Read More at Fight Aging! Medin is one of a number of different amyloids that form in aging tissue, each a protein that can misfold in ways that encourage other molecules of the same protein to do the same, aggregating together to form solid deposits. Some amyloids are evidently toxic and disease-associated, while others, like medin, originally appeared more innocuous. It isn’t harmless, however, just more subtle. Recent research suggested a pathological role for medin amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease, in that it accelerates the aggregation of amyloid-β. Further, there is evidence for medin aggregation to contribute to cerebrovascular dysfunction. On that topic, researchers here note that cellular senescence in the vascular smooth muscle of blood vessel walls can provoke greater medin aggregation in that tissue, providing a link between those two distinct mechanisms of aging. Vascular amyloidosis, caused when peptide…
Reconnecting With An Old Friend
Read More at Better After 50 I have been missing my best friend from college. We haven’t seen each other in forever. Of course there was Covid but then there was life. We were rarely in the same place at the same time and whoosh — the years have gone by. But I love this woman who upon meeting her – our connection at 19 years old was soulful. We both had boyfriends in Paris, we were both transfer students to Georgetown, we spoke French together (she is actually half french so I had lots of catching up to do). We both loved to be silly, and philosophical, loved art and our families were each in flux when we met. She was Catholic, I am Jewish- we shared our traditions and created our own. My parents were getting divorced, her’s…
‘I’m a Dermatologist With Eczema—These Are the Ultra-Moisturizing Body Products I Use All Winter’
Read More at Well+Good Jeanine Downie, MD has dealt with eczema her entire life. “Eczema, for me, gets worse in the winter,” she says. “You need to pay attention to when it’s worse and stop scratching it.” That’s because rubbing eczematic skin makes it more inflamed and itchier, so you’ve got to be vigilant about breaking the itch-scratch cycle. To do so, Dr. Downie, who is a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, and the founder of Image Dermatology, follows a winter body routine that keeps moisture high and itchiness low. Learn about her favorite products and the best tips that she uses to manage her eczema below. 9 ways Dr. Downie cares for her body as a dermatologist with eczema 1. Uses a moisturizing unscented body wash “I am a moisture baby so I like the Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free…
3 Reliable Ways to Reduce Stress and Guilt at Family Celebrations
Read More at Sixty and Me Holidays are supposed to be a great time of happiness, love and good cheer, but often, it isn’t like that at all. It’s just stress, stress, stress. It’s also guilt, guilt, guilt, as we feel we should love our family unconditionally. We should enjoy being with them, especially when we are celebrating together as a family. But we don’t. At least we don’t enjoy it some (or most) of the time. I’ve put together some practical suggestions to help you deal with the stress and enjoy yourself more. Reduce Your Expectations The first thing you can do when the Holidays come knocking, is to realise that none of the people coming to the event are perfect. You’re not perfect either. It may be holiday time, but that doesn’t suddenly transform everyone into perfect people.…
The 2 Most Important Vitamins for Aging Well (You’ve Never Heard of Them!)
Read More at Sixty and Me You know about Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D. I’m sure you do your best to eat a balanced diet of all nutrients. But have you taken your daily dose of Vitamin J and Vitamin P? “What?” you may say. “Vitamin J and Vitamin P aren’t in my multivitamin, and my doctor never told me about them!” The reason that you haven’t heard of them is because I made them up. Vitamin J stands for Joy, and Vitamin P stands for Peace. In my work with older adults, I’ve noticed that these two key “vitamins” tip the balance for wellness in mind and body. Here’s what you need to know, and how to get your daily dose. The Daily DOSE I first learned about “The Daily DOSE” from Chris and Dudley…
What I’ve Learned from the Men in My Life That Women Often Miss (Even After 50)
Read More at Sixty and Me The reality of stepping out there after a long hiatus – whether you’re divorced or widowed – is anxiety-producing. But what I’ve learned about myself and about men couldn’t have been experienced otherwise. Who knows what you’ll glean from an hour or two (or 45 minutes, in a few cases) over coffee, a glass of wine or dinner? And this is a good thing. Healthy, and perhaps even a tad heartwarming. And fun, too. All my encounters with men, whether male friends or dates, have been enlightening. So, here are some of the things I’ve learned, in no particular order. Regardless of Experience, Rejection Smarts “It’s still painful, getting rejected,” a friend of mine, who’s dated widely and works the room (as I call it), said. “Especially if you think you’ve read all the…
Step Aside, Pickleball: ‘Padel’ is the Latest Racket Sport to Hit New York City
