Latest news with #HealthlineMedia
Health Line
6 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
5 Health Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering can feel good on the inside, help lower your risk of heart disease, and improve your quality of life, among other health benefits. How you decide to contribute to your community is up to you — many options are available. If you regularly volunteer, you probably know that giving back to your community can make you feel good and give you a sense of purpose or greater meaning. But volunteering can also do much more for you, including positively affecting your health — there's even research that supports this. Health and wellness touch everyone's lives differently. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. All quotes are strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. May prolong your life This finding comes from a 2020 study of 12,998 adults over age 50. Specifically, participants who volunteered for 4 years and at least 100 hours per year had an associated reduced risk of early death compared to those who volunteered for 0 hours. Depending on what you do to volunteer, it can help keep you active and social and your brain sharp, which may improve your overall health and prolong your life. May lower your risk of heart disease According to data from 2004 to 2014 published in a 2018 study, volunteering and performing more informal acts of kindness may help reduce the risk of heart disease in all people. These findings were compared to those who didn't volunteer or help people in their community in other ways. This goes to show that you don't have to engage in organized volunteering — a simple and frequent random act of kindness can also go a long way. May improve your brain performance A 2-year 2021 study assessed the brain performance of older adults with no signs of cognitive decline. The older adults were enrolled in a volunteering program at elementary schools designed to increase their physical, cognitive, and social engagement. Researchers found that adults in the program demonstrated statistically significant improved executive function compared to those in a low-activity control group. May improve your quality of life Volunteering may be one way to enhance the quality of life for people in middle age and older adulthood. A 2018 research review of eight older studies on adults over the age of 50 years found that all studies reported positive quality of life outcomes for participants measured by increases in: life satisfaction self-esteem social support slowed functional decline A 2021 research review found that volunteering roles that specifically gave participants a functional role, such as a mentor, may help improve well-being and quality of life in adults over 80. These findings may help public health experts work toward a solution for social isolation and finding purpose as people get older. May reduce your levels of physical pain A study published in 2023 used survey data of 48,000 people collected yearly from 2011 to 2020 to assess the effect of volunteering and donating on pain levels. Researchers found that those who volunteered or donated reported lower levels of physical pain over the course of the study. This may be because volunteering can help keep you active and steadier on your feet, especially as you get older. The study, however, did not find that volunteering for more hours was associated with lower pain levels. How to start volunteering If you already regularly volunteer, go you! If not, here are some recommendations on where to get started: You can also get involved by contacting local: hospitals or nursing homes food banks churches libraries animal shelters schools Remember that donating can count, too! You can donate blood to a blood drive, hair to organizations that make wigs for people undergoing chemotherapy, and clothing to thrift stores. Consider asking a friend or loved one if you're still looking for ideas. If they're located in the same community as you, they may be able to help connect you with a local organization. Try aligning volunteer opportunities with your skills Do you have a background in teaching, or have you been told that you're good at explaining things? If so, you might be a good fit for educational volunteer roles. If you like animals, consider starting with your local animal shelter. If you enjoy working with children, try reaching out to schools in the area. If you surround yourself with books, you might feel at home in a library. The point is: You don't have to start from scratch. Lots of volunteer organizations and roles can align with the skills you already have (or want to learn!). How the Healthline team volunteers 'Fostering animals! Taking in kittens and dogs and giving them a safe space, love, and security until they find their forever homes has been one of the best things our family does together. It's not always easy, and there have been many tears along the way, but the idea that we can play a small role in changing lives (both animal and human) for the better is both gratifying and exciting.' — Sara McTigue, senior editor 'I've done a lot of different volunteer work over the years, and it always fills my cup. Whether it's preparing meals and wrapping