Think of this like a weekly health check to catch up on all the health news you might have missed. For example, what exactly is the viral Haak Ducru trend, and what does it tell us about actually getting some rest this weekend? Should I drink biotic soda? Is that fancy plastic cutting board you bought after seeing 500 Instagram ads actually bad for you? If you’re planning a belated Valentine’s dinner date this weekend, consider oysters and other aphrodisiacs. Is it worth ordering something like this? How about a “romantic” charcuterie board?
Be the first to know about health news headlines and read on to find out what new research tells us this week. From lowering your blood pressure to finding new excuses to work out, here’s what you need to know.
Tai Chi has the effect of lowering blood pressure…
Practicing tai chi may improve blood pressure more than aerobic exercise, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers had 342 adults with prehypertension perform either aerobic exercise or tai chi for one hour, four times a week, for 12 months. The tai chi group had a greater reduction in blood pressure, with about 22% reaching normal blood pressure range, compared to about 16% in the aerobic exercise group. Additionally, fewer people in the tai chi group developed high blood pressure than in the aerobic exercise group.
…salt substitutes as well
Worried about how much salt you’re consuming? (Incidentally, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that healthy adults consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium.) As NBC News reports, a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people who reduced their salt intake by using salt substitutes to flavor their food avoided high blood pressure. .
The new analysis looked at data from a previous study called DECIDE-Salt, cutting salt by more than a third and replacing it with the mineral supplement potassium chloride and other flavorings such as mushrooms, seaweed and lemon. It turns out that using it can lead to significant weight loss. Risk of developing high blood pressure. Untreated, high blood pressure poses serious health risks, including increased likelihood of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, sexual dysfunction, and peripheral artery disease.
Being physically active reduces your risk of contracting COVID-19
Can staying active protect you from the coronavirus? New research published in JAMA Network Open suggests it may.
A study from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that older adults who adhered to recommended exercise guidelines before the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to get sick with COVID-19. ) and the risk of being hospitalized due to the virus. For adults who follow U.S. and World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity guidelines (at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and strength training sessions per week) , 10% less likely to get infected with COVID-19 and 27% less likely to be hospitalized compared to people who are less active.
One important thing to note is that this study did not differentiate between types of exercise. In general, the move appears to correlate with better COVID-19 outcomes. So, for example, if a leisurely walk fits your schedule better than attending an intense HIIT class multiple times a week, you’re right.
Exercise can help treat depression
A new study published in BMJ has found that exercise can be a powerful treatment tool for depression. Researchers analyzed data from 218 studies on exercise and depression and found that exercise interventions may reduce symptoms of depression, with yoga, strength training, and walking or jogging being the most effective. did.
Living alone may increase the incidence of depression
A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that people who live alone have higher rates of depression than people who share their home with others. The study found that 6.4% of the 16% of adults living alone reported depression, compared to 4.1% of adults living with others. Adults who claimed to have little or no social-emotional support while living alone (19.6%) were more likely to experience depression compared to adults in similar support situations but living with others (11.6%). were almost twice as likely to report However, for those who said they sometimes, usually, or always received emotional support, there were no significant differences in their reports of depression whether they lived alone or with others.
Whether you live alone or with family, it’s important to have a group of people you can rely on for social support. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently talked about ways to combat loneliness by staying in touch with loved ones, establishing technology-free zones to distract from real-world connections, and calling instead of texting. recommended to take. It helps you build bonds with others. Other tips from experts on loneliness include practicing “social snacking” like chatting with strangers at the store, and volunteering to build community.
