friendly breakfast and lunch recipes to save even more during the week.   Sunday $1.82 per serving Budget Tip: Budget-friendly canned fish, like tuna and wild salmon, are convenient options for fast and healthy dinners on a budget. At a fraction of the price of fresh or frozen fish, you’ll get the same health benefits from canned options, like healthy omega-3 fats and protein. You can still plan to check out the fish counter when you do your grocery shopping to see what fresh seafood options are on sale. Frozen fish may be the better option as it’s often less expensive, and you can […]
Dec 05

Healthy meals start with planning

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Your healthy meal plan is ready. Grocery shopping for nutritious food is done. But when you’re ready to fill your plate, how much is too much? A plan for healthy eating includes knowing how much food your body needs. And then eating that amount, no more and no less. Two measurements can help you do this: serving size and portion size.   Serving size A serving is the amount of a food or drink that people typically take in. You’ll see the serving size on nutrition labels for packaged food. The label also tells you things like how many calories or grams of fat are in that serving of food. Fresh food, such as broccoli or meat, has a serving size too. Of course, fresh foods may not have labels, but you often can find out the serving size for these items on the internet.   Portion size A portion is the amount of a food that you choose to put on your plate or in your cup. For example, a serving size of broccoli is 1 cup. You may choose to dish out a portion size of more than 1 cup. The portion size that is best for you […]
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