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Living Better Science for a healthy life
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Living Better

Science for a healthy life

Sunday

A hand holds a paddle against a clear blue sky, preparing to hit a yellow pickleball. The scene suggests a bright and sunny day, with the pickleball clearly in motion.
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A hand holds a paddle against a clear blue sky, preparing to hit a yellow pickleball. The scene suggests a bright and sunny day, with the pickleball clearly in motion. Stefania Pelfini la Waziya/Moment RF/Getty Images hide caption

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Stefania Pelfini la Waziya/Moment RF/Getty Images

Grab the goggles. Pickleball eye injuries are on the rise

Safety precautions haven't caught up with enthusiasm for the sport. Researchers call for a new push for eye-ware.

Monday

A person enters a CVS store in Monterey Park, California, where flu and COVID-19 vaccines are offered.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new recommendations for COVID vaccination that require a consultation with a health professional first. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

The CDC says people must consult a health professional before COVID shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention accepted a controversial recommendation from outside vaccine advisers to tighten guidelines for the COVID vaccine.

Monday

In autumn, our bodies sense the change in light as the dark winter months approach. Exposure to light during these months can help improve mood and energy.

In autumn, our bodies sense the change in light as the dark winter months approach. Exposure to light during these months can help improve mood and energy. Khanh Bui/Getty Images hide caption

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Khanh Bui/Getty Images

Exposure to bright light can help fend off winter blues. The time to start is now

As daylight diminishes, people can feel their mood dimming. In fact, millions of U.S. adults experience seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy can help fend off winter depression, starting in fall.

Starting light therapy in the fall can stave off the winter blues, experts say

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Tuesday

Monday

In this close-up photo of a woman's feet, her hand is applying lotion to one heel.
Microgen Images/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF

Healthy or hype?

Is it the magnesium or the massage? The facts about magnesium lotion for sleep

Social media influencers claim that using lotion with magnesium promotes sleep. But there's little evidence magnesium taken in this way is effective.

Can using magnesium topically help with sleep? Medical experts are skeptical

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Saturday

Thursday

Close-up of woman pouring a meal replacement shake into her friend's glass. Horizontal shot.
Thomas_EyeDesign/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Healthy or hype?

Are creatine supplements all that they're pumped up to be?

Creatine supplements have long become increasingly popular as social media influencers tout their benefits. What does the evidence say?

Influencers tout the benefits of creatine supplements. Is it healthy or all hype?

Listen · 3:35
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Saturday

Thursday

Thursday

This photo is a close-up shot of a woman's left forearm, which has a smartwatch around the wrist. The watch's wristband is white. The woman's right index finger is about to tap the smartwatch's screen.

There's a growing consensus among researchers on how many daily steps are needed to improve health. Marco VDM/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption

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Marco VDM/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Counting steps for health? Here's how many you really need

Counting steps is easy using a phone, a wearable or a fitness tracker. And scientists have lots of data to figure out how many daily steps you need to improve your health. Here's what they've found.

How many steps do you need to stay healthy?

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Monday

Birth control pills pack. Prescription medicine that contain female hormones like estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy.
Jena Ardell/Moment RF/Getty Images

Healthy or hype?

Influencers criticize birth control and push 'natural' methods. Here's what to know

Social media is full of videos saying hormonal contraception can hurt you and promoting natural alternatives. How did the treatments get such a bad reputation and do alternatives work?

What’s the deal with claims that birth control is dangerous?

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Sunday

Thursday

White bread, soda, crackers, cereal, canned spaghetti, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, chips and candy are pictured.

There isn't a standard definition of ultra-processed foods, but all the foods pictured fit the bill. They contain added fat, sugar or salt, plus preservatives to extend their shelf-life. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images hide caption

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Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Shots - Health News

Ultra-processed food consumption is down a bit, but still more than 50% of U.S. diet

Americans get about 55% of our calories from tasty, cheap — and unhealthy — manufactured foods, the latest data from CDC says. For kids, the percentage is even higher.

Ultra-processed food consumption is down a bit, but still more than 50% of U.S. diet

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Monday

Orange and blue sports drink in plastic bottles on a blue background.

Sports drinks and instant electrolyte powders have gotten popular for general wellness, not just for athletes. Vitaliy Krivchikov/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption

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Vitaliy Krivchikov/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Healthy or hype?

What's the deal with electrolyte drinks — do you need them to stay hydrated?

Seems like nobody's drinking plain water these days. Electrolyte packets or colorful sports drinks are everywhere. But do you need them?

What’s the deal with electrolyte drinks — do you need them to stay hydrated?

Listen · 3:23
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Monday

This image shows a seesaw with a pink brain on the left and a pair of purple dumbbells on the right.

A big new study finds that diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes can significantly enhance the health of aging brains. J Studios/Getty Images hide caption

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J Studios/Getty Images

Trying to keep your brain young? A big new study finds these lifestyle changes help

A study of more than 2,100 people ages 60 to 79 found that an intensive two-year program of mental and physical activities, along with a heart-healthy diet, improved memory and thinking.

Trying to keep your brain young? A big new study finds these lifestyle changes help

Listen · 3:51
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