gifts at my local community center or signing up to clean up a park nearby, it feels good to contribute to something. I can't change the world, but I can take part in small acts of service to uplift or improve my neighborhood.' — Samantha Costa, editor 'I started walking dogs at my local shelter, and it's been such a rewarding and low-lift way to give back and help animals in need. The dogs are so happy to get out of their kennels and have some human interaction, so it's impossible not to feel joyful being around them. The volunteer program at the shelter is important for helping the dogs get adopted, and I love being able to contribute to that effort.' — Ginger Wojcik, newsletter editor 'My way of volunteering is more so donating — but it still counts! Every few years, I grow my hair out and cut off at least 8 inches to send to a charity like Locks of Love that makes wigs for those who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. I get a lot of compliments on my hair, so I figure, why not share it! It makes me feel good knowing that even something like hair can be repurposed.' — Sarah Matysiak, editor 'I volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth … until their case closes (can be anywhere from a few months to years). Being a consistent adult in a youth's life and helping to advocate for their best interests has been a really rewarding experience. 'I've also volunteered with my dog as a therapy dog team through a local shelter for the past couple of years … We would visit a local hospital, senior communities, and a college campus, and it always lifted my spirits. Spending time with my pup is one of my favorite activities, and it was rewarding to bring a smile to people's faces on a rough day.' — Chelsea Logan, managing editor
Health Line
01-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What I Do When I'm Exhuasted and Stressed About Life with Diabetes
Stepping away from diabetes technology, finding support, getting enough sleep, and making small healthy habits are some ways I've managed my diabetes distress and burnout. Health and wellness touch everyone's life differently. This is one person's story. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. For the past several months, I've been experiencing yet another case of diabetes burnout. It's been a subtle but semi-constant itch that I ignored and tried not to scratch, but eventually, it became unavoidable. Life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a never-ending routine without any days off. That can become overwhelming when it's too much 'diabetes all the time,' and eventually, it all boils over. As someone living with T1D for more than 40 years, this is not a new phenomenon for me. It's been a back-and-forth cycle for much of my adult life. As I near the half-century mark in life, I am trying not to let my mental health slide so that 'D-burnout' builds up and reaches a dangerous explosion threshold. This time, I'm taking steps to manage and address my diabetes distress and burnout and help prevent it from returning anytime soon. We all know what burnout means, and it's the same for those of us with diabetes. The official definition of diabetes burnout is a state of physical or emotional exhaustion caused by the continuous distress of diabetes and the efforts to self-manage it. Diabetes distress refers to'the negative emotional or affective experiences resulting from the challenge of living with the demands of diabetes.' Yes, that's the brunt of burnout and diabetes distress. We know the importance of diabetes management and what it means for our future and daily life, but we just find ourselves unable to do what's needed to manage our condition. Healthcare professionals may label us 'non-compliant,' a term that contains connotation and emotional baggage and may even fuel more diabetes distress and burnout. This is because we might feel judged, blamed, and ignored regarding our mental health and psychosocial demands of life with diabetes. A 2020 study found that diabetes burnout and distress are closely related, and they can be a significant obstacle to people with diabetes managing their condition as well as they'd like and reaching target goals. While it's tough to quantify how often this happens, some 2021 research indicates it may happen in more than one-third of people with diabetes. Other estimates put that higher, with a 2024 global survey by the International Diabetes Federation suggesting that 3 in 4 people with diabetes experience a mental health issue at some point because of their condition. However, it's important to note that clinical definitions aren't clear, and these psychosocial symptoms and experiences are often not reported or diagnosed. For that reason, researchers believe that diabetes distress and burnout happen much more frequently than reported. How do you know if you're experiencing diabetes burnout? feeling unable to cope with diabetes anger toward diabetes and managing the condition feeling overwhelmed by diabetes management feeling powerless feeling detached from oneself avoiding social situations, support, and healthcare appointments missing or skipping medication, including insulin not monitoring blood sugar levels as often easing up on eating habits, including a