Mobility & Fitness Archives

Aim to Exercise More Vigorously for a Better Brain Boost

Jun 26, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Mobility & Fitness

Research suggests that the lifetime risk of dementia among women is about 25 percent, compared with about 16 percent for men. But a recent study adds to evidence that physical activity may mitigate the increased risk among women. In the study (Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Jan. 25), older women were less … Read More

Short Walks May Prevent Serious Cardiovascular Events

Jun 26, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Mobility & Fitness

Numerous studies have shown that physical activity helps protect cardiovascular health. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get that activity, and for the last decade or more, Americans have been encouraged to aim for at least 10,000 steps per day. But if you’ve been deterred from lacing up … Read More

Ask the Experts: Preventing Kidney Stones; Magnesium for Brain Health; Choosing Walking Socks

Jun 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

A recent trip to visit my brother was marred by his kidney stones—he was in considerable pain because he was passing a stone. What can I do to avoid the same problem? I understand diet plays a role, so are there any foods I should stop eating? Kidney stones develop … Read More

Regular Exercise is Highly Effective Medicine

Jun 26, 2023 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Mobility & Fitness

In this month’s issue, there are several articles underlining the many benefits of physical activity. When teamed with a healthy diet, exercise is a highly effective method of preventing or reducing the complications of a whole range of health issues that become more common in older age. For example, exercise … Read More

Exercise and Diet Mitigate Parkinson’s Symptoms

Jun 2, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Mobility & Fitness

About 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) each year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, making it the second-most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s disease. Older adults are most likely to be affected, and even though the symptoms begin gradually they are progressive and often result in cognitive difficulties … Read More

Better Posture May Help Minimize Kyphosis

Jun 2, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Mobility & Fitness

About half of older adults have kyphosis, an excessive curving of the upper back that creates a humped effect. Older women are most likely to be affected (for many years, the condition was known as “dowager’s hump”), but older men are not immune from the condition. While the hunched appearance … Read More

Harvard-Led Study Suggests Yoga Helps Protect Against Frailty

May 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Medical frailty refers to a loss of function, strength, stamina, and overall health and fitness. It can raise the risk of falls, hospitalizations, and death. But in a review of 33 studies, published in Annals of Internal Medicine (March 14, 2023), researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s … Read More

Under the Influence of Ageism

May 23, 2023 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Remember that old saying, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me”? Well, that’s not quite true when it comes to ageist comments and behaviors. Consider this: You see a social media post featuring an older couple happily holding hands. The caption reads: “Adorable geezers … Read More

Avoiding Dehydration

May 23, 2023 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Most people get thirstier during the hot and humid summer months, which is good because staying well hydrated is essential for good health. “Hydration helps lubricate our joints, keeps our skin and nails healthy, and it keeps our metabolism moving,” explains Dana Hunnes RD, MPH, PhD UCLA Medical Center. “But … Read More

Do You Lean on Your Shopping Cart?

May 23, 2023 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Spinal stenosis can cause pain in the legs and/or the lower back when walking, and that pain it is often relieved by leaning forward. That’s why some people lean on a cart while shopping. Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal or the spaces where nerves exit the … Read More

Mobility & Fitness

Enter Your Login Credentials