COVID-19 cases are on the rise in MA, CDC says. What to know about 'Nimbus' strain.

Walk briskly for 15 minutes, eat eggs and avoid tech neck — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week

Yahoo

25 minutes ago

Yahoo

Walk briskly for 15 minutes, eat eggs and avoid tech neck — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week

Simple ways to live healthier. Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to deliver the best health and wellness tips the internet has to offer this week. One small thing you can do for your health? Consider your caffeine intake — just like some of the people Yahoo's Natalie Rahhal spoke with recently. A June 2025 Yahoo/YouGov poll of nearly 1,600 U.S. adults found that 81% of Americans drink caffeine, and nearly 30% of them have tried to give it up. Should you be one of them? While the Food and Drug Administration says that 400 mg or less of caffeine per day (that's about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee) is considered safe, it's worth checking in with yourself to see how you feel after you consume it. Are you jittery and anxious after downing a few sodas, or do you feel stomach issues coming on after sipping an espresso? It might be worth switching to less caffeinated (or even caffeine-free) alternatives. (There's a slew of new beanless coffees on the market that mimic the taste of java without the caffeine crash.) Even if you're not experiencing uncomfortable side effects, caffeine — especially when consumed too close to bedtime — can interrupt your sleep, which can negatively impact your health overall. If you find yourself tossing and turning, look at when you're having your last caffeinated beverage. Giving yourself 10 hours without caffeine before bedtime is a safe bet, but you can experiment to see which approach is best for you. Now, on to the week ahead... To see what's in store, check your local weather forecast, then peek at your horoscope for some starry guidance if you're so inclined. Finally, pick 'one small thing' to do this week to improve your well-being. Here are a few ideas. 🚶Do 15 minutes of brisk walking a day Think walking doesn't count as real exercise? Think again — and make sure to pick up the pace. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that just 15 minutes of brisk walking a day was linked to a nearly 20% drop in total mortality. The research, which looked at nearly 80,000 mostly low-income and Black adults across 12 Southeastern states, found that fast walking significantly improves cardiovascular health by boosting heart efficiency, helping with weight management and lowering risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol. So if you're not trying to join a run club anytime soon, a few speedy laps around the block might be just what the doctor ordered. 🍳 Eat eggs Here's a great reason to make an omelet this week: Eating eggs may reduce your risk of Alzheimer's by nearly 50%, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. As reported by The Hill, the researchers found that the choline and omega-3s found in eggs could help protect your brain from this degenerative disease. And you don't have to eat many eggs; just one per week was shown to reduce memory decline when compared with no egg consumption. While the researchers stressed that this was an association, not a definitive correlation, it's a good excuse to crack one open. 👩‍💻 Avoid tech neck Are you dealing with neck pain on a regular basis? Join the club. As USA Today reports, more than 30% of adults experience neck pain, and staring at screens is often to blame — so much so that experts have coined it 'tech neck.' The good news? This type of neck pain isn't inevitable, even if you can't get your screen time down to zero. Instead, try adjusting your workstation. You can switch up your screen height so your neck is in a more relaxed place, get a more supportive chair or even try out a standing desk. Need relief ASAP? Heat can ease stiffness in your neck, while cold can relieve strain after an injury. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, also work in a pinch. 