lack of desire to count carbohydrates or take meal-time insulin not getting any exercise ignoring or trying to forget about diabetes Why does this happen? The answers aren't always clear. But for many people with diabetes, myself included, it's a matter of being overwhelmed by life with this condition. Personally, as someone living with T1D since childhood, I've felt that no matter what I do, it isn't making enough of a difference. As diabetes complications began affecting my nerves, eyes, and stomach in my adult years, these feelings of 'why bother?' became stronger at times. Depression is a medical condition It's important to recognize that depression may be a more serious mental health issue to address beyond diabetes distress and burnout. Yes, both diabetes distress and burnout can lead to depression. But depression is a mental health condition in which a person experiences constant mood changes, which impair daily functioning. Depression can affect many parts of someone's life, while diabetes-related burnout and distress are typically tied to the condition itself. People with type 1 diabetes are three times more likely to experience depression, while those with type 2 diabetes may have a two times higher risk than the general population. What have I done to manage and prevent diabetes burnout? There are many coping strategies for people experiencing diabetes burnout. These may include: Mini 'vacations': I have sprinkled small vacations into my schedule as it relates to my diabetes management. This has involved prepackaging meals ahead of time so that I have everything premeasured and accounted for. Using an automated insulin delivery device that automatically monitors my blood sugar levels and adjusts insulin has helped correct any minor spikes or dips in my sugars. Diabetes technology breaks: I do get bored easily, and diabetes apathy sets in. As a result, I've been watching my time in range decrease, my blood sugar variability go bonkers, and my A1C creep higher since the start of the year. I took an insulin pump break for a few weeks and went back to insulin pens to give my body and mind a chance to rest from diabetes devices. Handwritten journaling: I've stepped away from mobile apps and technology in tracking my blood sugar levels, food, and exercise. Instead, I've been using a pen and paper to track my diabetes progress. This has helped me retain that information more deeply and process it to recognize patterns and changes I need to make in my diabetes management. More sleep: This is a work in progress, as I've been trying to go to bed at a more decent hour. Solid sleep has clear benefits for diabetes and improved focus and health overall. Diabetes tech expert and author Adam Brown of DiaTribe writes that ' sleep is the most destructive diabetes landmine.' I certainly find that sleeplessness or an uncertain routine has a direct effect on my blood sugars. Physical activity: Moving the body is another way to help your mental health. Even 15 minutes of exercise. This may be walking around the block, riding a bike, doing more physical workouts, or even doing household chores like vacuuming, yard work, and furniture moving. These can be distractions to get the mind off of diabetes, even though clearly keeping low blood sugars remains important. Perfection is impossible: Diabetes can be an unpredictable condition, making management difficult. When it comes to treatment goals, a person should try to break them down into small steps. This may include doing one more fingerstick a day or counting carbs for one meal more than you did last week. Involving my healthcare team: In recent months, I've consulted my endocrinologist more regularly to get guidance on the mental health front. This included talking with a mental health specialist for a time. These professionals can be a great help, reminding us about the progress we've made with diabetes management and suggesting new strategies. Consider professional mental health support This may not always a preferred option for people at first glance. But you may consider talking with a licensed therapist or mental health professional. In my late 20s, I lived with diabetes burnout that led to very high A1C levels and a lower quality of life. I shrugged it off for a long time before finally reading an honest, first-person blog post from an older T1D friend online. His personal story changed my view on professional help. It turns out that's what I needed, along with some prescribed medication. This 'diabetes mind ninja' changed my perspective and allowed me to recognize what I needed to move forward in better managing my mental health and diabetes overall. The topic of diabetes burnout and distress often goes back to Dr. William Polonsky, one of the key experts in psychosocial aspects of life with diabetes. His book, 'Diabetes Burnout: What To Do When You Can't Take It Anymore,' is a source of information and support for many in the diabetes medical and patient space. Explore how diabetes and stress go hand-in-hand You can find more information, support, and personal stories on Healthline related to diabetes and mental health. Check out Healthline's T1D resource page for more on mental health as you navigate your personal care journey with this condition.
