Howard Smith MD, AM46m ago
The Hidden Risks for Seniors Using Cannabis. Today's agents are more powerful. References on my website. #HealthyAging #CannabisResearch #SeniorHealth #MedicalResearch #Wellness
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLM_abBVGJ/
Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "Are There Hidden Risks To Using Cannabis After Age 65? More seniors are using cannabis than ever before. But today’s marijuana isn’t the marijuana of the 1970s which often contained 1% to 4% THC. Modern products contain up to 20 times more. According to new research and expert guidance from Stanford Medicine, adults over 65 may face unique risks from cannabis use, especially because modern products contain much higher levels of THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, than in decades past. The Stanford researchers cite studies linking regular cannabis use to higher risks of heart attack and stroke. They also note that smoking and vaping cannabis increases inflammation in your blood vessels. Another concern is risk of falling. Older adults process cannabis more slowly, which increase the risk of dizziness, balance problems, and cognitive side effects that raise the risk of injuries. They also warn about memory issues. Cannabis worsens confusion which is particularly concerning for people already experiencing cognitive decline or dementia symptoms. Drug interactions are another risk. For example, CBD interferes with how the body processes certain medications such as some blood thinners, potentially increasing the risk of complications. The investigators remind that, contrary to a common myth, cannabis can be addictive. About 30% of regular users may develop cannabis use disorder evidencing symptoms such as cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, and difficulty cutting back. If you’re over 65 and considering cannabis for pain, sleep, or anxiety, do discuss it with your healthcare team first. Age, medical conditions, and medications can all affect how safely cannabis can be used. The references for this report are available on my website. #HealthyAging #CannabisResearch #SeniorHealth #MedicalResearch #Wellness"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on June 4, 2026: "Are There Hidden Risks To Using Cannabis After Age 65? More seniors are using cannabis than ever before. But today’s marijuana isn’t the marijuana of the 1970s which often contained 1% to 4% THC. Modern products contain up to 20 times more. According to new research and expert guidance from Stanford Medicine, adults over 65 may face unique risks from cannabis use, especially because modern products contain much higher levels of THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, than in decades past. The Stanford researchers cite studies linking regular cannabis use to higher risks of heart attack and stroke. They also note that smoking and vaping cannabis increases inflammation in your blood vessels. Another concern is risk of falling. Older adults process cannabis more slowly, which increase the risk of dizziness, balance problems, and cognitive side effects that raise the risk of injuries. They also warn about memory issues. Cannabis worsens confusion which is particularly concerning for people already experiencing cognitive decline or dementia symptoms. Drug interactions are another risk. For example, CBD interferes with how the body processes certain medications such as some blood thinners, potentially increasing the risk of complications. The investigators remind that, contrary to a common myth, cannabis can be addictive. About 30% of regular users may develop cannabis use disorder evidencing symptoms such as cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, and difficulty cutting back. If you’re over 65 and considering cannabis for pain, sleep, or anxiety, do discuss it with your healthcare team first. Age, medical conditions, and medications can all affect how safely cannabis can be used. The references for this report are available on my website. #HealthyAging #CannabisResearch #SeniorHealth #MedicalResearch #Wellness".

