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Exercise, even a little of it, can lengthen your life, a new study suggests. The Norwegian researchers also found that too much sitting was associated with a higher risk of early death. “Developing ways to limit sedentary time and increase activity at any level could considerably improve health and reduce mortality,” the study authors concluded. In the study, the team analyzed data from eight studies that included more than 36,000 adults, aged 40 and older, who were followed for an average of almost six years. During follow-up, nearly 6% of the participants died. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers concluded that any amount of physical activity, regardless of intensity, was associated with a significantly lower risk of early death. Death rates fell sharply as total activity increased to an amount that was similar to average activity levels in U.S. men and about 10% to 15% lower than activity levels in Scandinavian men and women, the findings showed. A similarly steep decline in death rates was associated with increasing amounts of light physical activity up to about 300 minutes (5 hours) a day, and moderate-intensity physical activity of about 24 minutes per day. The largest difference in early death risk (about 60% to 70%) was between the least and most physically active, with about five times more deaths among inactive people than among those who… read on >

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — It would be welcome news to millions if fish oil supplements were proven to help prevent diabetes. But new research delivers very disappointing data on the prospect. Previous research has hinted that fish oil supplements — which contain omega-3 fatty acids — might improve blood sugar metabolism and possibly stave off type 2 diabetes. But this latest research found no evidence that popping a daily fish oil pill could keep diabetes at bay. “This large systematic review included information from many thousands of people over long periods. Despite all this information, we don’t see protective effects, and the most trustworthy studies consistently showed little or no effect of long-chain omega-3 fats on diabetes,” said study author Lee Hooper. Additionally, she said that her group’s previous research has shown that these types of supplements also don’t protect against heart disease, stroke or early death. Hooper is a reader in research synthesis, nutrition and hydration at Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia, in England. Fish oil supplements can help reduce high levels of triglycerides (a type of blood fat that contributes to heart disease), Hooper noted. She said the supplements are generally considered safe to take, but added that this review found that larger doses — above four or five grams per day — of fish oil… read on >

THURSDAY, Aug. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Chance Ammirata was a vaper for almost two years. But three weeks ago, the 18-year-old began to have trouble breathing. “I would say my chest felt like it was collapsing and tightening up, and I couldn’t breathe,” he told CBS News. After going to the emergency room, doctors told him his right lung had a hole in it and they would have to put a chest tube in immediately. Two days later, a surgeon repaired the hole. Ammirata believes his vaping was the culprit behind his collapsed lung, and he has since started a social media campaign called #LungLove to convince other teens to throw away their e-cigarettes. “I decided that spreading my story could help others not have to go through the same thing as me,” he explained on his Instagram account. Ammirata is not the only American to have landed in the hospital with vaping-related lung troubles recently. Late Wednesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its tally of such cases to 153, spread across 16 states. These cases have emerged in a relatively short timeframe — from June 28 through Aug. 20, the agency said in a statement. Cases have so far been recorded in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania,… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Lifting heavy things is a leading cause of workplace injury, says the University of North Carolina. People who practice smart lifting techniques are less likely to suffer muscle sprains, pulls and injuries caused by heavy lifting. To properly lift a heavy item, the school recommends: Prepare for the load. Think about if you are suited for the job. Get as close to the load as possible. Keep your back straight and bend at the knees. Get a good handhold, and do not twist while lifting. While carrying, move your feet to turn. To put the load down, bend at the knees.

You suffered an injury that has sidelined you from exercise, but you dodged a bullet — your doctor has said that you don’t need surgery. Instead, he or she prescribes physical therapy, most likely to start after a rest period to give any inflammation time to subside. At that point, you’re probably feeling better and wondering if you need the rehab after all. Here’s why it’s important to go through with the program and not just jump back into your old routine. Physical therapy programs are customized to your needs with specific exercises designed to help you heal, return to the activities you love and keep you from re-aggravating your injury. You’ll benefit from one-on-one attention, important since each person responds differently to an injury and improves at his or her own speed. Other goals include reducing pain and improving flexibility, mobility and range of motion. If surgery is still a question mark, going through physical therapy may help you avoid it. Your physical therapist will continually assess your recovery and adapt exercises as you progress from the repair phase, in which your body repairs the damaged tissue, to the remodeling phase, when your body strengthens that new tissue. You’ll also learn any needed adaptations for your favorite activities, and exercises that will enable you to continue with them when you get the green light.… read on >

