Quick bits

Exercise has long been touted as the best medicine for a healthy heart. Now the good news is, you don’t even have to break a sweat! Researchers at Italy’s University of Milan had volunteers stretch their legs over 12 weeks. The result: a 30% boost in circulation and a 25% drop in artery stiffness, plus lower blood pressure.

The study author explains that stretching triggers blood vessels to release a compound that helps them dilate for better blood flow—and the effects last even after your stretching session is over.