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Howard Smith MD, AM52m ago
A Simple Test That Predicts How Long You Could Live. Doesn’t involve your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. It's a strength test. References on my website. #HealthyAging #Longevity #StrengthTraining #WomensHealth #MedicalResearch
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLMOsSPppP/
Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "A Simple Test That Predicts How Long You Could Live BTW. It doesn’t involve your blood pressure or cholesterol numbers. SUNY Buffalo epidemiologists studied more than 5,000 women ages 63 to 99 and found that their muscle strength is strongly linked to survival over an eight year period. Their study, published in JAMA Network Open, is one of the largest studies ever to examine strength and longevity in older women. The two tests that are predictive are surprisingly simple hand grip strength and how quickly a person stands up from a chair five times without using their hands. Every additional 7 kilograms of grip strength are associated with about a 12% lower risk of death. Faster chair-stand performance is also linked to improved survival. Most surprising: these associations remain even after accounting for physical activity levels, fitness, inflammation, and body size. In other words, only strength seems to matter. So ladies and probably you guys too… you can work on that grip strength with resistance training, hand exercises, and free weights. Don’t forget, though, that healthy aging is best supported by both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities. The references for this report are available on my website. #HealthyAging #Longevity #StrengthTraining #WomensHealth #MedicalResearch"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on June 4, 2026: "A Simple Test That Predicts How Long You Could Live BTW. It doesn’t involve your blood pressure or cholesterol numbers. SUNY Buffalo epidemiologists studied more than 5,000 women ages 63 to 99 and found that their muscle strength is strongly linked to survival over an eight year period. Their study, published in JAMA Network Open, is one of the largest studies ever to examine strength and longevity in older women. The two tests that are predictive are surprisingly simple hand grip strength and how quickly a person stands up from a chair five times without using their hands. Every additional 7 kilograms of grip strength are associated with about a 12% lower risk of death. Faster chair-stand performance is also linked to improved survival. Most surprising: these associations remain even after accounting for physical activity levels, fitness, inflammation, and body size. In other words, only strength seems to matter. So ladies and probably you guys too… you can work on that grip strength with resistance training, hand exercises, and free weights. Don’t forget, though, that healthy aging is best supported by both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities. The references for this report are available on my website. #HealthyAging #Longevity #StrengthTraining #WomensHealth #MedicalResearch".

Instagram
Howard Smith MD, AM58m ago
Why Those Taking Weight Loss Pills Stop Losing Weight. The reason is in your brain cells. References on my website. #Ozempic #Wegovy #WeightLossResearch #GLP1 #HealthyAging
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLLmxzpLFP/
Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "Why Those Taking Weight Loss Pills Stop Losing Weight You’re getting those weight loss shots. You’re delighted as you lose weight for months. Then those scale numbers suddenly stops moving in the right direction. Why? NIH endocrinologists now show that the answer appears to be hiding inside your brain cells. They find that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, triggers variable responses in appetite-controlling brain cells. That seems to be why some people lose more weight than others and why weight loss often plateaus over time. Their studies of brain tissue in mice show that semaglutide boosts a signaling molecule called cAMP inside neurons that helps regulate your appetite. But not all brain cells respond the same way. Some maintain the signal for longer periods, while others appeared to shut down their responses more quickly. When they do, the appetite-suppressing effects weaken and contribute to the weight-loss plateau that many patients experience. This finding suggests a possible way to prolong the drug’s effects. By blocking an enzyme called PDE4 with a medication known as roflumilast, the investigators were able to extend the cAMP signal in more neurons. While this finding was observed only in mice and has not been confirmed in people, it raises the possibility that future treatments could help you continue losing weight and maintain that ideal weight for longer periods of time. The references for this report are available on my website. #Ozempic #Wegovy #WeightLossResearch #GLP1 #HealthyAging"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on June 4, 2026: "Why Those Taking Weight Loss Pills Stop Losing Weight You’re getting those weight loss shots. You’re delighted as you lose weight for months. Then those scale numbers suddenly stops moving in the right direction. Why? NIH endocrinologists now show that the answer appears to be hiding inside your brain cells. They find that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, triggers variable responses in appetite-controlling brain cells. That seems to be why some people lose more weight than others and why weight loss often plateaus over time. Their studies of brain tissue in mice show that semaglutide boosts a signaling molecule called cAMP inside neurons that helps regulate your appetite. But not all brain cells respond the same way. Some maintain the signal for longer periods, while others appeared to shut down their responses more quickly. When they do, the appetite-suppressing effects weaken and contribute to the weight-loss plateau that many patients experience. This finding suggests a possible way to prolong the drug’s effects. By blocking an enzyme called PDE4 with a medication known as roflumilast, the investigators were able to extend the cAMP signal in more neurons. While this finding was observed only in mice and has not been confirmed in people, it raises the possibility that future treatments could help you continue losing weight and maintain that ideal weight for longer periods of time. The references for this report are available on my website. #Ozempic #Wegovy #WeightLossResearch #GLP1 #HealthyAging".