Read More at Well+Good Earlier this year, pickleball—aka tennis’ trendier cousin—made waves online as the latest sports craze to hit the United States. Celebrities are even getting in on the game, like LeBron James, George and Amal Clooney, and the Kardashians. But pickleball’s domination may be short lived because there’s a growing interest in another net-based sport called padel (pronounced ‘puh-dell’) that’s poised to give it some competition. Already popular in Spain and Latin American countries, padel originated in Mexico in 1969. Today, over 25 million people across 90 countries play padel, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Fortunately, you don’t need a passport to play. In the latest episode of What the Wellness, Well+Good’s Ella Dove visits Padel Haus, a spacious club nestled in the south Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn that caters to the sport.…
Can Those Prebiotic Fiber-Filled Sodas Actually Help You Poop More? An RD Weighs In
Read More at Well+Good ICYMI, Will Bulsiewicz, MD, gastroenterologist and New York Times bestselling author of the books Fiber Fueled and The Fiber Fueled Cookbook, recently told us that while prebiotic fiber-filled sodas aren’t the end all be all when it comes to the best gut-boosting drinks, they are a good option compared to traditional fountain drinks. “I’ll take these new health-washed sodas over the old sugar-laden, artificial-colored classics. They are a step in a better direction,” Dr. Bulsiewicz says. But before you run to the store to stock up on these prebiotic sodas, we spoke with Laura Iu, RDN, CDN, CNSC, RYT, a registered dietitian and founder of Laura Iu Nutrition, to learn more about how these drinks actually impact your digestive system (and whether or not they’re a number one option for going number two). Plus, she shares…
I’m a Yoga Instructor, and These Are the Best Grip Socks for Slip-Resistant Support During a Workout
Read More at Well+Good Grip socks are more than soft non-slip foot holders with little sticky bubbles on the bottom. They’re a prop to help support the user during a workout. As a yoga instructor, I recommend reaching for grip socks when you need help securing your feet to the mat. These sticky socks are for more than yoga, they can be used for barre and Pilates, too. The 7 best grip socks, at a glance: Best for fashion: Alo Throwback Barre Sock, $21 Best for barre class: Gymshark Studio Socks, $8 Best size range: Bombas Gripper Calf Socks, $18 Best for Pilates: LA Active Grip Socks, $9 Best for hot yoga: Muezna Men’s Non-Slip Yoga Socks, $17 Best for dance classes: BLOCHSOX Dance Socks, $21 Best toe sock: Ozaiic Yoga Socks for Women with Grips, $15 Whether your mat…
Fight Aging! Newsletter, December 5th 2022
Read More at Fight Aging! Fight Aging! publishes news and commentary relevant to the goal of ending all age-related disease, to be achieved by bringing the mechanisms of aging under the control of modern medicine. This weekly newsletter is sent to thousands of interested subscribers. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the newsletter, please visit: https://www.fightaging.org/newsletter/ Longevity Industry Consulting Services Reason, the founder of Fight Aging! and Repair Biotechnologies, offers strategic consulting services to investors, entrepreneurs, and others interested in the longevity industry and its complexities. To find out more: https://www.fightaging.org/services/ Contents Arguing for Well Explored Approaches to Slow Aging to Not In Fact Slow Aging To What Degree Can Cell Therapies Rebuild the Aging Brain? Reviewing the Contribution of the Gut Microbiome to Neurodegeneration Galectins in Neuroinflammation, a Potential Target Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Become Prone to Altered Behavior with…
Everything You Need To Know About Caring for Your Skin During Fertility Treatments, Straight From Derms and OB/GYNs
Read More at Well+Good Hormones can take you on a wild ride—physically and emotionally. From your first PMS breakout to the infamous hot flashes of menopause, it’s a rollercoaster from day one, with your complexion often bearing the brunt of these ups and downs. So, it’s no surprise that people tend to see changes in their skin during fertility treatments—when their body is suddenly managing a huge onslaught of these embryo-friendly chemicals. “Skin, in general, can be very sensitive to hormonal changes,” says Julie Rhee, MD, FACOG, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at Kindbody in St. Louis. So any changes that you might notice from normal hormone fluctuations, like getting acne around your period, can be magnified on your skin during fertility treatments. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a really common complaint, says Loretta…
If We Drew Modern Animals Like We Draw Dinosaurs, Based On Bones Alone
Read More at Sad and Useless Humor Hollywood might be the one to blame for giving dinosaurs their skeletal monster image – in movies dinosaurs are usually depicted as scaly dragon-like monsters from hell. When we see illustrations of dinosaurs done by paleoartists, skeletal reconstructions are what many artists depend on when trying to draw dinosaurs. Many scientists think that there was more to the dinosaurs than has been depicted, including colorful feathers, larger layers of fat and areas of soft tissue. Let’s see what happens when you try to apply the outdated monster approach to modern day animals! C.M. Kosemen is an Istanbul-based artist and author of these illustrations. Most serious paleoart bases itself on the detailed findings of paleontologists, who can work for weeks or even years compiling the most accurate descriptions of ancient life they can,…
Boyfriend Has Epididymitis: What You Should Know
