Health
Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers
Two numbers, one over the other, describe the force of blood in your arteries. Here is what systolic and diastolic mean, how the categories are defined, and how to measure at home.
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How Much Sleep Do Adults Need? What the Guidelines Say
Major health groups say most adults need seven or more hours a night. Needs vary, but sleep that is regularly short is linked to health problems. Here is what the guidance says and what helps.
Health
How Vaccines Are Tested and Approved in the United States
Before a vaccine is licensed, it passes through laboratory work, three phases of human trials and an FDA review. After approval, separate systems track safety. Here is the path.
Health
What the Physical Activity Guidelines Say
The federal guidelines set a weekly target of 150 minutes of moderate activity plus muscle-strengthening work. They also stress that some movement beats none. Here is what that looks like in practice.