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Howard Smith MD, AM1h ago
Cardiology Study Pans Beta Blockers Following Heart Attacks. Taking them doesn't help men and is dangerous for women. References on my website. #HeartHealth #MedicalResearch #HeartAttackRecovery #Cardiology #HealthyAging
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLK88Gtndp/
Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "Cardiology Study Pans Beta Blockers Following Heart Attacks For nearly 40 years, millions of heart attack patients have been sent home with beta blocking drugs such as metoprolol, Torpor XL, carvedilol, Coreg, and bisoprolol, Zebeta. Cardiologists at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, working with international collaborators, studied more than 8,500 patients who had uncomplicated heart attacks and whose heart pumping function remained normal. They presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Their data shows that, for these patients, beta blockers did not significantly reduce the risk of death, another heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure during nearly four years of follow-up. These findings challenge a treatment approach that has been routine for decades. Even worse, a related analysis finds that the women with normal heart function after their heart attacks who received beta blockers had a higher risk of death, heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure compared with women who did not receive the drugs. Now the researchers do caution this latter finding requires further study but suggest that beta-blocker treatment decisions for women require an immediate re-evaluation. They emphasize that beta blockers remain helpful for many cardiac patients including those with reduced heart function. A reminder: Do not stop any prescribed medications based on any information you hear from me or read elsewhere without discussing the decision with your own healthcare team. The references for this report are available on my website. #HeartHealth #MedicalResearch #HeartAttackRecovery #Cardiology #HealthyAging"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on June 4, 2026: "Cardiology Study Pans Beta Blockers Following Heart Attacks For nearly 40 years, millions of heart attack patients have been sent home with beta blocking drugs such as metoprolol, Torpor XL, carvedilol, Coreg, and bisoprolol, Zebeta. Cardiologists at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, working with international collaborators, studied more than 8,500 patients who had uncomplicated heart attacks and whose heart pumping function remained normal. They presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Their data shows that, for these patients, beta blockers did not significantly reduce the risk of death, another heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure during nearly four years of follow-up. These findings challenge a treatment approach that has been routine for decades. Even worse, a related analysis finds that the women with normal heart function after their heart attacks who received beta blockers had a higher risk of death, heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure compared with women who did not receive the drugs. Now the researchers do caution this latter finding requires further study but suggest that beta-blocker treatment decisions for women require an immediate re-evaluation. They emphasize that beta blockers remain helpful for many cardiac patients including those with reduced heart function. A reminder: Do not stop any prescribed medications based on any information you hear from me or read elsewhere without discussing the decision with your own healthcare team. The references for this report are available on my website. #HeartHealth #MedicalResearch #HeartAttackRecovery #Cardiology #HealthyAging".

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Howard Smith MD, AM1h ago
Changing The Way You Walk Can Reduce Arthritis Pain. A small change in the way people walk significantly reduces knee arthritis pain and helps to slow joint damage. References on my website. #ArthritisRelief #KneePain #HealthyAging #Mobility #PainRelief
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLJMoev8b7/
Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "Changing The Way You Walk Can Disappear Arthritis Pain Orthopedic researchers at the University of Utah and Stanford University now report in Lancet Rheumatology that a small change in the way people walk significantly reduces knee arthritis pain and helps to slow joint damage. In a year-long clinical trial involving 107 subjects with knee osteoarthritis, changing the angle of their feet while walking delivered pain relief comparable to common arthritis medications. The research shows that no one-fix-fits-all. Some arthritis sufferers improve by turning their toes slightly inward, others outward. Each person’s walking pattern needs to be modified to reduce stress on their knees. Then they need to be trained over six weeks until the modified movements became automatic. After one year, participants using the real walking adjustment report pain relief similar to what you might expect from over-the-counter pain relievers, and MRI scans suggest slower cartilage deterioration compared to a placebo group. That is spectacular! The references for this report are available on my website. #ArthritisRelief #KneePain #HealthyAging #Mobility #PainRelief"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on June 4, 2026: "Changing The Way You Walk Can Disappear Arthritis Pain Orthopedic researchers at the University of Utah and Stanford University now report in Lancet Rheumatology that a small change in the way people walk significantly reduces knee arthritis pain and helps to slow joint damage. In a year-long clinical trial involving 107 subjects with knee osteoarthritis, changing the angle of their feet while walking delivered pain relief comparable to common arthritis medications. The research shows that no one-fix-fits-all. Some arthritis sufferers improve by turning their toes slightly inward, others outward. Each person’s walking pattern needs to be modified to reduce stress on their knees. Then they need to be trained over six weeks until the modified movements became automatic. After one year, participants using the real walking adjustment report pain relief similar to what you might expect from over-the-counter pain relievers, and MRI scans suggest slower cartilage deterioration compared to a placebo group. That is spectacular! The references for this report are available on my website. #ArthritisRelief #KneePain #HealthyAging #Mobility #PainRelief".

