health
Keeping your mind and body in check - popular topics in health and medicine to maintain a long and healthy life.
The Power of Black Coffee: Benefits, Nutrients, and Uses (Heath Tips)
Introduction: Black coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Millions of people enjoy it every day, especially in the morning, because it helps them feel fresh, active, and focused.
By Health Tips5 days ago in Longevity
The Connection Between ADHD and Genetics.
Commentary An Impulsive Gene? My youngest son jumps from one task to another. Ask him to clean his room, he eventually quits because he becomes fixated on something. He can’t sit still for long. On the other hand, when he’s doing something he likes, he is fixated on it, sometimes barely taking in his surroundings or listening to others.
By Dean Traylor6 days ago in Longevity
“Which Heart Health Checks Should We Get at 60? I Went on a Quest to Find Out”. AI-Generated.
Your sixties can be a decade of wisdom — and proactive heart care. Turning 60 felt like crossing an invisible milestone. Friends joked about reading glasses and retirement dreams, but for me, the day also triggered a serious question: What do I need to do to keep my heart healthy now that I’m officially a senior? I dove into medical research, spoke with cardiologists, and sifted through health guidelines to find out which heart health checks really matter at 60 — and why they might save your life. Why 60 Is a Crucial Age for Heart Health Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and the risk increases with age. By age 60, many of us have lived with decades of lifestyle influences — diet, stress, activity levels, sleep patterns — that quietly affect cardiovascular function. Dr. Anita Reynolds, a cardiologist based in Boston, told me: “By 60, most adults benefit from a structured review of their heart health. Early detection of risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol can prevent serious events like heart attacks or strokes.” With that in mind, I compiled a checklist of essential heart health assessments recommended by leading experts. 1. Blood Pressure Screening — The Foundation of Heart Health High blood pressure — often called the “silent killer” — has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. At 60, it’s crucial to: Check blood pressure at least once a year (more often if elevated) Maintain a home log if readings are borderline Discuss medication options if readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of adults over 60 have high blood pressure, and early detection saves lives. 2. Cholesterol Panel — Knowing Your Lipid Levels A full lipid panel measures: Total cholesterol LDL (“bad”) cholesterol HDL (“good”) cholesterol Triglycerides Elevated LDL and triglycerides are major risk factors for plaque buildup in arteries, which can lead to coronary artery disease. Women and men over 60 should get this test at least every 4–6 years, or more frequently if previous results were abnormal. 3. Blood Glucose / Diabetes Screening Diabetes is a silent contributor to heart disease. High blood glucose damages blood vessels and the heart over time. Tests include: Fasting glucose Hemoglobin A1c (average blood sugar over 3 months) The CDC recommends diabetes screening for all adults over 45, and annual checks after age 60, especially if you have risk factors like family history or elevated BMI. 4. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference Weight alone doesn’t tell the full story. Abdominal fat — measured by waist circumference — is more closely tied to heart risk than weight or BMI alone. A waist circumference over: 40 inches in men 35 inches in women is associated with higher cardiovascular risk. 5. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart and can spot: Arrhythmias (irregular beats) Previous silent heart attacks Early signs of heart disease Many doctors recommend a baseline ECG around age 60, especially if you have symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. 6. Advanced Imaging – When Needed Not everyone requires imaging tests, but for those with family history or abnormal routine tests: Coronary Calcium Scan assesses calcium deposits in arteries Echocardiogram evaluates heart structure and function These tools can uncover early disease before symptoms arise. 7. Stress Testing If you are active or have symptoms with exertion, a stress test (treadmill or pharmacologic) gauges how your heart performs under stress and can detect blockages. Beyond Numbers – Lifestyle and Risk Assessment Doctors also evaluate: Diet and physical activity Smoking history Stress levels Family history of heart disease These factors influence heart risk as much as test results. My Biggest Takeaways At 60, heart health isn’t about fear — it’s about empowerment. I learned that: Prevention works when risks are identified early Regular checkups are not optional — they’re protective Small lifestyle changes make measurable differences Heart health is a lifelong journey. Turning 60 reminded me that it’s never too late to start the right screenings and conversations with our doctors. If you haven’t had these checks yet, consider talking to a cardiologist or your primary care provider about creating your personalized heart health plan.
By Fiaz Ahmed 6 days ago in Longevity
10 DIY Medicinal Herbs (Very Effective)
There's something deeply satisfying about growing your own medicinal herbs. For centuries, our ancestors relied on backyard gardens not just for food, but for natural remedies that supported their health and well-being.
By Edward Smith6 days ago in Longevity
Calling vs Income
There is a tension that never quite goes away once it has been seen clearly, and it sits at the intersection of calling and survival. Some forms of work feel unquestionably meaningful, even necessary, yet remain economically fragile or entirely unsupported. Other forms of work provide stability, predictability, and income, while feeling hollow or misaligned with who a person actually is. Once this divide becomes visible, it is difficult to unsee, and even harder to navigate honestly without resentment creeping in.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast7 days ago in Longevity
What Happens to Your Blood Sugar When You Skip Breakfast
Skipping breakfast may affect blood sugar regulation, especially in people with metabolic conditions. Some people experience higher glucose spikes and increased hunger later in the day. Meal timing that aligns with your natural rhythms may support steadier energy and metabolism.
By Good health to everyone7 days ago in Longevity
7 Habits That Can Spike Your Morning Blood Sugar
Blood sugar levels that are consistently high in the morning can happen for a variety of reasons. Habits such as poor-quality sleep, intense evening exercise, nighttime snacks or alcohol, and skipping dinner can all contribute to high morning blood sugar, as can insulin timing and type.
By Good health to everyone8 days ago in Longevity
6 Things to Avoid After 5 P.M. for Better Blood Sugar Control, According to Dietitians
Do you wind down at night by doom-scrolling on the couch with a glass of wine? Do you stay up way too late or eat a large dinner before bed? These seemingly harmless evening habits could be sabotaging your blood sugar more than you realize.
By Good health to everyone8 days ago in Longevity
3 Things to Do Before Bed for Better Blood Sugar, According to Dietitians
KEY POINTS To keep your blood sugar from spiking in the morning, what you do the night before matters. Eating a balanced snack, limiting screens and gently moving all support healthy blood sugar. Other ways to help your morning blood sugar include reducing alcohol and managing stress.
By Good health to everyone8 days ago in Longevity