🍋 Add lemon to your tea for an antioxidant boost Tea is packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation, improve digestion and promote good heart health. It just needs one thing to really up the ante, experts tell EatingWell: a squeeze of lemon. As dietitian Patricia Bannan explains, 'lemon acts as a natural preservative for tea's antioxidants' thanks to its vitamin C content. That means you'll absorb more with every sip. To get the full benefit, use fresh lemon juice, which has the most vitamin C. And let your tea cool a bit before adding the lemon, which will help the tea better preserve antioxidants. One thing you'll want to skip with your tea if you want the most bang for your buck? Milk; research has shown that adding it could alter the antioxidant content. 🐟 Eat these foods for better mental health Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and trout are rich in omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation in the brain and body — and may also have antidepressant effects, experts tell Self. These healthy fats support the brain's structure by building cell walls and boosting neuroplasticity, says The Better Brain coauthor Bonnie Kaplan, which can help repair a depressed brain. Plus, omega-3s also enhance how well mood-regulating neurotransmitters function, allowing us to have a sunnier disposition. Want to see how you feel on fish? Add grilled salmon or canned tuna to a salad this week. 🏊🏻‍♂️ Protect your hair from chlorine Swimming is a summer staple, but if you're headed to the pool, you're going to encounter chlorine. This antimicrobial and algicidal chemical helps keep pools clean, but it can also harm your hair by stripping its natural oils and fraying the cuticle, USA Today reports. The result? Dry, brittle hair. Fortunately, there are two easy ways to protect your hair. Before you jump in the pool, rinse your hair with fresh water; the more your hair absorbs, the less room it'll have to sop up chlorine. Another tip? Try coating your hair with coconut oil, which repels the chlorinated water. 🕰️ Try mental time travel If special moments in time are fading from your mind, try this hack: Recall the emotions you believe you had when you first stored that memory. Per Live Science, this memory trick comes from research that found that this sort of mental time travel can help restore our memories by going back to the context of their initial encoding. Try reactivating a memory (say, your birthday party last year) by focusing on the emotional state you were in at the time. 🚰 Sip chia seed water Want to get things moving in your digestive system? Consider chia seed water, suggests EatingWell. When you put these tiny black seeds in water, they form a gel-like consistency. Downing a spoonful in a glass of water offers a fiber-packed punch that can keep you regular, as these seeds help 'thicken or soften your stools, making them easier to pass,' dietitian Katrina Cox explains. And since fiber helps you digest carbs after a meal, you'll also be less prone to blood sugar crashes and may feel fuller. A word of caution: Don't overdo it. Drinking too much chia seed water can lead to GI discomfort, especially if you're not regularly ingesting a ton of fiber. Start off slow, with a small amount of chia seeds (and lots of water!) before adding more into your diet. And ask your doctor if it's right for you, as chia can interact with medications like blood thinners, as well as ones for diabetes and blood pressure maintenance, dietitian Sheri Gaw warns. 🧠 Pick a brain-training hobby Yahoo's Kerry Justich spoke to Olympic pommel horse star Stephen Nedoroscik last week about the hobbies he enjoys outside his sport. Turns out the gymnast is a sucker for Rubik's Cubes and chess, which just so happen to be great for cognitive function. A study found that solving a Rubik's Cube helps use and strengthen brain areas linked to planning, visual thinking and hand-eye coordination, while playing chess has been linked to strategic thinking and problem-solving. Need a break from doomscrolling? Throw a Rubik's Cube in your bag for when you have a free moment, or download a virtual chess app to play on your phone. Solve the daily Crossword

