Women's Health + Original Articles
Taking a brisk walk or doing a crossword puzzle: Which one is better for brain health? You may be surprised to learn the answer.
While it has long been assumed that activities that challenge your intellect is the key to retaining brain function as you age, a new study conducted in the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh suggests that physical activity may actually do you more good when it comes to ways to improve brain health.
Don’t feel guilty about gossiping, drinking coffee, or skipping an exercise session. Some so-called bad habits may bring some surprising benefits.
You may want to think twice before dropping these habits like, well, a bad habit:
1. Spreading (okay, sharing) Gossip. Did you hear? A bit of gossip can be good for you-especially if the information is helpful to others and may warn them of someone else's bad behavior.
Getting a good night’s sleep does more than banish under eye circles. It has benefits for your heart, mind, and more.
If you're a night owl, you may be missing out on the important benefits—both physical and mental—of hitting the hay earlier. Many people get distracted watching television or surfing the Internet into the wee hours of the morning leaving them tired and irritable the next day.
When faced with a serious medical diagnosis or when trying to choose the best course of treatment, seeking the opinion of another doctor can be helpful. Today, elite medical centers offer advice remotely.
Should you get a second opinion? "If you're asking yourself this question, it's usually a good idea," says Jonathan L. Schaffer, MD, MBA, an orthopaedic arthroplasty surgeon in Cleveland Clinic's Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Institute. Schaffer also serves as the managing director of Cleveland Clinic's MyConsult program, which enables people from all over the country, and even the world, to request a second opinion online, often from a multidisciplinary team of experts.
With a little effort and some self-awareness, you can motivate your coworkers to put forth their best effort and minimize their stress in the process.
Being a good boss isn't easy, but it may help to know that most people want to follow an effective leader. If your job involves supervising others, your actions could be the reason your employees aren't and your efforts are failing. Workplace stress caused...
Moving can be challenging. Follow our expert's advice for making the transition easier.
Moving to a new location can be quite exciting, but all the changes that accompany relocating can also cause your stress levels to rise. Here's how to bring calm to the chaos:
Research Your Relocation "Some of our clients' biggest relocation concerns include adjusting to the new environment, creating a social life outside of work, and building a new support network," says Jeff Mahoney, Executive Vice President of Churchill Corporate Services.
Nearly one in four women who receive a diagnosis of breast cancer will also develop this second condition. Learn more about the connection.
Twenty-three percent of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to researchers from the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. African-American and Asian women and women younger than age 50 are at especially high risk.
A byproduct of the wine-making process, this supplement possesses powerful antioxidant power.
There's been growing awareness in recent years of the health benefits of vitus vinifera, the seeds of red wine grapes. They contain antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which may offer important health-protective properties, including helping you to maintain better overall cardiovascular health.
Smell, taste, sight, hearing, and even touch. They can all dull over time, but there are steps you can take to keep them going strong.
Your perception of the world around you would be quite different if not for your five senses.
Your eyes, nose, tongue, ears, and skin work together so that you can recognize the many different sensations that guide your choices and behavior throughout each day.
Your teen's "high" may be as close as your medicine cabinet.
Most households have them: cough and cold medications we've purchased to help our kids (and ourselves) feel better when a common cold or flu hits.
Many of us keep painkillers that were prescribed for an ailment we had but no longer need on a daily basis; the same goes for sleep aids and anti-anxiety drugs.
Yes, you can bake guilt-free goodies that taste great, too. You just have to know which sweetener to use.
Can you have your cookies and eat them, too? You sure can, if you make some simple swaps.
By switching out refined sugar for non-nutritive sweeteners, you'll be able to turn out not just cookies, but cakes, muffins, and quick breads that have fewer calories than their traditional counterparts.
You're never too old to volunteer. Senior volunteers offer a breadth of experience to the younger generation.
If you've ever wondered how you can make a real difference, look no further than volunteering. Sharing your wealth of life experience, perspective, and knowledge can enrich the lives not just of your grandchildren, but young people everywhere.
Helping out young people can give you a renewed energy, says April Masini, a relationship expert, author of four books and founder of the website, AskApril.
If meningitis strikes in your community or at your child's school, you'll want to know these tips by heart.
Outbreaks of meningitis most often occur in late winter and early spring. While viral meningitis is generally less dangerous than bacterial, it still requires medical attention to identify the source of infection. Some types of meningitis are much more serious than others.
Ever noticed how some people seem to be more resistant to getting sick? Preliminary research suggests this phenomenon may apply to cancer as well.
You know the immune system is a collection of reactions and responses in our body that protects us from infections and disease. But can it protect us from cancer?
There are two types of immune responses: innate and acquired. Everyone has innate immune protection, which is always prepared to defend us.
Whether it's your doctor, personal trainer, or massage therapist, if you're not seeing the results you want, or being treated with respect, it's time to move on. Here's how.
Staying healthy requires a professional team approach.
The doctors, personal trainers, massage therapists, and other healthcare professionals we choose for our team help us stay at the top of our game or give us a boost when we're not at our best. What if your healthcare professional isn't a good team player? Then it's time to bench him.
Researchers have identified an association among hormones and increased risk of diseases in people who smoke.
Scientists are discovering more compelling reasons why quitting smoking is among the best ways to improve your health.
A recent study has demonstrated a link between smoking and increased male and female hormones in post-menopausal women. These increased hormones may boost the risk for diseases like breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
With many diseases, early detection results in better treatment results. But that's not the case with ovarian cancer. Here's why.
Each year, about 20,000 U.S. women learn they have ovarian cancer.
It accounts for about three percent of all cancers in women and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death. Early diagnosis generally does result in good outcomes. Unfortunately, most cases of ovarian cancer are already advanced by the time they are diagnosed.
Don't fool yourself. Just because you appear healthy from the outside doesn't mean you can't develop diabetes.
When you envision a person with type 2 diabetes, you tend to picture someone obese, not thin. But, according to the National Institutes of Health, some 15 percent of individuals with type 2 diabetes are not even overweight, much less obese.
Here, three reasons you can be young and thin, and still have diabetes.
Genetic variants linked to endometriosis provide promise for earlier diagnosis and better treatment.
Approximately 176 million women worldwide are affected by endometriosis.
Millions more don't know they have it—even though they have pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and even infertility. And countless other women are at high risk for developing endometriosis in the future.
Not only does holding a grudge affect your relationships, but it can also hurt your health. Here's how to begin letting go of resentment.
Forgiving another individual can be hard, but if you learn to do so, the benefits are rich and varied. For one thing, it can "turn your focus to the joyful experience of relationships and values-driven living that can heal both mind and body," says Jeanie Tse, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer at the Institute for Community Living, a non-profit behavioral health organization in New York City.
Nearly 4 percent of the 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's have an early-onset form. What, if anything, can you do to stave it off?
If you thought only the elderly were at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, consider that more than 200,000 individuals in the United States suffer from what is called early-onset, or younger-onset, Alzheimer's. In fact, nearly 4 percent of the 5.
You know helping others makes your heart feel happy, but it can make your heart healthy, too!
Helping others makes your heart feel happy, but it can make your heart healthy, too.
That's the consensus of researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Their findings were included in JAMA Pediatrics in 2013.
The researchers followed a group of 52 high school sophomores in Vancouver who donated an hour of their time each week working after school with elementary school students.
Learn the facts about infertility, and help boost your odds of getting pregnant.
Think you know how to get pregnant? Think again. Infertility is on the rise and many people have no idea what's involved—or what's at stake.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of trying to get pregnant. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 7.
Doing everything right when it comes to heart health? You may still be at risk for cardiovascular disease. Here's why.
You do everything to protect your ticker—watch your weight, control your blood pressure, manage cholesterol—but that doesn't mean you're completely in the clear for heart disease. A new study says that even healthy hearts may be at risk for disease.
You're good to the environment. You recycle, you reduce, you reuse. What else can you do? These six small ideas can make a big impact.
Each day, the average family of four uses 400 gallons of water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Yet there are so many easy ways to be prudent in our choices and cut back on waste in our daily lives.
While you already recycle, reduce, and reuse, there's more you can do—especially when it comes to conserving water.
BMI is a popular tool to evaluate cardiac health, but it may not be the best one.
If you have an elevated BMI, or body mass index, does this mean you're at increased risk of experiencing a serious health problem? It all depends, according to a new study.
BMI and Health The medical community often relies on BMI as an indicator of...
Traveling doesn't have to be a pain in the neck, or shoulders or back. Follow these tips to improve your experience.
If you've ever been stuck sitting uncomfortably on a train, bus, or a plane for any length of time, you know how it feels to be trapped in pain.
Even your own car seat can leave you with an achy neck or back if you're not careful about how you sit. Thankful, you can relax.
If you're pregnant, you may be wondering if it makes sense to store your baby's cord blood. Here are the pros and cons.
Historically, obstetricians have discarded babies' umbilical cord as medical waste. However, there's a growing trend to store umbilical cord blood because it contains hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells, similar to those in bone marrow.
Stem cells are the building blocks for organ tissue, blood, and immune system cells, and may have a role in treating numerous medical conditions.
Here's a rundown of common conditions that can affect your sight, as well as steps you can take to treat, or even prevent, these problems.
Age, heredity, medical conditions, sun exposure and other environmental stressors can all take a toll on your eyes over time.
If you're lucky, the only vision issue you'll have as you age is adjusting to reading glasses. More serious conditions can affect your eyes, however, so it pays to see your eye doctor on a regular basis.
That thrill you get from tough challenges or risky behavior could actually be the result of a clinical addiction.
If you thrive on extreme living, tough challenges, and compulsive or risk-taking behavior that gives you something of a "high," you may have more than an adventurous nature; you may actually have an addiction. And the adrenaline that flows through your blood, feeding life on the edge, may be your drug of choice.
Abby Braithwaite speaks about the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome and helps to dispel the stigmas.
Meet Abby Braithwaite, the mother of two young children. Her oldest, Adara, now six, was just 12 hours old when Abby and her husband David learned she had been born with an extra 21st chromosome. Also known as Trisomy 21, the condition affects 1 in 691 live births and is the most commonly recognized genetic cause of intellectual disability.
Certain symptoms often associated with menopause are actually caused by another issue, be it hormonal, pharmacological, or physiological.
If you're a woman of a certain age, you might assume all those weird symptoms you're experiencing are due to menopause. But what if they're not? What if you're too young for "the change," or what if you're a man?
Many symptoms we often associate with menopause are actually caused by other hormonal, pharmacological or physiologic issues.
Issues such as decreased sexual desire can often accompany diabetes. But it doesn't have to be that way. Read on for a list of causes and solutions.
Only half of men and 19 percent of women with diabetes have raised the subject with their health care provider, according to a study in the journal Diabetes Care.
The causes of sexual problems vary depending upon gender. For men with diabetes, especially if they are overweight or have type 2, the risk of having low testosterone levels is about twice as high as it is for those without diabetes.
Shopping online for your prescription medications can save you time and money. Here's how to ensure you have a positive experience.
When you buy medication online, you want to be sure you are dealing with a company that has a pharmacy license valid in the United States, Canada, or other approved country, and that the site has a verifiable privacy policy and transaction security.
Here's how you can tell if an internet pharmacy is running a safe, legitimate business:
Contact information, including address and phone number, should be available on the website.
You exchange emails and texts with someone else but never get physical. Are you being unfaithful to your partner?
"A virtual affair is when a man or woman cheats by proxy," says Carole Lieberman, MD, author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets. "The person would like to have a real-life affair, but is just too scared at the moment.
If you've ever woken in a state of alarm and felt your heart pounding in your chest, you know how frightening a nighttime panic attack can be. Here's how to zero in on the cause so you can sleep more soundly.
If you've ever woken up in a complete panic, you know what a frightening experience it can be. Your breathing quickens, your heart feels like it is beating so hard it might come out of your chest, and you feel irrationally afraid.
"I see this sort of thing all the time," says Carl Bazil, MD, director of the Epilepsy Sleep Division of the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
Oral cancer occurs twice as often in men as it does in women. And increasing age is a major risk factor. Here's what you need to know.
Oral cancers are the 6th most common cancers worldwide, and account for about 3 percent of all cancers.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), about 52,000 people in the U.S. were estimated to be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2012. Oral cancer is twice as common in men and the incidence generally increases with age.
By understanding the subtle differences between breast cancers, scientists are on the path to personalizing breast cancer treatment.
Cancer clinicians currently classify breast cancer into three basic therapeutic groups: oestrogen receptor (ER) positive, HER2 (breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2), and triple negative, or basal-like, breast cancer.
Today and maybe every day, have a handful of almonds or walnuts. Find out how these diabetes-friendly foods can help your health.
Individuals who consume tree nuts on a regular basis reduce their risk not just for type 2 diabetes, but for metabolic syndrome and heart disease as well, according to researchers at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.
The study, funded by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation, was published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Do people, like fine wine, improve with age? According to some experts, they do. Here are five big perks of getting on in years.
Aging experts agree that these are some of the best reasons why you should look forward to getting older.
1. Wisdom and Intelligence
"Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it." -Albert Einstein
Despite dated research to the contrary, intelligence remains stable, and in some ways gets sharper, as we age.
Communities are required by law to deliver safe water to residents. Yet, illnesses caused by water contamination are still fairly commonplace. What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
Water is one of the most abundant substances on earth and may be the most important. Human beings can't survive more than three to five days without it. Deprived of fluids the body's cells and organs rapidly deteriorate. As the saying goes: where there is water, there is life.
Carrots, celery, and peppers contain a compound called luteolin, which helps tame brain inflammation that could negatively affect memory.
You may have heard of salmon and blueberries being referred to as "brain foods," thanks to their nutritional properties that help keep the brain healthy. Now a new study suggests that certain vegetables qualify as brain foods as well. Veggies—specifically crunchy, colorful ones such as celery, peppers, and carrots—contain a plant compound called luteolin, which works to tamp down inflammation in the brain that can cause problems with memory.
Learn how you can cope with the daily grind of getting to and from work.
Crowded subways, packed buses, traffic jams, and busy schedules make commuting a stressful experience for many people. But a new study says it's especially anxiety-producing for women—more so than for men.
Multitasking and Mental Health Generally speaking, men spend more time commuting to and from work than women, but travel affects women's mental health more.
These therapeutic movements will help minimize stiffness, reduce back and joint pain, and retain flexibility.
Patrice Cahill, Massachusetts-based ISSA fitness trainer, senior fitness specialist, and founder/president of Generational Octane, Inc. Senior Fitness Company and Patrice's Personal Training Company, offers four gentle stretching moves, which can be great to incorporate into your mornings, when your stamina and strength will be highest.
A new study has zeroed in on a promising approach to erasing painful memories from the mind. This research may lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders.
A new study finds a promising approach to erasing painful emotional memories. The research may lead to improved treatment for those who suffer from anxiety disorders.
The research, published by the journal Science, found that newly formed emotional memories can be erased in the human brain.
Follow these smart steps to keep your complexion radiant and free of acne-causing bacteria.
Can't remember the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? That's probably because either you've never done it (guilty!) or haven't gotten to it in a while.
There are some legitimate reasons to give those brushes a thorough sudsing. Truth be told, makeup brushes can become coated with undesirable elements such as bodily oils, makeup residue, dust, and dead skin and will last longer with regular cleaning.
In between visits to the dentist, take these precautions to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.
Taking steps now will help protect your dental health and prevent serious decay and disease from developing as you get older.
The changes that occur in your body as you age can be seen in your mouth just as readily as they can be seen in other areas.
From installing carpets to ensuring doors open outward, learn how to reduce the risk of injury.
Basic home safety is important for everyone, but especially for people with epilepsy. The unpredictable nature of the disease means that seizures may occur at any time, putting epileptics at high risk of injury from falls or loss of balance.
Here are 10 simple tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe at home:
1.
With the right attitude and a little bit of know-how, searching for a suit can be an easy and enjoyable experience.
Does shopping for a bathing suit really have to induce dread? Not if you go about it with the right attitude.
We've got six tips to make bathing suit shopping not only enjoyable, but even empowering.
1. Start With the Right Attitude
If you begin your shopping trip with a pep talk, a game plan, and a commitment to have a great time, you'll be more likely to wind up with a suit you love than if you go in with a negative attitude.
Curb emotional eating by adhering to these tips and tricks.
If you're like most people, you don't just eat when you're hungry. You also turn to food when you're bored, fatigued, or stressed out.
Experts call this "emotional eating," and it can exact a heavy toll both on your weight and your sense of well-being.
Your risk of fracture is higher than average if you have diabetes. Take a few preventive steps now to ensure you don't break a bone later.
A recent study published in Orthopedics Today found an increased fracture risk among people with diabetes. However, the precise reason why adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a higher incidence of a fracture that results in a hospitalization is not clear.
In a time of high-tech medicine, can a simple technique involving nothing more than the power of your own mind be the key to health and happiness?
Some would argue that the only way to achieve inner peace and outer health is by going within. That's the theory behind Ho'oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian healing technique that's proving life- changing for those who practice it.
Ho'oponopono is a ritual of reconciliation that originated centuries ago in many island cultures.
That miracle cure sound too good to be true? It probably is. Follow these tips to safeguard yourself and your family.
From Acai berries to apricot pits, there have been many purported cures for what ails us.
Things haven't changed much since the snake oil salesmen of the 1800s, says Marc I. Leavey, MD, of Lutherville, MD. Shady products are still being marketed based on our fears, anxieties, and the desire to do the best for our families.
A new study says yes. In fact, weight lifting, biking, and abdominal exercises were the common causes. Find out more.
Everybody knows that exercise makes you feel good, but for some women, it may make them feel too good.
Indiana University researchers, Debby Herbenick, and J. Dennis Fortenberry, MD, published research in the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy that a surprising number of women experience sexual pleasure while exercising and some even orgasm.
If you wake up with neck or back pain or find yourself sleeping in awkward positions, it may be time to shop for a new pillow.
You invest lots of time into picking just the right bed for optimum comfort and rest, so it makes sense to put just as much effort into making sure you have the best pillow for your needs.
If you suffer from neck or back pain when you wake in the morning, or if your pillow is older than you can remember, it may be time for a new one.
How much activity should your overweight pet engage in? What does a diet look like for a dog or a cat? Veterinarian Rich Goldstein answers these questions and more.
If your dog or cat seems to be putting on weight, he's certainly in good company. Many Americans and their pets are feeling the effects of eating larger portions and getting less exercise.
Pet Obesity
"In dogs and cats, obesity is becoming the fastest growing health issue," according to Richard S.
Think you always have to be the one in charge? It's time to think again.
If you are like many women today, there's a lot on your plate.
You work, care for family, run a household, cultivate relationships with friends and colleagues. But there's an underlying part that really drives you—the feeling that you must do it all, and do it perfectly.
Is fat really all that bad? Are you going too far to eliminate it from your diet? Get the truth here.
In our weight-obsessed society, fat generally gets a bad rap. Yet we all need fat in order for our bodies to function properly. Below are some common misconceptions about fat—and the real truth behind them.
Myth: I should avoid eating fat in order to stay slim.
It's fine for chicken to thaw on the counter. Every last morsel of a meal should be finished. We debunk these myths and more so that you can teach the truth to your family.
Your parents probably were right about most things, but there's a good chance they got a few things wrong when it came to feeding their family.
Here's a rundown of some common parental refrains at mealtime, along with up-to-date information that will allow you to avoid making the same mistakes with your brood.
Needles. Bandages. Even diseased organs. What actually happens to them? The answer depends on the rules of your state.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established some general laws governing the proper disposal of medical waste. Beyond this, stricter laws on handling different types of medical waste will vary from state to state.
In general terms, most medical waste must be treated in some way to remove any hazards it contains.
Turn back the hands of time without going under the knife (or needle).
We're all looking for that fountain of youth that will keep us perpetually young.
Absent that, most of us would settle for just looking young and healthy—without resorting to invasive procedures. In fact, one study found 9 out of 10 adults said they wanted to look younger without going under the knife.
Once you're sure you're family is complete, you need contraception you can count on for the rest of your reproductive years.
There comes a time when your family planning becomes a finished project. Here are the best long-term and permanent birth control options available for men and women.
Birth Control Options for Men
Besides abstinence, birth control for men comes down to condoms or vasectomy.
Legumes (think lentils and beans) deliver a hefty dose of nutrition at a sensible price. Try them in soups, salads, and even desserts.
Legumes, or beans, may just be nature's wonder food. Loaded with protein and fiber, they deliver a hefty dose of nutrition at a cheap price.
They're versatile—you can boil, stew, puree, roast, or pan-fry them—and for people who choose to or need to avoid animal products, they can be a great entrée alternative.
An estimated 1 out of 3 people with diabetes over the age of 50 has Peripheral Artery Disease, a condition that increases one's risk of heart attack and stroke.
Some 10 million Americans are affected by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes leg pain (especially when walking), numbness, and tingling in the feet or lower legs. Sores on the legs or feet that heal very slowly are also associated with this condition.
Are you at risk for the fourth most common cancer among U.S. women?
Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women in the United States and the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Close to 50,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease, and nearly 8,200 killed by it in 2013.
This common condition is often a precursor to diabetes.
Insulin is the hormone that regulates your metabolism, and it helps cells absorb the glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream so it can be used for energy. But if you're insulin-resistant, your cells have trouble using the insulin, so glucose starts building up in the blood.
Understanding the source of your discomfort is the first step in receiving the right treatment regimen.
Osteoporosis is sometimes called "the silent disease" because the decreased bone mass and fragile bones that characterize the condition may not be accompanied by any obvious symptoms. If you do feel pain, it is mostly likely the result of a bone fracture or break you were not even aware you had.
