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Aging

1 year ago

Healthy Habits That Support a Longer, Healthier Life

Building healthy habits doesn’t require a dramatic life overhaul. In fact, the most powerful changes often start small — a short daily walk, a consistent bedtime, an extra serving of vegetables on your plate. Over time, these everyday choices add up. Research shows that consistent health behaviors play a significant role in longevity, helping reduce the risk of chronic disease and supporting physical, mental and emotional well-being as we age. In this article, we’ll explore practical healthy habits you can start today and strategies to help them last for years to come. Benefits of Establishing Healthy Habits Before we explore the advantages of incorporating healthy habits into your life, it’s essential to answer the question: What are healthy habits? In short, healthy habits are consistent behaviors that positively impact your mental, physical and emotional well-being. From tried-and-true practices like incorporating regular exercise to more nuanced shifts, such as writing in a gratitude journal, there are countless ways to enhance your overall health. If you need some motivation to get started, here are several benefits of creating — and maintaining — healthy habits in your daily life: Increased energy and immune support Reduced risk of chronic disease Improved mental resilience Greater longevity Studies consistently link long-term healthy habits with lower rates of chronic disease, improved mobility and increased life expectancy. Healthy Habits You Can Start Today Healthy habits can significantly impact your long-term health in three key areas: your physical health, mental health and emotional health. Below, we explore several healthy habits you can implement to improve each aspect of your life. Physical Health If you’re looking to improve your body’s overall functionality and its ability to perform daily activities, consider introducing one of these healthy habits into your regular routine: Nutrition When it comes to healthy eating, the color wheel is your friend

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Physiology

1 year ago

Drugs That Treat Multiple Conditions: Hydroxyzine

Throughout the pharmaceutical world, there are numerous drugs that help people manage multiple conditions. Topiramate, developed to treat seizures, doubles as a migraine treatment. Bupropion, typically prescribed as an antidepressant, also aids in smoking cessation. Minoxidil, developed to treat high blood pressure, is perhaps better known for reversing hair loss. Clinical trials determine the effectiveness and safety of drugs before they’re approved for public use, but sometimes these trials reveal unforeseen benefits. Hydroxyzine is a prominent example of this type of versatile medication, and one we’ll explore its multiple uses in this article. Hydroxyzine: A Versatile Medication Hydroxyzine, a prescription antihistamine typically administered orally, has applications beyond stopping runny noses

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Aging

1 year ago

What Does a Geriatric Neurologist Do?

Imagine sitting with an aging parent who’s started forgetting appointments, misplacing familiar objects or moving more slowly than usual. You’re told they need to see a specialist — but not just any neurologist. They need someone trained specifically in the neurological changes that occur later in life. Geriatric neurology is a subspecialty of neurology focused on diagnosing and managing neurological conditions that primarily affect older adults. These specialists understand how the brain changes with age and how those changes intersect with other medical conditions common in older populations. In this article, we explore: What geriatric neurology is How the specialty developed The most common neurological conditions treated in older adults The day-to-day responsibilities of a geriatric neurologist When patients may be referred to this type of specialist How Geriatric Neurology Became a Specialty The study of neurology began in the 19th century, centering on the understanding and treatment of disorders that affect the nervous system. As lifespans increased, it became clear that a new specialization in neurology was necessary: one that addressed the unique neurological conditions of older adults

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Physiology

1 year ago

How Does Nicotine Replacement Therapy Relieve Addiction?

”From a scientific standpoint, nicotine is just as hard, or harder, to quit than heroin.” This jarring statement from nicotine researcher Dr. Neil Benowitz may explain why so many people struggle with giving up nicotine for years, or even a lifetime. When individuals use conventional cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco or e-cigarettes, the bloodstream quickly absorbs the chemical nicotine and transports it to the brain. The brain responds by releasing dopamine, the “happy hormone,” producing a pleasurable sensation. The body eventually grows accustomed to that sensation and becomes dependent on nicotine to produce it. When a smoker quits cigarettes, they may begin to feel angrier, sadder and hungrier due to the lack of stimulation from nicotine

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Aging

1 year ago

The Secrets Behind Blue Zones: Why People Are Living Longer

From intermittent fasting to finding a social circle, there are numerous lifestyle changes purported to increase the human lifespan. But which of these factors actually contribute to increased longevity, and which are simply passing trends? By studying the Blue Zones—regions around the world known for their high concentration of individuals living past the global average—we can identify common patterns that may have played a role in extending the lifespan of their community members. What Is a Blue Zone? According to the founder of the Blue Zones concept, Dan Buettner, 80% of a person’s lifespan is influenced by their lifestyle and environment. To better understand this data and identify which factors contribute to longer life expectancies, Buettner and his team of demographers pinpointed five regions across the world where people consistently live longer than average—often into their 90s and even 100s. Where are these five magical areas, you ask? The geographic regions known as Blue Zones consist of: Loma Linda, California Ikaria, Greece Nicoya, Costa Rica Okinawa, Japan Sardinia, Italy Each zone is characterized by residents who meet the following criteria: Live to 90 or older. Experience a higher quality of life. Share similar lifestyle habits that contribute to their longevity. Participate in cultural traditions that promote longevity. Reside in communities with specific environmental features, such as walkable neighborhoods, access to nature, clean air and low stress. Factors That Make Blue Zones Different: The Power 9 Buettner’s research found that each of the Blue Zones had nine common denominators that he believes slow the aging process, allowing many to live past the United States national average of 77.5 years. Those factors make up the Power 9, which we discuss below: #1 Move Naturally Blue Zone inhabitants reside in settings that make physical activity a part of their daily lives. That’s not to say they take part in structured exercises like going to the gym or 30 regimented minutes of cardio every day. Rather, they live in areas that promote movement, whether they’re strolling from their house to the market or gardening fresh herbs and produce in their backyards. #2 Purpose In Blue Zones, people have a sense of purpose, also known in Japanese as “ikigai,” or “a reason for being.” Understanding that they’re here for a reason motivates these individuals to live more fulfilling lives. According to Buettner, knowing your purpose can add an extra seven years to your life expectancy. #3 Down Shift Experiencing stress is a natural part of life

