Climbing stairs is good for the heart: Study

According to a recent study, a few minutes of stair climbing at short intervals throughout the day can improve cardiovascular health. 

The research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that virtually anyone can improve their fitness, anywhere, any time by ditching elevators and taking the stairs. 

"The findings make it even easier for people to incorporate 'exercise snacks' into their day. 

Those who work in office towers or live in apartment buildings can vigorously climb a few flights of stairs in the morning, at lunch, and in the evening and know they are getting an effective workout," said Martin Gibala, lead author of the study. 

"We know that sprint interval training works, but we were a bit surprised to see that the stair snacking approach was also effective. 

Vigorously climbing a few flights of stairs on your coffee or bathroom break during the day seems to be enough to boost fitness in people who are otherwise sedentary," said Jonathan Little, co-author of the study. 

The findings of the study suggested that in addition to being more fit, the stair climbers were also stronger compared to their sedentary counterparts, and generated more power during maximal cycling. 

(ANI) Mindfulness may ease menopausal symptoms Washington D.C. (ANI): A Mayo Clinic Study recently published in Climacteric: The Journal of the International Menopause Society now says that mindfulness maybe associated with fewer menopausal symptoms for women. 

Researchers discovered that being mindful may be especially helpful for menopausal women struggling with irritability, anxiety and depression. 

The general internist and women's health specialist further added, "These findings suggest that mindfulness may be a promising tool to help women reduce menopausal symptoms and overall stress." 

Notably, mindfulness involves focusing attention on the present moment, and observing thoughts and sensations without judgment.  Prior research has shown practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and improve quality of life. 

According to the study, everyday, an estimated 6,000 women in the US reach menopause. The study adds that by 2020, the number of women aged 55 and older is expected to top 46 million. 

The study involved 1,744 women ages 40 to 65 who received care at Mayo Clinic's Women's Health Clinic in Rochester between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2016. 

Participants completed questionnaires that rated their menopausal symptoms, perceived level of stress and mindfulness. 

Researchers found women with higher mindfulness scores had fewer menopausal symptoms. 

The higher a woman's perceived level of stress, the greater the link between higher mindfulness and reduced menopausal symptoms.