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Howard Smith MD, AM1h ago
Eating The Right Foods Protects Your Guts. The amino acid cysteine helps your gastrointestinal tissues repair themselves after damage. References on my website. #GutHealth #NutritionScience #HealthyAging #CancerResearch #MITigationdevice
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLIak6tsPC/
Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "Eating The Right Foods Protects Your Guts Yea, yea, yea you say. That’s nothing new. What is new comes from integrative biologists at MIT who find that the amino acid cysteine helps your gut repair itself after damage. Their mouse studies, published in the journal Nature, show that cysteine activates immune CD8 T cells to release IL-22 healing signals that help intestinal stem cells rebuild damaged tissue after radiation exposure. They also find that cysteine has the strongest gut-repair effect of all 20 amino acids tested. So how do you get this cysteine? Ok…I buried the lead. Cysteine is naturally found in meat, dairy, beans, legumes, and nuts.e So eating these cysteine-rich foods or taking cysteine supplements can not only help cancer patients recover from gut damage caused by radiation or chemotherapy. It can also help those among us with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s Disease and/or Ulcerative Colitis. The references for this report are available on my website. #GutHealth #NutritionScience #HealthyAging #CancerResearch #MIT"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on June 4, 2026: "Eating The Right Foods Protects Your Guts Yea, yea, yea you say. That’s nothing new. What is new comes from integrative biologists at MIT who find that the amino acid cysteine helps your gut repair itself after damage. Their mouse studies, published in the journal Nature, show that cysteine activates immune CD8 T cells to release IL-22 healing signals that help intestinal stem cells rebuild damaged tissue after radiation exposure. They also find that cysteine has the strongest gut-repair effect of all 20 amino acids tested. So how do you get this cysteine? Ok…I buried the lead. Cysteine is naturally found in meat, dairy, beans, legumes, and nuts.e So eating these cysteine-rich foods or taking cysteine supplements can not only help cancer patients recover from gut damage caused by radiation or chemotherapy. It can also help those among us with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s Disease and/or Ulcerative Colitis. The references for this report are available on my website. #GutHealth #NutritionScience #HealthyAging #CancerResearch #MIT".

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Howard Smith MD, AM1h ago
Grapes Seem To Be A Natural Sunscreen. Grapes trigger changes in skin genes that create stronger protections and lower oxidative stress after sunlight's UV exposure. References on my website. #SkinHealth #HealthyAging #NutritionScience #SunProtection #HealthySkin
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLHsXohndS/
Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "Grapes Seem To Be A Natural Sunscreen Those who eat the equivalent of three servings of grapes a day for just two weeks show changes in their skin genes that create stronger protections and lower oxidative stress after UV exposure. This according to research by biologists and pharmacists at Western New England University published in the journal ACS Nutrition Science. Though each of the 29 participant’s genes responded differently, all showed measurable changes in skin gene expression after eating grapes with signs of increased skin barrier protection and lower levels of a marker tied to UV-related skin stress. The researchers add that previous studies have shown grapes can improve UV resistance in about 30% to 50% of people. So…. Make your summer’s fun in the sun safer by preventing ultraviolet rays from damaging your skin and triggering deadly skin cancers like melanoma. You do this by regularly slapping on sunscreens and sunblocks but also by regularly wolfing down handfuls of grapes. The references for this report are available on my website. #SkinHealth #HealthyAging #NutritionScience #SunProtection #HealthySkin"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on June 4, 2026: "Grapes Seem To Be A Natural Sunscreen Those who eat the equivalent of three servings of grapes a day for just two weeks show changes in their skin genes that create stronger protections and lower oxidative stress after UV exposure. This according to research by biologists and pharmacists at Western New England University published in the journal ACS Nutrition Science. Though each of the 29 participant’s genes responded differently, all showed measurable changes in skin gene expression after eating grapes with signs of increased skin barrier protection and lower levels of a marker tied to UV-related skin stress. The researchers add that previous studies have shown grapes can improve UV resistance in about 30% to 50% of people. So…. Make your summer’s fun in the sun safer by preventing ultraviolet rays from damaging your skin and triggering deadly skin cancers like melanoma. You do this by regularly slapping on sunscreens and sunblocks but also by regularly wolfing down handfuls of grapes. The references for this report are available on my website. #SkinHealth #HealthyAging #NutritionScience #SunProtection #HealthySkin".