Struggling to understand what your doctor’s saying? Here are some helpful translations.
No one wants to seem ignorant when they see their doctor, but no one should be expected to be bilingual either. If your doctor's medical jargon is incomprehensible, you're not getting your money's worth. In fact, not knowing what your doctor is talking about can be downright dangerous.
In addition to providing rich color to certain foods, this spice may also help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
More than one scientific study has found that a spice you may have in your kitchen may prevent the breakdown of brain cells that can lead to the most common form of dementia.
What Is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease.
This small gland can cause serious health issues, especially for women.
For a small gland, the thyroid has a big responsibility. It controls many bodily activities by means of two hormones, called T3 and T4. When the thyroid produces the right amounts of T3 and T4, heart rate and metabolism function optimally. When the thyroid isn't working properly, problems can develop.
Are you familiar with this supplement, which may provide relief from osteoarthritis symptoms?
More than 10 million Americans have knee osteoarthritis. If you're one of them, you may benefit from pine bark extract.
You may already be familiar with pine bark extract, commonly sold as pygenol, or under the brand name Pycnogenol®. Years of research...
Discolored, flaky nails can indicate a fungal infection while a painful and swollen big toe may be a sign of gout.
If your eyes are the windows to your soul, then your feet might be the window to your health. Whether they're big or small, narrow or wide, the skin, nerves, blood vessels, bones, nails, and even hair on your feet say a lot about how the rest of your body is doing.
Could improving your diet and exercise habits return your blood sugar to a normal range? Here's what the latest research says.
If you've got type 2 diabetes, it may go into remission if you follow an intensive program of diet and exercise, new research shows.
The study, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found 1 in 9 individuals with type 2 who stuck with an intensive diet and exercise program for one year saw their blood sugar go back to the normal range.
Having a will in place can spare your family a great deal of expense, confusion, and major disagreement. Here's how to go about this important process.
As uncomfortable as it may be to plan ahead for a time when you won't be here, consider what could happen if you don't. Dying without a will could cause your family a great deal of confusion, expense and, possibly, major squabbles. Here's how to avoid all that.
When choosing a new physician, consider credentials, bedside manner, and whether or not she participates in your insurance plan.
Long gone are the days when one doctor handled your medical needs for most of your life. Today, health care often requires a collaborative approach, with multiple doctors sharing patients and working together in large practices. It's not unusual for four or more doctors to care for the same patient.
Listening to your loved ones is an essential way to gain trust and respect.
You may think you're really listening when your spouse, child, or friend is talking to you. You may even look as if you're hearing every word. But the truth is (yes, admit it!), you often tend to zone out and not really focus on what the other person is saying.
Being too skinny isn't healthy, and obesity has its risk factors as well. So when it comes to the number on the scale, are you being honest with yourself?
The scale may have gone up in recent years, your old clothing is tighter, and you can't walk that three-mile loop in the park as fast as you once could. But your weight is just fine. In fact, you don't look any worse than anyone else you know, right?
That, experts say, is part of the huge weight-denial problem facing Americans these days.
It's important to be a well-informed, yet slightly skeptical, patient and healthcare consumer.
Every day (or so it seems), there is a report about a new scientific finding about what causes or cures cancer (or other illness). It's all too easy to get your hopes up, so it's important to understand how to evaluate studies.
According to the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR), scientific studies provide clues to deciphering the mysteries of cancer.
The colonoscopy is both a screening tool and a preventative measure. Learn more about how this procedure can protect your health, and when it’s time to have one.
The colonoscopy is the most widely used screening tool for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal cancer, or CRC), the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
Most colorectal cancers start as polyps (growths). While about 20 percent of adults 50 and older have polyps, most never become cancerous.
Today's senior residences are bustling hotbeds of activity and energy, offering more options for fun and healthful recreation.
Forget the old-fashioned senior community that offered little more than a tired-looking swimming pool, a weedy shuffleboard court, and a weekly shuttle bus to the supermarket.
Today's retirement communities are bustling hotbeds of activity and energy, offering more options for fun and healthful recreation than many resorts.
It's long been used to treat swelling of the skin. Find out if emu oil is in fact an effective remedy for joint inflammation.
Can a natural remedy that has been used for thousands of years to treat skin conditions effectively treat arthritis pain and inflammation? For now, the answer appears to be: it could possibly help and probably won't hurt.
Extracted from the fat of the large flightless bird native to Australia, emu oil is an ingredient found in a variety of topical skin care products.
It's worn inside the vagina during your period to collect fluid rather than absorb it. Learn more about your different options.
Women around the world are seeking alternatives for dealing with their periods. They're tired of buying and tossing mountains of disposable tampons and sanitary napkins. They want something greener and cheaper but don't want to give up the convenience of conventional menstrual products.
Find out the link and how you can prevent osteoporosis from complicating your life.
Women's bodies can change a lot after menopause and one of the most ominous changes could be the development of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when bones become porous and brittle. The minerals that make up the bone become less dense, weakening bones and increasing risk for breakage.
While some symptoms of neurotic behavior are natural, displaying too many could have a negative effect on your relationships.
Although you rarely hear the expression anymore, mental health professionals traditionally used the term neurotic to refer to conditions associated with poor functioning, anxiety, and depression.
Diagnosing mental health conditions, such as personality disorders, is generally not as straightforward as it is with many illnesses.
Looking to rekindle some of the closeness between you and your partner? Try a little TLC.
If you and your partner often tend to take each other for granted (which given the pace of most people's lives, is very easy to do), chances are that you both feel underappreciated from time to time. But it's not hard to show your tender side, and you don't have to spend a lot of time and money to do so.
You may require fewer calories to stay healthy as you get older, but if you experience any of these tell-tale signs, you may be coming up short.
Many health problems are blamed on vitamin or mineral deficiencies and, in fact, even in a well-fed country like the United States, nutritional deficiencies are possible.
It is important to speak with a medical expert to determine the exact cause of the problem, however, because some signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiency are similar to those of other medical conditions, and one type of nutritional deficiency can also mimic another.
Thought your bread-, pasta-, and pizza-eating days were over? You can join in the fun again with these tasty alternatives.
"When people are newly gluten free, they often think the list of things they can't eat is longer than the list of things they can," says Danna Korn, author of Living Gluten Free for Dummies (Wiley 2010).
To counter that thinking, she offers this challenge: Write a list of things you can eat.
There are steps you can take to avoid contracting this serious illness. Here's what you need to know.
This potentially fatal disease has been cropping up all over the country, especially in places where people congregate or live in close proximity to each other (college dormitories and military barracks).
What causes a meningitis outbreak and how can you protect yourself and your family?
Meningitis is a disease that causes inflammation or swelling of the meninges, the protective lining that covers the brain and spinal cord.
Ethnicity and age account for significant differences in incidence and survivability of certain cancers and how well people respond to standard treatment. So how come more groups aren't being represented in studies?
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other health organizations, the burden of cancer is not equal among individuals in the general population. For example, all other things being equal, race and ethnicity account for significant differences in incidence and survivability of certain cancers and how well people respond to standard treatment.
Cold, damp weather can be tough on joints. To the rescue? Five seasonal don'ts to help you avoid arthritis pain.
Not everyone is affected by changes in the weather, but many women and men with chronic arthritis know immediately when the air is turning chilly and damp. If you're one of those people who can "feel it in your bones," you want to take extra care to stay warm and prevent joint stiffness and pain.
The short, chilly days of the season can easily derail your exercise efforts. Resolve to stay active by bringing your workout inside.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise each week. That's only 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
The guidelines also recommend at least two strength-training sessions each week.
What's the best footwear for osteoarthritis of the knee? Sneakers? Clogs? Flip flops? The answer may surprise you.
If you have osteoarthritis in your knees, you know how hard it can be just to walk from one place to another. With the right shoes, you can reduce pain, be more active, and maybe even help prevent or delay the progression of disease.
Osteoarthritis is the most common disease affecting the knees, and the pain of this condition makes walking difficult and some other forms of physical activity next to impossible.
Brisk walking may be great for cardio health, but interactive video games offer their own benefits too, including improved balance and flexibility.
Active video games—Wii, Dance Dance Revolution, Microsoft Xbox, Sony Playstation—kids love them. These interactive games have users hopping, dancing, jumping, serving, swinging, and generally moving around their family rooms. They're a good way for young ones to work up a little bit of sweat indoors.
If you're living with a pelvic floor disorder, this type of specialist may help.
Gynecologists or primary care physicians can handle most of women's healthcare issues involving the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and other parts of the pelvis. They can even handle most issues involving the bladder. But sometimes, the right specialist for the job is a urogynecologist.
Do chew your food slowly. Do eat a vinegar-dressed salad after your meal. Plus three more stomach-smart ideas.
Though the process is the same, everyone digests food differently. Advice that works for one person doesn't always work for another. But, what about those tips you may have heard over and over. Do they work? We asked Bernadette Armiento, holistic health counselor and founder of ShiningLifeNutrition.
Many programs and resources are available to help provide financial assistance. An expert discusses some of the options.
If you've recently been in the hospital, you may feel overwhelmed by the staggering amount of medical bills for co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles that you owe after your health insurance pays its part.
This is a common situation, according to Nicholas Newsad, MHSA, author of The Medical Bill Survival Guide: Easy, Effective Strategies for People Experiencing Financial Hardship.
You have not only a right, but a responsibility, to communicate with medical staff about the nature of your care.
A hospital stay for you or your loved one can be stressful. You may have unanswered questions or be unsure if you're getting the very best care. But you don't have to sit back and wonder in silence.
The Need for Health Care Advocacy
The health care field has changed significantly over the past decade, according to Clyde Yancy, MD, chief of Cardiology, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, and former president of the American Heart Association.
Which exercise classes are still hot and which are definitely not? Check out our picks.
Fitness fads come and go. Some are classics that are as popular today as they were decades ago. Others are out of style and distant memories.
Still Hot
Jazzercise. It has been around since 1969. The music has changed and so have some of the exercises, but the class itself is still going strong.
Avoid the mid-afternoon slump by sitting up straight, cutting down on carbs, and going for a brisk walk.
Remaining awake and alert all day shouldn't be all that hard, but it takes a rare individual not to succumb to that mid-afternoon slump. But for some, it's much more severe than simply feeling drowsy.
"It's certainly normal to have a little dip of energy during the day," says Shelby Harris, Psy D, CBSM, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program in the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.
You might think that syphillis is no longer a concern, but in fact it's becoming a public health issue once more.
It's an alarming trend, to say the least. The rate of syphilis in the United States is rising, and the sexually transmitted disease is affecting a disproportionate number of young minority gay and bisexual men, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control.
There are five main categories of intense, unrealistic fears about certain things and situations.
If you find yourself feeling intensely anxious and unrealistically fearful in certain situations, you may be living with a phobia.
The most common type of anxiety disorder, a phobia can be so intense that it interferes with an individual's ability to socialize, work, or even get through the day, says Leah Lagos, Psy.
It could be a sign of shifting hormones, elevated stress levels, or something more serious. Here's how to find out what’s going on.
If you've gone a year without any bleeding, then start bleeding again (even if it's just spotting), you're having what's called postmenopausal bleeding. While most of the time it's not a cause for concern, occasionally postmenopausal bleeding can signal serious health problems.
Follow up. Check the fine print. Plus three more tips that may save you some money.
Whether your bills are from a doctor, hospital, medical laboratory, or insurance company, it pays to double check everything and read between the lines.
Take a little time to go over your healthcare bills as soon as they arrive, and address any discrepancies immediately.
Your body has its own way of determining your best weight. Learn how to use this knowledge to your advantage.
If you've been engaged in a long-term, losing battle with your bathroom scale, which seems stuck at the same weight no matter how little you eat, chances are you're feeling a bit defeated. Dieting down to what is considered your "ideal" weight can be fraught with frustration—and failure.
You can still get diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) without having heartburn. Learn the other risk factors.
When you think about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you think heartburn. And yes, that's a classic symptom of reflux, but you can have reflux disease without having heartburn symptoms.
Reflux can affect the larynx and throat, too, not just the esophagus.
Individuals who consume seven or more servings of produce a day tend to enjoy better mental health, says one British study.
It's long been known that a diet heavy in fruits and vegetables can improve your physical health. Now it seems that produce-rich menus correlate with good mental health as well. The study, carried out in conjunction with Dartmouth University in Hanover, NH, examined the produce-eating habits of 80,000 diverse people in Britain.
Ease the discomfort of these contagious blisters with the healing properties of lemon balm, peppermint oil, and echinacea.
Cold sores are blisters that appear on the lips or around the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are different from canker sores, which are non-contagious, bacterial infections inside the mouth.
"Cold sores are highly contagious by touch," explains Dr.
Certain soothing sounds can make a world of difference toward the quality of your sleep, and how you feel when you wake up.
The popularity of nighttime sound machines is a testament to the fact that noise has a profound effect on how well we sleep. The right noises can help you settle down and drift off, while the wrong ones will jar you awake, as anyone who has ever shared a bedroom with a snorer can attest.
Feel invigorated during the darker months with these four expert how-to tips.
The cold, gray days of winter can leave you feeling lethargic. It can be hard to stay enthusiastic and focused in the face of zero-degree wind chills and a dearth of sunlight.
At this time of year, it's more critical than ever that you eat well and maintain good sleep habits in order to power through the season in fine form.
Why does dental health matter? Because there's a clear link between it and the rest of your overall health.
"There's a huge link between systemic health and oral health," explains George Shepley, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). He says that the connection can be traced to the inflammatory response that occurs in periodontal disease and is seen in other conditions as well.
Oral health is key. Make sure your brushing is bringing the best results.
"In our office, we often put a toothbrush in a patient's hand and ask him to show us how [he] brush[es] [his] teeth," explains Ted Sherwin, DDS, FAGD, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. "Having a good tooth brushing technique is that important.
There's an app for that! We checked out tons of free or low-cost smart phone apps and found the very best ones to support your health.
Using your smartphone can be good for your health. It can help you learn how to choose more nutritious foods, lose weight, tone up, avoid gluten, evade food allergies, and help you find a doctor in your area. The right app can make it easier for you to do all of this and more from the comfort of your phone.
You can keep your home cozy without a hefty heating bill. Here's how.
Here are 10 energy saving tips that can help you to reduce your overall energy and heat consumption:
1. Invest in a programmable thermostat. These heating control panels enable you to pre-set the temperature in your home to be lower during hours when you're at work or asleep, and higher when you're up and about.
Are carbs the worst? The best? Or something in between? Get the facts.
Low-carb diets. No-carb diets. Good carbs. Bad carbs. Is it any wonder why people are so confused about carbohydrates? Are they inherently evil and fattening, to be shunned permanently? Or are they a crucial source of fuel that our refrigerators and pantries should never be without?
Myth: All carbs are fattening.
Not all saturated fats are created equal. Learn the potential health benefits, and how to use coconut oil the right way.
Thinking about coconuts may bring to mind softly swaying palm trees, hot white sand, and cool, aqua water—not necessarily good health. However, research on populations who consume large amounts of coconuts find they have low rates of heart disease.
Can you trust calorie labeling? Are certain calories more fattening? Get the facts.
For many of us, calories have come to symbolize overindulgence and are thought of as "bad." Yet you need a certain number of calories to function well.
Myth: Certain types of calories are more fattening than others, such as those from carbs.
Fact: Calories are created equal.
A few shrewd strategies will help you get the nutrients you need without draining your wallet.
Eating healthy on a budget is challenging for anyone who has stepped inside a grocery store lately. Pair that with the limits of food shopping when you suffer from a digestive condition such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease and—well—eating healthy on a budget can seem almost impossible.
Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. And there’s more to know about how these conditions are distinct.
Heartburn is a symptom that's a result of acid reflux and the more severe condition gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD occurs when the lower esophagus gets irritated from the build up of continued acid reflux, explains Frank Gress, MD, chief of the Gastroenterology Division at SUNY-Downstate Medical Center in New York City.
Good night? Not when you have acid reflux. Here's how to take the burn out of sleep time.
So you've avoided trigger foods such as chocolate, coffee, and alcohol, reduced portion sizes at dinner, and stopped snacking late at night to avoid a nightly bout of acid reflux. But as you retire to bed it's still there. Now what?
These behavior modification approaches help make a lot of people feel better and reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Hormone-free meat from humanely-raised animals has surprising benefits.
Meat (love it or leave it) has a good source of protein and iron—nutrients your body needs. All plant and animal cells contain protein, but the amount and the quality varies widely among various foods. Meats such as roast beef, turkey, and chicken breast are considered complete proteins because they contain all nine of the essential amino acids required by the human body to synthesize hormones and enzymes and build, maintain, and repair body tissue.
You know the feeling. You've been lying in bed, unable to fall asleep. Should you try counting more sheep? The answer may surprise you.
According to Dr. Brant Hasler, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Sleep and Chronobiology Center, once you've been lying in bed for 15 or 20 minutes, it's time to get up and do something else. That's right—leave the bed and stop trying so hard.
Get cozy with hearty winter vegetables that are filling, satisfying, and extremely healthy too.
The single-digit temperatures and short, dark days of winter make plenty of people long for a little comfort. And what better way to feed your body and soul than with nourishing seasonal produce? Pick up the foods below and treat yourself to some homemade winter comfort.
Try something new! From kettlebells to resistance bands, these body-toning tools will breathe new life into your workout.
If you're tired of lifting the same old dumbbells and need something new to motivate your strength training routine, go shopping for these tools, toys, and weight options to help you stay toned.
The barbell workout bar looks like a baton, but its unique shape and even distribution of weight throughout the bar's length lends this strength-training tool to all kinds of workouts.
Date night can reconnect you to your special someone, but avoid the letdown of the preconceived romantic ideal. Here's how.
Next time you're feeling a little disconnected from your partner, ask her out for a date. But don't just settle for the routine dinner and a movie. Instead, resolve to spice things up a bit, by doing something a bit out of the ordinary.
"Date nights are an important part of strengthening a marriage," says Lisa Rene Reynolds, Ph.
Menopause affects every woman differently, but there are some symptoms that you won't see coming.
If you're a woman between 45 and 55, chances are you know all too well the most common symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, forgetfulness, night sweats, and insomnia.
But menopause can also bring on other less common symptoms, says Jill Rabin, MD, chief of ambulatory care, obstetrics, and gynecology, and head of urogynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY.
Make the most of each step with these important tips.
Walking for exercise is easy, cheap, and can be done anywhere at any time. Although it's a natural activity that everybody does at some point, don't discount walking's cardio benefits. Prepare and fuel yourself for that walk just as you would if you were going for a bike ride or a run.
Can you focus your workout right on your trouble areas? Yes and no.
If you're not satisfied with certain parts of your body, you may have thought that hundreds of crunches to get six-pack abs or hours of bicep curls to get arms like Michelle Obama's would work. But can it really?
Spot reduction is a way of exercising to lose weight in a specific body part or area.
Far from a tame activity, doing the wash presents a plethora of potential allergy triggers.
A three-year laundry study conducted by scientists from the Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit in Scotland revealed that people who hung up damp clothes to dry inside their homes were releasing excess moisture into the air. In damper and more humid climates, this can encourage mold growth and dust mites.
A new study finds carcinogens in rice. Is there enough detected to cause widespread concern?
Consumer Reports tested rice products and found that more than five dozen rice and rice products contained some level of inorganic arsenic—a carcinogen, according to Reuters.
"The risks associated with long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic include higher rates of some cancers and heart disease," explains Alison Massey, RD, CDE, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
These 5 tips will take you from gym-phobic to gym-savvy.
There are dozens of reasons why going to the gym is the right thing to do, and just as many excuses for why you don't go often enough. One excuse could be that you find the gym or gym members intimidating.
Overcome gym intimidation with these tips:
Fitness Fashion
In a place full of tight-fitting spandex and tummy-baring sports bras, knowing what to wear can be difficult.
From a lazy eye to a speech disorder, it's not too late to address that issue that's been with you since you were a kid. Learn how.
If you were told you'd "grow out of" or "learn to deal with" a childhood condition that impacted your life (but are still dealing with it), it's not too late to make a change. A number of grownups successfully address their "kid stuff" during their 20s, 30s, and well into their later years.
Leave everyday stress behind. We have restorative ideas for every budget.
Want to relieve the stresses of everyday life, add a healthy boost to your physical and emotional wellness, and have fun with your best girlfriends? Healthy girlfriend getaways offer a great way to re-energize, rejuvenate, and reconnect. Whether you're on a shoestring budget or ready for a big splurge, we've got five fun ideas.
Whether you live in a new house, an older house, or in an apartment, your home may present specific allergy challenges.
Did you know that your home's age, type, and style may hold the key to your allergies? Here are some of the factors to consider when it comes to the style of your home and the allergy triggers it contains:
Older Homes
It's no surprise that older homes contain more than their share of allergy triggers.
Adopt these smart tips and the result will be a leaner you.
At its core, shedding pounds comes down to taking in fewer calories than you burn. Sounds simple, right? But for many people, that straight-sounding path to slimness becomes an obstacle course full of thorny detours.
If you just can't seem to get down to your goal weight, try some of these tricks and jump start your weight loss:
1.
If you're looking to get the health benefits of yogurt, taste matters, but other factors do too.
Yogurt has been associated with healthy eating for years—and with good reason.
One eight ounce serving of yogurt contains 138 calories, 275 mg of calcium, eight grams of protein, vitamin B2 and B12, potassium, and magnesium. But there's more.
Take a page from the olden days and get enough rest despite the challenges of today's modern life.
