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You don’t need to work out every day to live longer – two hours may be enough

20. July, 2026

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that strength training and aerobic exercise appear to be most effective when combined, according to SciTechDaily.

The research found that at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week was associated with a lower risk of premature death.

The strongest association was observed when aerobic exercise was combined with strength training.

Muscles do more than build strength

The researchers point out that muscles play a much broader role than simply enabling movement.

Among other things, they help the body regulate blood sugar levels, which may reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

When muscles are active, they also release signaling molecules that may have beneficial effects on blood vessels and the brain.

Previous research, also published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, has shown that greater muscle strength is often associated with better overall health.

How much should you exercise?

The study was based on data from nearly 150,000 U.S. nurses and other healthcare professionals who were followed for up to 30 years.

The findings showed that people who performed between 90 and 120 minutes of strength training per week had a 13 percent lower risk of death than those who did not engage in strength training.

The researchers also found a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.

However, the researchers emphasize that this was an observational study. It demonstrates an association but cannot prove that strength training alone is responsible for the lower risk.

Study finds tailored walking technique can ease knee pain

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

20. July, 2026

Study finds tailored walking technique can ease knee pain

According to Lifo, knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders among adults.

The condition gradually wears down the cartilage in the knee, causing pain and making movement more difficult.

Treatment often consists of pain-relieving medication, while some patients are later offered knee replacement surgery.

However, a new study published in The Lancet Rheumatology highlights that the solution is not the same for everyone.

An incorrect change in walking pattern may instead increase the strain on the knee.

Correct foot position

The study included 68 people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

They first underwent MRI scans, and their walking patterns were assessed in a specialised gait laboratory equipped with sensors and cameras.

The researchers then identified the most suitable foot position for each participant.

Some participants were instructed to turn their toes slightly inward, while others were told to turn them slightly outward.

Half of the participants practised the new walking pattern for six weeks with the help of a device that alerted them whenever their foot was positioned incorrectly.

Less pain

One year after the training, participants who followed the personalised approach experienced less pain than before.

MRI scans also showed that the progression of cartilage damage had slowed.

The researchers therefore conclude that an individually tailored change in walking pattern may reduce pain associated with knee osteoarthritis without the need for medication or surgery.

At the same time, they emphasise that the method should always be assessed and adapted by a qualified healthcare professional.

The daily habits helping more adults stay strong after 60

Mie Hermansen

19. July, 2026

The daily habits helping more adults stay strong after 60

Many people notice the same thing after turning 60. The body still wants to stay active, but everyday tasks suddenly require more effort than before. Long workdays feel heavier, sleep changes, and energy levels are no longer as predictable.

According to health experts and ageing researchers, this is a natural part of getting older. Reports from European health specialists and nutritional studies show that metabolism slows down with age while muscle mass gradually decreases. The good news is that experts say major lifestyle overhauls are not always necessary, according to Ceskeduchody.

Small changes matter

Nutrition specialists explain that one of the most effective ways to maintain strength after 60 is increasing protein intake throughout the day instead of eating large portions at once.

Foods such as eggs, legumes, lean meat and dairy products are often recommended because they help support muscle maintenance. Researchers also highlight the importance of fibre, which supports gut health and helps the digestive system function more efficiently.

Hydration is another overlooked factor. Experts say older adults often feel less thirsty, even when the body needs fluids. Mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, reduced concentration and lower energy levels during the day.

Movement becomes essential

Health researchers consistently point to light strength training as one of the most effective habits after 60. Just 20 minutes a few times a week can help maintain balance, flexibility and muscle strength.

Experts also say physical activity does not need to happen in a gym. Gardening, brisk walking and simple bodyweight exercises can all improve mobility and mood at the same time.

Recommended habits after 60 include:

More protein during meals
Drinking water regularly
Light strength exercises weekly
Less screen time before bed

Sleep changes too

Sleep experts note that lighter sleep and earlier waking become more common with age. Because of this, reducing screen exposure in the evening may help improve sleep quality.

Many specialists now recommend books, calm routines and less blue light before bedtime to help the body relax naturally.

New study: Weight loss pills may reduce pleasure-driven eating

News

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

19. July, 2026

New study: Weight loss pills may reduce pleasure-driven eating

A new study from the University of Virginia, published in Nature, examined GLP-1 medications in tablet form. The researchers wanted to understand how the drugs influence brain activity.

Previous research has mainly focused on injectable treatments such as semaglutide, which work by reducing hunger. The newer tablets are cheaper to produce and easier for patients to use, according to SciTechDaily.

The researchers studied medications including orforglipron and danuglipron, which are already being tested or used in treatment.

The brain’s reward system

In the study, researchers used mice whose brain receptors had been modified to more closely resemble those of humans.

They observed activity in an area of the brain known as the central amygdala. This region is linked to reward, pleasure, and motivation.

