Weekly Well+Being Newsletter: Tips for a Healthier Body, Chronic Fatigue, and More

This week’s must-reads:

• Now you can buy at-home menopause tests. Are they worth it?
• Finding it tough to motivate yourself? These strategies can help.
• Are Stanley tumblers safe? Here’s what to know about lead in drinkware.
• Britain’s prime minister is said to fast 36 hours a week. Is that okay?

Simple advice for a healthier body

The first day of the month is a great time to take stock of our health and consider whether there is more we can do to keep our bodies strong. Here’s a roundup of some of our best tips:

Skin care:

Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and taking care of it is essential for overall health. Follow these simple steps for healthier skin:

• Use a face cleanser, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning.
• Cleanse your face again at night and apply a retinoid and moisturizer.
• Choose skincare products that suit your budget and skin type.

For more information, you can read this article on a simple skincare routine.

Hearing:

Hearing loss can have a significant impact on our well-being. Take care of your hearing by:

• Considering using hearing aids, which are now available over the counter.
• Consulting our guide to pick the right hearing aid for you.

Vision:

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health. Follow these guidelines for eye checkups at different stages of life:

• In your 20s – have a comprehensive eye exam once.
• In your 30s – have two comprehensive eye exams.
• In your 40s – screenings for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy may begin.
• In your 55s – get checked every one to three years.
• In your 65s – start getting an eye exam every year or two.

Regular eye exams become even more important after 60, as age-related conditions can affect eye health. To learn more, you can refer to this comprehensive report on necessary checkups at every age.

Cholesterol:

Monitoring your cholesterol levels is crucial for preventing heart diseases. Learn more about the importance of apolipoprotein B (apoB) testing:

• While LDL cholesterol is commonly known as bad cholesterol, apoB testing can help measure the number of particles carrying cholesterol, allowing for a more accurate assessment of heart disease risk.
• Understanding the role of apoB particles is essential as they are more likely to become lodged in the arterial wall, leading to atherosclerotic plaques.

If you want to dive deeper into the topic, you can check out this article on apoB cholesterol testing.

Blood pressure:

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is vital for overall wellness. Here’s what you need to know:

• Check your blood pressure every three to five years.
• If you’re at higher risk, such as being African American, get tested annually.
• Explore the benefits of the wall sit exercise in lowering blood pressure by reading this article.

Gut health:

Our gut health plays a significant role in overall well-being. Take care of your gut microbiome by:

• Eating a wider variety of quality foods to promote a diverse gut microbiome.
• Understanding probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics and their impact on gut health. You can read this informative guide to learn more.

Muscles:

Building and maintaining muscle mass is vital for healthy aging. You can start lifting weights and experiencing significant gains at any age:

• Even in your 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, you can safely start lifting weights and see improvements in muscle mass, strength, and mobility.
• Don’t let age hold you back from weight training. It’s never too late to start and enjoy the benefits of a supervised weightlifting program.

To learn more about the benefits of weightlifting as you age, check out this fascinating article.

Understanding chronic fatigue

Chronic fatigue can be a debilitating condition. Here’s an excerpt from a personal story:

“At home, I remained glued to my bed. Walking to the bathroom felt like a herculean task…”

Chronic fatigue is becoming more prevalent, especially with the rise of long Covid. Understanding this condition is crucial. You can read the full essay on chronic fatigue by following this link.

What to know about collagen supplements

Collagen supplements have gained popularity, but what do they actually do? Here’s a brief overview:

Collagen is a protein found in our bodies that helps maintain the integrity of the skin, but its production declines with age, leading to skin-related issues. Although there isn’t substantial evidence to support all the claims about collagen supplements, they are said to have positive effects on skin, hair, and nails. You can find more information in our Ask a Doctor column.

Joyful Snippets

• Walnut, a white-naped crane with a distinctive bond.
• Emotional support dogs accompany patients during dental procedures.
• The love for height: why cats love to be up high and how to create your own perch.
• The dilemma of choosing a gown for a special occasion at the age of 59.

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