Have you ever wondered if a good night's sleep was more easily achieved a century ago than today? While our basic human need for rest remains the same, the landscape of modern life looks very different than it did 100 or more years ago. And while some developments have made life easier, certain inventions have made it harder to get much-needed rest:
Electronics.
Scale stuck in neutral? You might be missing out on one essential weight-loss ingredient.
If you're still a few pounds shy of your goal weight, consider this: You simply may not be getting enough sleep to achieve the silhouette you're aiming for.
Too many people skimp on rest, and their waistlines reveal it. Diet and exercise do make a difference, of course, but for many folks the missing part of the weight-loss puzzle is adequate sleep.
Depression affects both men and women. But there are key difference in their symptoms.
Although depression strikes both men and women, they differ in prevalence and symptoms. Women are twice as likely to develop depression. Mental health experts estimate that 10 to 20 percent of women will likely suffer from major depression at some point in their lives, compared to less than 10 percent of men.
You can learn to take a break without lighting up. Change the way you relax with these tips.
Ask any ex-smoker, "What's the most challenging thing about quitting?" and she'll certainly mention nicotine withdrawal and cravings. But she may also say the toughest part is simply breaking the habit. Smokers usually link smoking to other activities such as taking a short break at work, savoring a meal, or enjoying a cocktail.
Your gut instinct can guide your health decision-making. Here's how to use intuition the right way.
Most of us have felt it at least once in our lives-that little voice inside our head that says to us, "Watch out" or "You're on the right path." Or maybe we just knew something though we didn't know why and couldn't produce evidence. This feeling is intuition.
Increasing your awareness and pinpointing patterns are just two of the ways keeping a food journal leads to weight loss and better health.
If you're overweight and have high cholesterol, (which puts you at risk for heart disease) keeping track of what you eat for a period of time can help boost your health. You will soon see that you could be consuming too many processed, fatty foods and not eating a steady diet of lean meats, whole grains, and vegetables.
Everyone at every stage benefits from exercise, but it can be intimidating and overwhelming to take the first step. First things first.
You've decided to take control of your health. You've made the commitment to get in shape, improve your heart health, and have an overall sense of well-being. But once you've made the decision that you're really going to do it this time, how do you start exercising—especially if you're seriously out of shape.
There's a myriad of reasons why you breakout and finding the right treatment can be tricky. Here's what to consider.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that contrary to popular belief, acne breakouts can continue or even begin to appear as you get older. Treating breakouts in older skin can be tricky, since you need to ensure that your skin gets adequate moisture.
If someone you care about is plagued by chronic pain, consider sharing these thoughtful gifts.
For someone who lives with chronic pain, simple tools and treatments can provide the ultimate gifts—less pain, reduced stress, and more comfort.
Check out these five pain relief gift ideas and tools for tight muscles:
Gift certificates for massages are always the right size for every body.
Share our strategies for securing healthcare coverage for you and your family.
The stories are frightening: Uninsured individuals who get ill or injured and require medical care are plunged into medical bankruptcy.
Sure it makes sound sense to have health insurance. But job loss, forced early retirement, or a number of other factors, make this an impossible dream for millions of Americans.
Save your skin, nails, lips, and hair with these dermatologist-recommended tips.
Cold wind combined with indoor heating systems at home and work will dry out your skin and hair. The result can be eczema-type rashes, flyaway hair, brittle nails, and chapped lips.
"The cold, dry air acts like a vacuum, suctioning moisture out of these areas," says Jessica J.
Make an informed decision about the hair care products you use.
It may surprise you to know that the majority of ingredients in your hair products don't really do much for your hair—they're there to add fragrance and enhance your hair washing experience. Before you choose your next hair care product, here's a checklist of potentially harmful ingredients to look for on their labels:
Formaldehyde & Methylisothiazolinone
Used for: Preserving shelf-life and reducing bacterial growth.
The key to making an exercise program stick is to find the reason why you want to get fit.
If you're working out to achieve someone else's goals, you won't stick with the program for long. If you know what you want, though, and choose exercise programs that support your own personal fitness goals, you'll make exercise part of your life.
How do you establish fitness goals? Ask yourself a few questions:
What's motivating me to start exercising now? Most people start exercising after they've had a health crisis or received doctor's orders to get fit.
With these tips you won’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership to get in shape.
People are ditching their expensive gym memberships in droves. They're tightening their belts while enjoying a wealth of free and inexpensive fitness opportunities.
Check out these ideas for how to find cheap or free exercise opportunities in your community:
At Home
The cheapest gym in town is right in your own living room.
Pop this pill and you're promised pain-free sugar pang prevention. Quite a perk, but pause, there are possibly potential problems to ponder.
If you're sweet on sweets, you may wish for a pill you could pop that would reduce your appetite for sugar, a supplement that could magically and painlessly curb your appetite. You'd run right out to stock up, right?
Gymnema sylvestre, a supplement sold in health food stores and specialty stores, is believed by some to do just that.
Find out if you're giving your body the nutrition it needs to look its best.
Your body needs 13 essential vitamins to survive, and a deficiency in these could leave you with thinner hair, rough skin, or brittle nails.
There are many vitamin-rich topical treatments available, but the most important way vitamins work is from the inside out.
It's important to know arthritis can strike at any age because early treatment is key.
The word "arthritis" conjures images of old, gnarled hands and grandparents walking with canes, but arthritis isn't just a disease that affects the elderly. Young adults, teens and even children get arthritis too.
There are over a hundred different types of arthritis, a term that simply means "inflammation of the joints.
To reduce your risk of hypertension, take a look at these healthy facts about yogurt.
Want to lower your blood pressure? Adding yogurt to your meals may help, according to one study. Long-term yogurt eaters have lower systolic blood pressure and decreased risk of developing hypertension when compared to individuals who don't eat yogurt, according to a study reported in Medical News Today.
Incorporating these tips into how you eat, shop, and store food will reduce the likelihood of food-borne illnesses in your home.
Avoiding food-borne illnesses requires a few basic skills and some common sense about how to shop for, store, and prepare your foods-and how to clean up after yourself.
The basics—Certain rules apply to all foods
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water not only before you handle food, but after touching meat, eggs or dirty fruits and vegetables and of course, after you use the bathroom.
Bruising occurs when small blood vessels called capillaries are broken because of impact. While rarely serious, they can sometimes be a sign of underlying disease.
Have you ever stepped out of the shower, caught a glimpse of yourself in a full-length mirror, and wondered, "How in the world did I get that?" That would be a bruise, shining purply through your skin in all its glory. You don't remember bumping into or hitting anything.
Combining education, medication, and psychotherapy shows promise.
Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a widely recognized mental health issue in children, for many individuals, ADHD persists into adulthood.
ADHD is characterized by an inability to regulate one's behavior, emotions, and attention.
When it comes to choosing a partner, the nose knows.
Never underestimate the power of your nose when it comes to choosing a partner. Women say a man's scent is the most crucial feature of all when it comes to determining if she would want to have sex with him, according to two large studies by an olfactory expert at Brown University.
What are the key health risks you need to be aware of after a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy?
In the aftermath of a violent storm such as Hurricane Sandy, it's more important than ever to remain on full alert. Potential dangers can lurk everywhere from your roof to your kitchen. Here's how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Food Poisoning Power outages can result in refrigerators and freezers being filled with spoiled food.
Tackle trips with 20 fearless, fuss-free travel tips.
Travel advice for older adults is pretty much the same as for younger people, with a few extra tips about health and safety.
Your primary concern when traveling short or long distances is to stay safe and healthy. And the best way to make sure that happens is to plan ahead.
Compare typical signs of aging to signals that something isn’t quite right.
Everyone ages differently but inevitably, there are wrinkles, gray hairs, "senior moments" of forgetting words that are on the tip of your tongue, and other signs that affect everyone who gets older. Some signs of aging are quite visible, while others are internal and difficult for even a medical professional to detect.
You’re still in the game. And according to one New York psychotherapist, maintaining self-confidence is half the battle.
If active aging is your goal, then eating right, getting enough physical and mental exercise, and keeping your stress levels down are all central to success. And just how successful you are depends a great deal on your physical abilities, psychological state, and the behavior patterns or habits that influence the day-to-day decisions you make.
In the wake of Sandy, be aware of the psychological impact such a disaster can bring.
Manmade and natural disasters certainly test our resilience. In just the last decade or so, we've experienced terrorist attacks, major hurricanes, wars, and now, superstorm Sandy.
Relief efforts for Sandy are in the early stages, and professionals and volunteers are focusing on restoring basic services and fulfilling victims' needs for food, safety, and medical care.
Prevent feeling overcome by the season of stress with these tips.
The holidays generate a mixed bag of emotions for many of us, not the least of which is anxiety. A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that people in the U.S. are more likely to feel stress during the holidays than those in other countries.
Why do these bursts of pain occur? How can you prevent them and address them quickly when they come on?
Nobody knows exactly what causes a muscle spasm or a "charley horse." We don't even know how it got the name, but everyone recognizes it when they get one. Here's the low-down on what to do when a muscle spasm comes to you.
It's a muscle contraction that comes on suddenly, tightening muscle fibers to the point of extreme pain.
You could be undermining your workout without even realizing it.
Are you really giving your workout 100 percent? Or do you sometimes sabotage yourself by engaging in one of these four bad habits?
1. You Sell Yourself Short
Instead of challenging yourself at most workout sessions, you take it easy too often. Sure, any exercise is good exercise, but the key to advancing your fitness goals is to incrementally challenge yourself to work harder and get stronger.
These smart strategies offer a proven path to slimming down.
You've laid out your daily meal plan and stuck to it dutifully—until the mid-afternoon munchies hit. Here are some ways you can stay full without the need to add extra calories.
Go For Volume
It may seem counterintuitive, but you can eat more of certain foods and still shed pounds.
It sounds good with benefits like weight loss, diabetes prevention, and better heart health, but looks can be deceiving.
While it sounds like another fad, proponents of the Paleolithic Diet (also known in some circles as the Primal Diet) maintain it has existed since the time of early man. According to thePaleoDiet.com, the diet seeks to "[mimic] the types of foods every single person on the planet ate prior to the Agricultural Revolution," which include "fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and seafood.
To polish your look, choose the right eyelash thickening and lengthening method for you.
Worried that your eyelashes seem light, short, or too fine? You're not alone. The practice of eyelash enhancing dates back hundreds of years. Luckily there are many modern options.
Eyelash Anatomy
Eyelashes are designed to help protect your eyes. Most people have 100-150 lashes that are more coarse and pigmented than the hair on your scalp.
If used incorrectly, one luxury car feature could do permanent damage to your skin.
If you crank up your car seat heater, you should take note of a study published in the Archives of Dermatology that reveals a downside to this luxury feature. Doctors have discovered that car seat heaters can mark your skin—for life.
Erythema ab igne (aka EAI) is a condition caused by chronic exposure to infrared radiation.
Treat your hair to healthy solutions that really work and save money when you make your own treatments.
Did you know that the following contents typically found in your kitchen could help your hair?
Apple Cider Vinegar
An excellent clarifying solution, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can be diluted in water and applied to hair after conditioning.
These inspiring facts could mean the difference between the idea of working out in the AM and really doing it.
Want to feel more energetic in the morning? A cup of coffee may be a non-negotiable part of your a.m. routine, but something else you should try is exercise.
If the thought of breaking a sweat when you're barely alert makes you want to crawl back under the covers, consider the following reasons for lacing up your sneakers early in the day:
1.
Have you experienced these? Some are notable but harmless and others could require medical treatment.
For some people, the wee hours are anything but restful. Here's a rundown of some of the wackiest sleep-related behaviors that can occur, and what to do about them:
1. Sleepeating
Imagine waking in the morning and discovering that you had raided the fridge—maybe more than once.
When the need for salty, sweet, crunchy, or greasy takes over, turn to this guide of healthy choices.
Crunchy, salty, sweet, creamy, and greasy—that's what most people crave when they feel the need to indulge.
So, what are some healthy choices you can make when your cravings call? Check out our list of healthy options to keep from sabotaging your healthy diet.
In order to grow, you have to be honest with yourself. Here's how to get back on track.
Nearly everyone is guilty of being less than honest with themselves at some point. It's an easy behavior to fall into, and can be a hard habit to break.
"Lying to yourself is a defense mechanism, designed to help keep us going when things get tough," says Tina B Tessina, Ph.
At a certain point during menopause contraception is no longer needed. But take this information into account.
Whether you're on the pill, have an IUD, or use some other form of contraception, practicing birth control can be a nuisance. Depending upon what method you choose, there can be side effects. It costs money. And if you use condoms, it certainly might dampen spontaneity in the bedroom.
A plant extract from Asia may help treat eczema, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
An ancient Chinese herbal medication, used for centuries to treat fever and malaria, is finding a new purpose in a modern Harvard research lab. This could be good news for people living with rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions.
Researchers at...
Here's your room-by-room guide to creating a safe and comfortable home environment for your loved one.
When it comes to providing well-designed products and environments for older people, manufacturers have always focused on safety. While that is still the first and foremost consideration, physical and emotional comfort is also becoming a priority.
Many hospitals, emergency rooms, hospices, and senior housing facilities are building and modifying their premises to make life easier and more accommodating so their elderly patients can reside in safe and comfortable surroundings.
Whether it's a romantic, familial, or friendly union, these red flags signal danger ahead.
Nearly all relationships—whether with your spouse, your co-workers, or your friends—go through some bumpy times. But sometimes, a relationship can be so toxic that it simply may not be worth continuing.
Here are some tips for how to spot negative patterns in relationships.
What are the options when you've decided that your family is complete?
When you are truly certain that you don't want to ever be pregnant again, permanent birth control may be worth considering. It buys you peace of mind, means you can be more spontaneous about your sex life, and can be a great choice for those who've completed their family.
Don't get bogged down in the fallacies about lupus. Get the facts here.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease with vague and diverse symptoms. Not surprisingly, this means it's difficult to accurately diagnose and fraught with misconceptions. Here are a few false beliefs, along with the facts.
Anyone can have lupus. This is true.
You probably visit public restrooms, the bank, or a coffee shop nearly every day. Disinfect and prevent the spread of germs and illnesses with these simple tips.
Are you doing all you can to avoid the spread of germs? Follow these common sense rules and tips to protect yourself from making the most bacteria-filled mistakes while out on the town.
Mistake # 1: Don't sneeze into your own hands and then touch something others will touch.
Put these important protections in place to help ensure the safety of your aging loved ones.
Most people don't like to think about their parents becoming more fragile and being unable to fend for themselves. But as they age, the reality is that they could need your assistance with a variety of health issues. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you're also struggling to keep up with your own responsibilities.
By studying how colon cancer cells metastasize, German researchers have uncovered a potential new approach to treating this cancer.
German researchers at Technische Universität München's (TUM) Klinikum rechts der Isar and Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen may have uncovered a potential new approach to cancer treatment. The research study was published in the journal Cancer Cell.
Consider three sizeable arguments against soda, and diet soda too. Plus, sip on replacement thirst quenchers.
Next time you want to quench your thirst, how about foregoing the soda and other sugary drinks and instead down a tall glass of cold water or another healthy alternative? Your body may thank you later.
There's been much attention in recent years focused on the negative effects of sugary drinks.
Do you regularly bite your nails or use mouthwash in place of floss? Your pearly whites could be paying the price.
Your teeth were built to last a lifetime. That is, unless you treat them poorly. Are you guilty of any of these offenses?
Crunching ice. They may be called chompers, but teeth aren't made to crush solid objects like ice. The American Dental Association advises against biting and chewing hard objects such as ice and hard candy.
Armed with this information, work with your doctor to determine the best medications for your needs.
If you have high cholesterol and diet and exercise aren't getting your levels back into the safety zone, your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol medication to help you get the situation under control.
Goals of Cholesterol Medications
There are a number of different types of prescription cholesterol treatments currently on the market.
If you've ever considered preserving fruits and vegetables, get a quick overview of what it takes.
Canning, which means preserving food in metal cans or glass jars, can be a great way to save money and maintain foods' nutrients for far longer than would normally be possible. Imagine savoring the sweetness of a peach in the dead of winter, or having homemade jam to spread on your toast every morning.
You do them every day, but what's the real deal behind these bodily functions?
The human body is a fascinating machine capable of accomplishing complex tasks ranging from the physical, running a marathon; to the intellectual, solving math proofs; to the emotional, maintaining deep personal connections with others.
No other creature on the planet is able to achieve what humans can, and yet it is some of the simpler, more innocuous actions that are the most captivating.
Learn what this intense exercise regimen has to offer and why it's wildly popular.
Imagine this: You enter a windowless garage. The air is saturated with the must of sweat and the sound of barbells clamoring to the floor. While this may sound more like a scene from Rocky or Arnold Schwarzenegger's Pumping Iron, for many Americans, it is a recurring image.
You can grab a few z's on your bus or train ride, but what the downside of doing so?
If you've ever commuted by public transportation, you understand the temptation to close your eyes and catch a few winks. Whether you rise before dawn to catch the train to the city or make the last bus home after an evening meeting, chances are you're tired as you travel.
An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year and 28 and 50 percent will die from the infection. Who's at risk for sepsis, and what can be done to prevent it?
An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year—and 28 and 50 percent of these people will die from the infection.
What's more, the number of patients being treated for sepsis has increased at an increasingly staggering cost—$17 billion dollars a year—due to a prolonged hospital stay to treat the condition.
There's a lot that happens when you experience an adrenaline rush from working out. Zoom in on your amazing body chemistry.
Your body experiences a rush of hormones that start a domino effect that helps you fight strong, run fast, and feel a surge of energy to power you through your workout.
Adrenaline (also called epinephrine) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys.
Industrialized society has come a long way when it comes to nutrition. Or has it?
Modern society has come a long way from the foraging, uncivilized lives of our hunter-gatherer ancestors 10,000 years ago. Not only are we at far greater risk of being attacked by a saber-toothed tiger, but we have medicine to combat infection, well-constructed houses to protect us from the weather, and food readily available to stave off hunger.
For most people, getting enough exercise is a major challenge. For some, it's a dangerous obsession. Here are the danger signs.
Exercise bulimia, also known as compulsive exercise, is a lot like an eating disorder, but instead of vomiting or using laxatives, people with exercise bulimia spend hour after hour working out. But isn't exercising a good thing? Not for people who exercise themselves to death.
You see generics and store brands at your supermarket and you may wonder if those products measure up. Here's the scoop.
Generic products, or store brands, often taste the same, are made with the same ingredients, and cost less. Sometimes generic products are even made by the same company that makes the brand name products. What's not to like?
Generic, store brand, and premium store-brand food products that mimic popular name brand foods can be found in all large supermarkets.
If you sleep very little at night and take long afternoon naps to try to compensate, a technique known as Sleep Restriction Therapy could be for you.
If you've got insomnia, you've probably given in to the urge to take a daytime nap. The problem with allowing yourself a little afternoon snooze is that it perpetuates the cycle of difficult sleep. Getting just enough daytime to rest to take the edge off your exhaustion means you'll be less motivated to sleep at night.
A diagnosis of breast cancer is not as straightforward as you might imagine (or hope). There are several different types of breast cancer, some more serious than others. Get the facts.
We can categorize types of breast cancers in several ways: By where they originate, by whether the cancer cells are isolated to one area or have spread, and by the tumor's hormonal status.
Origins of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer typically begins in the lobes, lobules, or ducts of the breast.
Almost any tumor can metastasize, although not all cancers do. When a cancer spreads, or metastasizes, it is often more aggressive than the primary tumor.
The primary benefit of cancer screening is to catch cancers before they spread, or metastasize, and become more difficult to treat.
Almost any tumor can metastasize, although not all cancers do. For example, according to the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, in developed countries such as the U.
It has nothing to do with flying and everything to do with your sleep schedule on weekdays vs. weekends. See if you match the pattern.
If you're like many people, you have a set bedtime and wakeup time from Monday through Friday. On weekends, however, anything goes. The problem is this: If you go to bed and get up at different times on different days, you may suffer the side effects of a phenomenon known as social jet lag.
A morning shower to shake off grogginess or a sleep-inducing shower before bed? Our experts weigh in.
Do you have a favorite time of day to shower, or do you grab the opportunity whenever it arises?
Lots of people feel they don't come to full alertness until after a morning shower, but if you have trouble falling asleep at night, you may want to put off your daily cleansing ritual until evening.
Pick fashionable pain-preventing purses and bags. Follow these tips to avoid undue strain.
Wondering if your bag could be the cause of your chronic pain? You may be right. Carrying bags that are too heavy or poorly designed can put pressure on the neck and shoulders.
Unless you're going to switch to an ergonomically designed backpack—and most of us are too fashion-conscious to make that concession—a bag is always going to place uneven weight distribution across your shoulders.
Left-side snoozers live differently than those who sleep on the right. What's the deal?
If you're one of those people who must sleep on a particular side of the bed, you're not alone. For many folks, it's entirely possible to get up on the wrong side of the bed. But does your personal preference reveal certain things about your personality? An unscientific study by a British hotel chain maintains that it does.
Meditation can be done almost anywhere at any time, costs nothing, and could make a positive impact on your sleep.
If you suffer from insomnia, you might consider meditation as a sleep aid. This ancient practice centers on clearing your mind of intrusive thoughts and attaining a deep state of relaxation and self-awareness.
While meditation is not a scientifically proven way to get more sleep, studies do suggest that it helps.
Here's an easy exercise to try if your brain keeps buzzing when you lie down to sleep at night.
