Latest news with #chronicConditions
The Independent
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Can intermittent fasting help you lose weight?
Obesity affects two in five U.S. adults, contributing to nearly $173 billion in annual healthcare costs and increasing risks of chronic conditions. A new study published in The BMJ, involving researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, analyzed the effectiveness of various intermittent fasting strategies. The research found that alternate-day fasting, which involves fasting for a full day every other day, was the most effective form of intermittent fasting for weight management. Alternate-day fasting led to 2.8 pounds greater weight loss compared to traditional calorie-restricted diets and improved cardiometabolic risk factors such as waist circumference and cholesterol levels. Despite its benefits, the study noted that the observed weight loss did not meet the minimally important clinical threshold, and individuals should consult healthcare providers before adopting intermittent fasting.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
WHO: Nearly 2 million avoidable deaths per year tied to chronic disease in Europe and Central Asia
The deadliest diseases in Europe aren't caused by viruses – they are chronic health conditions that could be largely avoided with better medical care and public health, a new analysis says. Every year, 1.8 million people in Europe and Central Asia die from avoidable deaths from noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory issues, and diabetes, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO). That's down from 2010, but the COVID-19 pandemic has set back efforts to bring down preventable deaths further, the report said. Meanwhile, key risk factors, such as obesity, are on the rise and the burden of chronic conditions is expected to grow as the population continues to age. Related How well are countries in Europe dealing with health issues? New report shows progress is stagnating The analysis spans the WHO's European region, which includes 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia. Across the bloc, one in five men and one in 10 women under the age of 70 die from preventable health issues. Most of these deaths – 60 per cent – are linked to tobacco, alcohol, high blood pressure, unhealthy diets, obesity, or a lack of exercise. Another 40 per cent could be avoided through timely access to health care, the WHO said. 'Noncommunicable diseases are not just preventable or treatable; they are also largely ignored,' Hans Henri Kluge, WHO's Europe director, said in a statement. 'Yet the truth is, if [these conditions] were a virus, the world would be in lockdown,' he added. Related Want to live better in old age? Scientists advise following these eating habits There are major disparities between countries – and they are growing. Since 2010, gaps have widened on tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and narrowed only for air pollution and deaths overall. Some countries have made progress. Ten have reduced premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by at least 25 per cent since 2010: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. They have all taken steps to reduce risk factors and strengthen their health systems, the WHO said, calling on other countries to follow suit. Related Living with a chronic health condition in Europe: Which OECD countries are leading the way? The report comes as countries prepare to meet in New York in September for a United Nations conference on noncommunicable diseases. They are expected to focus on access to primary care, mental wellbeing, and the role of businesses and commercial actors in shaping health outcomes, among other topics. 'The high burden of [these diseases] in our societies is not inevitable,' Kluge said. 'We have the power and tools to turn things around'.
