Health
8 bad habits that make you age faster, according to experts
We can’t slow down time — but we can slow down its effects on us, according to experts.
The key is to make healthier choices in the areas that we can control — and that starts with breaking bad habits.
“One of the primary hallmarks of aging is accumulated cellular damage that leads to organ dysfunction and, ultimately, death,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert with Senolytix, told Fox News Digital.
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“The key to staying healthy is minimizing cellular damage by not throwing accelerants into the fire, which is unfortunately what most Americans do.”
Doctors shared with Fox News Digital the eight most common unhealthy behaviors that speed up the aging process — and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Smoking
Smoking has been proven to shorten life expectancy.
Researchers from Action on Smoking and Health in the U.K. have reported that a 30-year-old smoker can expect to live for about 35 more years — compared to 53 years for a non-smoker.
“Smoking speeds up aging by exposing you to harmful chemicals, reducing oxygen supply, breaking down collagen and increasing oxidative stress,” Dr. Dawn Ericsson, an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical director at AgeRejuvenation in Tampa, Florida, told Fox News Digital.
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“The harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond lung health, accelerating skin aging and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.”
Smoking introduces toxins that impair skin elasticity and collagen production, which leads to wrinkles, Osborn added.
“Free radicals in smoke damage lung tissue – inducing cancer – and the walls of your blood vessels,” he told Fox News Digital.
“The incidence of heart attack, stroke and brain aneurysms is significantly higher in smokers relative to nonsmokers.”
The quickest fix is to quit smoking immediately, the experts agreed.
“The incidence of heart attack, stroke and brain aneurysms is significantly higher in smokers relative to nonsmokers.”
To increase the chance of success in quitting, Ericsson suggested setting a “quit date,” avoiding triggers and seeking support from friends, family and health care providers.
Some also get results with nicotine replacement therapy or medications like bupropion and varenicline, she said.
2. Excess sun exposure
An excess of sun exposure can lead to aging by damaging the skin’s DNA, causing wrinkles, sagging skin and dark spots, Ericsson noted.
Osborn agreed, also warning of an increased risk of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, the latter of which can be fatal.
“Regularly using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours can protect the skin,” Osborn advised.
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Other protective strategies include covering up with hats, sunglasses and protective clothing, and seeking shade during the sun’s strongest hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), according to Ericsson.
Staying hydrated and using antioxidants like vitamins C and E can also help protect the skin.
3. Poor diet
A nutrient-deficient diet has been shown to accelerate aging, experts agree.
“A diet high in processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats can cause inflammation, damage collagen and accelerate skin aging,” Ericsson warned.
Diets high in processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation and free radical damage, Osborn added.
“The induced insulin-resistant or pre-diabetic state places you one step closer to the dreaded ‘metabolic syndrome’ — a gateway to diseases such as coronary artery disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease,” he told Fox News Digital.
To reduce aging signs, the experts recommend eating a balanced diet rich in low-glycemic index fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and anti-inflammatory fats (omega-3 and omega-9).
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“Antioxidants in these foods combat free radical damage, as do antioxidant supplements like vitamin C, green tea and omega-3 fatty acids,” said Osborn.
Other tips include pre-planning meals and snacks — with a focus on focusing on whole, unprocessed foods — to avoid impulsive unhealthy choices, according to Ericsson.
Cooking at home, controlling portions and staying hydrated are also good ways to improve nutrition intake, she added.
4. Lack of exercise
“Lack of exercise contributes to aging by causing muscle loss, bone density reduction, weight gain and cardiovascular issues,” Ericsson told Fox News Digital.
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining muscle mass, circulation and cognitive health as we age, she advised.
Osborn is also an advocate of staying active, noting that “our bodies are meant to exercise.”
“Our bodies are meant to exercise. It benefits the body and the mind.”
“Exercise turns over 100 genes associated with longevity, so don’t skip it! It benefits the body and the mind.”
Regular physical activity, particularly strength training, is foundational to your health, according to Osborn.
“This means you must lift weights and breathe hard during your workouts,” he said.
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On “off days,” Osborn suggests doing 45 minutes of lighter endurance training, like walking, rowing, swimming or jogging, which will improve your cardiovascular fitness while allowing you to recover from heavy bouts of strength training.