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Medical School

1 year ago

How This Program Helps Prepare You for Medical School

Medical school is a challenging but ultimately fulfilling endeavor for most students. Completing it positions you to make an immeasurable impact on the lives and health of others in a rewarding profession. In recent years, however, about 60% of applicants have not been accepted into medical school — even as doctor shortages increase. In fact, some industry organizations have forecast a physician shortfall approaching 86,000 by 2036. These figures underscore the importance of submitting a standout medical school application. Your application should clearly demonstrate that you not only meet the requirements but also possess the skills, credentials and determination needed to tackle the rigors of medical school and become an M.D. The University of Florida’s College of Medicine offers an online Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology program that can set you up for success in the medical school application process and beyond. Here’s how this program can benefit you as an aspiring medical school student. The Difference Our Degree Can Make Our online master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology can help prepare you for medical school in several ways: MCAT-Aligned Curriculum Our program features curriculum designed to prepare you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) — a key requirement for medical school admission

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Aging

1 year ago

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed and Treated Today?

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects more than just a person’s memory. It impacts their judgment, mood and their ability to perform everyday tasks like getting dressed or even using the bathroom on their own. The impact extends beyond the individual, affecting families who watch their loved ones experience physical and cognitive decline. However, advances in diagnosis and treatment are offering new hope. Earlier detection methods and emerging therapies are changing how physicians identify and manage Alzheimer’s disease. What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Before exploring how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed and treated today, it’s helpful to understand what the disease is. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80% of dementia cases. Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that cause a decline in mental functioning, and Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that falls under this category. Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease Understanding these underlying brain changes helps explain why modern diagnostic tools focus on detecting amyloid and tau abnormalities. So, what are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists have worked tirelessly in recent years to discover the root causes of the condition but still don’t fully understand them

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Physiology

1 year ago

Becoming an Astronaut: How Space Flight Affects Our Bodies

As children, many of us shared a similar professional goal: We were determined to become astronauts. Little did we know that NASA’s acceptance rate is abysmally low. In 2024, more than 8,000 people applied to become astronauts. Of that number, NASA will only choose between eight and 12 candidates. Beyond the rigorous selection process, one aspect of being an astronaut that we likely didn’t consider as children is the effect space flight has on our bodies. With drastic changes in gravity and no atmosphere to shield us from the sun’s UV rays, several short- and long-term changes can occur in our bodies while in space. Settle in and buckle up as we explore the effects of space flight on humans and — for those still interested — the prerequisites for becoming an astronaut. Immediate Effects During Launch In addition to the adrenaline spike they may feel during the famed countdown to liftoff, astronauts may experience several other physiological changes during space shuttle launches due to increased G-forces, including: Difficulty moving limbs Tunnel vision or brief loss of consciousness A reduced ability for the heart to efficiently pump blood Bodily fluids shifting upward, which can cause fluid retention in the upper body Discomfort in the sinuses due to changes in air pressure Musculoskeletal Adaptations If you’re on a commercial mission to space, you’ll likely only be there long enough to appreciate the beauty of Earth from above, notice its curvature and maybe even experience a few sunsets or sunrises, depending on your positioning

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Medical School

1 year ago

Comparing Graduate Credentials: Medical Physiology vs. Microbiology

If you’re considering a graduate credential, we salute you! The path to securing your dream position can be a long one, and a graduate certificate or master’s degree is often the first step in advancing your career, especially in STEM-related roles. If you’ve narrowed down your graduate options to medical physiology and microbiology, it’s helpful to understand the similarities and differences between these fields. While these programs may share similar credit requirements and a strong foundation in fundamental biological concepts, they also have some distinct differences. Let’s explore these differences and help you determine which program aligns best with your professional goals. Program Curriculum A significant difference between a graduate credential in medical physiology and one in microbiology lies in each program’s framework and content: Medical Physiology If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I take anatomy and physiology for medical school?”, the answer is yes. Courses focused on anatomy and physiology provide essential knowledge that will help you succeed in medical and other professional schools. The University of Florida’s online MS in medical physiology and pharmacology program offers a broader application of biological sciences, integrating human and medical physiology into clinical settings. It also emphasizes key areas of pharmacology, preparing graduates for roles such as clinical research coordinator, medical educator or healthcare consultant. Microbiology In contrast, a microbiology program concentrates more specifically on microorganisms and their effects on humans and the environment

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Aging

1 year ago

Cybernetics: Technology That Extends Human Longevity

The term “cybernetics” evokes images of the human-robot hybrids featured in science fiction novels and superhero sagas. Characters like Iron Man and the Six Million Dollar Man were fully biological humans before suffering near-fatal injuries. The introduction of advanced technology into their bodies saved their lives and enabled them to help others. While these types of cyborgs remain in the realm of fiction, cybernetic technology is already being used to prolong the human lifespan. Cybernetics became widely known in 1948, when American mathematician Norbert Wiener published a book by that name. To Wiener, cybernetics was the “science of control and communications in the animal and machine.” This definition is broad enough to apply to today’s cybernetics efforts, though the advances in the field would have likely astonished Wiener — and may surprise you. Let’s explore a few types of cybernetics that are helping older adults live longer, more independent and fulfilling lives. Cutting-Edge Cybernetics Technology Now in Use Let’s be clear: The robotic technologies discussed here are not intended to replace invaluable human medical professionals

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