Latest news with #healthProfessionals
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Exercise in later life can reduce risk of death by 40 per cent
A study has found that exercising throughout adulthood can reduce the risk of early Death by 30% to 40%. The research, which reviewed 85 existing studies, indicates that any physical activity is beneficial, and it is never too late to adopt a more active lifestyle. People who consistently exercised had a 30-40% lower risk of dying from any cause, while those who increased their activity levels saw a 20-25% reduction. Even switching from an inactive to an active lifestyle reduced the risk of Death by 22% compared to remaining inactive. Experts emphasise that physical activity improves physical function and has anti-inflammatory effects, supporting World Health Organisation guidelines for weekly Exercise.
Health Line
25-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment
Taking time to prepare for your doctor's appointment can help ensure you make the most of your time and cover everything important to you. This can include writing down your questions beforehand and thinking about desired outcomes. Preparing for your doctor's appointment can allow you to communicate your health needs more effectively and ensure your doctor can create a treatment plan that addresses your health priorities. This can also help you walk away from your appointment feeling heard and as though you have an active role in your healthcare. Taking time to prepare for your doctor's appointment can involve considering your questions and concerns beforehand, identifying your desired outcomes, and requesting any needed accommodations. Write down your questions beforehand Taking the time beforehand to think about any questions you'd like to ask can help ensure your appointment stays on track and that you can cover what is important to you. You may find yourself unable to think or overwhelmed by health information during your appointment. This is why it can be helpful to write your questions down and bring them with you, either on a piece of paper or on the notes app of your phone. If you have limited time, consider prioritizing your concerns to ensure the most important points are dealt with first. Identify potential desired outcomes It can be beneficial to spend some time thinking about what you would like to achieve during your appointment. This may include: getting a referral to a specialist discussing any concerning symptoms seeking a diagnosis or further testing having an effective treatment plan put in place making adjustments to a current treatment plan so it better addresses your needs or changing symptoms If you have previously experienced medical dismissal or are concerned about a doctor not addressing your health needs, the following phrases can help you advocate for yourself during your appointment: 'I know my body. These symptoms are not normal for me. I would like to explore why this happening.' 'While mental health may be a factor here, I would like to ensure any potential physical causes have been ruled out first.' 'I don't feel this treatment option fully addresses my concerns. I would like to explore further options.' 'I understand my tests have come back normal, but I am still experiencing [symptoms]. What other treatment options can we explore?' 'My [condition or symptom] is negatively affecting my quality of life and makes it difficult for me to [complete responsibilities, such as work or care for my children].' Ask for any accommodations you need You can request any needed accommodations before your appointment to ensure you are comfortable and can communicate effectively. This can include language interpretation and assistance, such as: requesting an interpreter if your preferred language is not English requesting a sign language interpreter or non-verbal signals from reception staff, such as a wave, to let you know when it's your turn, if you are hard of hearing or deaf asking the doctor to avoid wearing a mask and face you when speaking, if you read lips You can also request mobility support to help you get to your appointment, such as: requesting accessible parking be made available asking for assistance to get to the examination room requesting an appointment at a facility that is accessible for you, such as one with ramps, an elevator, or with doorways that have a clear opening for a wheelchair Consider taking a companion with you It can be helpful to bring a companion with you to your doctor's appointment, particularly if you are feeling anxious or would benefit from a second set of ears to understand and recall medical information. This may be a friend or family member who: you feel safe and comfortable with you don't mind hearing your private or sensitive medical information can ask necessary questions on your behalf if you feel overwhelmed by health information can take notes for you, including follow-up information and next steps, if you feel unable to in the moment can act as a support system if you need to advocate for better care It's important to confirm beforehand whether a companion is allowed to attend your appointment with you, as some clinics and hospitals have certain restrictions, especially during flu season. If you are unable to have a companion with you, it may be helpful to arrange to see them after your appointment, to ensure you have someone to talk with about any health updates or how you're feeling. Prepare anything you need to bring with you There are several things that can be helpful to bring to a doctor's appointment, including: Any medications you are taking. This should include prescription and over-the-counter medication, vitamins, and herbal supplements. If it isn't possible to bring your medications with you, consider making a list of medication names along with your dosage information. Medical records. It can be helpful to bring along any copies of important test results or reports you would like to discuss. Information about your family health history. It can be beneficial to take time before your appointment to gather any information about your family health history. This is a common question asked when a doctor is assessing your health status, and so it can be helpful to have this information readily available. Health insurance information. It is important to bring your health insurance card along with you. It will typically be mentioned in the communication of your appointment whether you should bring anything specific with you. However, you can also ask the clinic or doctor's office beforehand. Setting up for a telehealth appointment If you have a telehealth appointment, there are several things you can do to prepare: arrange for a quiet and private space where you can take the call ensure you have access to a stable internet connection make sure your device has enough charge make sure you are comfortable have a pen and paper or a notes app open to jot down anything important mentioned know the name and location of your preferred pharmacy It may be helpful to test your device before the call to ensure your camera, audio, and microphone are working properly.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