CNET
18-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Follow the 10-3-2-1-0 Sleep Rule and Kick Those Sleepless Nights to the Curb
If you're tossing and turning at night and not getting enough sleep, you aren't alone. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of American adults don't get enough sleep. It happens to all of us but bad sleep is more serious than you might realize. It's associated with the development of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Thankfully, you aren't doomed to live with poor sleep. Focusing on your habits around bedtime can go a long way toward achieving better sleep. The 10-3-2-1-0 is a presleep routine that helps your mind and body wind down, prepare for sleep and ensure high-quality rest. What is the 10-3-2-1-0 sleep hack?Most adults require a good six to nine hours of quality sleep each night. The 10-3-2-1-0 is a presleep routine that helps you relax and signals your body and mind that it's time to wind down. Here is everything you need to know. 10 hours before bed: no more caffeine Caffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Caffeine consumption should ideally end 10 hours before bed because it can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle when consumed closer to bedtime. The half-life of a single dose of caffeine is about three to seven hours, so your body takes a minimum of 10 hours to eliminate caffeine from your bloodstream. This is a good general rule but 10 hours may be too rigid for some as sensitivity to caffeine varies. Along with coffee, caffeine may also be present in other drinks, such as sports drinks, soda, energy drinks, some teas and chocolate. Certain medications may also contain caffeine. You must read the labels of medications or drinks you're consuming, to avoid caffeine consumption around your bedtime. 3 hours before bed: no more food or alcohol Although consumption of alcohol before bed may seem to be relaxing, it is a common disruptor of sleep. It leads to decreased sleep quality and causes frequent overnight awakenings, which ultimately makes you feel tired throughout the next day. It may also be beneficial to avoid consuming certain foods three hours before bed, as they can lead to heartburn (acid reflux) and disrupt sleep. A few such foods include fried, spicy and high-fat foods. You may also want to avoid foods high in added sugars such as candies, cookies and desserts because they can also lead to poor sleep quality. 2 hours before bed: no more work You may want to end all work-related activities two hours before bed to ensure you get good quality sleep. Relaxing your mind will help you prepare for sleep. You can practice meditation, muscle relaxation and journaling to calm your mind after work. This helps to create a buffer time zone between your work and sleep time, allowing your brain to slow down and promoting a better quality of sleep. 1 hour before bed: no more screens It's suggested to avoid using smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets or other devices at least one hour before bed in your actual bed. Blue light before bed is not generally recommended but it is not as disruptive as we once thought. Sleep experts still urge you to avoid using screens in your bed before trying to go to sleep. If your bed is the one place you scroll on your phone or watch TV the most, the body will associate your bed as a place to be awake, making it harder to fall asleep at night. Hit snooze 0 times in the morning Hitting the snooze button may disrupt your sleep cycle, making you feel more tired. It's often better to get up with one alarm. The sleep between the alarms is often fragmented and low quality, which may decrease your overall alertness and motivation throughout the day. Along with making you tired, snoozing alarms can also make you late for your daily activities. Additionally, getting up with the first alarm, even if it feels difficult initially, can help reinforce a consistent sleep-wake pattern. Other sleep hygiene tipsA few common tips that will help to maintain your sleep hygiene and ensure good quality sleep every night include: Keep electronics out of the bedroom: Keeping electronics out of your bedroom will ensure you are not getting exposed to blue light from them, which can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Keeping electronics out of your bedroom will ensure you are not getting exposed to blue light from them, which can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Create a routine: Creating a sleep routine prepares your body and mind for sleep. It signals to your body that it is time to sleep, ensuring timely and good-quality sleep. Creating a sleep routine prepares your body and mind for sleep. It signals to your body that it is time to sleep, ensuring timely and good-quality sleep. Avoid late-night exercise: Although exercise is good for your health, doing it one to two hours before bed can disrupt your sleep. Rigorous exercise close to your bedtime can increase your heart rate, adrenaline levels and body temperature, thereby making it difficult for you to fall asleep. Try gentle stretching or yoga poses, instead. Although exercise is good for your health, doing it one to two hours before bed can disrupt your sleep. Rigorous exercise close to your bedtime can increase your heart rate, adrenaline levels and body temperature, thereby making it difficult for you to fall asleep. Try gentle stretching or yoga poses, instead. Keep mid-day naps to 30 minutes or less: Keeping your naps to 15 to 20 minutes or less can keep you energetic throughout the day. However, longer naps can interfere with your normal sleep time and make you feel lethargic and disoriented. Keeping your naps to 15 to 20 minutes or less can keep you energetic throughout the day. However, longer naps can interfere with your normal sleep time and make you feel lethargic and disoriented. Make your bedroom dark: Making your bedroom dark ensures high-quality sleep. Even low light can increase your risk of nighttime awakenings and disrupt your sleep cycle. Making your bedroom dark ensures high-quality sleep. Even low light can increase your risk of nighttime awakenings and disrupt your sleep cycle. Don't watch TV or scroll on your phone in bed: Scrolling your phone or watching TV in bed can associate your bed as a place to be awake. Try to only use your bed for sleep. Scrolling your phone or watching TV in bed can associate your bed as a place to be awake. Try to only use your bed for sleep. Wind your mind down before bed: Winding your mind before bed ensures your mind is calm and your body is preparing to fall asleep. This, in turn, ensures you get high-quality sleep and do not experience any awakenings. Does the 10-3-2-1-0 hack really work? Yrabota/Getty Images Better sleep means a better quality of life along with better mood, improved productivity and reduced stress. Instead of tossing and turning in your bed, try the 10-3-2-1-0 sleep routine. Many have reported that this routine is effective in preparing their body for sleep. Although getting used to any routine is difficult, focus on gradual, sustainable changes rather than a perfect routine to reduce stress and anxiety about sleep. Hopefully, this advice will help you unwind and make falling asleep and getting good quality sleep easier.