To sustain a long-term exercise routine, it’s important to find activities you consistently enjoy, set realistic goals, stay flexible and “listen to your body,” said Ericsson.
5. Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can lead to liver damage and cognitive impairment, Osborn warned.
“It also causes problems with blood sugar regulation and is intimately associated with obesity,” he said. “As alcohol is a cellular toxin, it accelerates the aging process.”
Ericsson agreed that excessive alcohol consumption accelerates aging by causing dehydration, nutrient depletion, inflammation, liver damage and collagen breakdown.
“Chronic drinking can dehydrate the skin, damage the liver and increase the risk of cognitive decline,” said Ericsson.
As with smoking, the fix is to eliminate alcohol consumption, experts agreed.
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“I’m not saying to quit cold turkey, but aim to eliminate habitual drinking within the next six to 12 months,” Osborn advised. “You’ll feel better and save a lot of money in the long run.”
Other tips to stop drinking include avoiding triggers, staying busy with healthy activities and seeking professional help if needed, according to Ericsson.
6. Chronic stress
While some degree of stress is normal and healthy, chronic high stress levels can shorten telomeres, which are DNA protein structures that “play a central role in cell fate and aging by adjusting the cellular response to stress and growth stimulation on the basis of previous cell divisions and DNA damage,” according to the National Institutes of Health.
“Chronic stress can also exacerbate skin conditions and impact mental health, accelerating aging,” Ericsson added.
Long-term stress affects the body’s ability to repair itself and can lead to premature aging, according to Osborn.
“Aging is a state of heightened inflammation — and once the body’s ability to temper inflammation via cortisol production has been exhausted, it reigns unchecked,” he said.
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Stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, therapy and regular physical activity can alleviate stress, Osborn said.
“Strength training also reduces cortisol production (several hours post-workout) — and, by virtue, facilitates sleep, which is critical to stress reduction.”
7. Inadequate sleep
Lack of sleep accelerates aging by reducing skin health, increasing inflammation and causing hormonal imbalance, Ericsson noted.
“Inadequate sleep also hampers cell repair and affects cognitive function,” she said.
Sleep is crucial for the body’s regenerative processes, Osborn noted.
“If you don’t sleep, you’ll have difficulty shedding that spare tire, as significant fat-burning occurs during sleep,” he said.
“You’ll also set yourself up for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.”
Memories are also formed during sleep, he noted.
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“Sleep cannot be hacked — it is an essential part of health and well-being.”
To optimize sleep health, Osborn suggested establishing a regular schedule, creating a restful environment and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.
“Also, minimizing consumption of carbohydrates within several hours of bedtime can facilitate sleep induction,” he said.
“Sleep cannot be hacked — it is an essential part of health and well-being.”
“In a similar context, ditch the cell phone, laptop and tablet as early as possible to minimize blue light’s interference with the production of melatonin, the body’s sleep hormone.”
Manage stress and seek professional help if needed, Ericsson added.
8. Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene accelerates aging by causing gum disease, tooth loss, stained teeth and bad breath, Ericsson warned.
“Gum disease and tooth loss not only affect oral health, but also impact overall well-being, contributing to an aged appearance,” she added.
There is also a link between heart disease risk and the incidence of coronary artery disease and gingivitis, Osborn noted.
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“Inflammation is not only occurring in the mouth — it’s a systemic problem,” he said. “So, if there is a state of accelerated aging in the mouth, you better believe it’s elsewhere, let alone your entire gut.”
Optimal oral hygiene requires regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing, and use of an antimicrobial mouthwash, Osborn said.
Limiting sugary and acidic foods, avoiding tobacco products, staying hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum after meals can also help with mouth health, Ericsson added.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health.
Health
8 important health stories to know about in case you missed them
Fox News Digital publishes a range of health and wellness pieces all week long to keep you in the know.
Health coverage includes articles on new medications, mental health challenges, groundbreaking resources, personal medical stories and more.
In case you missed them as the weekend winds down and you gear up for a week ahead, here are few of our biggest health stories from this week.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
These are just a few of what’s new, of course.
See a full list of recent health pieces at http://www.foxnews/health.
