Grab your gym clothes and walking shoes because your friend is probably right. While there haven't been many studies on exercise protecting against infections, the few that exist all suggest it does.
The biggest study on this, done by Harvard Medical School, was published in JAMA Network Open in February 2024.
The study tracked almost 62,000 adults aged 45 and above from before the COVID pandemic started in early 2020 until the end of 2022. Researchers gathered information on factors like chronic diseases, income levels, and lifestyle habits that might affect the risk of infection. They also kept an eye on who got COVID-19 and how severe their symptoms were.
Out of all the participants, 69% were considered "sufficiently active," meaning they did moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes every week. Another 11% were "insufficiently active," and 20% didn't exercise at all.
The results showed that those who kept up with enough physical activity were 10% less likely to get COVID-19 and 27% less likely to be hospitalized because of the virus compared to those who didn't exercise. This protective effect was especially clear among women. Interestingly, people who exercised a little (but not enough to meet the recommended amount) didn't see much better results than those who didn't exercise at all. These findings suggest that a good amount of physical activity is needed to protect against COVID-19.
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Do you need a little extra push to increase your daily steps? According to a study published online on April 7, 2024, by Circulation, reminders or rewards might help. In the study, researchers asked over a thousand people (average age 67) to wear activity trackers, walk daily, and set step goals. They were then randomly placed into one of four groups, each receiving different encouragement to exercise: the chance to win game points, earn money, get both money and game points, or receive a daily text message with their previous day's step count. After one year, all groups increased their daily steps by at least 1,500.
In contrast to the message-only group, participants in the money or game points groups walked over 500 more steps daily, while those in the combined incentives group walked nearly 900 more steps daily. Would you like to give this a try at home? Use a walking app that gives game points and incentives, and set a phone reminder to work out.
Photo by Boys in Bristol Photography
Q. It's happening again: every summer, I get bitten by mosquitoes far more than my family and friends. Why does this happen?
A. You're not imagining it. Some people are naturally more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Scientists are still trying to understand why, but they believe it has to do with each person's unique scent, which is created by a variety of molecules throughout the body. This scent, unlike underarm odor, is not something you can change, so there's no need to worry.
Other factors, such as blood type and breathing patterns, also seem to influence mosquito attraction. For example, people with Type O blood tend to attract more mosquitoes. Additionally, breathing heavily, like after exercising, releases more carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes find appealing.
To reduce the chances of getting bitten, try a few simple strategies. When spending time outdoors, use fragrance-free personal care products and wear long, light-colored sleeves and pants. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Additionally, using a fan, especially around your feet and ankles where mosquitoes tend to gather, can help keep them away.
Photo by Jimmy Chan
Why do mosquitoes bite me so much? People with Type O blood tend to attract more mosquitoes.
A. You're not imagining it. Some people are naturally more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Scientists are still trying to understand why, but they believe it has to do with each person's unique scent, which is created by a variety of molecules throughout the body. This scent, unlike underarm odor, is not something you can change, so there's no need to worry.
Other factors, such as blood type and breathing patterns, also seem to influence mosquito attraction. For example, people with Type O blood tend to attract more mosquitoes. Additionally, breathing heavily, like after exercising, releases more carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes find appealing.
To reduce the chances of getting bitten, try a few simple strategies. When spending time outdoors, use fragrance-free personal care products and wear long, light-colored sleeves and pants. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Additionally, using a fan, especially around your feet and ankles where mosquitoes tend to gather, can help keep them away.
Photo by Jimmy Chan
Concerns about the health effects of microplastics continue to rise. A new study reveals that individuals with microplastics in the plaque blocking their neck arteries are significantly more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke compared to those with plastic-free plaque.
Researchers analyzed plaque from the neck arteries of 257 individuals and discovered tiny plastic particles, mainly polyethylene and some polyvinyl chloride, in 58% of the samples. After nearly three years, those with microplastics in their plaque had a 4.5 times higher rate of heart attack, stroke, and death compared to those without.
While these findings are observational and cannot definitively link microplastics to these health issues, other unmeasured factors may also contribute. This study was published in the March 7, 2024, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.