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Howard Smith MD, AM1h ago
Eggs Lower Alzheimer’s Risk. Adults 65 and older who regularly eat eggs have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. References on my website. #AlzheimersPrevention #BrainHealth #HealthyAging #NutritionScience #MemoryHealth
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLG6Tzvz7Y/
Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "Eggs Lower Alzheimer’s Risk According to new research published in the journal ScienceDirect, nutritionists at Loma Linda University Health find that adults 65 and older who regularly eat eggs have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study followed about 40,000 adults for more than 15 years and finds that the strongest benefits come to those who consume eggs most often. Eating eggs 5 or more days a week have up to a 27% lower risk. Even eating eggs only 1 to 3 times a month was linked to a 17% lower risk of dementia. Why are eggs brain food? Eggs contain important nutrients for brain health, including choline, which supports memory and communication between brain cells, plus lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids. The study’s authors emphasize that eggs are not a magic fix. The benefits I just mentioned only appear as part of an overall healthy eating pattern, not in isolation. I know you are thinking: “but eggs contain a lot of cholesterol.” That’s true, but the cholesterol that leads to heart and general blood vessel disease is not consumed but rather is generated internally by your body. And that generation is driven by wolfing down too many foods with saturated fats. #AlzheimersPrevention #BrainHealth #HealthyAging #NutritionScience #MemoryHealth"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on June 4, 2026: "Eggs Lower Alzheimer’s Risk According to new research published in the journal ScienceDirect, nutritionists at Loma Linda University Health find that adults 65 and older who regularly eat eggs have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study followed about 40,000 adults for more than 15 years and finds that the strongest benefits come to those who consume eggs most often. Eating eggs 5 or more days a week have up to a 27% lower risk. Even eating eggs only 1 to 3 times a month was linked to a 17% lower risk of dementia. Why are eggs brain food? Eggs contain important nutrients for brain health, including choline, which supports memory and communication between brain cells, plus lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids. The study’s authors emphasize that eggs are not a magic fix. The benefits I just mentioned only appear as part of an overall healthy eating pattern, not in isolation. I know you are thinking: “but eggs contain a lot of cholesterol.” That’s true, but the cholesterol that leads to heart and general blood vessel disease is not consumed but rather is generated internally by your body. And that generation is driven by wolfing down too many foods with saturated fats. #AlzheimersPrevention #BrainHealth #HealthyAging #NutritionScience #MemoryHealth".

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Show threadBiohacking Pathway11h ago
#Longevity #HealthyLifestyle #DietTips #MuscleBuilding #Fitness #HealthyAging #Nutrition #Wellbeing #PodcastInterview #wellnessguide #wellnessvibes #biohack #biohacking #biohacker #biohackingsecrets #biohackers #biohacks #LongLife https://mastodon.social/@biohackingpathway/116690851715116866
wonderapps16h ago
At 52, I thought poor sleep was just part of aging. Wonder Alarm's sleep analysis showed my efficiency was only 72% — awake 28% of the time in bed. Three changes: no evening alcohol, cooler room temp, reading instead of news before bed. Six weeks later, efficiency is 88%. The week-over-week trends made me stick with changes that felt hard at first. <a href="https://wonderda.com/6760349619.html">sleep analysis</a>
#HealthyAging #SleepHygiene
Wonder Alarm - Wonder Apps

Wonder Alarm - Wake up gently with curated sounds, sleep insights, text-to-speech alarms, and personal audio or video wake-ups on iOS.