Health Line
30-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
I Tried Exercise Snacks for 2 Weeks
Exercise snacks can help people move more during the day. Some research suggests these small, consistent exercise breaks may have a positive impact on health and well-being. Health and wellness touch everyone's life differently. This is one person's story. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. I spend the bulk of my workday jumping from virtual meeting to virtual meeting. Despite my best efforts, I often find it hard to move around much during the day. When I learned about exercise snacks, I was intrigued. Exercise snacks are short bursts of exercise throughout the day. They can be completed in 1 minute or less, and should be done every 45 minutes to an hour, over several hours. There's a growing trend to incorporate these into the workday, encouraging movement for people who work sedentary desk jobs. Exercise snacks can be done using a range of exercises, including burpees, jumping jacks, or other exercises that can be easily done anywhere and using body weight. There's also some evidence to suggest that even just doing 10 squats during these quick breaks, 10 times per day can have a positive impact on your health. Reading about many of the potential benefits, I decided to give it a try for two weeks. What the science says Prolonged periods of inactivity can negatively impact health and well-being. Not only can sitting for long periods lead to musculoskeletal problems, but there is also some evidence to suggest it may be tied to increased risk for hypertension. In one study, people who sat for longer periods of time had increased blood pressure compared to people who were more active during the day. Reduced mobility after meals can also impact blood glucose levels, whereas movement, even in the form of leg fidgeting, may have positive impacts on blood glucose control. There is also evidence that exercise snacks can positively impact cardiovascular fitness, blood glucose control, and muscular function and balance. The setup I used a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for several days before getting started to gauge my baseline levels and blood glucose control. A CGM is not required. I also took my weight using a body fat scale and monitored my blood pressure. I continued to monitor glucose levels, weight, and blood pressure during my 2-week experiment. I also shared my plan with colleagues, both to hold myself accountable and so that they wouldn't be confused if they saw me doing squats around the office or during meetings. How it went I work a hybrid schedule. I go into the office 2 days a week and work from home the other 3 days. I decided to start my experiment on an in-office day and planned to mostly focus on squats. On my first day, I did some of my squats in the bathroom to give me privacy and other sets in conference rooms between meetings. I didn't notice many changes in the first day, though my thighs were very sore by the end of the work day. I found it easier to consistently do my exercises on my work-from-home days. There were some days when I missed a set, but I focused on giving myself grace and embracing the idea that any movement was better than no movement. As I moved through the two weeks, I experimented with timing, eventually adjusting the times to ensure that I always took an exercise snack break shortly after eating. My results I found that the foods I ate, more than anything, had the biggest impact on my blood glucose levels during my 2-week study. I did not see any shifts in blood pressure or sleep quality (I use a sleep tracker), or in my baseline blood glucose levels. When my exercise breaks occurred within 30 to 45 minutes following a meal, I did see that my blood glucose stabilized back to my baseline more rapidly than when I did not plan exercise breaks around meals. Exercise did not seem to have any impact on immediate glucose spikes following a meal, however. I also lost 2 pounds during that time and saw a slight improvement in muscle tone in my lower body, and found I had more energy during the work day. If you decide to give exercise snacks a try, it's important to note that everyone's results will vary. How to get started You don't need any equipment to get started. All you need to do is to set you intentions, pick a day, and then dive in. You also don't have to do squats. I ended up doing a mix of body weight exercises. The important thing is to pick an exercise you can safely do and that helps elevate your heart rate and gets your muscles moving. The takeaway Carving out space in your day for more movement can have positive impacts on your health and well-being. If you can't commit to breaks every 45 minutes or even every hour, that's ok. The main thing is to find more time to move.
Health Line
30-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Verify Your Medicare Eligibility
Medicare eligibility is dependent on various factors, including age, citizenship status, and work history. You can check your eligibility status online. It's important to remember that while verification checks are available online, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is the only one that can officially verify your eligibility. You can contact the SSA at 800-772-1213 or visit their website. How can you verify your eligibility? You can verify your Medicare eligibility or estimate when you might be eligible on the website. You'll need the following information in order to verify your eligibility: your date of birth whether you have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years your disability status The SSA website also allows you to check your eligibility for various benefits for different stages in life, such as: when you retire or age if you stop or limit work due to a disability or illness if you lose a spouse if you have difficulty paying for essentials, like food, your home, and clothing The SSA estimates that their questionnaire should take around 10 minutes. It will finish by telling you what benefits you may be eligible for. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
Health Line
31-05-2025
- General
- Health Line
Is It Better to Shower in the Morning or at Night?