Yahoo

an hour ago

Yahoo

Walk briskly for 15 minutes, eat eggs and avoid tech neck — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week

Simple ways to live healthier. Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to deliver the best health and wellness tips the internet has to offer this week. One small thing you can do for your health? Consider your caffeine intake — just like some of the people Yahoo's Natalie Rahhal spoke with recently. A June 2025 Yahoo/YouGov poll of nearly 1,600 U.S. adults found that 81% of Americans drink caffeine, and nearly 30% of them have tried to give it up. Should you be one of them? While the Food and Drug Administration says that 400 mg or less of caffeine per day (that's about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee) is considered safe, it's worth checking in with yourself to see how you feel after you consume it. Are you jittery and anxious after downing a few sodas, or do you feel stomach issues coming on after sipping an espresso? It might be worth switching to less caffeinated (or even caffeine-free) alternatives. (There's a slew of new beanless coffees on the market that mimic the taste of java without the caffeine crash.) Even if you're not experiencing uncomfortable side effects, caffeine — especially when consumed too close to bedtime — can interrupt your sleep, which can negatively impact your health overall. If you find yourself tossing and turning, look at when you're having your last caffeinated beverage. Giving yourself 10 hours without caffeine before bedtime is a safe bet, but you can experiment to see which approach is best for you. Now, on to the week ahead... To see what's in store, check your local weather forecast, then peek at your horoscope for some starry guidance if you're so inclined. Finally, pick 'one small thing' to do this week to improve your well-being. Here are a few ideas. 🚶Do 15 minutes of brisk walking a day Think walking doesn't count as real exercise? Think again — and make sure to pick up the pace. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that just 15 minutes of brisk walking a day was linked to a nearly 20% drop in total mortality. The research, which looked at nearly 80,000 mostly low-income and Black adults across 12 Southeastern states, found that fast walking significantly improves cardiovascular health by boosting heart efficiency, helping with weight management and lowering risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol. So if you're not trying to join a run club anytime soon, a few speedy laps around the block might be just what the doctor ordered. 🍳 Eat eggs Here's a great reason to make an omelet this week: Eating eggs may reduce your risk of Alzheimer's by nearly 50%, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. As reported by The Hill, the researchers found that the choline and omega-3s found in eggs could help protect your brain from this degenerative disease. And you don't have to eat many eggs; just one per week was shown to reduce memory decline when compared with no egg consumption. While the researchers stressed that this was an association, not a definitive correlation, it's a good excuse to crack one open. 👩‍💻 Avoid tech neck Are you dealing with neck pain on a regular basis? Join the club. As USA Today reports, more than 30% of adults experience neck pain, and staring at screens is often to blame — so much so that experts have coined it 'tech neck.' The good news? This type of neck pain isn't inevitable, even if you can't get your screen time down to zero. Instead, try adjusting your workstation. You can switch up your screen height so your neck is in a more relaxed place, get a more supportive chair or even try out a standing desk. Need relief ASAP? Heat can ease stiffness in your neck, while cold can relieve strain after an injury. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, also work in a pinch. 🍋 Add lemon to your tea for an antioxidant boost Tea is packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation, improve digestion and promote good heart health. It just needs one thing to really up the ante, experts tell EatingWell: a squeeze of lemon. As dietitian Patricia Bannan explains, 'lemon acts as a natural preservative for tea's antioxidants' thanks to its vitamin C content. That means you'll absorb more with every sip. To get the full benefit, use fresh lemon juice, which has the most vitamin C. And let your tea cool a bit before adding the lemon, which will help the tea better preserve antioxidants. One thing you'll want to skip with your tea if you want the most bang for your buck? Milk; research has shown that adding it could alter the antioxidant content. 🐟 Eat these foods for better mental health Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and trout are rich in omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation in the brain and body — and may also have antidepressant effects, experts tell Self. These healthy fats support the brain's structure by building cell walls and boosting neuroplasticity, says The Better Brain coauthor Bonnie Kaplan, which can help repair a depressed brain. Plus, omega-3s also enhance how well mood-regulating neurotransmitters function, allowing us to have a sunnier disposition. Want to see how you feel on fish? Add grilled salmon or canned tuna to a salad this week. 🏊🏻‍♂️ Protect your hair from chlorine Swimming is a summer staple, but if you're headed to the pool, you're going to encounter chlorine. This antimicrobial and algicidal chemical helps keep pools clean, but it can also harm your hair by stripping its natural oils and fraying the cuticle, USA Today reports. The result? Dry, brittle hair. Fortunately, there are two easy ways to protect your hair. Before you jump in the pool, rinse your hair with fresh water; the more your hair absorbs, the less room it'll have to sop up chlorine. Another tip? Try coating your hair with coconut oil, which repels the chlorinated water. 🕰️ Try mental time travel If special moments in time are fading from your mind, try this hack: Recall the emotions you believe you had when you first stored that memory. Per Live Science, this memory trick comes from research that found that this sort of mental time travel can help restore our memories by going back to the context of their initial encoding. Try reactivating a memory (say, your birthday party last year) by focusing on the emotional state you were in at the time. 🚰 Sip chia seed water Want to get things moving in your digestive system? Consider chia seed water, suggests EatingWell. When you put these tiny black seeds in water, they form a gel-like consistency. Downing a spoonful in a glass of water offers a fiber-packed punch that can keep you regular, as these seeds help 'thicken or soften your stools, making them easier to pass,' dietitian Katrina Cox explains. And since fiber helps you digest carbs after a meal, you'll also be less prone to blood sugar crashes and may feel fuller. A word of caution: Don't overdo it. Drinking too much chia seed water can lead to GI discomfort, especially if you're not regularly ingesting a ton of fiber. Start off slow, with a small amount of chia seeds (and lots of water!) before adding more into your diet. And ask your doctor if it's right for you, as chia can interact with medications like blood thinners, as well as ones for diabetes and blood pressure maintenance, dietitian Sheri Gaw warns. 🧠 Pick a brain-training hobby Yahoo's Kerry Justich spoke to Olympic pommel horse star Stephen Nedoroscik last week about the hobbies he enjoys outside his sport. Turns out the gymnast is a sucker for Rubik's Cubes and chess, which just so happen to be great for cognitive function. A study found that solving a Rubik's Cube helps use and strengthen brain areas linked to planning, visual thinking and hand-eye coordination, while playing chess has been linked to strategic thinking and problem-solving. Need a break from doomscrolling? Throw a Rubik's Cube in your bag for when you have a free moment, or download a virtual chess app to play on your phone. Solve the daily Crossword