There’s no shortage of self-help apps, videos and podcasts on topics from having better mental health to having a better six-pack. Though the programs they offer bring the convenience of working at your own pace and in your own space, it’s important that you evaluate any program on its merits before committing your time and energy. Also, realize that many are not designed to replace help from an expert for a serious problem, though they might complement it. First, check out the credentials of the expert behind the program. This is key, whether for a diet guru or a mental health therapist. It only takes a few minutes to do an online search of their background, training and experience with the subject matter. Just as you’d check to see if medical specialists treating you were board-certified in their area of expertise, look to see if he or she has affiliations with institutions and associations important in the field. Next, does the advice have any scientific research behind it? Is it endorsed by a key association or respected professional? This is especially important for a program that addresses physical and mental health issues to help you distinguish between a fad and a bona fide technique that could bring lasting results. Now evaluate what’s involved with following the program. Is the material presented in a way that’s… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Back pain is one of the most common medical issues in the United States, says the National Institutes of Health. Short-term back pain lasts no longer than six weeks, and can be uncomfortable if untreated. To treat short-term back pain, the NIH suggests: Use hot or cold packs to soothe a sore, stiff back. Try extension or aerobic exercises. But check with a doctor first. Incorporate stretching into your daily routine. Include calcium and vitamin D in your diet, to help keep your spine strong. Take acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen to ease pain.

(HealthDay News) — Everyone feels lack of motivation at some point, and it doesn’t necessarily represent a mental health issue, says the Mental Health Foundation. From meeting up with friends to participating in a hobby, sometimes it can be difficult to find the motivation to get involved. To help overcome lack of motivation, the Mental Health Foundation suggests: Break tasks into manageable chunks. Write down each positive thing you go through during the day. Give yourself credit for the small things you do. Make some time for yourself. Be gentle on yourself. Be present in the moment. Ask for help when needed.

Are you having enough sex? It’s a loaded question. “Enough,” like “a lot,” means different things to different people — it could mean every night, twice a week or twice a month. Many studies have tried to pinpoint how often the average couple has sex, how that number might change at various stages in a relationship and the ideal amount for happiness. But one of the most interesting takeaways from recent research is that enough sex is whatever amount brings both sexual and marital satisfaction to both partners. It’s not the number of times detailed in a magazine article or how often your best friend and his or her partner are having it. And more isn’t always better. In fact, according to one study, couples who have a lot of sex but feel like they’re just going through the motions or that the sex is dull aren’t happier or more satisfied with the sex or their relationship. So what are the secrets of satisfied couples? They’re things that focus on the quality of sex, not the quantity. This includes being in sync with your partner when it comes to frequency and variety in lovemaking. Communication, including talking about sexual desires, is at the heart of being in sync, yet so many people still feel awkward about bringing up likes and dislikes. Having the same view… read on >

Americans eat three times as much cheese as just 50 years ago, but not because we’re enjoying careful indulgences like a cheese plate with fruit and whole grain crackers. Experts point to the cheese overload in pizza and other Italian dishes, Tex-Mex favorites and the ubiquitous mac-and-cheese. That’s a lot of saturated fat and calories. But most people don’t have to avoid cheese completely — it’s just a question of being more judicious in your selections. Because the dairy fat found in cheese as well as in whole-fat milk and yogurt has been given a slight reprieve in the war on saturated fat, eating small amounts is OK. But you probably don’t want to depend on cheese alone to get in the recommended three dairy servings a day, especially if weight control is an issue for you. Because of its high fat content, cheese packs a lot of calories into a small package. A one-ounce serving is the size of two pairs of dice, so portion control is key. Ounce for ounce, some types of cheese naturally have less fat and therefore fewer calories than others. For instance, feta, goat and mozzarella have 70 to 75 calories per ounce compared to Brie, manchego and Swiss, to name just a few, which average between 100 and 120. If eating cheese helps you get needed calcium, know… read on >

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All Sauce from Weekly Gravy:

Every Minute of Exercise Counts When It Comes to Longevity

Fish Oil Not a Magic Pill Against Diabetes

Cases of Lung Injury Tied to Vaping Keep Rising

Health Tip: Lifting Heavy Things

The Merits of Physical Therapy

How Helpful Are Self-Help Programs?

Health Tip: Treating Short-Term Back Pain

Health Tip: Getting Motivated

How Much Sex is Right for You and Your Partner?

How to Enjoy Cheese Without the Guilt