1. Anger can spike heart attack risk
Feeling angry for as little as eight minutes a day could raise your chances of experiencing a cardiac event, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. A cardiologist shares 7 strategies to cope with anger and reduce the risk. Click here to get the story.
2. Eating this fruit could reduce diabetes risk
Regularly consuming avocados could be helpful when it comes to avoiding diabetes, according to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutritionists weigh in. Click here to get the story.
3. High E. coli found in raw meats and dog food
Researchers discovered high levels of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in samples of raw beef, chicken, pork and lamb sold at grocery stores and pet stores. Experts indicate whether people should be concerned. Click here to get the story.
4. Texas cats die after drinking bird flu-contaminated milk
A group of cats who were given raw milk from diseased cows died between March 19 and March 20, according to a CDC report. Experts discuss how this highlights the importance of safe practices. Click here to get the story.
5. Caregiver stress can be reduced
Caring for an aging parent and a child at the same time can bring plenty of extra challenges. Experts share stress-reducing strategies for members of the “sandwich generation.” Click here to get the story.
6. Mammogram guidance is updated
Women should get mammograms every other year starting at age 40, according to updated recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The previous guidance said women should begin biennial mammograms at age 50. Click here to get the story.
7. Common nutrient can boost cancer immunity
Eating a diet rich in one vitamin has been shown to improve responses to immunotherapy and reduce tumor growth. Nutritionists explain the benefits. Click here to get the story.
8. Earbuds could be a health hazard
“Noise-canceling earbuds may bring welcome silence, but they might also mask vital sounds that could save your life,” an expert warns. Here’s how to use the technology safely. Click here to get the story.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
Health
Find Yourself Waking up Dizzy? This Is What Doctors Want Women Over 50 To Know
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Health
Pregnancy-related deaths back down to pre-pandemic levels, CDC data says
U.S. pregnancy-related deaths have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, new government data suggests.
About 680 women died last year during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, according to provisional CDC data. That’s down from 817 deaths in 2022 and 1,205 in 2021, when it was the highest level in more than 50 years.
COVID-19 seems to be the main explanation for the improvement, said Donna Hoyert, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maternal mortality researcher.
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The coronavirus can be particularly dangerous to pregnant women. And, in the worst days of the pandemic, burned out physicians may have added to the risk by ignoring pregnant women’s worries, experts say.
Fewer death certificates are mentioning COVID-19 as a contributor to pregnancy-related deaths. The count was over 400 in 2021 but fewer than 10 last year, Hoyert said.
The agency on Thursday released a report detailing the final maternal mortality data for 2022. It also recently released provisional data for 2023. Those numbers are expected to change after further analysis — the final 2022 number was 11% higher than the provisional one. Still, 2023 is expected to end up down from 2022, Hoyert said.
The CDC counts women who die while pregnant, during childbirth and up to 42 days after birth from conditions considered related to pregnancy. Excessive bleeding, blood vessel blockages and infections are leading causes.
There were about 19 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in 2023, according to the provisional data. That’s in line with rates seen in 2018 and 2019.
But racial disparities remain: The death rate in Black moms is more than two-and-a-half times higher than that of white and Hispanic mothers.
“In the last five years we’ve really not improved on lowering the maternal death rate in our country, so there’s still a lot of work to do,” said Ashley Stoneburner, the March of Dimes’ director of applied research and analytics.
The advocacy organization this week kicked off an education campaign to get more pregnant women to consider taking low-dose aspirin if they are at risk of preeclempsia — a high blood pressure disorder that can harm both the mother and baby.
There are other efforts that may be helping to lower deaths and lingering health problems related to pregnancy, including stepped-up efforts to fight infections and address blood loss, said Dr. Laura Riley, a New York City-based obstetrician who handles high-risk pregnancies.
But there’s a risk that those kinds of improvements are being offset by a number of factors that may reduce the ability of women to get medical care before, during and after a birth, she said. Experts say the list includes the closure of rural hospitals and a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that did away with the federally established right to abortion — and contributed to physician burnout by causing doctors to feel constrained about providing care during pregnancy-related medical emergencies.
“I think there’s good news. We’re making strides in certain areas,” said Riley, head OB-GYN at Weill Cornell Medicine. “But the bad news and scary news is … there are these other political and social forces that make this (reducing maternal deaths) difficult.”
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