15-Year Long Stagnant Life Expectancy Trend In U.S. Continues

Forbes

an hour ago

Forbes

15-Year Long Stagnant Life Expectancy Trend In U.S. Continues

Life expectancy in the U.S. has been stagnant for 15 years. Multiple factors are to blame. getty Approximately 525,000 more deaths occurred in the United States in 2023 than would have been expected based on pre-2010 mortality trends. The large number of excess deaths can be attributed to many different diseases and conditions. Cardiovascular disease continues to top the causes of mortality, along with cancer. But medical errors, overdose fatalities, gun deaths, infant mortality and other causes all contribute to the troublesome trend. U.S. life expectancy has been largely stagnant for 15 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on mortality in the U.S. shows that life expectancy at birth rose from 77.5 in 2022 to 78.4 in 2023. While the bump between 2022 and 2023 is good news and signals a continued bounce-back from significant declines in 2020 and 2021 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the figure is still below the 2010 level. And preliminary data suggest that compared to 2023 the improvement in life expectancy in 2024 could be much smaller, as the rebound appears to be losing steam. Over the next 25 years, life expectancy in the U.S. is projected to rise by approximately two years—far less than in other wealthy, industrialized nations, according to a study published in The Lancet and carried out by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Specifically, U.S. life expectancy is forecast to increase from its 2023 level to 80·4 years in 2050. This modest gain will see the U.S. fall from 49th to 66th globally in life expectancy rankings. Life expectancy is an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live, given death rates at that time. It's considered a fundamental measure of a population's health. A newly released report by the Bloomberg American Health Initiative highlights some of the reasons why the sharp divergence between U.S. life expectancy and its peers will likely persist, including the relatively elevated incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, as well as high levels of drug overdoses, gun deaths, motor vehicle fatalities and infant and maternal mortality. These help to explain, for example, the 2.7-year gap in life expectancy between the U.S. and the United Kingdom. Other rich countries such as Japan, Korea, Portugal, the U.K. and Italy all currently enjoy a life expectancy of 80 years or more. And since 1980 the gap between the U.S. and its peers has widened substantially. A Journal of the American Medical Association study analyzing 170 health indicators for U.S. children from 2007–2023 paints an especially sobering picture for the nation's youth, as infant mortality is 1.8 times higher than other wealthy nations; firearms are a top cause of death; obesity, anxiety and depression are rising relative to peers. What has alarmed policymakers for decades is that the U.S. experiences comparatively subpar life expectancy despite spending considerably more on healthcare. In fact, the U.S. spends much more in absolute and per capita terms on healthcare than any other nation. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spoken of a 'life expectancy crisis.' He points to chronic diseases as the main underlying problem. Specifically, he cites rising rates of obesity, diabetes and cancer, as well as autoimmune diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, Alzheimer's, asthma and addiction. Kennedy blames poor diets and environmental toxins for the increase in chronic disease rates. It follows that he's focused on chronic disease prevention, with a special emphasis on nutrition and removing certain ingredients and additives from food and beverages. Diet has invariably been integral to the Make America Healthy Again movement that Kennedy began. MAHA is taking aim at artificial dyes, pesticides, and additives, while trying to shift American eating habits away from ultra-processed foods. Kennedy is planning a public awareness campaign on the links between ultra-processed food and diabetes. While Kennedy's ideas to improve nutrition have some backing in the public health community, they could clash with the vested interests of the food industry as well as other Trump administration policies. Kennedy and his allies say Europe's food regulations help explain its lower rates of chronic disease, but experts suggest they may be overlooking European policies with possibly more impact, such as universal access to healthcare, a lower poverty rate and less exposure to air pollution. Additionally, Kennedy may be ignoring certain areas which could ameliorate the stagnant life expectancy trend, such as policies targeting gun violence, infant and maternal mortality, motor vehicle fatalities and medical errors. Equally important are courses of action that would tackle 'diseases of despair,' such as suicide, alcoholism and illicit drug use. Kennedy says he's determined to 'prevent addiction,' but steep budget cuts passed by Congress may undermine his efforts at curbing substance abuse disorders. Public health in America faces enormous challenges, not least of which are shrinking budgets at the federal and state levels. Experts across the political divide agree that addressing stagnant life expectancy requires sustained government funding of a wide range of initiatives that affect public health.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in MA, CDC says. What to know about 'Nimbus' strain.

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Walk briskly for 15 minutes, eat eggs and avoid tech neck — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week

Walk briskly for 15 minutes, eat eggs and avoid tech neck — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week

15-Year Long Stagnant Life Expectancy Trend In U.S. Continues

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in MA, CDC says. What to know about 'Nimbus' strain.

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Walk briskly for 15 minutes, eat eggs and avoid tech neck — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week

Walk briskly for 15 minutes, eat eggs and avoid tech neck — plus 6 more health tips to help you have a great week

15-Year Long Stagnant Life Expectancy Trend In U.S. Continues

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