Medscape
28-05-2025
- Business
- Medscape
Recombinant Flu Shots Can Prevent Additional Hospital Stays
A recent analysis indicated that switching from the standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine to the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) could have prevented nearly 100,000 hospitalizations among working-age adults in the United States over 10 seasons. The greatest benefits would have been seen in individuals aged 50-64 years and at-risk adults aged 18-49 years with chronic conditions. METHODOLOGY: Researchers investigated the burden of influenza and the potential impact of switching from the standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine to RIV in reducing influenza-related hospitalizations among working-age adults in the United States, including those aged 18-49 years or 50-64 years. They collected data on influenza burden, vaccine effectiveness, and coverage rates for both age groups from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the years 2012-2023, excluding 2020-2021. The rates of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths were estimated among adults aged 18-49 years or 50-64 years with at least one chronic medical condition. A modeling analysis was carried out for both age groups to estimate the potential reduction in hospitalizations if RIV had replaced the standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine, taking chronic conditions into account. TAKEAWAY: Over the past decade, influenza caused a median annual number of 151,021 hospitalizations and 7215 deaths among US adults of working age, with adults aged 50-64 years experiencing threefold and fivefold higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths, respectively, than those aged 18-49 years. Among adults aged 18-49 years, the 14% with chronic conditions accounted for 28% of hospitalizations and 29% of deaths related to influenza. Similarly, among those aged 50-64 years, the 47% with at least one chronic condition accounted for 68% of hospitalizations and 69% of deaths related to influenza. The modelling analysis indicated that a complete switch to RIV could have prevented a total of 87,654 (95% CI, 74,518-101,482) additional influenza-related hospitalizations over the past ten seasons among adults aged 50-64 years. Similarly, among adults aged 18-49 years, a switch to RIV could have prevented a total of 14,436 (95% CI, 10,100-19,963) additional influenza-related hospitalizations over the same period. IN PRACTICE: 'Considering the whole 50- to 64-year age group for the use of enhanced vaccines, like RIV, deserves consideration as it could support public health interventions promoting healthy aging,' the authors wrote. 'A risk-based recommendation may be more appropriate for younger working ages, given the fraction of burden within those with chronic conditions,' they added. SOURCE: The study was led by Laurence Torcel-Pagnon, MSc, Sanofi, Lyon, France. It was published online on April 17, 2025, in Clinical Infectious Diseases . LIMITATIONS: The vaccine effectiveness of RIV vs the standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccinevaries between seasons and studies, making it challenging to compare benefits across different scenarios. The analysis was limited due to a scarcity of high-quality evidence on clinical burden and vaccine effectiveness in at-risk groups. Lastly, the modeling approach used may not have considered indirect effects that influenced vaccination at the population level. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Sanofi. The authors reported being employees of Sanofi and potentially holding shares in the company.