According to the researchers, the medication affected not only hunger but also the part of the brain associated with cravings for food.

Could have broader implications

The study also showed that the medication reduced the release of dopamine during hedonic eating, eating for pleasure rather than because of hunger.

The researchers therefore believe the medication could potentially be used for more than weight loss. The next step is to investigate whether the drugs may also influence other forms of cravings and addiction.

Sources: SciTechDaily and Nature.

Healthy rats developed Alzheimer’s-like symptoms after receiving gut bacteria transfer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

18. July, 2026

Healthy rats developed Alzheimer’s-like symptoms after receiving gut bacteria transfer

The study, published in the journal Brain and reported by the French media Futura, examined the connection between gut bacteria and brain function.

The researchers found that people with Alzheimer’s had lower levels of Coprococcus bacteria, which are normally associated with healthy aging.

At the same time, they had higher levels of bacteria from the Desulfovibrio group, which has previously been linked to neurological diseases.

The researchers therefore believe that changes in the gut microbiome could be an important part of the disease’s development.

Affects memory

The study also suggests that gut bacteria may influence the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

In laboratory animals, the researchers observed reduced production of new nerve cells in the brain. This may help explain why Alzheimer’s patients experience memory problems.

The researchers believe that knowledge about the microbiome could eventually be used for earlier diagnosis and new forms of treatment.

The disease may begin in the gut

The most remarkable finding came from an experiment involving healthy rats. Researchers transferred gut bacteria from Alzheimer’s patients to young animals.

After the procedure, the rats developed memory problems similar to the symptoms seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease.

The results strengthen the theory that the disease may begin in the gut before it affects the brain.

Sources: Futura and Brain.

New treatment could help the body repair its own joints – without surgery

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

18. July, 2026

New treatment could help the body repair its own joints – without surgery

Osteoarthritis is one of the world’s most common diseases and mainly affects older adults.

The disease breaks down cartilage in the joints and can lead to pain and difficulty moving.

Today, many patients receive either pain medication or undergo major surgery involving joint replacements. Researchers are therefore searching for less invasive solutions, according to SciTechDaily.

A research team from several American universities has now developed two new methods designed to help the body repair damage in joints and bones on its own.

New methods

One treatment is an injection delivered directly into the joint. The medicine is released slowly over several months.

The second method uses a special material that helps the body’s own cells rebuild damaged tissue.

The project is supported by the American health program ARPA-H, which has allocated up to 33.5 million dollars for the research.

Promising results

So far, the researchers have tested the treatments on animals. Damaged joints showed significant improvement after four to eight weeks.

Experiments using human cells have also produced positive results, but the treatments are not yet ready for general use.

If the next studies go well, the first human trials could begin within about 18 months.

The researchers hope the treatment could eventually reduce the need for major surgery.

Sources: SciTechDaily.

Common mistakes to avoid when taking medication

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

Common mistakes to avoid when taking medication

The way medication is taken can affect both its effectiveness and the risk of side effects.

According to IW Pharmacy, factors such as food, sun exposure, and fluid intake can all influence how medication works.

Take your medication correctly

Always follow the instructions on when to take your medication, as the timing can affect how well it works.

Food may be necessary

Some medications should be taken with food because they may otherwise irritate the lining of the stomach.

Your stomach changes

When there is food in your stomach, the acidity of your stomach acid changes, which can affect how your medication is absorbed.

An empty stomach can affect its effectiveness

When your stomach is empty, the acidity is different, which can change how the medication is broken down and how it works.

Follow your treatment plan

It is important to stick to the recommended medication routine to achieve the desired effect.

Limit prolonged sun exposure

Spending extended periods in direct sunlight may be a disadvantage while taking certain types of medication.

Your skin may become more sensitive

Many medications can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn, rashes, and overheating.

Antibiotics require extra attention

According to IW Pharmacy, nearly all antibiotics increase the risk of photosensitivity and severe sunburn.

Painkillers can affect your skin

According to IW Pharmacy, NSAIDs may increase the risk of skin reactions similar to severe sunburn.

Medication patches and heat

Strong sun exposure can increase the effects of medicated patches, so they should be protected from direct heat.

Drink an appropriate amount of water

IW Pharmacy recommends taking medication with a full glass of water but also emphasizes that both too little and too much fluid can be problematic.

Too little fluid can change the effects

When you are dehydrated, medication may remain in your body for longer because less is eliminated through urine.

Too much fluid can also have an impact

If you drink large amounts of water and urinate frequently, medication may be eliminated more quickly before it has had enough time to work.

Speak to a healthcare professional first

Do not start taking new over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements alongside your regular medication without first consulting a healthcare professional, as this may increase the risk of interactions and side effects.

Do not change your treatment on your own

Do not stop, change, or increase your dosage without speaking to your healthcare provider, as some medications need to be reduced gradually or adjusted carefully.

