Are you wondering if you’re too old to have a baby? More women are waiting to start a family, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The median age of mothers giving birth in the U.S. now is 30. The number of women ages 35 to 39 giving birth increased by 67 percent from 1990 to…
During pregnancy, your body is working overtime to sustain you and your growing baby. Even a simple task like going to the grocery store can feel like an Olympic sport. With your body going through so many changes and tiring more easily, is it safe to exercise during pregnancy? Absolutely, says Mary Hale, a certified…
You’ve gotten a diagnosis that’s particularly hard to hear: cancer. Facing cancer can be stressful and painful, but practicing yoga can help usher in a sense of calm and strength. If you’ve had cancer in the past or have it now, consider making yoga a part of your life—with clearance from your healthcare provider, of…
Whether in the locker room or on the sidelines, it seems like everyone in the world of youth sports is talking about the power of protein. This nutrient is found in food and, increasingly, in supplements, bars and shakes marketed to young athletes. Are these magic potions that fuel better performances on the court or…
Want to improve your fitness but not interested in training for a marathon or joining a high-intensity workout group? No problem. Walking is a great way to build endurance and strength, especially if you have not been exercising regularly. “There are so many benefits of walking,” says Beth Blount, a personal trainer at the UNC…
Remember your first steps? Of course you don’t—you were probably about a year old. You’ve been walking so long that you can’t remember ever not walking. So don’t stop now. Experts say exercise and movement are among the best things you can do to maintain your health and well-being in each stage of your life,…
Not being able to have a bowel movement—you know, pooping—and the discomfort that results is called constipation. This includes bowel movements that are infrequent, incomplete or difficult to pass. It is a fairly common issue in the United States, affecting around 16 out of 100 adults. Technically, constipation is having three or fewer bowel movements…
Eating disorders can affect anyone. While they may be associated with girls and women, about 1 in 3 people struggling with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are male. About 10 million men, teens and boys in the United States will struggle with these potentially fatal illnesses at some…
Have you noticed that your child’s body has changed during the pandemic? Did a visit to the pediatrician start a conversation about your child’s weight? Does your child’s percentile ranking on a BMI chart seem especially high? If any of the above are true, don’t panic—and think carefully before you broach this topic with your…
If you’re scheduled to have surgery, you’ll want to take steps to prepare for it to help ensure you have a successful operation. There are also steps you can take after surgery to heal faster and return to the things you love. UNC Health trauma and acute care surgery nurse educator Beth Schreiber, RN, suggests…
Sometimes your fitness routine becomes more of a memory than an everyday occurrence. When life gets busy, it’s easy to drop exercise in favor of other items on your to-do list. If this describes you, that’s OK! It’s always a good time to jump back in to working out and gaining the benefits of exercise.…
The COVID-19 pandemic has left its mark on our bodies, and not just in the way you might think. Much has been said about the “COVID 19”—gaining 19 pounds during the pandemic—and research shows this might actually be true for many people. But it’s not just about whether our clothes fit: Being sedentary at home,…
