Women's Journal — Health, Beauty, Fitness & Lifestyle
Planetary Health Diet Linked to Lower Heart Risk in Older Women
A 20-year study involving nearly 67,000 postmenopausal women found that closer adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The research adds evidence supporting plant-forward eating patterns as part of healthy aging while emphasizing that the findings identify an association rather than cause and effect. Key Takeaways A 20-year U.S. study followed 66,892 postmenopausal women. Greater adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers reported lower risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure among women with the highest adherence. The analysis adjusted for multiple health and lifestyle factors, including age, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, and calorie intake. Researchers stated the observational study cannot determine that diet alone caused the lower disease risk. A long-term U.S. study found that women who more closely followed the Planetary Health Diet experienced a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than women whose diets were least aligned with the eating pattern. Researchers analyzed health and dietary information from 66,892 postmenopausal women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative, with participants followed for approximately 20 years. The study examined whether adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was
Apple Health Introduces Menopause Tracking in Latest Update
Apple Health menopause tracking is expanding with new tools designed to help users monitor menopause and perimenopause symptoms, following software updates announced by Apple during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026. The company confirmed that the new features will be integrated into the Health app across supported devices, giving users additional ways to record symptoms, track changes, and access health-related insights connected to midlife hormonal transitions. The additions were presented as part of Apple’s latest operating system updates, which include new health-focused capabilities intended to support users through different stages of life. The menopause and perimenopause tools build on existing health-tracking functions already available within the Health app, including menstrual cycle tracking and reproductive health records. Menopause Tracking Added to the Health App The new menopause-related features allow users to document symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause directly within the Health app. Apple stated that users will be able to log experiences commonly linked to hormonal changes, helping create a more complete health record over time. Perimenopause refers to the transitional period before menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and menstrual cycles may become irregular. Symptoms can vary significantly among individuals and may include hot flashes, sleep disruptions, mood changes, and
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New Research Tracks Why Midlife Women Keep Dancing
Midlife women are drawing attention today to dance as a source of movement and friendship. Research on women over 40, a menopause-focused review, and U.S. community groups show participation ranging from electronic music events to adapted classes and performance troupes. Key Takeaways A University of Leeds survey involved 136 women ages 40 to 65 who attended electronic dance music events. About 82% had participated for more than 20 years, while 92.1% said they felt at home at the events. A 2025 review reported encouraging findings from dance interventions during and after menopause, while calling for stronger research. Tucson’s Rodeo City Wreckettes remained active and accepted women age 50 and older. Cost, scheduling, transportation, safety, and class design continue to shape access. Midlife women are becoming visible in discussions linking dance with music, friendship, movement, and identity. A University of Leeds study surveyed 136 women ages 40 to 65 about electronic dance music events. It appeared online in April 2025 and in the May 2026 issue of Psychology of Music. About 81.6% of participants had attended events for more than 20 years. Music, artists, and DJs ranked as the leading motivation, followed by socializing with friends and the atmosphere. The survey
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