If you're like many people, you climb into bed at night with a brain that's still buzzing from all the worries of the day. Instead of relaxing and letting go, you stress over work projects that aren't finished, realize that you still haven't bought peanut butter for the kids' lunches, and wonder exactly what that weird noise is that your car is making.
Electronic communication is changing the way doctors exchange information with their patients and with each other. What does this mean for you?
Telemedicine—the exchange of medical information using the internet or other information technology—allows physicians to quickly and directly transfer medical records, x-rays, and lab results from one site to another, consult with specialists...
It's so hard to give up your furry family member due to serious allergies. Make sure your pet goes to the right home.
No one wants to give up a pet, but if you're at risk for having a life-threatening allergic reaction, this decision may be inevitable. It's difficult to make this sacrifice, but you can take some of the bite out of the situation by finding the best new environment your animal will thrive.
You don't need a lot of gear, but a few choice tools will help you cook your healthy best.
No matter how luxurious or basic your kitchen is, it's hard to eat well unless you have the proper tools.
The good news is that you need only a handful to turn out beautiful, good-for-you dishes. Here are seven things no health-conscious cook should be without:
1.
Congratulations on reaching your goal weight! Now the hard part: keeping it off. Here's how to do it.
You've done it—you've reached your goal weight! Now that you've invested in a new wardrobe and updated your Facebook profile picture, how can you make sure you don't regain the pounds you worked to lose?
The truth is that it's actually easier to drop weight than it is to keep it off.
Here are 10 simple steps to dramatically reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury for you or someone you love.
Head injuries due to falls, car accidents, bicycle accidents, and athletic mishaps can result in irreparable brain damage. That's why prevention is always the best medicine.
When the brain is injured, there is always some damage that cannot be treated or repaired.
Here's how doctors use tests, questionnaires, and direct interviews to confirm an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Diagnosing Alzheimer's is tricky because so many of the symptoms resemble those of other forms of dementia and even what is considered normal aging. But according to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, it is now possible for doctors to identify the disease with up to 90 percent accuracy.
It can occur from low blood sugar, dehydration, or even standing up too quickly. So how do you know when passing out is something to worry about?
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness and muscle control. Fainting itself usually doesn't cause injury. The danger comes when someone falls down and hits her head or another body part, leading to injury.
The most common cause of fainting is a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Diabetes raises the risk of complications for mother and baby. Here's how to help have a healthy pregnancy.
You've decided you want to become a mom and are hoping to become pregnant soon. But if you have diabetes, it's important your blood sugar is under control before you even try to conceive. "Your level of glycemic control will really dictate how well the pregnancy goes," says Cynthia Gyamfi, MD, an OB/GYN at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
If you make the right choice, your dressing can increase your nutrient absorption. Here's how to make a smart selection.
We've all heard the news that low-calorie salads turn into high-calorie meals when we load on lots of salad dressing. As a result, many salad eaters have turned to lowfat dressings or no dressing at all to enjoy their greens and get their vitamins without loading up on fats.
Feeling parched? Reach for these super drinks that support your gray matter.
Dehydration can do a number on your brain cells. Drinking the wrong beverage can, too. The good news is that boosting your intake of nutritious, thirst-quenching drinks can boost your ability to think clearly, age better, and fight off diseases that can affect the brain.
Here are the red flags when it comes to this all-too-common issue, as well as what to do to combat discrimination.
You've worked hard all of your life and had a rewarding career. Now, you suddenly find yourself out of work and can't seem to land a new job. Is the tight job market to blame or could you be a victim of age discrimination? Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference, but if you're middle age or older, you might have to consider the possibility that your many years of experience are actually being held against you.
To preserve your vision and keep your eyes healthy as you get older, take note of these warning signs.
Nothing announces middle age quite like whipping out a pair of reading glasses in a restaurant so you can read a menu. Our eyes-like the rest of our bodies-change as a natural consequence of aging. The lenses become cloudy and less flexible which make focusing a challenge, and dryness is often an issue.
That little shaker found on every restaurant table might hold the power to rev up your weight-loss efforts. Here's how.
A recent study shows that black pepper, far from being merely a tasty accompaniment to salt, may actually interfere with the body's production of fat cells.
Researchers at several universities in Korea discovered that a compound in black pepper called piperine significantly inhibits the formation of new fat cells.
There's something very satisfying about crisp, crunchy textures. These tasty bites will fulfill your yearn to crunch.
1. Roasted Edamame
You may be familiar with edamame from Japanese restaurants, where they're often served steamed. But these immature soybeans really shine when laid out on a pan, spritzed with oil, salted, and roasted until crispy. You'll never believe these addictive little poppers are loaded with not only vitamins and minerals, but also fiber and a hefty dose of protein.
There are a bunch of pluses to choosing this gluten-free option. See how it stacks up.
The gluten-free food trend is going strong. A quick scan of grocery store shelves' feature gluten alternatives such as brown rice, corn, quinoa, potatoes, and soybeans, but grocers may need to make more room soon—for products made from green bananas.
Oh, go ahead, let your mind wander. Did you know it's actually good for your mental health?
If while in a meeting you find yourself staring out the window fantasizing about your upcoming vacation, or thinking about how glorious your post-work yoga class will be, you may be considered a bit of a daydreamer. For the most part, daydreaming has a bad wrap—teachers labeled it as "not paying attention" or a lack of mental discipline.
Keeping your hands clean is key, but using hand sanitizer isn't always the best option.
Staying health may be as simple as keeping your hands clean. In fact, experts say remembering to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly is the single most important way to stay health. Researchers estimate that routine hand washing is so effective it could prevent a million deaths per year since about 80 percent of infections are spread through hand contact.
Get your A.M. workout started on the right foot by avoiding these common pitfalls.
There are countless reasons why exercising first thing in the morning is a great idea. You start your day off with an energizing, positive activity that revs up your metabolism. You knock something important off your to-do list and it boosts your mood for the entire day.
It's enough to make your skin crawl. They're teeming with bacteria and viruses, and you probably touched at least one of them today.
Pesky germs lurk on common surfaces, just waiting to make you sick. While no area is free of germs, there are heavily trafficked spots that can especially crawl with bacteria and viruses. But even less-traveled areas can also rate high on the germy scale.
This excellent cardiovascular workout also builds upper and lower body strength, and helps strengthen bones. And that’s only the beginning.
Jumping rope is a heart pumping, calorie burning powerhouse exercise. It's portable, affordable, and challenging. All you need to get started is an inexpensive jump rope and some clear space. Jump rope has come a long way since grade school. Any length of rope will do, but plastic and beaded ropes hold their shape better than cloth ropes and cost less than $20.
You can eat out on a budget and eat healthy at the same time. Just remember these tricks.
Sure, you can find coupons and two-for-one sales in newspapers and online to get discounts at all types of restaurants—and you should take advantage of these savings. But instead of waiting for a special deal, you can eat out almost anywhere, on any day, and get more nutritious meals by spending less money.
What are the types, causes, risk factors, and treatments of this hard to control, and sometimes embarrassing, condition?
Urinary incontinence is the formal name for the inability to control urinary leakage and it's a common problem among many women. Some men also suffer from incontinence. Common risk factors for incontinence include aging, pregnancy, being overweight, prostate problems, smoking, and taking certain medications.
Each pound counts. Even if you have a long way to go, check out the positive difference you'll make from losing a few pounds.
Losing excess weight is not an all-or-nothing proposition. So if you're stalled somewhere above your goal, remember that the handful of pounds you've already lost still count toward good health.
If 30 pounds gone would be ideal, 10 gone is still an achievement.
Dangers can lurk anywhere from the ball game to the dentist's office. Here's how to protect yourself.
Here are five common settings where food allergies and other allergens can put you at risk. Use these tips to help you navigate through each situation safely:
1. Picnic in the Park
Your family picnic at the local park can quickly take a turn for the worst if you have food allergies.
Walking is great exercise. Here's how to turn up the intensity to burn more calories with every step.
Walking is nature's original fitness plan and almost everyone's first form of exercise. But there's walking—and then there's walking—the kind that power-burns calories, super-tones muscles, and makes you sweaty.
Before you start speed walking, consider buying a build up walking shoe.
Natural lenses in your eye become less flexible over time, resulting in blurry vision. Here's what to know about choosing reading glasses.
Sometime after age 40, you may notice it getting harder and harder to read the fine print. It's a condition known as presbyopia, it happens to everyone to some degree, and the good news is it's easy to correct.
As you age, the lenses in your eyes age with you, becoming stiff and less flexible.
Some researchers say that certain fats in coconut oil help slow cognitive decline, but others feel the jury is still out.
Some researchers are saying coconut oil might safely and effectively improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Coconut oil is a good source of fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These types of fats are broken down by the liver into ketones, which can supply quick energy to the brain in the absence of carbohydrates.
To be a responsible partner, it's imperative to know if you have any communicable diseases, but when it comes to testing at home, there are pros and cons.
An estimated 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea occur each year in the U.S., making sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) a major public health concern. Close to half of all cases occur in young people between 15 and 24 and, when left untreated or treated late, grave physical and psychological consequences can result.
It isn't an easy condition to diagnose. Here's how to discern if your drinking habits, or those of someone you love, are becoming problematic.
You love having a glass of wine at dinner or kicking back with a beer while watching TV at night. Lately, though, that one glass is becoming two, and the beer tastes so good it's hard to stop at one. Is there any way to know whether the alcoholic beverage you enjoy every night is a problem? Could you be gradually drifting over the line between enjoyment and abuse where alcohol is concerned?
Alcohol use disorders are bona fide medical conditions.
When it comes to a quick fix, success on the scale may come at the expense of your digestive health.
Many studies have found that if you lose more than two pounds a week, you are setting yourself up for failure. "I realize a lot of people are successful at losing more than that a week and keeping it off, but I can tell you that the healthiest way to lose—and maintain weight—is to lose no more than a pound a week," says Frank P.
It's not just heartburn. Here are the real telltale signs of this digestive disorder.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (or GERD) is a fairly common ailment, affecting some 7 million people in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More than 50 percent of those afflicted with GERD are between the ages of 45 and 64, both male and female.
Soothe your stomach with these simple solutions.
"Nausea is a symptom, and you can't treat symptoms effectively unless you know the basis for the symptom," says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory (Basic Health Publications). Common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and mal-digestion.
Stress leads to the behaviors that bring on heartburn, but our tips can quell the flames and help you cope.
Stress itself does not cause heartburn. There is data that suggests you produce more acid when you're under stress, but reflux is not so much a problem with stomach acid, it's a problem with acid in the wrong place—the esophagus instead of in the stomach.
If you drive or ride in a car, read this. And share it with those you love.
It can happen to anyone. All it takes is a nano-second of distraction for a collision to occur. You didn't see it coming or perhaps he didn't notice you in time. And though it may sound like the stuff of suburban legend, statistics show that most traffic accidents occur close to home.
A workout partner can motivate you to reach your fitness goals. And a virtual buddy can be just as effective in keeping you on track.
It's tough to stay motivated about exercise. It helps to have someone to cheer you on, challenge you, and keep you honest. That's why having an exercise buddy is the best way to keep your fitness goals on track. But it's also tough to find someone with similar fitness goals and a workout schedule that meshes with your own.
Your body temperature is set on a cycle. Understanding how it works can help you manage it.
Are you always reaching for a sweater during the day, no matter what the weather, but find yourself uncomfortably warm at night? Or is it the opposite—you're one of those people who can't seem to cool off except while you're sleeping? And how come your body just can't seem to get in synch and keep you comfortable no matter what the time of day or night?
The underlying reason for these discrepancies is that our body temperatures fluctuate depending on the time of day.
A groundbreaking treatment to curb nicotine cravings is in the works. Find out how this new vaccine works.
Are you one of the 1 in 5 Americans who's addicted to cigarettes and can't seem to quit despite the fact that smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths? If so, learn more about a new type of nicotine vaccine that's now in the testing stage.
Creating a Gene Therapy Vaccine
This vaccine is being developed by scientists at New York City's Weill Cornell Medical College and incorporates cutting edge gene therapy techniques that have been effective in preventing other health conditions.
Ouch! Ease those sharp muscle spasms, and try these preventative tips including keeping hydrated.
If you've had a muscle cramp or spasm, you know how painful they can be. While they're generally harmless, a severe cramp can temporarily incapacitate the affected muscle leaving you in pain and unable to move freely.
So, why do they occur? The Mayo Clinic states that a muscle cramp is "a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles.
If you work at a desk, you run the risk of various muscle, joint, and tendon problems. Keep the aches and pains at bay with these tips.
If you work behind a desk all day, you're at an increased risk for lower back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and various strains to your muscles, joints, and tendons. Try these tips to protect your body and keep your head focused on your work instead of nagging aches and pains.
Heartburn is just heartburn, right? Maybe. Long-term esophagus irritation increases your risk of some serious conditions and diseases.
Long-term, untreated heartburn may become a life-threatening condition such as esophageal cancer. Rates of esophageal cancer in the United States have risen in recent decades—does having GERD increase your risk?
A recent Danish study found that long-term irritation of the lining of the esophagus may increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer.
If your stomach disagrees with typical barbecue favorites, try these best bites.
Here are eight ways to get your grill on:
The Best Beverage: Water
If you have acid reflux, the best thing you can drink is bottled water—alkaline water if possible. "Many reflux suffers steer clear from soda because of the acidity, but what many don't realize is bottled iced tea and enhanced waters, are profoundly acidic," says Jamie Koufman, MD, co-author of Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure (www.
Some of the biggest threats to your pet's health and safety could already be in your home and yard.
Here are five common household items that seem harmless, but could be very dangerous if ingested by a dog or a cat:
1. Yard Treatments: While cocoa mulch can be good for your lawn, this sweet smelling item, made from cocoa bean shells, can be toxic to animals.
More people are experiencing serious vision problems and even blindness. Learn the risks and what you can do.
Troubling numbers recently revealed at the Prevent Blindness America "Focus on Eye Health Summit" held in Washington, D.C., in June (2012) suggest that vision problems and blindness are plaguing the population.
Consider these statistics:
2,069,403 people age 50 and older have late age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a 25 percent increase.
Looking to add more summer fun in the great outdoors? Be sure to bring these items with you when you spend the night al fresco.
Why should kids in summer camp have all the fun? If you're looking for a refreshing change in your routine, one that may give you better rest and a happier outlook, you should consider spending a night or two out under the stars communing with nature.
Weight gain after menopause isn't inevitable. Here's what you can do.
Reaching menopause has a lot of benefits, but gaining weight may not be seen as one of them.
The extra pounds are likely a result of your body's natural aging process, which causes muscle loss. Another cause of extra pounds? Hormonal changes. Estrogen is naturally stored in fat cells but during perimenopause and menopause, estrogen supplies dwindle.
You've heard it's good. You've heard it's bad. But new research reveals that coffee could actually lower your death risk.
A recent study conducted by researchers from the National Institutes of Health—published in the New England Journal of Medicine—suggests that coffee may lower your risk of dying from chronic diseases.
The study tracked coffee drinking habits of more than 400,000 Americans between the ages of 50 and 71 from 1995 to 2008, Health.
Redecorating your kitchen or dining room with these hues could benefit your waistline.
Certain colors could evoke certain moods in people and could also affect the appetite.
Want to trim down? Go with blue walls and accents, say color therapists. The reason is that blue is not a food found naturally, other than in the case of blueberries and a few varieties of bluish potatoes, and so it fails to excite the taste buds.
For your best digestive health, there are additional nutrients that can help.
Foods, nutrients, and lifestyle habits are important factors that keep you and your digestive system healthy.
Here's a list of foods and nutrients and their role in the digestive system:
Getting Your Fill of Fiber
First and foremost, you need to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, says Lisa Schnepp, RD, Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, Indiana, affiliated with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
It's a good option for pets with allergies or other special needs. Before you make your own pet food, what should you know?
Making your own pet food can be especially good for pets with allergies and special health needs, and this option is a good way to avoid any risk of contamination in commercial blends.
Yet homemade pet food can also be time intensive and the process comes with its own set of complications.
Listen. Stay calm. Ask questions. Follow these tips to benefit from feedback and not just become defensive.
Being criticized is a part of life that everyone needs and no one likes. Criticism is essential to intellectual growth and self-improvement. If teachers refrained from commenting on your essays and tests, it would stunt improvement in the classroom.
Without parents applauding their children's good behavior and condemning misbehavior, many would have difficulty learning right from wrong.
If you spend enough time at the gym, you'll recognize them on sight. Some are annoying and some are inspiring. Are you on the list?
1. Chatty Cathy. She talks on her cell phone, to her friends, during yoga class and while sitting on the weight machine everyone is waiting for. Being able to carry on a conversation when you're exercising is how you know you're not pushing too hard, but non-stop conversations (or more than a moment on your cell) are just bad gym etiquette.
Wonder why your leaky bladder is worse some days and better others? The answer could be in your everyday choices.
The diet and incontinence link is strong. However, it's often not just the specific food and beverage choices you make but also how much you have, and when you have it that can be to blame. Pay attention to your daily habits and see how they relate to your uncontrollable urges or bladder leakage.
Ever notice that skin issues intensify during times of stress? This innovative approach may help.
Ever noticed that breakouts intensify during times of stress? Millions of people suffer from chronic skin ailments that don't respond to traditional treatments. If you have a hard-to-heal skin problem, the emerging field of psychodermatology may be able to help you find relief.
Each person has different needs when it comes to smoking cessation. Use these strategies to make it work for you.
Here are four philosophies/tips to quit smoking that can be helpful to remember. They can help you stay strong in your efforts to stop smoking once and for all.
1. One size doesn't fit all.
Each person has different needs when it comes to smoking cessation efforts.
Although they exist to treat medical problems and make us well, hospitals are some of the noisiest, least restful places to be. And all that noise can impair recovery.
If you're recovering from a major illness or surgery, you need as much rest as you can get. Those lucky enough to recuperate at home will probably find the quiet conducive to healing. But those stuck in the hospital are not so fortunate.
A recent small study conducted by experts at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found that hospital noise can be a significant disrupter of crucial rest.
Research exposes a workplace danger that could contribute to childhood asthma.
You go to great lengths to make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats a balanced diet, and avoids second-hand smoke. Yet even your best attempts at healthy living may not be enough to prevent him from developing asthma. This could be because your efforts are coming a little too late.
Vitamin D is essential for your health, and most of us don't get enough. But is it safe to increase your dose through sunshine?
There are drawbacks from getting vitamin D from foods and from the sun. So which one is has lesser consequences?
Scientists agree that sufficient vitamin D is needed for you to maintain good health, and the primary source of vitamin D occurs when your skin is exposed to the sun's UV rays.
You hear something's good for you, and tomorrow you hear it's bad. Here's how to solve the puzzle when it comes to health claims.
One day aspirin is good for you; the next day's report says it's linked to some sort of rare disease. If you follow medical news closely, it's not that surprising to find contradictory or conflicting information during the same week's news. Trying to stay on top of medical information—and use it to improve your health—can be quite challenging.
Sleep is essential for health. Here's what's most important to strive for when trying to rest.
Getting your z's in many ways makes you invincible since sleep is essential for your mind and body to operate at full capacity. Research has shown that too little sleep results in more accidents on the road and at home, daytime sleepiness, concentration difficulties, poor job and school performance, increased weight gain, and health issues.
From basic looks to dramatic statements, here's the step-by-step to easily enhance your natural beauty.
Eye makeup can be tricky—it needs to be appropriate for the occasion, on-trend, and flattering to your face.
Basic Eye Makeup Technique
Begin eye makeup application with a base layer of primer or concealer. If you're using multiple shades of shadow, apply the lightest shade all over the lid and under the brow bone with any soft, angled-tip brush.
Don't let dryness hamper your tresses. Revive your hair's moisture with these smart and easy tips.
Whether your hair is chronically parched or simply fried from the sun or from over-styling, there are things you can do to help bring it back to life. Here are some options for dealing with dry hair:
Skip the Shampoo. Most of us wash our hair too often.
Experts say music can motivate your workout. Here's how to take your fitness playlist to the next level.
One of your best, most motivating workout tools is your playlist. But what do you do when you've heard those tunes one time too many?
It's hard enough to find time to exercise, not to mention time to research and download new music to keep your workout fresh.
On the menu? Exciting ethnic meals that will please the palate and promote healthy digestion.
The next time you're heading out for date night, or dinner with friends and family, choose one of these good-for-you cuisines.
Here, we've highlighted the healthy qualities of four popular ethnic cuisines. One catch: "Even the healthy foods characteristic of these cuisines can become problems when eaten in excess," says Lisa Schnepp, RD, Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, Indiana, affiliated with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
What are the risks on both sides? And what are the latest findings?
Pregnancy can be wonderful and exciting. But if you have asthma, you may wonder if it's safe for you to continue using your asthma medications without putting your unborn child at risk for birth defects.
Exploring the Risk of Birth Defects
The latest medical guidelines recommend that women should continue taking their asthma medications to control their condition throughout their entire pregnancy.
Diabetics are twice as likely to experience hearing loss. Take steps to protect yourself.
If you have diabetes, you're twice as likely to experience hearing loss as someone without the disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. And individuals with pre-diabetes are also at risk: It's believed that the incidence of hearing loss among the 79 million adults with prediabetes is nearly one third higher than it is among those who don't have the condition.
Here's how to get a carb-like experience minus the empty carbs.
Love bread, fries, and pasta? You're not alone. Carbohydrates remain one of the things that people looking to shed pounds find hardest to give up. After all, it's not as much fun to eat a plain burger with a knife and fork as it is to put it inside a fluffy bun and devour it with your hands.