11 sneaky ultra-processed foods you should avoid if you're over 50, according to doctor
The health risks associated with ultra-processed foods have been getting a lot of attention recently. Not only have they been associated with higher risk of obesity and several other chronic conditions, but new research is shedding even more light on the negative impact they can have on your health. What's more is that Canadians are consuming more ultra-processed foods than ever, with these products making up 43.4 percent of the daily energy intake of adults 20 and older, according to a recent study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. You may also be surprised to learn that ultra-processed foods also include some surprising items labelled as health foods — it's not just junk food like candy and chips. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Of course, risks associated with ultra-processed foods aren't limited to one age group, body type or socioeconomic demographic. But if you're over 50, you may want to be especially mindful of how much of these all-too-common staples you consume. Read on for more information on the risks — and which foods to avoid on your next grocery run. 'It's important to avoid ultra-processed foods, as there is mounting evidence that they negatively impact the diversity of bacteria in your gut,' said Dr. Michael Schopis, MD, a gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology in New York. 'Studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may increase the growth of pro-inflammatory organisms and decrease the growth of protective bacteria in the intestine. Moreover, some studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may impair intestinal barrier function which may ultimately lead to an inflammatory state.' Inflammation isn't all bad — it's your body's response to injury, disease and infection-causing bacteria and viruses, and it aids in healing. But when inflammation persists, it can cause numerous health issues. Aging leads to persistent inflammation, which has been dubbed 'inflammaging." This chronic, low-grade inflammation can impact brain health and lead to frailty. Researchers believe it's also the reason our risk of certain diseases increases with age, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disease. To boot, ultra-processed foods are now known to be responsible for more than a third of heart and stroke deaths in Canada. 'Ultra-processed foods can sometimes be difficult to identify,' says Schopis. 'The simplest way of knowing what's ultra-processed is by reading the nutritional label and looking for the presence of cosmetic or preservative additives that either improve the taste of the foods or extend its shelf-life.' Common ultra-processed ingredients to look for are things like: Additive colours Flavour enhancers Emulsifiers Artificial sweeteners A good rule of thumb is to look for the inclusion of ingredients you don't find in your kitchen. While all processed foods contain additives like these, ultra-processed foods typically contain many more added ingredients. 'Typical foods that fall into this category are sugar-sweetened beverages — think energy drinks or sodas, candies, savoury or sweet packaged snacks — think flavoured chips or cookies, instant noodles, ready-to-heat pizzas or pastas or processed meats,' says Schopis. These are typically considered the worst ultra-processed foods because they tend to be highest in sugar, sodium and saturated fats which can raise cholesterol and lead to obesity. But, if you're over 50, there are several seemingly-healthy staples to also be aware of, including those found in the health food aisle. Research shows that many older adults consume ultra-processed foods regularly for several reasons, ranging from their affordability and convenience, to simply being foods that they've consumed throughout their lives. And, with many Canadians over 50 reporting that they actively try to eat healthy, some may be turning to ultra-processed foods labelled as being natural, healthy or organic without even realizing it. Keep in mind that while the original ingredients in a product may well be natural or organic, the process by which the food was made is what makes it ultra-processed, and in turn, less healthy. Packaged breads Margarines and spreads Cereals Fruit-flavoured yogurt Ready-to-eat meat, seafood and poultry products Plant-based meat Protein bars Protein and energy shakes Meal replacement shakes and powders Instant soups (powdered and packaged) Boxed pasta Availability and affordability may make it difficult to completely avoid ultra-processed food — and some ultra-processed foods are fortified with important vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and iron, which are crucial for good health. And, let's face it, some of these are just so darn tasty that you can't imagine saying goodbye to them forever. If you're looking to cut back, here are some ways to help you eat better and cut back on ultra-processed foods: Read nutritional labels and avoid foods with lots of additives Limit ultra-processed foods to those with a higher nutritional value Look for healthier substitutes, like plain yogurt over flavoured options Cook yourself more often using whole foods as much as possible
Medscape
07-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Fast Five Quiz: Caffeine Fact vs Fiction
From interactions with antidepressants and athletic performance to its controversial classification in psychiatric manuals, caffeine continues to surprise even seasoned clinicians and health professionals. This quiz is designed to test your knowledge on the latest research around caffeine's role in mental health, physical performance, sleep, and neurodegenerative disease. See how well you can separate caffeine fact from fiction with this quick quiz. Medscape © 2025 WebMD, LLC Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape. Cite this: Yasmine S. Ali. Fast Five Quiz: Caffeine Fact vs Fiction - Medscape - May 02, 2025.