Read More at Sexual Post Archive – Ben’s Natural Health Your boyfriend just told you he has epididymitis, and you’re left wondering what it is or how it happened. Epididymitis is a common problem, especially for sexually active men. In this post, you’ll learn more about epididymitis, its causes and symptoms, and whether it could mean your boyfriend is cheating. Scroll down to read more. What is epididymitis? Epididymitis is inflammation of epididymis. The epididymis is a narrow tightly-coiled tube attached to each testicle. The main function of the epididymis is to store sperm and transport it from the testicles to the vas deferens. 10 to 15 days is usually the total transit time of sperm through the epididymis. Not all cases of epididymitis are the same. There are two types of this condition: Acute epididymitis: develops suddenly and lasts…
The Best, Most Orgasmic Mini Sex Toys You Can (and Should) Stash in Your Carry-On
Read More at Well+Good I always bring a sex toy with me when I travel. Sometimes I end up using it, other times it just gets to hang out amongst my underwear and socks for the duration of the trip. But no matter where I go, I pack a travel-friendly sex toy juuust in case I get the urge to indulge in a little “me time.” When I’m stuck with just a single bag or personal item, figuring out what’s worth packing can be a challenge. Thankfully, there’s a smattering of mini sex toys on the market worth stashing in your carry-on, guaranteed to give you orgasmic results without eating away at your luggage’s weight limit. These small-but-mighty toys save on precious packing space, are discrete, and won’t weigh you down on your ventures. The best-of-the-best come with a lock…
7 Dos and Don’ts of Celebrating With Sober (and Not Drinking) Friends This Holiday Season
Read More at Well+Good For many, the holiday season is synonymous with celebrating, and celebrating goes hand-in-hand with booze. This reality can make it an uncomfortable time for folks who don’t drink alcohol (whether they’re on a lifelong sobriety journey, or leading a sober- or sober-curious lifestyle for health or other personal reasons). But in the company of supportive loved ones, it certainly doesn’t have to be. Even if you’re planning to imbibe at holiday parties, learning how to support sober friends and family members during the holidays can ensure that everyone is feeling comfortable and included—right on par with the spirit of the season, after all. From the outset, it’s important to acknowledge the basic fact that, despite societal pressure to the contrary, not drinking alcohol is “a perfectly normal thing,” says Nick Bodkins, co-founder and CEO of alcohol-free…
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Become Prone to Altered Behavior with Age
Read More at Fight Aging! The altered signaling environment in aged tissue produces changes in cell behavior, some of which is adaptive and helpful, and some of which is maladaptive and harmful. In some cases the same process can be one or the other depending on context. Cellular senescence, for example, is helpful in the contexts of cancer suppression and regeneration from injury, but only up until the point at which senescent cells are no longer removed as rapidly as they are created, at which point their continued, unrelenting pro-growth, pro-inflammatory signaling contributes to many of the forms of tissue dysfunction observed in aging. Vascular smooth muscle is vital to the operation of the vasculature, determining blood pressure via appropriate contraction and dilation of blood vessels in response to environmental cues. Today’s open access paper is focused on the ways…
Whether Our Hair is Relaxed or Not, Beauty Products Put Black Women at Risk
Read More at Well+Good Ask any Black woman about that study that dropped last month and she’ll likely know what you’re talking about. On October 17, new research from the National Institute of Health (NIH) came out linking hair relaxer use to increased rates of uterine cancer. The report followed 33,497 diverse women in the U.S. aged 35 to 74 for nearly 11 years and found that women who “frequently” use hair straightening products (defined as more than four times a year) were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. Approximately 60 percent of the participants who reported using straighteners self-identified as Black women, and “although the study did not find that the relationship between straightener use and uterine cancer incidence was different by race, the adverse health effects may be greater for Black women due to higher…
Astrologically Speaking, 2023 Is Going to Be an Intense Time of Change—Here’s What’s in Store for Your Sign Next Year
Read More at Well+Good Survey the astrological landscape for 2023, and one thing is clear: The year’s transits have the potential to spark major progress—but as all good things go, it probably won’t come easily. We can primarily thank Pluto, the planet of transformation, for the societal change of pace. It will shift into Aquarius on March 23, marking its first time in the sign since the 18th century. (!!) This once-in-a-lifetime transit, coupled with a few other cosmic biggies, will define the astrological vibe for the year to come and shape our 2023 horoscopes, says astrologer Stephanie Campos. To really get why the movement of Pluto into Aquarius in 2023 is such a big deal, it’s helpful to know a few things about Pluto. For starters, it’s slow-moving— taking about two decades to move through one sign—which is why…