It's used to everything from trucks to generators, but it's now clear diesel fumes are tied to cancer. What can you do about it?
In 1988, the International Association for Cancer Research (IARC) classified diesel exhaust as a "probable carcinogen to humans." In 2012, it stopped hedging its bets and dropped the "probable."
A large study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found an increase in the risk of death from lung cancer among underground miners exposed to diesel fumes.
Statistics paint a worrisome picture when it comes to aging Americans and mental illnesses like depression.
According to an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, roughly 5.6 to 8 million (1 in 5) older Americans have at least one mental health and substance abuse condition. Depressive disorder and dementia-related behavioral and psychiatric symptoms are the most common.
There are real health consequences when this finds its way into your bedroom.
Why does even subtle light have such a disruptive influence on your sleep/wake cycles? Your body regulates itself via a natural hormone called melatonin that's manufactured in the brain's pineal gland. Melatonin is secreted in the evening, causing sleepiness, and levels stay high throughout the night to keep you asleep.
Is there something dangerous in the air? Researchers are getting to the heart of the matter.
There are days, especially hot and smoggy summer days in the city, when you might step outside and wonder whether the "fresh" air you're breathing is safe. Doctors and researchers wonder the same thing. And more and more often, their research shows that there are times when the answer is "no".
A revised version of CPR involving only chest compressions is now recommended by the American Heart Association. Here's what to do.
Studies show that most people would not perform mouth-breathing CPR if they saw someone collapse. The good news for would-be heroes is that the American Heart Association now recommends a life-saving version of CPR requiring only your hands. So all you need to do to help someone suffering from cardiac arrest is to perform chest compressions.
It seems simple, but some senior residences are making a bold move with this treatment practice.
Although there's no cure for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and no way to stop its progression, there are approved medications and treatment plans that may help relieve symptoms and ensure the safety of AD patients throughout different stages of the disease.
What's the compelling evidence that shows optimism affects your body's ability to recover?
If you're a "cup is half full" sort of person, chances are you're in better health than your "half empty" counterparts. But according to Hilary Tindle, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh, the reasons for that are more complicated than attitude.
Like exercise, rest, and healthy eating, having a good laugh is a part of the whole health package.
Here's something to smile about—an easy, no-cost prescription from the doctor. In addition to daily exercise, plenty of rest, and eating veggies, your doctor may recommend injecting a healthy dose of humor—20 to 30 minutes a day of laughter—into your diet, as well.
Requiring very little movement or effort, can this type of exercise produce major results?
Even before those retro "jiggling" machines were strapped around women's waists to wiggle away the pounds, people have experimented with ways to reap the benefits of exercise without too much effort. The search may finally be over. Whole body vibration training may be just what passive exercisers have been waiting for.
You can give your body a break with some health-boosting vegetation. Learn how.
If you long for sirloin, can't pass up a juicy burger, and indulge in chicken and pork on a regular basis, you may be harming your health.
Red meat gets an especially bad rap and the results of an increasing number of studies seem to explain why. Aside from the problems associated with conventional farming methods—meat today is lower in nutrients including iron—eating too much red meat has also been linked with more deaths from heart disease and cancer.
This may make you think twice about consuming the canned items in your pantry.
How many cans are in your pantry? If you're like many Americans, there's a good chance you've got a supply of canned soup, fruit, beans, tuna, and tomato sauce on your shelves. You might even buy your coffee grounds in a can. However, these canned products may have high BPA levels.
The support you need can be just a click away, but first it's essential to find trustworthy advice.
If you've ever googled diabetes in search of useful information on the right diet, drugs, and exercise to help manage your diabetes, you know how overwhelming it can be to plow through scores of websites. After spending hours online, you may come away wondering if what you've read actually is beneficial to your health.
It can result from a car accident or even a bad fall. Here's what you should know.
Every year, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of these cases are concussions or other mild forms of TBI in babies, preschool-aged children, older teenagers, and elderly adults.
Understand the causes and symptoms of this common form of cognitive decline.
At one time, senile dementia was the catch-all term used to describe symptoms of cognitive decline that were considered normal signs of aging. Now researchers know that dementia is not the name of one condition and is not considered a normal part of aging.
Arm yourself with information about this neurodegenerative condition.
Approximately 5,600 adults are diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) each year and about 30,000 Americans are living with the disease at any given time. ALS is more commonly known Lou Gehrig's Disease, named in 1939 after famed baseball player Lou Gehrig, whose diagnosis of ALS was confirmed on his 36th birthday.
Here's how to find helpful resources and know the right questions to ask.
If you have a child with disabilities who is nearing adulthood, you have a lot of plans to make. Not only do you need help right now to ensure your child's adulthood is as fulfilling and independent as possible, but you also need to plan for your child's future, and one that might not include you.
Consider these options to help improve mobility and minimize pain.
There's no cure for knee osteoarthritis, but there are many steps you can take to help keep yourself moving and free yourself from unbearable pain. Staying fit by getting enough exercise and losing weight, if necessary, is the most important thing you can do for yourself.
These surgeries don't come without risks. Here are the facts.
Vaginoplasty and labiaplasty are cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries designed to repair or alter the appearance or function of the vagina and/or labia. While some women have medical conditions that might be improved by these surgeries, most of the time vaginoplasty and labiaplasty are performed purely for cosmetic reasons.
A growing number of aging patients are staying out of the hospital by adding a visiting nurse to their home health care team.
Visiting nurses are becoming increasingly important in the care of the growing elderly population. Older patients who need ongoing medical care used to be cared for in hospitals and residential facilities, but a newer model of health care is keeping elderly patients who are capable of living at home, healthy, functional, and as active as possible.
This research is showing promise in treating this debilitating disease.
Stem cell research is providing exciting new information about innovative ways to treat this debilitating disease.
What are stem cells? Stem cells are what the body uses to create all other cells. They start out as undifferentiated cells, meaning they have the potential to grow into any type of cell the body needs, like blood, skin, or nerve cells.
Adjust to time change and overcome fatigue with these simple tips.
The lethargy, fatigue, and moodiness associated with jet lag can make the first days of any trip almost unbearable. Even though it's a temporary disorder, jet lag can throw your internal clock for a loop which can make it difficult for you to bounce back.
If you've ever experienced a piercing headache from drinking or eating something cold, you'll want to know why it happens and how to prevent it.
Picture this: You're outside with the kids on a hot summer day. All you can think about is cooling down—so you reach for an ice cold drink or an ice cream. But the refreshment is short lived due to the piercing headache associated with "brain freeze.
A heart disease diagnosis is frightening, but there are actionable steps you can start today that will lead to better cardiovascular health.
A diagnosis of heart disease can be frightening. But did you know that with some simple lifestyle changes, you can get back on the road to better cardiovascular health? Follow these tips from Life's Simple 7 program, designed by the American Heart Association (AHA):
1.
Taking your time at the table may impart a big health benefit: Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Do you devour your dinner as if it were your last meal? It may be time to start slowing down. Individuals who eat at a fast pace have a 2.5 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to research reported in The Huffington Post.
Researchers focused on the eating habits of 700 people, some without Type 2 diabetes and some newly diagnosed with the disorder.
Become aware of the startling statistics about lighting up. Get tips on putting down the cigarettes for good.
If you're a smoker, nothing is likely to have as profound an impact on your health as putting out your cigarettes. Cigarette smoking accounts for more than 440,000 deaths in the United States annually with more than 135,000 of those related to cardiovascular problems.
Lunch can be the perfect time to fit in a workout, but follow these steps if you don't have time to shower.
A growing number of busy fitness buffs are scheduling workouts for their lunch hours. The upside? Better health, less stress, increased productivity, and more energy that can keep you charged up throughout the rest of the workday. The downside? Sweaty hair, damp clothes, body odor, and not enough time to freshen up.
Studies link sodium to heart disease and hypertension. But now, science shows sodium is beneficial. Here's what to believe.
The body needs sodium. It helps regulate blood pressure and blood volume.
It's also essential for muscle and nerve functions. The problem? If you consume too much, it can raise blood pressure, which increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. And it's easy to consume too much.
It's the new "it" oil, but it's high in saturated fat. Here's why some say that's not always a bad thing.
If you've visited your local progressive grocery store these days, you may have noticed something on the shelves next to the olive, peanut, and sesame oils—coconut oil. In addition to providing you with rich-tasting, fresh, and nourishing milk, the tropical coconut is a source of oil that proponents say lends a deep, nutty essence to foods that are cooked or baked.
New light is shed on the connection between weight and type 2 diabetes risk.
If you're thin, you may think you'll never have to worry about getting Type 2 diabetes. But that's not the case. Lean people get the disease as well, and new research suggests that when they do, they tend to have a greater genetic disposition to the disorder than obese Type 2 diabetes patients.
What about these edibles is so effective? Get a harvest of delicious ways to include them in your diet.
Can eating a sweet, juicy treat really lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes? Quite possibly. It appears that consuming more blueberries, apples, and pears may be linked to a decreased risk of developing the disorder, according to research reported by Reuters.
A glass of grape juice a day may help keep cognitive decline away.
Like berries, grapes contain beneficial phytochemicals, plant substances that work as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to protect body cells from damage and fight age-related diseases. The phytochemicals in grapes, known collectively as polyphenol compounds, have been associated with improved brain function in aging men and women.
A research study uncovered new information about the protective powers of HDL, or "good", cholesterol.
You eat well, exercise regularly, and take medication to keep your "good" cholesterol-or high-density lipoproteins (HDL) -at optimal levels in order to lower your risk of heart and stroke. But are you really protected? While living a healthy lifestyle is always essential, a new research study questions the specific health benefits of using medication to raise HDL.
Women over 50 are among a growing population preoccupied with weight loss and body image.
When we think about eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, we usually think of young women and teenage girls. Health officials are now looking at an entirely different age group as a growing concern. It turns out, when it comes to eating disorders, all women (and men) are at risk.
Common practices can introduce infection or lead to hearing loss. Here's how to be kinder to your ears.
About 10 percent of the American population has a hard time hearing. And the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates one-third of adults ages 65 to 75 have significant hearing loss. Some have just a little trouble, like in noisy restaurants, while others are profoundly deaf.
Improve your appearance with these clever, under-$20 ideas.
Need a fast, inexpensive way to boost your confidence? Try upgrading your appearance.
When a woman feels confident that she looks her best, it bumps up her self-esteem in other areas of her life, too. But, you don't need to break the bank to finance your beauty boost.
Whether you're afraid of being judged or receiving bad news, get tips on how to work through your concerns.
It's normal to feel nervous about seeing the doctor or dentist. But what if it's preventing you from getting the medical care you need?
Most people say their biggest medical fears are about pain, needles, being embarrassed or vulnerable, being judged, receiving bad news, appearing ignorant, or having to make big lifestyle changes.
Living with diabetes during the hottest season of the year can be challenging. Here are practical tips.
While basking in the summer sun may be great for your mental health, it can be dangerous if you have diabetes. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of complications.
Use sunscreen. "It's important to heed the basic sunscreen rules," says Donna Bilu Martin, MD, a dermatologist.
These skin-brightening foods will contribute to radiant, naturally glowing skin.
No matter what products you slather on, your nutritional habits will show up on your skin's surface. Include these foods in your diet to ensure that your skin gets the essential vitamins and nutrients to look healthy and beautiful.
Avocados
This super-source of vitamins A, D, and E helps preserve skin's moisture.
Here are the dos and don'ts to follow when it comes to working out for and with heartburn.
One of the main reasons people exercise is to lose weight, but fitness can also play a role in treating heartburn and acid reflux disease. "It's one of the lifestyle modifications that we stress," says David A. Peura, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.
This physiological test reads the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the breast. Could it be a replacement for mammography?
Many women looking for an alternative to mammography wonder if breast thermography works for breast cancer screening.
Unlike mammograms, which look at the anatomy of the breast for lumps or masses, thermography is a physiological test: it reads the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the breast.
Spice up your life. This brightly-colored ingredient could offer real cardiovascular benefits.
A simple household spice may have the power to protect your heart.
Turmeric, a spice from Southeast Asia, has long been touted as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine (which originated in India) have used turmeric extracts for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses.
Here are five ways your circle of friends affects your waistline, for better or for worse.
Friends can be one of the biggest influences, especially when it comes to the way you eat. It's easy to indulge in just one more drink or a dessert if your friends are doing it, too. But can your friends also help you keep the weight off? Here are five ways your pals play a role in what you consume:
They bring the party.
Avoiding exercise. Skimping on sleep. Dressing too drab. Fix these flubs, plus five other offenses.
Are you giving your age the respect it deserves? Ask yourself if you're committing any of these eight offenses:
Assuming that aging means accepting declining health or beauty. You hear it every day: "I'm not as healthy (pretty, vibrant, strong) as I used to be, but that's what you get with aging.
Looking for smart and cost-effective ways to get fit in the city, suburbs, country, even at the beach? We've got you covered.
Maybe you're bored with the gym or you're looking for ways to cut costs. Maybe you prefer exercising outdoors or you're ready for something fresh. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways to get fit without the gym.
We've broken down our favorite workouts for city, beach, country, and suburb dwellers.
Also known as the caveman diet, could a diet rich in meat and veggies be your best bet to shed pounds and avoid disease?
The paleo diet—it sounds like something our hunter-gatherer ancestors might have followed. In fact, that's exactly what devotees love about it. Although not as high profile as some other recent diet trends, the paleo diet has developed a definite fan following—if Meetup groups, dating web sites, and message boards are any indication.
If you fight to stay alert and productive when 3:00 p.m. rolls around, here's how to overcome your lag.
You know the feeling: heavy eyelids staring wearily at the clock that cruelly reads 3:00 p.m. Afternoon fatigue, otherwise known as the afternoon slump, is an all too common occurrence has become part of working life.
What's Causing Your Tired Eyes?
Disrupted sleep.
We all know someone who develops cancer despite appearing healthy in every way. Why does it happen?
Lance Armstrong may be the poster child for a seemingly highly healthy individual who develops cancer. Armstrong was a competitive athlete when he was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. He overcame his grim prognosis. Many otherwise healthy people are not as fortunate.
With the right knowledge, women can take control of their health during this important life stage. Here's a look at menopause by the numbers.
Some women find the end of monthly periods a cause to celebrate—no more hassling with tampons; no more pregnancy scares. Others feel sad. For them, menopause signals the end of the reproductive years and what some view as the start of life's sunset.
When it comes to mental health disorders such as anxiety, there are big differences between the genders.
When it comes to mental health disorders such as anxiety, there are differences between the genders, even at early ages.
Anxiety is characterized by worried thoughts, physiological tension, and cognitive defects. Persistent and unproductive anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in the U.
Over 35,000 women are diagnosed each year with uterine cancer. Here are the facts you need.
As cancer is always named for the body of your body where it begins, when cancer starts in the uterus, it's called uterine cancer. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in your pelvis, the place a baby grows when you are pregnant. The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, named because it develops in the lining of your uterus, called the endometrium.
It happens. It's scary. Here's what you need to know about when a mammogram shows an abnormal area that looks like cancer but is not.
It's human nature to be nervous before undergoing a medical screening test, but for women who have a mammogram, a screening test done in healthy women to detect breast cancer early, the situation can turn serious if the test comes back with a false-positive result.
Here are 12 tips to take care of your nutritional needs, so your body has the strength it requires to fight your cancer and handle the rigors of treatment.
Weight loss is common in people who have cancer. In fact, according to cancernet.org, up to 40 percent of cancer patients report unexplained weight loss when diagnosed, and up to 80 percent of those with advanced cancer have both weight loss and cachexia (loss of weight and muscle mass and generalized weakness).
Follow these tips to prevent a painful gout flare-up.
Gout—if you've had it once, you don't want to have it again. This painful joint condition can often times be avoided, if you're careful about what you eat and what you do. We've got 11 tips to help you avoid a gout recurrence.
The National Institutes of Health say that, "Gout is a kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in blood and causes joint inflammation.
Here's how to move forward when it's time to move on.
It's over. The divorce papers are signed, your spouse is now your ex, and you're trying to move on. Actually, you should do more than just move on. This period is a time to reinvent yourself, to rediscover who you really are, and to rethink who you want to be going forward.
It's not just a childhood issue. For many adults nighttime accidents are a reality.
Estimates are that as many as two percent of adults still have trouble controlling their bladder while asleep. Whether this is a continuation of a youthful problem or it's onset later in life, it's universally embarrassing and can have a substantial impact on quality of life.
Before you pack your bags and move, try these smart tips for overcoming noisy neighbors.
Unless you live on an isolated patch of land, dealing with noisy neighbors is a fact of life. Apartment dwellers naturally hear more neighbor noise than those in private homes, but even suburban cul-de-sacs can be beset by barking dogs, summer parties, and car alarms.
Is there substance to the idea that you can predict the future in your sleep?
If you've ever had a true psychic dream, you're in the minority.
According to Letitia Sweitzer, MEd, ACC, an Atlanta-based life coach who co-authored a book on dreams that come true, only about 10 percent of people have had what she considers a compelling psychic-dream story.
A new study shines a critical light on the potential hazard of dental x-rays.
A study published in Cancer reveals evidence that frequent exposure to x-rays can double your risk of developing a certain kind of brain tumor. It's important to note that the risk is very low and that some medical experts question the studies' methodology.
Take a look at five surprising causes for this common irritating skin condition.
You may know it's easy to develop contact dermatitis from common allergens like perfumes, detergents, and—of course—poison ivy, but this skin condition can occur from other causes too.
Contact dermatitis can manifest itself in different ways, including a dry and itchy rash, blistered skin, or even hyperpigmentation that can last for months.
Long associated with heart health, magnesium may offer other surprising benefits.
Magnesium is finally getting the attention it deserves. This mineral can help treat everything from acute attacks of asthma in children to migraine headaches, and depression. Magnesium also protects against the development of type 2 diabetes, provides pain relief for people suffering from fibromyalgia, and may even prevent hearing loss.
Use these smart tips to make big strides with your fitness goals.
Nothing motivates people to get in shape like the thought of shorts, tanks, and bathing suits. Warm weather is almost as motivating as a New Year's resolution. Whatever season inspires you to get fit we know how hard it is to stay on track. That's why we've created a list of the eight best fitness motivators to keep you hitting the gym year-round:
Make It Personal: Think about what it was that got your attention and made you decide to finally get fit.
Learn how two-time Olympic Gold medalist Misty May-Treanor manages allergies and helps raise awareness.
Two-time Olympic Gold medalist Misty May-Treanor is a frequent traveler, hopping from country to country for training and beach volleyball competitions. And while her nasal allergies can worsen in certain climates, she never lets them slow her down.
"I always team up with my doctor before peak allergy season instead of waiting for the symptoms to start," says May-Treanor, who will compete this summer in the 2012 Summer Games in London.
Consider this if spermicides are a part of your birth control plan.
It's certainly not uncommon to become fed up with birth control pills, and wonder if jellies, foams, condoms, and sponges containing spermicides would be a great alternative.
Yet it turns out that some foams, films, and so forth contain the spermicide N-9, the short name for nonoxynol-9.
Understand the key differences between these two treatment options for coronary artery disease (CAD).
Questions of the heart aren't only for romantics and pop musicians. Cardiologists face plenty of them too. Of course, rather than ruminating on love, heart doctors have to weigh medical decisions that often have no clear right or wrong answers. One of their most common dilemmas is whether to recommend stents or bypass surgery to patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD).
You've heard your oral health impacts your heart. Here's what the American Heart Association says now.
The link between periodontal disease and heart disease has been acknowledged by doctors for nearly a century. But the American Heart Association recently released a statement questioning the association between the two health conditions. According to the statement published in the journal Circulation, there is not strong enough evidence to support the notion that treating gum disease can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.
Try our fixes to solve the top issues behind why you're just not in the mood.
Evening rolls around, and once again, you have about as much interest in having sex as you do in ironing a week's worth of work outfits. It's not that you're angry at your partner. You simply aren't interested.
Low libido can have many causes, including certain medications, a heavy load of unresolved conflict in a relationship, depression, and headaches are the classic reasons for saying, "Not tonight dear.
Perk yourself up when you need it most with these easy solutions.
Everyone has natural energy peaks and slumps throughout the day. Ideally, you know when you work best and have scheduled your to-do list to reflect this, but sometimes life requires that we get things done even when we're feeling sluggish.
1. See the Light
If you're stuck in a dark room, your mood may come to reflect your surroundings and you may feel grumpy and sleepy.
With this hit-list on hand, you'll be able to build wholesome, seasonal meals rich in flavor and nutrients.
Summer is the easiest season of all to be a cook. Ripe, fresh produce is abundant, meat and fish can be grilled to juicy perfection with a minimum amount of fat, and salads provide an excuse to use healthful olive oil and herbs in a light dressing.
Want to cook healthy this summer? Here are suggestions, from Keri Gans, MS, RD, CDN, author of The Small Change Diet, Alyssa Faden, RD, of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical Center in New York City, and Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN.
Recognize the most common skin conditions associated with diabetes.
Nearly one third of those with diabetes will develop a skin condition linked to diabetes, explains Kellie Rodriguez, MSN, CDE, of the Diabetes Research Institute in Hollywood, Florida. And sometimes, one of these conditions is an early indicator of diabetes itself.
Here are some surprising connections between how you rest and your cardiovascular health.
Once upon a time, the sun went down and people went to sleep; the sun came up and people started their day. Even if your great grandparents did wake up in the middle of the night, they didn't have television or the internet to entice them to stay awake.
If you smoke cigarettes or stare at a screen all day, you could be doing your peepers a disservice. Read on for eight more offenses.