Health Line
22-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Chair Exercises for Seniors
Exercise is important for overall health and well-being, especially as you age. Chair exercises may be a good option for people with mobility issues or who want an exercise routine they can do at home. Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any age. However, as you grow older, it can be even more important to help keep your mobility and independence. It can also help manage certain conditions, reduce health risks, and boost your mood. Chair exercises can be an accessible way for older adults to get regular physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people ages 65 and over aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity and 2 days of muscle-strengthening activities. If you have a chronic condition or limited mobility, you may need to modify these recommendations. That's why it's important to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise routine. Specific benefits of exercise for older adults There are various benefits of exercise for older adults. According to the ' Physical Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition,' some of the top benefits include: a lower risk of certain health conditions, such as: heart disease stroke hypertension (high blood pressure) type 2 diabetes improved bone health a lower risk of dementia improved quality of life a lower risk of depression A 2018 review of research examined various studies on the impact of resistance exercise on bone health. The review found that resistance exercise, either alone or in combination with other interventions, may be an effective strategy to improve muscle and bone mass in older people. Another study from 2018 examined the role exercise plays in the management of the symptoms of depression in older adults. The researchers found that combining physical exercise of high or low intensity with antidepressants may be more effective for sedentary older adults with major depression than antidepressant drug therapy alone. Getting started Before you begin any new exercise program —even those designed for older adults, such as the one below—make sure your doctor has cleared you to participate in physical activity. These exercises are all doable at home. Alternatively, you may wish to join a fitness class led by a qualified instructor at a physical therapy clinic or fitness center. The key to a successful exercise session is to take it slow, know your limits, and listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, stop and try a different exercise. If you continue to feel discomfort or pain, consult your doctor or a physical therapist for guidance. 5 seated leg exercises Seated exercises allow you to target the lower body while seated. These may be a good alternative to other exercises for various reasons, such as: mobility issues balance issues that prevent standing exercises recovery from surgery or an injury Safety tips Choose a sturdy chair that does not tilt, move easily, or wobble. If you can, choose a chair without arms so you have more room to move freely. If you have any concerns or have been advised to limit activity, speak with your healthcare professional before beginning the exercise program. Seated marches Seated marches can be a good warm-up exercise as they can get your heart pumping. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly raise one knee without leaning back. If your chair has armrests, you can use them to help keep you from leaning. Lower your leg and place it back on the floor. Repeat with the other leg. Do this for 30 seconds, quickening your pace if you are able. Seated knee extensions Sit in a chair with your back straight, your arms at your sides, and your feet flat on the floor. Extend and straighten your right knee while focusing on squeezing your quadriceps at the front of your thigh. Hold for a count of 1. Bend your knee and bring your heel as close to the chair as you can. Lower your leg and place your foot back flat on the floor. Repeat with the other leg. Repeat this process for 30 seconds if you are able to. Seated knee abduction and adduction Sit in a chair with your back straight, your arms at your sides, and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on the inside of your knees. Gently push your knees against your hands as they apply counter pressure. Hold for 3 seconds and then relax. Place your hands on the outside of your knees. Gently push your knees outward against your hands as they apply counter pressure. Hold for 3 seconds and then relax. Repeat these steps for 30 seconds if you are able. Seated hamstring stretch Sit up straight near the front of a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Extend your right leg out in front of you with your heel grounded into the floor. Point your toes toward the ceiling. Placing your hands on your left thigh for support, gently hinge forward from the hip. Keep your spine in a neutral position and hold for several seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat on that leg to reach around 60 seconds in 'hold' if you are able. Repeat the process on the other leg. Ankle stretch Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Holding onto the side of the chair, straighten your left leg with your foot off the floor. With your leg straight and raised, point your toes away from you. Point your toes toward you. Try to do 2 sets of 5 stretches on each side. 8 full-body chair exercises This full-body routine includes exercises