These Are the Supplements an RD Uses for Support During the No-Stop Holiday Season
Read More at Well+Good What do people who start listening to holiday playlists in November and self-proclaimed Grinches have in common? No matter how you feel about the holidays, this time of year can be a little extra hectic. Between all the gatherings, gift swaps, and go-go-going, your usual well-being routines can all-to-easily fly out the window—which is cool if you’re enjoying the pace of the season, but if you’re feeling the effects of being out of your usual rhythm, there are a few simple, expert-approved ways to support yourself through the celebrations. “I tell my clients that being prepared is half the battle,” registered dietitian Amy Shapiro, RD says. “So each week I would recommend you to look at your calendar, see what is coming up, and do what you can to easily incorporate or maintain your healthy habits.”…
A 2,000-Meter Row Is the Ultimate Fitness Test—Here’s How To Crush It
Read More at Well+Good Rowing is perhaps the very best full-body workout, and that’s not hyperbole—rowing engages 86 percent of your muscles. And the 2,000-meter row is the gold standard test for rowing athletes as the official distance used in rowing championships. It’s an excellent fitness barometer for novice rowers, too. What is the significance of a 2,000-meter row? “If you’re not familiar with rowing, or meters, it can seem like an arbitrary distance,” says CITYROW founding instructor Annie Mulgrew. “But 2,000 meters is just long enough to test someone’s cardiovascular, or aerobic, fitness levels, and also their anaerobic fitness levels. It’s actually an anaerobic threshold workout, adds Laura Simon, assistant coach for the women’s rowing team at Yale, which means it’s going to take you to your max heart rate and your max physical output. “It’s a true test…
These Are the Best Lubes To Use When Trying to Get Pregnant, According to Fertility Docs
Read More at Well+Good Many of us know lube to be the gel-like substance you can buy over the counter to help alleviate discomfort and even enhance pleasure during sex. And that’s just what it’s designed for—to increase lubrication, reduce vaginal dryness, and make sex more enjoyably for both partners (or by yourself if you’re engaging is solo play!). The trouble with lube, however, is that the majority of over-the-counter brands are typically toxic to sperm. In fact, research—including one study published in the journal PLoS One back in 2019—has shown that most lubes contain chemicals that can significantly reduce sperm motility, or the ability of sperm to move in the way they need to in order to successfully reach and fertilize an egg. These same ingredients can also impact hormone balance, warns fertility-focused naturopathic doctor Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant, ND. These…
‘I’ve Been a Makeup Artist for 18 Years, and This Is the Concealer I Swear By for Hiding Dark Circles and Looking More Awake’
Read More at Well+Good We all go through periods when we’re simply run down and exhausted. While prioritizing rest is the best thing you can do, sometimes you need a little help to fake it. And if coffee is the key to helping you feel more awake, concealer is the key to hepling you look it. Mary Irwin, a celebrity makeup artist who has been in the industry for nearly two decades, knows exactly how to make herself and her clients look like they just got eight blissful hours of sleep. “I love the Surratt Perfectioniste Concealer Palette,” says Irwin. “It gives you a huge range of coverage whether you need just a hint of concealer or a whole I-definitely-didn’t-sleep-last-night’s worth.” Surratt Perfectioniste Concealer Palette — $58.00 Shop Now The Surratt Perfectioniste Concealer Palette ($58) is a high-coverage, buildable palette that comes…
Why is My Semen Yellow?
Read More at Sexual Post Archive – Ben’s Natural Health Men ejaculate about 1.25 ml and 5.00 ml (1/4 to 1 tsp) of semen on average. The amount of semen and sperm color can vary from man to man. The seminal fluid is typically white, light gray, or creamy. At times, the sperm can take a different color, like yellow. In most cases, the change in hue is nothing to worry about. But, some health issues can cause a yellowish tint, such as an infection, a prostate problem, prostatitis, or sexually transmitted infections. Here, you can learn how to distinguish healthy sperm vs unhealthy sperm color, including the different causes that can lead to yellow semen. What color is healthy semen? The seminal fluid is a complex substance made of mostly mucus, plasma, and water. It also has 5 to…
‘I’m a Dermatologist, and These Are My Favorite Lip Balms for Preventing Chapped, Cracked Lips This Winter’
Read More at Well+Good Come winter, putting on lip balm no longer simply feels like a nice thing to do—it’s a necessity. During these colder months, you need to moisturize your lips just like you do your face and body. Without regular balm application, you’ll be left with dry, cracked, itchy lips that you’re tempted to lick for relief (which, by the way, is a bad idea, because it can lead to lip-lickers dermatitis), so be sure to keep a tub or tube of the stuff on hand (or at the very least, floating around in your purse or car console) at all times. But! Not all lip balms are created equally, so you’ll want to find a formula that truly lives up to its hydrating promise. According to derms, a good lip balm will moisturize your lips while sealing…
To What Degree Can Cell Therapies Rebuild the Aging Brain?