Polyethylene, used in making plastic bags and bottles, slowly breaks down and can be found in food and water, potentially explaining how microplastics enter the body.
When it's hot, hazy, and humid outside, be cautious with outdoor activities to safeguard your heart.
During the summer of 2023, record-breaking high temperatures scorched many regions of the United States. Unsurprisingly, emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses also increased during that period, according to the CDC. This concerning trend is expected to continue as climate change leads to longer, hotter, and more frequent episodes of extreme heat.
Individuals with underlying health issues, particularly cardiovascular disease, are more susceptible to the dangers of high temperatures. Air pollution, another risk to heart health, can also be problematic during the summer months.
Why Heat is Hard on the Heart
People with or at risk for cardiovascular disease should be more cautious when exercising outside in hot weather. When temperatures rise, exercise becomes more demanding because the heart has to pump extra blood to both the muscles and the skin to help dissipate excess heat. However, when the air temperature nears body temperature (around 98°F), this cooling process becomes ineffective. Sweating helps cool the body by turning liquid sweat into water vapor, but high humidity levels above 75% make evaporation more difficult.
Hot-Weather Tips
It's still important to exercise during warm weather, but you may need to lower your intensity. Here are some additional tips for exercising safely during heat waves:
Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day: Temperatures usually peak between noon and 3 p.m., so consider exercising in the early morning or early evening, away from traffic-heavy areas.
Choose the right attire: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing made from sweat-wicking material to stay cooler.
Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the day, especially when active outdoors. For exercise lasting more than an hour, sports drinks are better as they contain electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which replenish what you lose from sweating. People on blood pressure medications, particularly diuretics, should be extra careful to drink plenty of water. Exercise in water or air-conditioned spaces:
On extremely hot days, consider swimming, doing water aerobics, or working out in an air-conditioned fitness center.
I finally get to style pink and orange in a way that I really like. Look at me, I look so lovely! I must say, I wanted that skirt to be longer as I would have felt even more comfortable while sitting, but overall I look so lovely.
If you remember when Beyoncé wore pink and orange on several occasions, it became a trend. Ever since then, I have always wanted to match those two colors together. While I wanted to style this outfit, I also wanted to look different and make my style my own. I prefer to take inspiration and make the look my own. Take Beyoncé, for example. When she stepped out in fuchsia shorts and a tangerine sweater in 2015, I thought, "Wow, that is a brilliant color combination." This was the era of color blocking, and it was the highlight of the fashion world.
She was wearing a Cushnie et Ochs Tangerine Cut Out Long Sleeve Knit Jersey and DSquared2 Fuchsia Pink Leather Shorts, styled with hot-pink pumps and an emerald handbag.
If you remember when Beyoncé wore pink and orange on several occasions, it became a trend. Ever since then, I have always wanted to match those two colors together. While I wanted to style this outfit, I also wanted to look different and make my style my own. I prefer to take inspiration and make the look my own. Take Beyoncé, for example. When she stepped out in fuchsia shorts and a tangerine sweater in 2015, I thought, "Wow, that is a brilliant color combination." This was the era of color blocking, and it was the highlight of the fashion world.
She was wearing a Cushnie et Ochs Tangerine Cut Out Long Sleeve Knit Jersey and DSquared2 Fuchsia Pink Leather Shorts, styled with hot-pink pumps and an emerald handbag.
Does the smoke from wildfires aggravate eczema flare-ups and other skin conditions?
Are you dealing with itchy, irritated skin that you can't stop scratching? Or have you noticed that your child's eczema has suddenly gotten worse and is hard to manage? More and more evidence suggests that wildfires, which are becoming more intense and frequent, are making skin problems like eczema worse.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common, long-lasting skin condition that affects about one in 10 people in the US. It causes red, dry, and itchy patches of skin. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which often runs in families and usually starts in childhood. In the northern hemisphere, it typically gets worse in the winter when the weather is cold and dry. However, experts are now seeing this pattern change. For example, at Massachusetts General Hospital, one dermatologist noticed a big increase in eczema flare-ups last summer.
Why is eczema getting worse during summer?
