Think fast: What’s the best workout to reduce blood pressure? You might guess it’s a low-key aerobic exercise like walking, or a heart-pumping method like Zumba class. While those are great options, it turns out that isometric exercises—in which you simply hold one position, like a plank—trump all other workouts.According to a big, recent meta-analysis in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, isometric holds are more effective than HIIT, dynamic strength training, and cardio when it comes to lowering blood pressure. (That’s news to many of us!)
If you’re looking to prevent or treat hypertension, you’re gonna want to jot that down. But how could staying still be so effective? We asked the experts to break it down.
Craving sweet food is natural, but consuming lots of added sugar isn’t. Too much of it in your diet can lead to poor digestion and moodiness and negatively impact your overall health. So if you’re cutting down on added sugar, learning how to use bananas as a sweetener can go a long way.
In this special episode, host Julie Rovner, KFF Health News’ chief Washington correspondent, interviews three noted health policy experts.
If there’s one piece of advice that health and wellness experts of all stripes like to repeat over and over again, it’s to drink enough water. Being dehydrated can lead to well-known problems like constipation, kidney problems, dry mouth, and more. That’s old news, right?
If you find out your insurance provider won’t pay for a new prescription or they stop covering a medication you already take, there are steps you can take to reduce out-of-pocket costs and possibly get the decision reversed. Here’s what to know so you can make the best informed decision.