that you can do either seated or standing. It also includes weighted exercises with light dumbbells or hand weights. Doing exercises from a standing position can help improve balance, but if your mobility is limited, you may find it easier to do them seated. Arm circles with or without marching, seated or standing In a seated position, sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and shoulder width apart. Extend your shoulders and elbows like an airplane. If standing, have your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart. Extend your arms as stated above. March your feet in place, if you are able. Keeping your posture, circle your arms in a clockwise motion (backward). Then reverse the circular motion to counterclockwise (forward). Try to do 8 to 12 repetitions. Dumbbell curls Either sitting or standing, hold a dumbbell in each hand. Hold the weights down at your side with your palms facing inward. Slowly bend one elbow, bringing the weight toward your upper chest. As you lift the weight, keep your elbow close to your side and rotate your palm so it faces your shoulder. Pause and then slowly lower your arm back to the starting position, rotating your palm back inward. Repeat with your other arm. Do 12 repetitions on each arm, if you are able. If you are standing, you can hold a weight in one hand and use the other to hold the back of a chair to help with your balance, if needed. Dumbbell reverse fly Either sitting or standing, hold a dumbbell in each hand. Hold the weights about 12 inches in front of your chest. You should have your elbows up and slightly bent, and your palms should be facing each other, as if your arms are wrapped around a large beach ball. Slowly pull the weights apart while trying to bring your shoulder blades as close together as possible. Allow the movement to pull your elbows back as far as you comfortably can. Pause and return to the starting position. Try to do 8 to 12 repetitions if you can. Seated upper body twist Sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms in front of your body, reaching for your shoulders. Without moving your hips, turn your upper body to the left as far as you comfortably can. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat on the right side. Do this 5 times on each side. Squats with chair support Stand behind a chair, facing the back of the chair. Place your feet shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing forward. Stand up as straight as you are able, retract your shoulders, and lengthen your neck and spine. Place your hands on the back of the chair for support. Hinge your hips back as if you are about to sit into a chair. Your hips will bend first, then your knees. Bend your hips and knees into a squatting position that doesn't exceed 90 degrees. Your knees should remain behind your toes. Pressing through your heels, return to the starting position. Try to do 8 to 12 repetitions, if you are able. Chair stands Sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. If you can, you may want to push the back of the chair against the wall so it doesn't move. Keeping your back and shoulders straight, stand up from the chair using your hands as little as possible (or not at all). Sit back down. Make sure each move is slow and controlled. Repeat this standing and sitting movement until you feel you can no longer do it, or do 8 to 12 repetitions if it is more comfortable. If you are able, rest for 1 minute and repeat another two times. If the chair is too low, try sitting on a cushion and then removing it as you feel able. Standing hip abduction with chair support Stand behind a chair facing the chair's back. Place your feet shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing forward. Stand up as tall as you can, retract your shoulders, and lengthen your neck and spine. Place your hands on the back of the chair for support. Pick your left foot up off the floor, keeping your leg straight, and keeping your weight on your right leg. Keeping your hips and toes facing forward, lift your left leg out to the side. Slightly pause at the top of your range of motion. Slowly bring your left leg back to the starting position. Repeat with the right leg. Do 8 to 12 repetitions. Seated bicycle crunch Sit upright in a chair, feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Make sure your toes are pointing forward. Sit up as tall as you can, retract your shoulders, and lengthen your neck and spine. Place your hands by your ears. Do not lace your finger behind your head or neck. Pick your left foot up off the floor by raising your thigh off the chair. Keeping your hips and shoulders stable, use your core to move your right elbow to the raised knee. Tuck your belly button back toward your spine and return to the starting position. Be sure to sit up right, nice and tall, between exercises. Repeat the exercise by raising the right knee and moving your left elbow toward it. Keep your movements slow and controlled. Do 8 to 12 repetitions. Tips for limited mobility If mobility issues prevent you from completing seated or standing exercises, you can modify the moves and still benefit from them. You may be able to perform the exercise using a shortened range of motion. For example, if you experience pain, shoulder mobility restrictions, or both with the dumbbell reverse fly, don't extend your arms as far back. Instead, only go as far as feels comfortable for you. Listen to your body and start a flexibility and mobility routine in combination with your workouts.
