Amid all the sickness, death, and job losses, there were two pieces of information that provided some comfort in the early days of the coronavirus.
Initial statistics showed that serious cases were largely confined to people over 65. Younger people, it seemed, had little risk.
And if you did get COVID-19, once you recovered, it seemed your life would go on as normal.… Read More
Nature gave us stomach acid for a reason.
It helps our digestive system break down food and absorb nutrients. And it protects against germs.
When we eat something containing a virus or bacteria, our stomach acid kills it, stopping an infection before it starts.
But millions of Americans don’t have this protection.
Forty percent of older adults take heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that suppress stomach acid production.… Read More
Let’s face it… Wearing a face mask is a pain.
They are hot, stuffy, and uncomfortable. And when you exercise and start breathing heavier, things only get worse.
But many of us have no choice but to wear them during workouts.
Almost all gyms require them. And some cities mandate them even for outdoor exercise done in public spaces such as parks or jogging trails.… Read More
Sports have been one of the biggest lifestyle casualties of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many of us are yearning for the day when we can go to a football, baseball, or basketball game…or even watch one on TV.
Sports fans are so desperate for entertainment that Russian table tennis, which is broadcast over the internet, has become the most-wagered sport worldwide.[1]
Major American sports leagues are pulling together plans to reopen in the coming months.… Read More
A new study shows that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol are linked to a greater risk of death in coronavirus patients.
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It is best known for its role in regulating your body’s fight-or-flight response during times of stress. Cortisol makes you more alert, allowing you to respond more quickly to physical threats.… Read More
For the first few months of the pandemic, the science was unclear about whether face masks protected wearers from coronavirus.
The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initially said that most people didn’t need masks. The exceptions were people in high-risk groups (seniors and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes), caregivers to infected people, and people who were confirmed to have COVID-19 or showed symptoms.… Read More