Health News

Making the switch to whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta are good ways to get more unrefined grains (and needed fiber) into your diet. But there’s a long — and delicious — list of other whole grains to add to your meals throughout the day. In fact, because even though whole wheat is still processed (though not to the extent as white flour), some of the older, minimally processed grains that have come back into vogue are even better choices.

Autumn temperatures may have just arrived, but it’s already time to “fall back” an hour. For people who have heart-related problems, they may want to apply that extra 60 minutes in their day toward making healthier lifestyle changes. That’s because researchers say when daylight saving time returns, it brings with it a higher chance of having a stroke or heart attack. Nov. 4 marks the end of daylight saving time, which was created as a way to save fuel during World War I.

With flu season looming, don’t wait too long to get your flu shot, a health expert advises. “The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated,” said Cindy Weston, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing. “When it comes to you and your family’s health, it’s best to take the cautious approach and get your shot,” she added in a school news release. Flu season typically lasts from fall to spring, Weston said.

Researchers from the U.K., Australia and Spain explored the link between the risk of depression and following a high-quality diet rich in plant foods like the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet). They found close adherence to the eating plan could substantially reduce the likelihood of developing the mental illness.

From a three-day bike race to raise awareness of a charitable cause, to adventure travel abroad, you can take exercise to a brand new level on a fitness trip. With no shortage of “fitcation” options available any time of year, start with some research, either by destination or by the activity you want to explore in-depth.