Certain habits can cause stress, strain, and even permanent damage to your eyes. Are you guilty of any of these?
1. You wear old glasses/contacts. If your lens prescription is outdated, you could be making your eyes work overtime. While wearing the wrong prescription won't actually damage your eyes, it could cause eyestrain, sore eyes, and headaches.
Take time out to renew. One of these five healthy retreat options could offer just what you need.
The word retreat means "withdraw," and sometimes that's exactly what you need to do to in order to regroup your thoughts and view your life from a different perspective. A retreat center is a sanctuary, a place where you can go to engage in therapeutic activities of all kinds.
Up to 12 million people in the U.S. are currently living with this condition. Here are the risk factors and treatments options.
So you have a cramp in your leg. It's just part of getting older, right? Well, maybe not. Recurrent pain in the legs is one symptom of peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Up to 12 million people in the United States are living with this circulatory disorder.
If you want to sleep well at night and be alert during the day, when's the best time to wash up? Our expert weighs in.
Do you have a favorite time of day to shower, or do you grab the opportunity whenever it arises? Lots of people feel they don't come to full alertness until after a morning shower, but if you have trouble falling asleep at night, you may want to put off your daily cleansing ritual until evening.
Copper, aluminum, ceramic, and more. It's time to take a closer look at the pots and pans you're using each day.
You may spend lots of time looking for the most flavorful, nutritious foods to feed your family, but have you given any thought to the type of cookware you're preparing them?
Get acquainted with what professional chefs use and learn the benefits as well as the risks that come with these tools.
There are upsides and downsides to pairing a caffeinated beverage with your fitness efforts.
At the end of a long work day, it's understandable that you may need a pick-me-up prior to heading to the gym or hitting the pavement for a jog. You may feel inclined to grab a quick cup of coffee or down an energy drink before you leave the office in order to give yourself the kick you need to make it through your workout.
Here's what counts as a sedentary lifestyle plus the easiest ways to avoid leading one.
The news headlines are clear: "Sitting All Day Is Killing You," "Couch Potatoes Double Risk for Heart Disease," "Move It to Live." Perhaps you can't blame the media for sensationalized stories when there's such solid evidence linking cardiovascular disease to a sedentary life spent sitting to work, sitting to travel, sitting to watch television, and, now, even sitting to interact with friends virtually.
Not an early bird? Take a look at these benefits before you roll over and go back to sleep.
Exercising in the morning is proven to be the most effective for helping you develop a fitness habit, making sure it's part of your busy schedule, and for creating maximum physiologic effects. But how do you keep yourself motivated when it's oh-so-easy to stay in bed?
Mike Ceja, ACE certified personal trainer at Lloyd Athletic Club in Portland, OR says, "I train clients all day, but all my biggest fitness buffs train in the morning.
Hitting the gym could be the switch to turn off severe headache pain.
When a migraine hits you like a ton of bricks, the last thing you might consider as a remedy is exercise. In fact, many sufferers steer clear of the gym because they worry that if they exert themselves too much, a bad migraine could get worse, according to an article in The New York Times.
It's not just background noise. Research confirms that what you hear affects your appetite.
If you struggle with your weight, you may have been told that eating more slowly will help you shed the extra pounds. This is because it takes a certain amount of time for your brain to receive the message from your stomach that you're getting full, and if you're a speed eater you may pass the point of fullness before your brain registers that fact.
Here’s why you should become familiar with the symptoms of Actinic Keratosis.
Actinic Keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis), also known as AK or solar keratoses, is a precancerous skin condition that begins in the top layer of the skin. Extended exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation rays causes AK, so you generally see it in areas regularly exposed to the sun.
Determining what should be treated aggressively and what would do better to watch and wait is not always clear-cut. Understand the debate around ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS.
The incidence of breast cancer is rising, and the drumbeat advocating early detection is growing louder. However, important facts about certain types of breast cancer are getting lost in all the noise.
Approximately one-quarter of all new breast cancer diagnoses are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Smoking is a significant risk factor for lung (and other) cancers and is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths. However, we all know individuals who smoke for a long time and never develop cancer.
Surprisingly, despite the strong link, only a fraction of smokers will ever develop lung cancer in their lifetimes. There are several possible explanations why some smokers avoid this deadly disease while others are not so fortunate.
Cigarette Chemicals Cause Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals.
Officially called "cognitive dysfunction" or "cognitive impairment," many people living with lupus find this symptom the most difficult part.
For some people, the most difficult part of living with lupus isn't the fatigue, pain, or other physical symptoms associated with this chronic autoimmune disorder. The most difficult part is lupus fog and the way it skews their ability to think, focus, concentrate, work, study, and sometimes remember even basic information.
Turn your fitness routine into an eco-friendly activity with these simple solutions.
Here are five ways to green-up your workout to make it as healthy for the earth as it is for your body:
Change Your Clothes
When you pull on a 100 percent cotton t-shirt before you exercise you may think choosing natural over synthetic fabrics is an earth-friendly choice.
Whether because of IBS, acid reflux, or anxiety, it might be time to put down your cup of joe.
Quitting—even if you drink just one small cup of coffee per day—can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include headache, depression, nausea, and muscle pain. Follow these smart strategies to soften the pain.
The best hair treatments for you depend on the type of hair you have. Get your quick tips.
Age, lifestyle, and climate all play a part in how your hair looks and feels, so finding the right routine may take some experimenting. The easiest way to start is to let your hair's texture and moisture levels tell you how to wash, groom, and choose products to keep it healthy.
Maximize the perks of your membership with discounted personal training sessions, special classes and equipment, and locker-room extras.
You're making a wise investment by paying for a gym membership, but are you really getting your money's worth? Not if you've failed to advantage of everything your gym offers.
Free personal training. Many gyms offer orientation, fitness evaluations, and personal training sessions for new members.
Which staining culprits should you avoid and how can you restore your pearly white smile?
Those pearly whites you've been flashing for decades may have taken on a bit of color over the years.
Unless you're a smoker or have used certain medications (the antibiotic tetracycline is a known tooth stainer), most likely you've indulged in at least some of these drinks:
1.
This bacterial skin condition is becoming more common. Here's how to detect and treat it.
Impetigo stems from the streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria, which normally lives on skin without causing a problem. However, when these bacteria enter the epidermis through an insect bite, cut, or scrape, it can cause an infection.
Impetigo is most common in children, though it can occur in adults.
Although these diseases share similar names, they are quite different. Here’s how they are distinct.
Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are both blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. These cancers occur when lymphocytes-types of white blood cells in the immune system that help protect us from infection and disease—start to grow abnormally and develop into lymphomas.
Here are the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer, or renal carcinoma, is a cancer that starts in the kidneys. According to the Kidney Cancer Association, kidney cancer is considered rare when compared to other types of cancer, as it comprises about 3 percent of the total number of cancer diagnoses each year.
If your spouse complains that you move frequently at night, you may have this condition.
A person with Periodic Limb Movement during Sleep (PLMS) experiences repetitive movements, usually in the legs, about every 10 to 90 seconds. The episodes last for a few seconds each and may continue for hours. Regardless of whether you're awake during the episodes, your sleep surely is being disrupted.
To get all the benefits, you have to choose the right facial mask for you based on your skin type.
Using a facial mask once a week can serve various skin care purposes. It's an effective way to help clear up blemishes, and hydrate and exfoliate skin. The key is to make sure you choose one targeted for your skin type, since the wrong match can make skin problems worse.
Don't let a lack of space stop you from growing fresh, flavorful, nutritious foods. Here's how to start.
Fresh-grown foods have a significant edge over store-bought produce in terms of taste and nutrients, and there's a definite satisfaction in raising and eating your own plants. You can pick them at the height of ripeness when they're bursting with vitamins, and there's no worry about their being contaminated with pesticides or other pollutants.
Is it possible that you get a dose of this dangerous chemical every time you apply?
Lead paint exposure can cause brain damage, anemia, and other health issues, so public health agencies constantly warn us about its dangers. But lead can be present in a different kind of paint entirely—lipstick—and we rarely hear about it.
Could a combination of nutrients in one little pill really help improve your brainpower?
A variety of nutritional supplements, sold as "brain boosters," claim to enhance your memory and help you maintain focus. Can vitamins and other nutrients really keep your mind sharp as you age?
While there's no "cure" for aging, it is now conventional wisdom that diet and exercise play keys roles in determining not only how long you live, but how well you live as you get older.
How has this procedure improved over the years and what's in store for the future?
It had all the makings of a science fiction story when, nearly half a century ago, surgeons implanted a chimpanzee heart into a human. That heart kept the patient alive for only an hour and a half, but the groundbreaking procedure brought us one step closer to today and a world where approximately 2,000 patients in the United States will receive new human hearts this year, and where the majority of those recipients can expect to live at least another 10 years.
If you’re confused about the potential link between parabens and cancer, you’re not alone. Get the facts.
If you're confused about the potential link between parabens and cancer, you're not alone. The evidence is inconclusive and professional opinions vary widely about whether there is, in fact, a connection.
Parabens are chemicals that manufacturers use to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in lotions, sunscreens, cosmetics, toothpaste, pharmaceutical drugs, shampoos and conditioners, and shaving gels.
You can view your body as attractive and appealing. Learn to turn negatives around.
Who's hot and who's not? That's the question men and women are bombarded with through television, movies, magazines, and other media outlets every day. Far too many people place themselves in the "not" category because they suffer from low sexual self-esteem.
Chocolate lovers cling to claims that this sweet treat helps the heart. What's the real truth?
To some, believing that chocolate has health benefits is akin to believing a man in red fur will bring presents next December. It's just too good to be true. And in some ways, those skeptics are correct. The chocolate you find in your Christmas stocking or your corner candy store, for instance, are not likely to do more than satisfy your sweet tooth.
These seven essential steps will keep your hair at its best all summer long.
Exposing your hair to the sun can cause bleaching, brittleness, and split ends. The sun's UV rays break down hair's outer layers, penetrating into the layers of pigment and melanin and sapping hair of its strength, color, and moisture.
To make matters worse, the things you do to care for your hair—washing, shampooing, and blow-drying—can amplify the damage.
There's no debating the stress of some jobs. But even enjoyable work can encourage mood disorders.
Work, even enjoyable work, can cause extreme stress, which may lead to mood disorders and depression. Some researchers suspect that growing worker stress may be associated with the increasing prevalence of depressive disorders and suicide, but they are still trying to unravel whether it's coincidence or cause and effect.
Up to four million Americans may suffer with this disease, but experts suspect many more people are living with this disease and just don't know it.
Sjogren's (SHOW grins) Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue, mistaking it as a harmful invader. Up to four million Americans may suffer with this disease. It primarily strikes people older than 40 and women are nine times more likely than men to develop Sjogren's.
File under: no surprise. The economic climate has eroded not only retirement portfolios, but our relationships.
While investors are still busy trying to recover their losses, many couples are still reeling from the effects the economic downturn has had on their relationships. A survey commissioned by Caron Treatment Centers, one of the nation's leading non-profit addiction treatment centers, has shown that the economy has a profound impact on relationships-from decreasing intimacy to eroding communication.
Learn how to keep your head up during these frightening economic times.
The economy is scary. In the past few years our national mood has gone from optimistic to pessimistic. Salaries have been slashed, retirement portfolios have tanked, and many jobs have been lost. Those who still have jobs are often afraid that they will lose them.
The day-to-day commute is hard enough without having to pay more at the pump.
It's not news that ever-rising gas prices can be a burden on your bank account. The average family spent $4,155 filling their tanks in 2011—that's 8.4 percent of the median family's income. Numbers like these are troubling at best and many are taking measures to cut down on their expenses.
Cutting a few corners can add up to real savings.
Now is definitely the time to figure out how you can save a dime—or, better yet, 500. Think of it like this: If you can hold on to just $50 a week, in one year you would save $2,600, which is a decent sum to feather your nest egg with. But if your budget is already tight, you're probably wondering what you can do to set side such an amount.
Don't dine out at a restaurant that hurts your bank account and your waistline. Eat in with these recipes that are light on your diet and on your wallet.
Sure, we'd all love to be able to take our families out to a gourmet dinner night after night. The truth is, in these tough financial times, cutting corners is paramount. But fear not. Just because you're streamlining costs doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste—or your waist.
You may not be able to control the price of gas, but check out these ways to become fuel thrifty.
Do you find yourself driving across state lines to cut the cost at the pump? Do you fill up on certain days of the week because you know it typically costs less?
There are easier, more efficient ways to beat the upward tick in gas prices. The following ten steps can help you to gain a few extra gallons (not to mention save some much needed cash).
Did you know that different body types respond best to different kinds of exercise? Find your match.
Every body is unique, yet many people are frustrated that their one-size-fitness-plan isn't helping them achieve their goals.
Mike Ceja, a sports therapist in Portland, OR, says, "Most people are a blend of two body types. That means they need to work in more than one fitness area.
How do you know if your tried-and-true exercise routine has gone out of style because it's ineffective or even dangerous? Keep updated here.
Exercise trends come and go and sometimes for good reason. Here are five fitness trends that have fallen out of fashion:
1. All Aerobics All the Time: When fitness videos first became popular, aerobics was all the rage. All you had to do was pop in your videotape, do your hour of cardio exercise in your living room and voila—you thought all your fitness needs were met.
Millions of women become pregnant each year, but too many of them don't have all the facts. Here's a look at pregnancy by the numbers.
Becoming pregnant is a life-changing event for women. However, much about the way women become pregnant, prevent pregnancy, and deliver babies has changed in recent years. So have the demographics of newborns. For example, according to the National Institutes of Health, the average length of labor has increased over the past 50 years, which is probably due to changes in delivery room practices.
Breast cancer death rates have been declining, thanks to increased prevention and improved treatments. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death. Mammography has long been the gold standard for early detection of breast cancer; however, the recommendations for who should be screened, at what age, and how often has become the topic of heated discussion among health professionals, breast cancer advocacy organizations, and survivors.
Migraine pain can be excruciating, but with the right treatment, the condition can be controlled.
Migraine headaches are unlike ordinary headaches. Characterized by a pulsing, throbbing pain and perhaps accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound and light, they're much more common than you'd think. Migraines affect more than 10 percent of people worldwide.
Learn more about Kegels and how taking just a few minutes a day to perform these exercises can have a positive impact on your health.
Did you know that a certain set of exercises can help make childbirth easier, sex better, and your bladder muscles stronger? These exercises, called Kegels, strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to improve urethral and rectal sphincter function. Read on for tips on why you should do Kegel exercises.
It not only feels good, it’s good for you too!
What if someone told you that there was a pleasurable "treatment" that would relieve stress, give you more energy, boost your mood, act as a sleep aid, and keep you free of sexually transmitted diseases? You might wonder what wondrous pill you'd have to pop in order to get all these life-enhancing benefits.
A self-absorbed attitude can cause health hazards, reveals a new study.
As it turns out, narcissism may create health hazards. Narcissists are notoriously bad at relationships but now a new study has revealed health concerns on their list of unique challenges.
Researchers at the Universities of Michigan and Virginia recently analyzed 106 undergraduate men and women and found that those with certain narcissistic personality traits (in particular, entitlement and exploitativeness) had elevated levels of cortisol—the primary stress hormone.
Is it better to "sleep on it" or resolve the issue? A new study answers this question.
Ever get so mad at your mate you just couldn't make it right before turning out the light? Did "sleeping on it" somehow dilute the argument? Or, did you wrestle till dawn—tossing and turning over the details—trying to figure out a solution? And in the morning, did you wake up rested and ready for round two or did you feel the need to work it out and make peace?
Well, researchers at the University of Massachusetts decided to investigate the theory.
Many different types of medications can be used to treat heartburn. But what works for one person may not work for another.
Many different types of medications can be used to treat heartburn. But what works for one person may not work for another, so you may have to experiment until you find what's best for you.
If you constantly take over-the-counter antacids but your heartburn symptoms persist or if your prescription heartburn medication doesn't provide much relief, your doctor may suggest a different type of medicine, or even a combination of drugs, that work in different ways to help control your symptoms.
Try these beauty tips when sickness keeps you from looking your natural best.
Infuse Moisture. Illness dehydrates your skin leaving it pale, dry, and flaky, especially under the nose you're constantly blowing. Hydrate your skin with an emollient-rich moisturizer, reapplying over any patches that are severely dry. A deep moisturizer designed for hands or feet will be very affective.
Smokers don't need another study to tell them their habit is dangerous, but here is a risk you might not expect.
New research has revealed that smoking may pose yet another health risk, especially for women. Squamous cell carcinoma is a serious form of skin cancer that affects 700,000 people each year.
A study conducted by the University of South Florida's H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute surveyed nearly 700 men and women who had been diagnosed with the non-melanoma skin cancers: Basil cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Find out if this is negatively affecting how you look. If so, there are several treatments designed to reverse the damaging effects.
The term "photoaging" refers to skin damage caused by too much exposure to the sun's UVA & UVB rays. Photoaging leads to wrinkles, rough patches and changes in skin pigment.
The Science of Photoaging
UV radiation contains UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, so most sunscreens focus on blocking these rays.
Popular in the 80s, this form of birth control is making a comeback. Here's what to consider.
They're back. IUDs, which in the past got a bad rap due to safety concerns, are getting trendy. In fact, many doctors are calling them the most effective form of reversible birth control and a good option for certain women.
"They are more in vogue now than in the past," says Krystene DiPaola, MD, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with the UC Center for Reproductive Health at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.
You know the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is? We might want to apply this truism to the idea that using antibacterial cleaners reduces the spread of illness.
Hundreds of antibacterial products promise to keep you safe from harmful microbes. However, there's little or no data to demonstrate these products are better at protecting you. In fact, they may actually pose health risks.
We have more than 100 species of bacteria living on our skin.
Growing older is no longer the inevitable decline that yesterday’s seniors accepted, often with resignation. Today’s boomers have rewritten the book on healthy living.
As of January 2011, 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day. That's one every eight seconds. By 2030, boomers will be 78 million strong. It's not surprising a cohort this large is redefining what healthy aging means.
While there are many variations on the theme, boomers' vision of healthy living has several common elements.
Planning for your retirement is exciting—and perhaps a bit intimidating. Here's what to consider.
Here's what to consider as you think about your retirement:
Retirement
At what age do you want to retire? Delaying retirement-even just a few years-provides an opportunity for your nest egg to grow and can make a significant financial difference.
Sleep patterns shift as you age. Here's what you are experiencing and what to expect.
Have you always been a good sleeper, but suddenly can't seem to go more than a few hours without waking? Does your teen, who, as a grade-schooler, used to rise at dawn, now snooze until noon on weekends? How about your elderly father, who seems to be napping every time you call? What's happening with all these shifting sleep patterns?
The most dramatic changes tend to take place in childhood.
Some swear these bracelets reduce pain and boost athletic performance, so what's the real deal?
These flexible, rubber, or solid metal bracelets advertise they'll improve strength, balance, flexibility, and energy or reduce pain by working with a person's natural energy field. They've become popular with athletes and non-athletes alike as a way to boost vitality and performance.
You already know it's good for you. Here are the tips and tricks to make your salad a nutritional powerhouse.
Visit your local farmer's market or grocery store and you'll be amazed at the variety of greens that can serve as a bed for all kinds of salads. Keep the croutons and goopy dressing if you must, but upgrade to one of these nutritious, delicious iceberg alternatives:
Arugula
You may have seen this green on the menu at Italian restaurants as it originates from the Mediterranean region.
This fitness trend takes people at all fitness levels and whips them into the best shape of their lives. So what can boot camp do for you?
Lora Gordon, a marketing consultant from Portland, OR, had always been active, but when she turned 40, she needed something to kick her metabolism into high gear and [I] re-energize her to work out regularly. "I got bored easily in most exercise classes and didn't challenge myself hard enough [to] work out on my own.
There's no doubt that shedding excess pounds is a big boost to your health and well-being, but not everything is totally rosy after weight loss.
Like millions of others, you might be thinking about losing weight. Whether you've got five pounds or 50 to spare, chances are at some point you thought, "I'll start tomorrow." However, you might find that with your new, slim figure comes a few downsides:
Changing relationships.
Do you sleep or cuddle after sex? New research says your choices might reflect on your relationship.
For some people, happiness is curling up for a post-sex snuggle. For others, it's conking out immediately.
Scientists at the University of Michigan and Albright College recruited 456 heterosexual undergraduates to fill out anonymous online surveys about their behavior and their partners' behavior after intercourse.
Make sure to add these to your to-do list before you exercise.
You've put on your sweat pants, laced up your sneakers, and downloaded your favorite workout play list, but if you haven't done these five things, you're not ready to work out.
1) Wash your face. Start your work out with squeaky-clean skin-free from dirt, oils and makeup.
With an optimal blood pressure reading, you may believe that you are healthy despite your weight, but it's not so clear-cut.
Is it possible to be overweight and feel healthy? Of course. It's even possible to fall into the clinical category "obese" and not suffer from one of the most common health problems associated with excessive weight: high blood pressure. In fact, with an optimal blood pressure reading, you may believe that you are healthier than others despite your weight.
Exercise, hosiery, hot pepper. There are plenty of ways to get the blood flowing in your legs. Read on for a list of five.
That ache in your calf, that tingling in your toes, and, oh, your sore and swollen feet! Leg pain can be more than just an end-of-day annoyance. Aches and pains in your lower extremities are usually caused by poor circulation. You can regain some of your strength and even improve the overall look of your legs and feet by using these simple techniques to stimulate blood flow.
The next time you head to the market, be sure to place these cardiovascular winners in your cart.