In 2023, Canada had over 6,000 wildfires that burned more than 16 million hectares of land — an area larger than the entire state of Georgia. Although the fires were far away, the smoke traveled across the US and more than 2,000 miles in Europe. The poor air quality from these distant wildfires caused eye and throat irritation and made it hard to breathe.
In Boston, Dr. Arianne Shadi Kourosh, a dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, also noticed skin problems. Usually, dermatology clinics would see fewer than 20 people during a summer month for eczema, including atopic dermatitis. Suddenly, that number jumped to 160. Her research showed that the number of visits for these skin complaints matched the level of air pollution. Other studies have also found more eczema and psoriasis flare-ups linked to wildfire pollution. But why is this happening?
Researchers think that pollutants in the air might trigger a series of reactions in the body by causing oxidative stress, which damages the skin and leads to inflammation. This process may also play a role in the development of eczema.
What can you do to protect your skin?
Air pollutants from wildfire smoke can harm many parts of your body, including your skin. So, when the air quality is bad due to wildfires, limiting your exposure can help reduce health risks. This is also true for industrial air pollution, but wildfire pollution might be worse because it has more toxic particles.
Here are some tips to protect your skin:
- Seek help if you're itching: If you think wildfire smoke or other air pollution is affecting your skin, check with a dermatologist or your healthcare provider.
- Check local air quality: AirNow.gov provides real-time local air quality information and activity guidance. When recommended, stay indoors if possible. Close doors, windows, and any outdoor air vents.
- Protect your skin: When you're outdoors, wear a mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc or titanium. These sunscreens form a barrier that reflects UV rays and reduces the amount of pollutant particles reaching your skin. Wearing sunscreen also protects against skin cancer.
- Wash up: After being outside, cleanse your skin and apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer to keep it healthy. If you have eczema, use cleansers and moisturizers recommended by your dermatologist or healthcare provider.
By following these tips, you can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and other air pollutants.
Photo by Sippakorn Yamkasikorn
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common, long-lasting skin condition that affects about one in 10 people in the US. It causes red, dry, and itchy patches of skin. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which often runs in families and usually starts in childhood. In the northern hemisphere, it typically gets worse in the winter when the weather is cold and dry. However, experts are now seeing this pattern change. For example, at Massachusetts General Hospital, one dermatologist noticed a big increase in eczema flare-ups last summer.
Why is eczema getting worse during summer?
In 2023, Canada had over 6,000 wildfires that burned more than 16 million hectares of land — an area larger than the entire state of Georgia. Although the fires were far away, the smoke traveled across the US and more than 2,000 miles in Europe. The poor air quality from these distant wildfires caused eye and throat irritation and made it hard to breathe.
In Boston, Dr. Arianne Shadi Kourosh, a dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, also noticed skin problems. Usually, dermatology clinics would see fewer than 20 people during a summer month for eczema, including atopic dermatitis. Suddenly, that number jumped to 160. Her research showed that the number of visits for these skin complaints matched the level of air pollution. Other studies have also found more eczema and psoriasis flare-ups linked to wildfire pollution. But why is this happening?
Researchers think that pollutants in the air might trigger a series of reactions in the body by causing oxidative stress, which damages the skin and leads to inflammation. This process may also play a role in the development of eczema.
What can you do to protect your skin?
Air pollutants from wildfire smoke can harm many parts of your body, including your skin. So, when the air quality is bad due to wildfires, limiting your exposure can help reduce health risks. This is also true for industrial air pollution, but wildfire pollution might be worse because it has more toxic particles.
Here are some tips to protect your skin:
- Seek help if you're itching: If you think wildfire smoke or other air pollution is affecting your skin, check with a dermatologist or your healthcare provider.
- Check local air quality: AirNow.gov provides real-time local air quality information and activity guidance. When recommended, stay indoors if possible. Close doors, windows, and any outdoor air vents.
- Protect your skin: When you're outdoors, wear a mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc or titanium. These sunscreens form a barrier that reflects UV rays and reduces the amount of pollutant particles reaching your skin. Wearing sunscreen also protects against skin cancer.