Read More at Fight Aging! Repair of the aging brain is perhaps the most important of goals in regenerative medicine. We are the data that is stored in some way within the small-scale structures of our brain tissue, and so the options for outright replacement of brain cells and tissues are somewhat constrained. As a thought experiment, it is in principle possible, given significant progress in biotechnology, to manufacture a cloned body to receive a transplanted brain. All of the steps needed either already happen in nature, such as the growth of bodies without brains, and would need control and direction, or have been crudely demonstrated in animal studies, such as brain transplants, albeit with major limitations and risk of failure. There may well be little gain in transplanting an aged brain if it cannot be repaired, however. In any…
Arguing for Well Explored Approaches to Slow Aging to Not In Fact Slow Aging
Read More at Fight Aging! Today’s open access paper mounts an interesting argument, based on the use of a large data set for phenotypic aging in mice. They looked at transcriptomic and proteomic data for a sizable number of genes in a variety of different tissues, then grouping these into phenotypes by related function, or relation to specific age-related declines. Differences in expression by age in these phenotypic groups of genes were observed directly in mice and in human data sets. The researchers then looked the effects on phenotypes of a few very well studied interventions widely thought to slow aging in mice: growth hormone signaling inhibition, mTOR inhibition, and intermittent fasting. The authors argue, based on their data, that these interventions are essentially compensatory rather than age-slowing, in that they appear to be changing phenotypes (mostly for the better)…
Tartaric Acid Exfoliates, Protects, and Moisturizes Skin at the Same Time—And Will Make the Rest of Your Products Work Even Better
Read More at Well+Good In the wonderful world of exfoliating acids, a few key players tend to get all the fame and glory—like salicylic, glycolic, and lactic. But there are some supporting characters that deserve their time in the spotlight, too, and tartaric acid is among them. The gentle exfoliant is ultra-skin-friendly and pairs well with the other acids you also know and love. So why isn’t it part of your routine yet? Keep reading to find out why it should be. What is tartaric acid? Tartaric acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s found in grapes, wine, and other fruits like citrus and bananas. “AHAs are chemical exfoliants that gently break down bonds between skin cells to remove dead skin cells from the superficial layer of the skin that contribute to dullness,” says Michele Green, MD, a…
It’s Not Just You: Entering Perimenopause Can Throw Your Sleep Out of Whack
Read More at Well+Good If there’s one thing to know about sleep, it’s that it loves a routine, thriving on a regular sleep-wake schedule and consistent nighttime and morning rituals. By contrast, perimenopause (aka the transition to menopause) is all about change, as hormonal fluctuations during this phase of life can throw many physiological processes for a loop, affecting things like your mental state, metabolism, libido, and—yes—your sleep. Though a lesser-discussed symptom, sleep problems affect anywhere from 39 to 47 percent of people in perimenopause, occurring both as the direct result of hormonal shifts and indirectly, due to coinciding lifestyle and aging-related changes. “Perimenopause is when the reproductive hormones progesterone and estrogen go into a slow decline, which is why you may experience so many new and different sensations and symptoms,” says holistic OB/GYN and menopause expert Kourtney Sims, MD,…
For Those Who Experience Gaslighting, the Widespread Misuse of the Word Is Damaging
Read More at Well+Good Merriam-Webster’s word of the year is “gaslighting.” Used in clinical and therapeutic settings for decades to describe a distinct form of psychological manipulation, gaslighting—”the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for a personal advantage”—has seen a stark rise in usage outside the health-care arena in recent years. In recent years, the word has seen a steady increase as a search term on Google. According to psychotherapists, the word’s increasing popularity is also marked by a rise in incorrect usage, which is contributing to confusion about what gaslighting actually means. According to Robin Stern, PhD, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of The Gaslight Effect, gaslighting is “the act of undermining another person’s reality by denying facts, the environment around them, or their feelings.” An example of a widely consumed misuse of…