A cardio-friendly diet is low in sugar and saturated fat, and high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. But that doesn't mean your grocery list should be reduced to flaxseed and tofu. Instead, fill your shopping cart with foods you love and some you may not have even have thought of.
What do the guidelines from the United States Preventive Task Force mean for you?
In late 2009, the United States Preventive Task Force (USPTF) issued new recommendations for mammogram screening. The prevailing guidelines were for women to start screening mammograms at age 40 and then have annual mammograms. The USPTF instead recommended women with no known risk factors start screening at age 50 and have follow-up mammograms every two years.
While heart disease remains the leading cause of death among both genders, there are additional dangers for women.
As much as society might push for equality between men and women, sometimes we can't all be treated the same. In fact, when it comes to cardiovascular health, treating women differently is a positive move that could save lives.
While heart disease is the leading cause of death among both sexes, research shows that lifestyle factors, other medical problems, and basic biological differences mean that men and women have different risk factors.
Learn how the body reacts to different types of fat, plus get tips on incorporating the right ones into your diet.
Ever wondered why nutrition experts advise eating unsaturated fats rather than saturated ones? A recent American Diabetes Association-funded study explains how the body actually reacts differently to different kinds of fat.
The body's fat cells, researchers found, can sense and discriminate between the kinds of fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids can trigger a response that interferes with insulin function.
Boost your well-being with a fragrance garden. It's easy to grow therapeutic herbs and flowers with these tips.
Aromatherapy is a popular and effective way to elevate your mood and promote healing. You can create your own scents by planting a fragrance garden. If you fill the garden with edible herbs and flowers, you'll be able to boost your health in a fun and unique way.
Here are the essential dos and don'ts of this delicate process.
Our ears are designed to be self-cleaning devices, but sometimes they need a little help. It's important to clean them the right way, though, and digging around with a cotton stick is not the way to do it. So when it comes to giving your ears a proper cleaning, what's healthy and what's not?
Earwax is called cerumen and is composed of oils, secretions produced by hair follicles, and tissues that line the ear canal.
You can still have your coffee (and doughnut, too!) if you follow these four common-sense suggestions.
You walk into your favorite café with the full intent of sticking to a cup of black coffee. But then you're met with an abundant display of syrupy, creamy drinks whipped to perfection as well as sweet and savory baked goods so fresh they appear to be calling your name-and all your willpower goes out the window.
It's normal to experience discomfort during your period, but if the pain is so severe that it interferes with daily activities, you may have this.
Is it dysmenorrhea or just plain cramps? Dysmenorrhea is the medical name for painful menstrual periods. Most women consider a little discomfort and a few cramps as par for the course, but if your period causes you to miss work, school, or other activities, you might be experiencing dysmenorrhea.
Here are the safest food choices for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Living with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, can make meal planning complicated, but it doesn't have to be. There are safe choices to guide your healthy eating decisions.
Though there's a lot of debate...
Scientists are at work on a vaccine that would prevent the development of cancer cells in the body. Get the update.
Vaccines have virtually eliminated many deadly or debilitating diseases, and scientists are trying to replicate this success by developing effective cancer vaccines.
Cancer begins when something alters the process of DNA sequencing within genes, which blocks the instructions that tell a cell to produce a normal version of itself.
Cancer drug shortages are a horrifying reality. Here's why it happens and what patients can do.
Over the past few years, oncologists have experienced shortages in several older, but curative, chemotherapy drugs, including Doxil and methotrexate. Doxil primarily treats certain severe cases of ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma. Methotrexate treats many forms of cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood leukemia.
At the heart of healthy relationships, you'll find communication and understanding. These same qualities are essential in the bedroom.
Want to spice up your romance? Look inside yourself for a minute. If you can honestly say that you possess both empathy and self-esteem, you have the foundation for a wonderful love life. If, however, you find yourself not only with poor self-esteem but also irritable and unforgiving with your partner, chances are the two of you don't have the warmest, sexiest relationship ever.
With a wealth of antioxidants, green tea is used for weight loss, skin care, and for anti-aging. Is it too good to be true?
Research shows the benefits of green tea may range from rejuvenating older skin to warding off cancer. It contains a cornucopia of antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and vitamins C, D, and K.
Green Tea for Weight Loss
You are right to be suspicious of the green tea "miracle" weight loss formulas, but there is some truth to the fad.
It's common for adults who skipped braces during adolescence to straighten their teeth at a later age. If that's you, here are your choices.
Studies show that beautiful smiles can increase your career success and overall attractiveness. Plus, crooked teeth or bite misalignments can lead to jaw issues, gum disease, and even tooth breakage.
Different teeth straightening approaches follow the same basic principle: They apply constant pressure to teeth, causing them to move into the desired position.
Your body creates vitamin D by synthesizing UV rays. But that doesn't mean skimping on sunscreen. There are safer ways.
An estimated one third of Americans aren't getting enough vitamin D—an essential compound that keeps your bones and immune system healthy. Recent studies also link vitamin D to lowering blood pressure, reducing cancer risks, warding off osteoporosis, and even preserving memory.
A study reveals that these mini-computers have a big impact on your stress levels.
According to researchers from the University of Worcester, who presented their findings at a recent meeting of the British Psychological Society, the number of times a person checks his smartphone is directly correlated with higher stress levels. The reason comes from the feeling that one "needs" to respond to every alert.
Surprise! A different day might be worse, but you can lighten your load any day of the week.
The alarm rings, and the first thing you do is groan. It's Monday and there are 40 plus hours separating you from the stress-free weekend. Often, we think of Mondays in a negative light, and rightfully so.
A study conducted by British food company Marmite and reported in The Telegraph found that many people don't smile on Mondays until 11:16am, and more than half of workers won't arrive at work on time.
Here's exactly what to look for to pick the best makeup brush for the job.
Your makeup job depends as much on the application tools as the cosmetics themselves. Makeup brushes should to give you good control and be able to blend makeup into your skin. And good makeup brushes require an up-front investment that will be well worth it in their longevity and improvement to your look.
You don't have to become antisocial to minimize incidental allergy triggers.
When guests come to visit they will bring with them an array of allergy triggers. Household allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold can easily stick on clothes, hair, and skin.
However, you don't have to become antisocial or send your guests packing in order to steer clear of these household allergens.
Here's how what works for baby could also give you a better night's rest.
If you've had a baby in the last two decades, you may be familiar with sleep training. Sleep training, popularized by a pediatrician who studies sleep disorders in children, teaches babies to become more independent and be able to fall asleep without parental comforting.
Here's how to pick the right scale to support your goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Go into any home-products store or browse online and you're likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of scales for sale. So what's really important when making this purchase?
The first choice you'll need to make is between the two main types of bathroom scales: Digital and analog.
Practice these simple steps for an easy, professional-looking, at-home manicure.
DIY manicures can save you money and are safer than salon treatments because you get to control the cleanliness of the tools.
1. Remove any polish on your nails with a cotton ball dipped in an acetone-free nail polish remover. Be thorough, but don't over-saturate the nail and cuticle since the chemicals can cause dryness and nail damage.
Protect your health by learning how to avoid these common blunders.
Condoms—the only available form of birth control for men except a vasectomy—are effective at preventing pregnancy 97 percent of the time. Or at least this should be the effectiveness.
The reality is that they really only work between 80 and 90 percent of the time, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Focus on food labels. Use smaller plates. Don't multi-task. Try these, and seven other suggestions for sizing down your servings.
If you're making every effort to slim down, don't assume you have to forego your favorite foods and confine yourself to a diet of raw vegetables. You can eat what you love—just not too much of it.
"Portion control is key to losing and maintaining weight," says Keri Gans, MS, RD, CDN, the author of "The Small Change Diet.
While some heart murmurs are minor, others may signify a serious health issue. Here are the facts.
The sound of blood flowing through your heart (lub-dub, lub-dub) is normally soft and quiet. Occasionally, an extra sound-a "murmur"-may accompany your heartbeat. Usually, this noise is harmless: an "innocent murmur." If it's accompanied by other signs, though, it may be an "abnormal murmur.
Cancer still holds mysteries, but scientists have made strides in uncovering what happens when a body develops cancer cells.
In January 2000, two researchers published a famous and often cited article in the journal Cell, titled "Hallmarks of Cancer." They compared the development of a tumor to Darwin's theory of evolution: a succession of genetic changes leads to a progressive conversion of normal cells into cancer cells.
This team of professionals can help you cope with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of living with arthritis.
If you have access to a team of health care professionals—one that may include an internist, rheumatologist, nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, social worker, and pharmacist—use them all to help you understand your disease and treatments, make lifestyle changes that can help you feel better, and make your way through the paperwork maze you may encounter.
Here are the basics to know about emergency contraception before you need it.
Accidents happen: a condom breaks, or it can slip off. Maybe neglected to use one at all. Whatever the scenario, you've had unprotected sex and now may be facing an unwanted pregnancy. For these emergency situations, there is a way to prevent it—but you need to act fairly quickly.
How you experience your asthma symptoms will vary over time.
It's essential to adjust your asthma management plan for different stages of your life. At any age, the key to treating asthma is to have a comprehensive action plan that includes these basic components:
Measurement tools to monitor your asthma.
Fast-acting and control medications.
Single? Married? Divorced? Your answer may have a direct impact on your health.
Want to live a long, healthy life? You may stand the best chance if you're happily married. Married folks are less likely to get heart disease, cancer, and even dementia, according to research reported in The New York Times. But don't think you'll stay healthy if you're in a toxic relationship.
Here's how certain natural scents may help improve your health and overall state of mind.
Can you sniff your way to a better mood and better health? It all depends on what scents you smell. If you surround yourself with these aromas, you might find that the secret to health is all in your nose.
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative and complementary medicine based on the use of concentrated oils from flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rinds, or roots of plants with purported healing properties.
While it’s long been accepted that cancer is caused by mutated genes, some experts now put stock in a different belief.
The prevailing theory of how cancer develops is that tumors begin when mutated genes trigger uncontrolled cell growth. However, some cancer experts attribute cancer to disrupted chromosomes, which alter the balance of thousands of genes and produce cells with entirely new traits.
Here are some of the exciting developments on the near horizon of diabetes treatment options.
Having diabetes is no walk in the park, but living with the disorder really does get easier all the time. Just 10 years ago, testing the blood sugar took several long minutes. Insulin pumps were unheard of. And the concept of an artificial pancreas was almost unthinkable.
When it comes to asthma inhalers, there are two distinct types to know.
Most asthma inhalers will either give you long-term control to manage your condition or short-term relief to address presenting symptoms.
Long-Term and Short-Term Medication Types
Many asthmatics need a combination of both types of medicine as part of their overall asthma management strategy.
Broken Heart Syndrome can be harmful to your mind and body, and it can be treated.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and generalized weakness are all well known symptoms of a heart attack. However, they may also indicate a condition called Broken Heart Syndrome—officially called takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
While this condition sounds like something straight out of a blues ballad, it is very real.
Why would playing certain music boost a doctor's ability to detect cancer-causing polyps?
Doctors who download Mozart while performing colonoscopies have higher chances of detecting adenomas, a polyp that is a precursor to colon cancer. This is according to researchers Catherine Noelle O'Shea, DO, and David Wolf, MD, of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health) Medical School.
These unsightly growths are harmless, but they can be painful and highly contagious. Here's how to treat them.
Common warts are growths that appear on your hands and fingers (as well as other areas) when the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin. They're generally harmless, though quite contagious. And they typically go away on their own sooner or later.
Here's how to prep when you welcome someone who is prone to cough, sneeze, itch, and even have an asthma attack because of your pet.
If you're a dog or cat owner, there's no avoiding pet dander, saliva, and urine that could appear on your floors, fabrics, and furniture. Although you often can't see these allergens, the animal proteins they contain are enough to spark an immune system response in people who are allergic to pets.
Could you really enjoy multiple climaxes or are they simply a copulation crock?
Ever wonder whether it's possible to experience multiple orgasms? For women, it is indeed possible, although after the first big one, they may seem like "momentary spasms, not one big explosion," says Alexandra Katehakis, MFT, CSAT-S, CST-S, clinical director of the Center for Healthy Sex in Los Angeles.
Follow these easy tips to make exercise part of your daily routine.
Let's face it: We live in an inactive nation where obesity has become a growing epidemic. More than one-third of American adults meet the criterion for obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news is that it's never too late and never too hard to get in shape.
Insomnia affects more than 70 million Americans. Find out more about what's keeping you awake at night.
"To sleep, perchance to dream." Shakespeare's famed words sound so tranquil, but if you've ever read Hamlet, you know the story's about to take a bad turn. For many Americans, sleep is also a maddening prospect representing hours of tossing and turning with little to show for it other than the eventual fatigue, irritability, and exhaustion.
Get the real story on America's most prevalent mental illness—from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment.
Depression has been called the "common cold of mental health"—and is it any wonder? Approximately 18.8 million American adults, or 9.5 percent of the U.S. adult population, suffer from a depressive disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
It's not always easy to pinpoint ADHD in adults, but spotting the symptoms is the first step toward getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is usually associated with children. And given the statistics, it's no surprise: The condition affects up to 9 percent of school-age children, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Headaches are among the most common pain symptoms in the world. Learn about the different types of headaches and what causes them.
At one time or another, nearly everyone has had a headache. In fact, 70 percent of people have had at least one in the past year. What's more, roughly 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, a condition that costs U.S. companies billions of dollars in lost productivity annually.
From entrées and desserts to sodas and sides, Americans are supersizing. Learn how to choose healthier portions.
If you think that plate of spaghetti is much bigger than it was when you were a child, you're probably right: Portion size has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The result? A dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese Americans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted several studies and found alarming changes in the number of calories people consume now compared with what they ate 20 years ago.
Rosacea, which often causes constant redness in the face, can be frustrating and difficult to treat, but there are steps you can take to manage the condition.
Rosacea is a common, long-term skin disease that affects more than an estimated 16 million Americans. The condition may produce persistent redness, or flushing; acne; and visible blood vessels in the center of the face. What's more, these symptoms can eventually spread to the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose.
Learn to identify the most common culprits so you can breathe easier.
For allergy sufferers, attacks can come on suddenly—and seemingly from out of nowhere. But experts are quick to point out that there are a host of hidden allergy triggers that may be causing your wheezing, sneezing, or other symptoms. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), allergy triggers can be hiding inside or outdoors.
Psoriasis can be frustrating, painful, even embarrassing. Follow these tips to keep flare-ups at bay.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as many as 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis—a chronic, non-contagious skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells.
For most people, skin cells take about one month to move from the lowest skin layer to the outermost layer, where they die and flake off.
Learn about the most common forms of arthritis, from causes and symptoms to treatment.
More than 46 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis—a disease that affects 50 percent of adults over 65 and is the leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This drug seems to offer relief from pain, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and loss of appetite, which are common side effects of cancer and cancer treatments. And there are other possible benefits as well.
Because cannabis is illegal, scientific research on the medical benefits for cancer and other serious illnesses is limited, and much of the evidence is anecdotal. However, there seems to be a growing body of data (and citizen demand) to support legalizing marijuana for medical purposes.
Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day for your family, but lunch is important too, not to mention snacks. Here are essential nutrition tips from a top expert.
For nutrition advice, QualityHealth consulted Sally Kuzemchak, RD and real mom nutrition blogger. "Eating healthier really doesn't take more time. It's a mindset. A great place to start is to read labels and know what's in your food."
Your child will concentrate better in the classroom, and be less prone to sugar cravings later, if you refuel him in the a.
Mornings are hectic. This checklist has quick and easy ideas you can start incorporating into your routine to day.
Feeling rushed and crazy is not a good way to start the day.
Mornings are the family's launching pad. It's important to send kids to school feeling calm and ready. They'll perform better, feel happier, and have more confidence to face the day's challenges.
A growing body of research suggests that antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease.
There are still many questions surrounding Alzheimer's disease—a degenerative brain disorder and form of dementia that currently has no cure. Although the evidence is not conclusive, several studies, including one conducted by the Alzheimer's Association, suggest that foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease.
Family history significantly increases your chance of developing heart disease. Reduce your risk with these steps.
Some diseases seem to run in families. Heart disease is one of them. A family history significantly increases your risk for also developing heart disease.
Unfortunately, heart disease is common-and deadly. More than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease annually.
Skin cancer rates are likely to increase in the coming years. Find out how behavioral and dietary changes can reduce your risk.
One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, and many health experts believe that percentage will increase in coming decades. With global warming on the rise, people are increasingly being exposed to stronger ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which forms free radicals, damages healthy cells, and increases the risk for skin cancer.
Everyone needs vitamin D for good health, but a debate continues to burn in the medical community over the best ways to get this important nutrient.
The National Institutes of Health recommend 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day. One cup of vitamin D-fortified milk provides 100 units, while 3 ounces of oil-based tuna provides another 200 units. But is it wise to soak up UV rays to get vitamin D? The debate is so hot that the Skin Cancer Foundation has called it The D Dilemma.
Can't get a good night's sleep? Follow these easy guidelines.
If you can't seem to get a good night's sleep, you're not alone-more than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems, according to the National Institutes of Health. The good news is, many of these issues can be solved by simply changing your daily routine and creating a better sleep environment.
Follow these tips to help reduce the likelihood of a manic episode.
One of the best ways to manage bipolar disorder is to prevent manic episodes before they start. Although that's not always doable, it is possible to identify triggers that may lead to mood disturbances. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of a manic episode:
Stick to a daily routine
Schedule meals at a regular time, make exercise a part of your daily schedule, and practice relaxation techniques each night before bed.
Diabetes is a lifelong disease, but these tips can make it easier to manage the condition.
According to the American Diabetes Association, more the 25 million Americans are living with diabetes. Try these tips to help manage the condition and prevent the serious complications associated with the disease.
1. Follow a balanced diet. A low-fat eating plan with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help keep blood sugar at healthy levels.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be a challenge. Follow these tips to make it easier.
According to the National Alzheimer's Association, more than 10 million Americans are currently caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Although the task can be challenging and even overwhelming at times, there are things you can do to ease the process.
Are you concerned that a loved one may be suffering from Alzheimer's disease? Read on to learn about the most common early symptoms.
For millions of Americans, it's an all-too-familiar scenario: Suddenly, a loved one will start asking the same question repeatedly, telling the same story continuously, or behaving inappropriately. His or her close friends, spouses, or children notice it but dismiss it simply as "getting old.
When it comes to bipolar disorder, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here, we debunk the biggest myths surrounding the disease.
It's believed that more than 5 million American adults have bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
But while most people are familiar with the term "bipolar disorder," several myths about the condition still abound.
1.
Who says losing weight has to be hard? These effortless activities can help rev your metabolism and melt the pounds away.
Actor Pete Postlethwaite once said: "I exercise every morning without fail. One eyelid goes up and the other follows." That quote may seem nonsensical, but the sentiment actually makes some sense. Take a closer look at your daily routine, and you'll find plenty of opportunities for easy calorie-burning activities—no gym required.
Stuck at home with a cold? Find comfort with these soothing foods.
You can't seem to fight off that nasty cold or flu, and you're stuck at home for several days. The good news? There are certain foods that can help soothe your symptoms. Although you may not feel like cooking or eating anything right now, these simple treats are easy to prepare and may even get you back to health more quickly.
Chocolate and tea both offer cardiovascular perks. But can combining the two provide twice the benefit?
Double dark chocolate, chocolate strawberry, red velvet, chocolate mint—these sound more like the names of cupcakes or candy bars than tea bags but, in fact, that's just what they are. A new generation of teas—both herbal and regular—have...
There are plenty of effective ways to let these uninvited guests know they're not welcome.
Estimates suggest that between 6 and 11 million infestations of lice occur each year in the United States, mostly in children between the ages of 3 and 11. It's a common, childhood problem that has nothing to do with hygiene and eventually plagues most schools and day care centers.
Follow these steps to help prevent the complications that lead to amputation.
The very idea of losing a limb, or part of one, is terrifying. Individuals who have diabetes are at a higher risk for amputation than others, and diabetes is a leading cause of amputation in the United States, says Spyros Mezitis, MD, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
When it comes to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which foods are most likely to bring on bouts of belly bloat and gassiness?
"Eating should be effortless," says Steven Lamm, M.D., house doctor on ABC's The View and author of the forthcoming book No Guts, No Glory (April 2012).
"You shouldn't have to feel bloated or gassy or [experience] any discomfort after you eat. You should be able to eat normally, digest your food, and feel well.
If you use air fresheners and scented candles to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home, you might just make yourself sick.
Many people rely on scented products such as sprays, plug-ins, and light-up items to keep their homes and workspaces smelling great. But for people with allergies, these products can lead to sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.
Research on Air Freshener Allergies
A study that appeared in the Journal of Environmental Health in 2009 took a close look at the growing use of scented products and explored the consequences.
Learn how to spot the warning signs and break the vicious cycle.
Controlling spouses, unstable siblings, friends you just can't trust. Does any of this sound familiar? If so, you may be in a toxic relationship—and you're not alone. According to experts, most Americans have struggled with at least one unhealthy social bond by the time they're in their late teens, and sadly, many continue to endure these connections throughout their lives.
Knowing the symptoms of the different types of skin cancer and where to look for them on your body could save your life.
Skin cancer can affect any area of your body exposed to sun, including the scalp. And believe it or not, it can even crop up in lesser-exposed areas like the palms of your hands, between your toes, even on your genitals. According to experts, cancerous skin lesions can appear suddenly or develop slowly, and the American Cancer Society advises that people see their doctors immediately if they see any of the following symptoms.
