Health Officials Release New Exercise Guidelines
The Department of Health and Human Services recently updated its expert recommendations for physical activity, urging American adults to move more. Initially released in 2008, “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans” no longer states that a person should exercise for at least 10 minutes for it to count toward weekly activity, but rather says that any type of movement counts. The main message: Move more, sit less. Other recommendations haven’t changed much. They still say to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week—that’s between two hours and 30 minutes and 5 hours—like brisk walking or swimming or 75 minutes to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercises, such as running. Combine that with muscle-strengthening and balance exercises for a well-rounded physical activity program.
Study Shows Fewer Americans Dying from Cancer
Deaths from cancer in the U.S. have dropped over the past 25 years by 27 percent, for a total of 2.6 million fewer deaths than what would have been expected since 1991. However, cancer is still one of the top three killers of Americans, along with heart disease and accidents or unintentional injuries, and its prevalence seems to be growing globally. The study, which was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, also found significant disparities in cancer death between the rich and poor. Between 2012 and 2016, for example, overall cancer death rates were 20 percent higher for those who live in the most impoverished counties compared with those who live in the highest-income counties. Although African Americans still have a higher mortality rate from cancer than white Americans, the gap has been closing since the mid-1990s.
Have Arthritis? Splurge on a Massage
If you wanted an excuse for booking a massage soon, here it is: Researchers from Duke University have found that weekly full-body massage greatly benefits people who suffer from pain and poor joint mobility because of osteoarthritis. Massages seem to complement other treatments, which can include NSAIDs, cortisone injections, and physical therapy. The research was published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine and compared the effect of massage on those who got a one-hour weekly Swedish massage to those who had a light-touch treatment or no treatment at all. After eight weeks, those who got the regular massage had significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function.
