Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in middle age and beyond might help keep your brain healthy, a new study suggests. "Our study suggests that getting at least an hour and 15 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity a week or more during midlife may be important throughout your lifetime for promoting brain health and preserving the actual structure of your brain," said study author Priya Palta, an epidemiologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in plenty of change, but one thing remains tried and true: boosting your health and immunity is powerful medicine—and within your reach.

The cervix plays an important role in childbirth, but most women probably don’t think much about it when it comes to their health (even in January, Cervical Health Awareness Month).

Young adults who spend hours a day on social media are at heightened risk of developing depression in the near future, new research suggests.

In recent years, a number of studies have linked heavy social media use to an increased risk of depression.

"But then you have to ask the chicken-and-egg question," said study author Dr. Brian Primack, a professor of public health at the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville.

The holidays bring twinkling lights, dancing sugarplums and general merriment to mind, but perhaps this year more than ever, the season also has the potential to usher in plenty of stress and anxiety.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has upended our everyday lives in many ways,” said Beth Wilmot, LMSW, Supervising Clinical Coordinator, Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs, Holland Hospital Behavioral Health Services. “The holidays are no exception, with some of our traditions being temporarily adjusted in light of our new realities.”

Deciding to have a conversation about something deeply personal like weight is far from easy. Discussing what you eat, how much you exercise and other lifestyle habits can be intimidating and emotionally charged. But with access to bariatric medicine specialists close to home, the time may be right.

Flu vaccination week is around the corner. It’s not too late to roll up your sleeve and get your shot.

“Because the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a reality, it’s particularly important to vaccinate yourself and your family against influenza this season,” said Lauren McGraw, DO, Holland Hospital Family Medicine – Douglas.

How do you celebrate the “most wonderful time of the year” amid our new normal? The COVID-19 pandemic will likely change holiday traditions for most of us.

 

While helping to slow the spread of the virus should remain a priority, you can still enjoy the holidays. But you should be mindful of current COVID-19 levels in your community to weigh whether to attend, postpone, cancel or limit the number of guests to any in-person gatherings.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while you may already know that mammograms save lives, there is growing evidence that this vital screening may not be enough for women at high risk for breast cancer or for some with dense breast tissue.

It’s estimated that 1 in 5 Americans suffers from chronic pain every year. Chronic pain is categorized as pain that typically lasts longer than six months. Osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and neck or back pain are all conditions that can result in chronic pain, and can significantly affect quality of life.