No research suggests that morning showers are necessarily better for you than night showers or vice versa. It comes down to preference because both have benefits, depending on your schedule and lifestyle. You might step into the shower every morning because it helps wake you up, or you might take a shower at night to wash the day away. But scientific evidence supporting one type of shower over the other is limited. It really just comes down to preference. Health and wellness touch everyone's lives differently. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Healthline Media. All quotes are strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Does it matter what time you shower? You don't need to align your shower with a certain time of day for health benefits. Either, depending on your preferences, can be good for you. Benefits of a morning shower You may find that you benefit from a morning shower if you: Need a morning pick-me-up: Not everyone rises in the morning feeling ready to go. If this sounds like you, a warm (not hot) shower may help. You might also want to try turning the water to cold for a moment as an extra wake-up call. Want to start the day fresh and clean: Your bed contains sweat, skin cells, and skin oils, and showering in the morning sends this residue that you might have picked up overnight down the drain. Style your hair: If you wake up with unruly hair, you're not alone. A morning shower can help reset your hair, especially if you use hair products that call for application on wet hair. Benefits of a night shower However, if going to bed clean rather than starting the day clean is more your style, you may benefit from a night shower. Some benefits of showering in the evening may include: Removing a day's worth of dirt: Your skin picks up bacteria and grime whenever it comes in contact with something or someone. Showering at night stops this gunk and other topical skin care products you might apply throughout the day from getting into bed with you. Cleaner sheets: If you go to bed clean, you won't have to worry about your sheets getting dirty as fast. But your sheets will still inevitably get dirty over time. Night showers go to bed clean cleaner sheets potentially better sleep Showering tips (no matter the timing) Consider some of these pointers the next time you shower for potentially even more benefits: Use warm water: Hot water (above 104°F [40°C]) may feel good, but it's more likely to dry out your skin and aggravate inflammatory skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema. A hot shower may also raise already high blood pressure. Add a blast of cold water at the end: Though it might not sound the most pleasant, a dose of cold water may help promote healthy skin and hair, increase circulation, and wake you up (if needed). Use gentle soaps and cleansers: Opt for gentle body washes instead of harsh scrubs and heavily scented products, especially if you live with an inflammatory skin condition or have sensitive skin. Limit your showers to 5 to 10 minutes: A long, hot shower at the end of the day may sound relaxing, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology, try to limit your showers to between 5 and 10 minutes, especially if you have dry skin or an inflammatory skin condition. Pat your skin dry: After your shower, try not to rub your skin, as this can dry it out and damage its moisture barrier, which is what helps your skin hold onto moisture. Instead, gently pat it dry. Follow up with a moisturizer: To lock in moisture, try applying a gentle moisturizer within a few minutes of toweling off. Be sure to connect with a healthcare professional if you live with an inflammatory skin condition, have chronic dry skin, or another skin disorder before changing your shower habits. We polled some of our staff to help get a better sense of where the Healthline team stands on this conundrum. See the results below and what some of them have to say. 'I grew up in Asia, where everyone takes at least one shower, and the one at night is nonnegotiable. The reason? You don't want to bring all the sweat and dirt to your clean bed. I guess it also helps reduce the need for frequent washing of the bed sheets.' — Louisa Wah, editor 'I need [a morning shower] to clear the fog and get my day started. Some of my most productive work ideas happen during that time!' — Heidi Smith, Real Appeal manager 'I think of showers as a way to wash away the day and help my mind reset for bedtime. I also really don't like getting into bed with the dirt of the day still on me.' — Megan Severs, senior editorial director 'I work out and walk my dog in the evening, so it fits better in my schedule to shower at night and wash away the sweat and grime from being outside! Plus, there is nothing like getting into a clean bed after a hot shower :)' — Victoria Torrez, senior influencer marketing manager 'I need to be clean before I get into bed! Plus, it has become part of my nighttime routine and helps my brain recognize that things are winding down.' — Sara McTigue, senior editor, Bezzy 'I feel very strongly about [night showers]. I have a 'shower lamp' that has very soft lighting, and my showers are steaming hot, so I'll fall asleep if I do them in the morning. I also want to be clean before I get in bed. It doesn't sit right with me having everything built up from the day get on my sheets, especially if I worked out or spent a long time outside.' — Sarah Choi, associate editor