Share your experience

If your medication causes side effects or does not work as expected, inform your healthcare provider so your treatment can be reviewed and the guidance adjusted if necessary.

Frozen bananas may have more benefits than fresh ones

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

Frozen bananas may have more benefits than fresh ones

A banana does not only change in texture after spending time in the freezer. It can also provide a different eating experience.

The water inside the fruit freezes into ice, altering the banana’s cellular structure. As a result, the flesh becomes soft and creamy once it thaws.

At the same time, the banana retains its vitamins and dietary fiber because they are not damaged by freezing temperatures, according to the media Onet Dom.

The flavor changes

A frozen banana may taste sweeter, even though it does not contain more sugar.

According to Onet Dom, this is because the fruit’s natural sugars are released more quickly in the mouth, while the cold temperature makes its tartness less noticeable.

The outlet also recommends peeling the banana and cutting it into smaller pieces before freezing it. Otherwise, it becomes very hard and difficult to cut.

May increase the feeling of fullness

According to Onet Dom, a frozen banana may provide a greater feeling of fullness because it is eaten more slowly than a fresh banana.

In addition, some of the banana’s starch may be converted into resistant starch during freezing.

Rather than being broken down in the small intestine, it passes into the large intestine, where it serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria.

According to Onet Dom, the effect depends in part on how ripe the banana is and how it is thawed.

The outlet also recommends eating a frozen banana with foods such as yogurt or peanut butter to promote a longer-lasting feeling of fullness.

People who visit museums regularly may age more slowly, study suggests

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

People who visit museums regularly may age more slowly, study suggests

A team of researchers has investigated whether cultural activities may be associated with the body’s biological age.

Biological age reflects how well the body functions and can differ from a person’s chronological age.

The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, is based on data from 1,899 people aged 50 and over who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

According to ScienceDaily, the researchers measured participants’ blood pressure, lung function, cholesterol levels, walking speed, and muscle strength.

Cultural participation was measured

Participants were also asked how often they went to the cinema, visited museums or art galleries, or attended theatre performances, concerts, and the opera.

The researchers also accounted for factors such as income, employment, and chronic illnesses.

This made it possible to examine whether the association between cultural experiences and biological age remained after these factors were taken into account.

The body appeared younger

The results showed that people who took part in cultural activities at least once every two months had an average biological age of 66.9 years.

Among those who rarely participated, the average biological age was 69.9 years.

The researchers believe that stronger social relationships, better mental well-being, and healthier lifestyle habits may help explain the difference.

However, they stress that the study cannot prove that cultural experiences are the cause.

It is also possible that people in better health simply find it easier to go to the cinema, visit museums, or attend concerts.

According to ScienceDaily, further research is therefore needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

New study: Chewing gum may temporarily lower blood pressure

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

New study: Chewing gum may temporarily lower blood pressure

Researchers at King’s College London investigated how the body can better utilize nitrate found in foods such as beetroot, spinach, and kale.

Nitrate only becomes active after bacteria in the mouth convert it into nitrite.

According to ScienceDaily, nitrite can cause blood vessels to widen, which may temporarily lower blood pressure.

Beetroot juice and chewing gum

In the study, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, healthy volunteers drank a shot of beetroot juice.

They then chewed either sugar-containing or sugar-free chewing gum.

The researchers measured participants’ blood pressure and collected blood and saliva samples over several hours.

One week later, the participants repeated the experiment using the other type of chewing gum.

Sugar vs. sugar-free

Participants who chewed sugar-containing gum after drinking the beetroot juice had higher nitrite levels in both their saliva and blood than those who chewed sugar-free gum.

Their blood pressure also fell slightly for a few hours.

The researchers emphasize that the findings do not mean sugar-containing chewing gum should be used to treat high blood pressure.

The effect was only temporary, and a high intake of sugar can be harmful to both dental and overall health.

The researchers believe the findings may help develop new methods to improve the body’s use of nitrate without relying on sugar.

They therefore plan to conduct a larger study involving athletes to investigate the effect further.

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Muscles do more than build strength

How much should you exercise?

Correct foot position

Less pain

Small changes matter

Movement becomes essential

Sleep changes too

The brain’s reward system

Could have broader implications

Affects memory

The disease may begin in the gut

New methods

Promising results

Take your medication correctly

Food may be necessary

Your stomach changes

An empty stomach can affect its effectiveness

Follow your treatment plan

Limit prolonged sun exposure

Your skin may become more sensitive

Antibiotics require extra attention

Painkillers can affect your skin

Medication patches and heat

Drink an appropriate amount of water

Too little fluid can change the effects

Too much fluid can also have an impact

Speak to a healthcare professional first

Do not change your treatment on your own

Share your experience

The flavor changes

May increase the feeling of fullness

Cultural participation was measured

The body appeared younger

Beetroot juice and chewing gum

Sugar vs. sugar-free

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