- Wash up: After being outside, cleanse your skin and apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer to keep it healthy. If you have eczema, use cleansers and moisturizers recommended by your dermatologist or healthcare provider.
By following these tips, you can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and other air pollutants.
The internet is buzzing with excitement over the highly anticipated wedding of David 'Davido' Adeleke and his beloved, Chioma.
Today is the wedding day of Nigeria's most popular artist, Davido Adeleke, and his wife, Chioma Rowland. Nigeria is happy for the couple and wishes them a beautiful married life. I couldn't help but share their outfits. Their traditional marriage took place in Lagos, Nigeria, and they looked amazing. Their designers did an incredible job.
Today is the wedding day of Nigeria's most popular artist, Davido Adeleke, and his wife, Chioma Rowland. Nigeria is happy for the couple and wishes them a beautiful married life. I couldn't help but share their outfits. Their traditional marriage took place in Lagos, Nigeria, and they looked amazing. Their designers did an incredible job.
Photographer: @stanlophotography
Video: @bricksgroup
Content Creation: @durrode
BTS Photographer: @9ce_photography
Planner@zapphaire_events
Groom's Asooke fabric @wovenmarketafrica
Bride's Asooke fabric @wovenmarketafrica
Groom's asooke outfit @dejiandkola
Bride's asooke outfit @couturebytabik
Bride's Igbo outfits @tubobereni_ Bride's Igbo Stylist @tubobereni_
Groom's Igbo outfit @ugomonye.official
Bridal Makeup @banksbmpro
Hairstylist @adefunkeee
Gele @taiwos_touch Stylist@styledbyyln
Groom's Stylist @deangelictouchstylist
Decor @saraoevents
Alaga @alagaiyawo
Video: @bricksgroup
Content Creation: @durrode
BTS Photographer: @9ce_photography
Planner@zapphaire_events
Groom's Asooke fabric @wovenmarketafrica
Bride's Asooke fabric @wovenmarketafrica
Groom's asooke outfit @dejiandkola
Bride's asooke outfit @couturebytabik
Bride's Igbo outfits @tubobereni_ Bride's Igbo Stylist @tubobereni_
Groom's Igbo outfit @ugomonye.official
Bridal Makeup @banksbmpro
Hairstylist @adefunkeee
Gele @taiwos_touch Stylist@styledbyyln
Groom's Stylist @deangelictouchstylist
Decor @saraoevents
Alaga @alagaiyawo
For me, two reliable fashion choices are cool pants and sweaters. When I'm in a fashion rut or want something easy yet stylish, I opt for a monochromatic or two-tone look to feel polished and put together.
My sweater isn’t the thickest, but it’s high-quality and keeps warm. I wore an undershirt for extra layers since I was outside for a long time. The shade of cream or butter yellow of the sweater matches perfectly with my cream pants. This relaxed jumper by Isle is crafted from pure cotton, offering a soft and breathable feel. Designed in a regular fit with a smart crew neck, it features rib detailing at the hem and cuffs, along with side splits for added comfort. Cotton jumper by EWM.
The pants fit perfectly. H&M did a great job with them. The length is just right, and the color is lovely.
My sneakers are not my favorite, but they go well with neutral outfits.
I also added cute tiny heart-shaped earrings.
Although I forgot to add my necklace while taking photos because I was struggling with my nails, I later did. Adding a necklace to casual basics elevates your look. I will describe my look as simple, elegant and modern.
Although walking 10,000 steps a day is associated with the best health outcomes, a recent study found that walking as little as 2,200 steps a day is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and early death.
The investigation, which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in March 2024, assessed information gathered by the UK Biobank from almost 70,000 adults, ages 53 to 69. For seven days, participants' levels of exercise were monitored via an accelerometer they wore. In the ensuing seven years, 6,190 major cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes, were documented, and 1,633 individuals passed away.
Researchers found that walking between 9,500 and 10,500 steps a day reduced the risk of a heart attack or stroke by 21% and the risk of dying young by 39%. Regardless of how long a person spent being inactive each day, the odds of heart disease and early mortality were reduced by any amount of daily steps above 2,200. As individuals increased their daily step count, their health results improved even more.
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