More and more Americans are opting for bariatric surgery to shed major pounds and improve their quality of life. Find out if you or a loved one could be a candidate.
As most health experts can attest, the best way to lose weight is to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. But that doesn't always work—just ask the 129.6 million Americans, or 64 percent of the population, who are currently overweight or obese.
Want to enjoy the festivities without piling on the pounds? Check out our top eight tips.
It starts with Halloween and plastic pumpkins full of sugary treats, then continues through Thanksgiving weekend, with plentiful mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, pies, and leftover turkey sandwiches. And don't forget December: office parties, cookie exchanges, and that food-filled week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
When it comes to your cardiovascular health, the essentials are clear.
At one point in the melodramatic (but undeniably enchanting) movie Titanic the heroine, Rose, remarks, "A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets." That's the truth! Beyond harboring long-lost loves and tales of tragic shipwrecks, your heart holds health secrets.
There are plenty of ways to adopt healthy habits on the job, from fitting in a workout during lunch to switching out coffee for pure H2O.
Many people spend more hours on the job than they do at home or doing leisure activities. Why not make your work day the center of your healthy lifestyle? Here's how to get started:
1) Add in fitness. Small bouts of exercise throughout the day can add up to real results.
Public places are magnets for germs that cause the flu, viruses, and other illnesses. But that doesn't mean you have to stay home to avoid being exposed. Learn where the germs roam so you can take the right precautions.
Whenever you head out to the mall, the supermarket, or a restaurant, you're putting yourself at risk for getting sick thanks to sick people who go out when they shouldn't. It opens you up to their germs when they cough, sneeze, or touch communal surfaces along their way.
These simple tests can help detect common health conditions before they escalate.
In today's busy world, medical exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other commitments. In fact, 28 percent of women don't go for their annual Pap tests, and only 32 percent know their cholesterol numbers. Could this behavior be compromising your health? Here's a list of five exams you can't afford to put off another day.
Here's how to give your body the energy and strength it needs to stay healthy as you get older.
Although it's common to begin leading a more sedentary lifestyle as you get older, the worst thing you can do for your health is come to a complete standstill. In fact, some of the physical and mental symptoms that are associated with getting older are actually due to the inactivity that so often accompanies aging, says Meena Garg, MD, of Indiana University's Center for Sports Medicine.
Nutrition labels can be deceiving. Learn how to cut though the hype and make healthier choices.
If the nutrition label reads "zero grams trans fat" it must be healthy, right? Wrong! As it turns out, federal regulations allow labels to read "zero grams trans fat" as long as a product contains less than 0.5 grams of the artery-clogging fat per serving.
Are your feelings of discomfort just shyness, or a sign of a more serious health condition? Here's how to tell the difference.
Imagine this: A woman hates to stand in line at the grocery store—not because she's impatient, but because she's afraid that everyone is watching her. As she approaches the clerk, she becomes anxious and self-conscious. Her heart begins to race, her face turns red, and she begins to sweat.
Follow these simple strategies to get your cholesterol levels where you want them to be.
You're working hard to eat right so you can lower your cholesterol levels. You're reading nutrition labels, buying fewer pre-packaged foods, and testing yourself often. But you're still struggling to keep your cholesterol down. What are you doing wrong?
The answer may surprise you.
Desks and cubicles may seem benign, but they're often a breeding ground for bacteria. Follow these six tips to stay healthy at work.
If you're like most Americans, you put in long hours at work--and you have less time off than anyone in the developed world (U.S. workers average 13 vacation days a year, while the Japanese have 25, the Canadians take 26, and the French enjoy 37). Is all that time at the office making you sick? It could be, according to a study conducted by the University of Arizona.
With these six easy tips, you can transform your refrigerator and your health.
When you run to your fridge for a midnight snack, what do you grab? Leftover takeout? Ice cream? Pizza? If so, your fridge may be in need of an extreme makeover.
As most of us know, we are what we eat, and the best way to change the way we eat, look, and feel is by changing what we keep in our kitchens.
Get the top eight signs, and learn how to break the cycle.
Perfectionists often believe that doing everything right can win them success, acceptance, even love. But sadly, their seemingly flawless behavior can actually undermine their efforts. According to counselors at the University of Illinois, the desire to be perfect can rob people of their sense of personal satisfaction, preventing them from achieving as much as those with more realistic goals.
Allergens can attack almost anywhere, including your own home. Follow these tips to reduce your risk.
Sitting in your living room shouldn't give you hives. Relaxing in your bathtub shouldn't make you sneeze. And cooking dinner shouldn't make your eyes and nose itch. If you find yourself in any of these situations, you may be allergic to your home. According to the American Academy of Family Doctors, allergies are overreactions to things that don't cause problems for most people, and these things are known as allergens.
Get the skinny on tricks that really work.
At any given time, one out of every three Americans is on a diet. Unfortunately, most of them fail, and those who do shed pounds usually gain them back within five years. The good news: It doesn't have to be that way. According to the National Weight Control Registry, people who manage to lose weight and keep it off share these common strategies.
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection.
For healthy individuals, influenza, commonly known as flu, lasts only seven to 10 days. But its symptoms can be severe from extreme fatigue and fever to body aches, chills, and more. Fortunately, the virus can be prevented and its symptoms suppressed.
There's no one food that can magically transform an overweight body into an ideal figure. But there are foods that are beneficial to eat on the journey to a slimmer body.
There's no one food that can magically transform an overweight body into an ideal figure. Eating plans that consist solely of grapefruit aren't realistic or effective, nor are plans that promote eating only cabbage soup or special "weight-loss cookies.
It's common for seniors to experience sadness and grief, but when these feelings are persistent, they may be a sign of depression.
Although depression is common among older Americans, experts say it's not just a normal part of the aging process. Whenever feelings of sadness and grief are persistent and interfere with daily activities, they may be signs of major depression--a disease that affects 1 to 5 percent of senior citizens in the mainstream community, the National Institute of Mental Health reports.
These healthy eating tips will help you make it to New Year's without the extra pounds or the guilt.
A healthy diet can be difficult to maintain at any time of year, but once the holiday season rolls around, the task becomes ten times harder. It all begins at Thanksgiving dinner with freshly carved turkey, mashed potatoes with sour cream, corn-bread stuffing, and of course, the all-American apple pie.
Hot flashes can be uncomfortable, frustrating, even scary. Follow this guide to help ease your symptoms.
For many women, hot flashes are menopause's most-dreaded symptom. And it's no wonder: These episodes come on suddenly, spreading an intense feeling of heat over the entire body, especially in the head and neck. What's more, they may be accompanied by rapid heartbeat, perspiration, or dizziness.
Learn how to find the middle ground between being accommodating and being stepped on.
According to a University of Iowa study, excessively nice people often feel as if they have no control over their decisions, thoughts, or opinions. As a result, they can become resentful, frustrated, even depressed. Are you too nice for your own good?
1.
Understanding the "fair test rule" is essential for evaluating cancer treatment options.
We'd like to believe scientists have rigorously studied all tests and treatments and proven beyond a doubt that they are safe and effective. Unfortunately, medical research is complex and drawing definitive conclusions from study results is not always straightforward.
Many people successfully kick the habit, and you can too. Here, the top 10 benefits of smoke-free living.
Although the health risks associated with smoking are irrefutable, many people have difficulty butting out. After all, nicotine is a powerful drug, and when smokers quit, they can experience withdrawal symptoms ranging from anger and irritability to headaches and insomnia.
Sick of starving to lose weight? Follow these tips to shed pounds. No diet required.
For most people, diets aren't enjoyable, and they never seem to yield lasting results either. Although dieters may lose weight initially, most relapse and soon regain the pounds they shed, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Here's how to improve your intimacy despite your physical differences.
Is bigger always better? Not necessarily, although size does count when it comes to having a good sex life.
"If your partner is really well endowed, that can be a problem, but you can work around this by doing things like exercises to help the vaginal muscles relax," says Bat Sheva Marcus, Ph.
This tart, delicious fruit may have protective properties against diseases like colitis, Crohn's, and even cancer. But it's the part of the apple that might surprise you.
An apple a day may keep digestive diseases away. That's according to new research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology.
Apples are a great source of soluble fiber (found to lower cholesterol), quercetin (an antioxidant which plays a role in...
While many food allergies begin in childhood, the fact is that at any age, you can suddenly find yourself dealing with an allergic reaction to something you've had to eat or drink.
It's true, adults could develop food allergies. Both adults and seniors can experience food allergy symptoms for the first time.
The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to serious or even life threatening.
Common Food Allergy Triggers
...
You've probably heard you should "forgive and forget." But new research shows old standard is flawed logic. Here's a better way to process your emotions.
The old saying "to err is human; to forgive divine" are good words to live by. The act of forgiving others provides powerful health benefits. In fact, even renowned medical institutions such as the Mayo Clinic advocate forgiving as a sound strategy for good mental health.
For millions of people living with lupus, having a satisfying love life can be complicated. It doesn't have to mean life without one, however. Here's how to keep your the bedroom sizzling even if lupus is part of your life.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects many different body organs, including the skin, joints, muscles, and vital organs. People with lupus experience fatigue, pain, skin lesions, and other symptoms that can directly impact their desire for and ability to have sex.
Researchers may finally have a vaccine for herpes. But will it be as beneficial as you hope?
It's highly contagious, extremely common, and doesn't have a cure--or even a vaccine to prevent it. But one day, herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2 may be preventable with a vaccine.
Certainly, a vaccine could help millions. About 16.2 percent, or one in six, people in the U.
Psoriasis is a potentially debilitating skin condition that encompasses several different types and levels of severity. Throughout the population, 10 percent of the public are predisposed to developing it.
Psoriasis, a potentially debilitating skin condition, has several types and levels of severity. Generally, sufferers have only one type at a time, though the type can change.
Plaque psoriasis accounts for 80 percent of psoriasis cases. It typically affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, and looks like raised, red lesions that are covered by silvery scales.
There is no guaranteed protection against breast cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
An estimated 1in 8 women will be afflicted with breast cancer in her lifetime. Although there is no guaranteed protection against the disease, there are things you can do to lower your risk. Follow these tips to help prevent breast cancer and to support finding a cure:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living.
In a perfect world, we'd all know exactly when we need to get our important health screenings. In reality, however, these checkups and exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other obligations.
Fortunately, you can get on the right track by making a simple phone call to your doctor.
These strategies can help you cope with the most common caregiver emotions.
When you're caring for an elderly loved one, it's normal to feel sad or discouraged from time to time. Ignoring your feelings won't make them go away; in fact, it may even make them grow stronger. Instead, try these six suggestions from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
When it comes to assisted living, understanding all of the options available can be a challenge. Here, the most frequently asked questions and answers.
It's never easy when an aging loved one needs to move to a residential facility. But understanding the basics in advance can help ease the transition when the time comes. As you and your loved one prepare for the future, refer to this Frequently Asked Questions guide provided by the national nonprofit Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (CCAL).
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming. Follow these tips to help deal with the diagnosis and cope with the holidays and every day.
Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease (AD) means that each new day brings a unique set of challenges. Coping with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior can become overwhelming at times.
Not surprisingly, research has shown that caregivers often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.
Millions of women and girls are affected by ADHD, but they're rarely diagnosed. Learn how to spot the symptoms.
When most people hear the term "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD), it conjures images of children, usually boys. And there's some data to support that: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, experts estimate that, of the 3 to 5 percent of school-age children affected by ADHD, the majority of them are boys.
Caregiving expert Jackie Pinkowitz discusses the difference between age-related memory problems and Alzheimer's disease.
If you talked to as many caregivers as I have over the years, you'd know that it's not the least bit unusual for them to wonder, "Is it Alzheimer's or just aging?" This heart-wrenching question hangs over the heads of many, many families for many, many months without ever once being spoken out loud.
Elderly patients often get confused or agitated toward the end of the day. Learn about the symptoms known as sundowning.
When the sun goes down, elderly patients can become irritated, irrational, even violent. The phenomenon, known as sundowning or sundowner's syndrome, refers to the extreme agitation and confusion elderly people may suddenly experience during the late afternoons or early evenings.
Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a challenge, but these tips can make it easier.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can present any number of challenges for adults, from keeping focused to maintaining healthy relationships. The good news is, there are several steps you can take to make living with ADHD easier. Try the following seven tips to help manage your condition.
Learn how to build strong bones and protect against osteoporosis.
At some point—usually around age 30—everyone's bones begin to get thinner. But only some people will develop osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes bones to become brittle and more likely to break. Your risk for osteoporosis depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of your bones when you were young, as well as the health, diet, and fitness levels you've maintained since.
Follow these tips to minimize your chances of catching the flu this year.
For some of us, getting the flu each year seems almost inevitable. Even if we get a vaccination, it isn't a guarantee that we won't get sick.
We may feel run down due to our busy schedules, and that's when the flu swoops in, preying on our weakened state.
12 Ways to Beat Exhaustion and Burnout
For caregivers, juggling the demands of work and family with parenting our own parents can be a struggle. Just listen to the emotional turmoil expressed by fellow caregivers attempting to manage a turbulent, uncharted course and fill a role they most definitely never wished for.
Are you thinking about getting a flu vaccination this year? Learn about the risks and rewards.
Each fall, medical professionals encourage us to get flu shots in order to lessen our chances of coming down with influenza. For some of us, the flu vaccine can provide protection, or decrease the severity of the illness if we do get sick.
But the flu shot isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone.
Understand your choices for better decision-making.
It goes without saying that those of us who see our aging parents' needs change want for them exactly what we would want for ourselves. Quite simply, we want them to have the right care at the right time in the right place. But wanting it and knowing what it means specifically for our moms or dads, understanding what our options are, and knowing where to find reliable information on each option isn't at all simple.
These friendly bacteria can do wonders for your digestive system. Learn how your body can start reaping the benefits.
The literal translation of the word probiotics is "for life." But just what are probiotics, how are they helpful in maintaining digestive health, and how can they be included in daily diets?
Probiotics Defined
The normal human digestive tract contains over 1,000 types of bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and help promote a healthy digestive system.
Women are far more likely to remember their high-school weights than their cholesterol levels.
Adult women are more than twice as likely to know how much they weighed in high school than they are to know their current cholesterol number, and only half have had their cholesterol tested in the past year, according to results of a nationwide survey.
Not so black and white: study concludes bipolar disease is more of a spectrum disorder.
A 2007 study supports earlier findings that bipolar disease is underrecognized, often improperly treated, and may be more accurately characterized as a spectrum disorder than a black-and-white disease. The study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), a nationwide survey of mental disorders among 9,282 Americans ages 18 and older.
Study shows that preparedness makes all the difference when it comes to caregiving.
Findings from the CVS/pharmacy and Caring Today 2007 "Caregiver Insights Study: Well-Being and Care Management" indicate that family caregivers find the caregiving experience more enjoyable than expected. Findings further revealed that those caregivers who were better prepared to fill the caregiver role and responsibilities had more positive experiences than those who were unprepared.
Feeling stressed out? Regain your calm with these tips.
Sometimes daily life can get the best of us, and our stress levels can zoom off the charts. Family issues, workplace worries, and day-to-day obligations can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these methods of stress reduction:
1.
Keeping cool on hot summer days isn't only a matter a comfort—it's vital for good health and even survival.
A little fun in the sun is one thing, but when it could put you at risk for heat stroke, it's time to take some precautions. That's the message from the Pennsylvania Medical Society and experts all across the country, who warn both adults and children alike that heat stroke is a potentially deadly illness to be avoided—even if it means sacrificing a day at the beach.
As many as 15 million Americans suffer from some form of eczema. Here, 13 tips to help ease your symptoms.
Eczema is a remarkably common skin condition, affecting some 15 million people in the United States.
While not dangerous or contagious, the condition (also known as atopic dermatitis) is incurable and uncomfortable, usually causing red, swollen, and itchy skin.
How to keep allergies and asthma from traveling with you.
When vacations kick into high gear, allergies and asthma often follow suit. The good news? "There are steps you can take to minimize your symptoms," said Dr. Richard W. Weber, an academy leader and allergist in Denver, Colo. He recommends following these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:
Consider visiting your allergist or immunologist for a physical if you're planning to go on a long vacation.
Add these super foods to your diet, and give your health an instant boost.
By now, you probably know which foods you should avoid sugary colas, greasy snacks, fatty fast foods. But what about the many nutritious foods nature has to offer? While many people are familiar with the well-publicized superfoods, such as berries, salmon, and spinach, there's an abundance of lesser-known treats that can also do wonders for your health.
When it comes to assessing cholesterol, HDL and LDL get most of the focus. But there's another category that deserves equal attention.
Triglycerides are essential to human life. These chains of fatty acids are absorbed into your system from the foods you eat and are even created by your own body. They circulate through your bloodstream, providing energy to cells and enabling your body to function.
Your pet is an important member of your family. But along with the happiness your furry friend brings is great deal of responsibility, on your part, to keep your cat or dog in tip-top shape.
Richard S. Goldstein, Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and owner of Mobile Vet Squad in Westchester County, NY introduces some of the key areas that you'll need to consider when adopting a pet. This includes ensuring proper nutrition, keeping her skin and coat clean and pest-free, and taking steps to prevent serious illnesses.
So you're ready to adopt a pet? Before you open your home to a furry friend, find out exactly what you need to have in place.
Are You a Dog Lover or a Cat Lover?
Both kinds of animals have great benefits. Dogs can be quite affectionate but are high maintenance. Cats may demand less attention and are more independent.
Regardless of which one you prefer, Dr. Goldstein, Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and owner of Mobile Vet Squad in Westchester County, NY, says that it's important to understand that when you take home a new pet, you're making a long-term commitment.
Don't expect to lose 10 pounds overnight, but you can take steps to help your body rid itself of bloating while you sleep, which could result in a flatter tummy the next morning.
You can wake up slimmer than when you went to bed the night before—if you adhere to this important list of to-dos:
Drink plenty of water during the day.
You don't want to ingest enough to fill a tanker truck—overconsumption of water can be dangerous.
This supplement is a widely recommended alternative to prescription and over-the-counter sleep medications, but some studies show it's not effective. So should you try it?
The flowering plant, valerian, contains various compounds that may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It's also used to treat anxiety and abdominal cramps.
The most studied, most widely available, and seemingly most effective species of valerian is Valerian officinalis, which is native to northern European countries.
Approximately two-thirds of adults watch TV in the hour before they go to bed. If you have ongoing sleep problems, ask yourself if you're one of them.
Watching the tube before bed may seem like a good way to wind down for the evening to help you relax and fall asleep. And according to Dr. Helene M. Emsellem, author of Snooze...Or Lose, this may be true. But only if you watch TV for a very short period of time, keeping the sound low, and viewing something that's nonviolent and non-stimulating.
When you're sleep-deprived, you're more likely to take chances and make reckless decisions. What do brain scans reveal about being overtired?
Your ability to make smart decisions can be lost when you lack sleep. You may take chances you wouldn't ordinarily take, have a false sense of what you can accomplish, and if you're a gambler or an over-spender, the results could be disastrous.
When getting a good night's sleep is difficult, engaging in risky behavior such as mindless spending is that much easier because you don't have the wherewithal to stop yourself.
While no one claims getting up on a frigid day is easy, here are the steps you can take to make the whole experience bearable.
Here's how to get moving and face the day—without getting frostbite:
Programmable timers. Before you go to bed, lower the temperature on your thermostat to help you save on heating costs, then program its timer to a higher temperature about half an hour before you wake up so your room is warm.
Some things that sap your energy are no surprise, like being awake all night with a sick child or eating a heavy meal, but there are other energy depleters that are less obvious.
Don't let any of the following cause your lethargy:
1. Too much time in an urban environment.
You may love the city for its excitement. Yet researchers have determined that a dearth of nature can be draining. A University of Michigan study found that subjects who walked in a local park scored better on cognitive functioning tests afterward than those who strolled through a small city's downtown.
Some believe that dreams hold the key to solving nagging problems and triggering creative energy. Here are tips on how to delve into your subconscious sleeping mind.
Experts say we have multiple dreams every night, but we rarely, if ever, remember them. Other than fleeting scenes here and there that may stay with us, most of our nighttime imagery is lost as soon as the alarm clock goes off.
Scientifically, dream recall is a pretty murky area.
A healthy love life will bring you closer to your partner and strengthen your relationship. But can it improve your overall health and protect you from illness?
You try to keep yourself from coming down with the flu or a cold by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and trying to exercise as often as possible. Chances are, having sex isn't on your list of ways to stay healthy. But maybe it should be. Experts say that having sex can actually be beneficial to your health.
Painkillers are powerful medicines, but with them come the real risk of abuse. Understand the myths and determine how to use painkillers safely.
Many people living with chronic pain struggle with the pros and cons of taking opiate-based pain medication. The pros include better quality of life, greater ability to function in daily activities and, of course, less pain. The cons include potential for addiction and abuse.
Strange, wild, passionate, frightening. Your dreams may provide insight into who you really are.
You're plummeting naked from an airplane after failing an important test. Your teeth are falling out and a dinosaur is chasing you. You awake suddenly, relieved it was just a dream.
We all dream, and while the scientific community may not agree if dreams really say something about you, many people believe they do.
Screening is the process of looking for cancer in people who have no symptoms. Although it could potentially catch the disease in its early stages, it could also bring on unnecessary worry and angst. Learn more about the pros and cons of this controversial topic.
Should you be tested for cancer? Maybe not, says H. Gilbert Welch, M.D., author of the same titled book. Welch is one of a growing group of health professionals urging individuals to make thoughtful decisions about cancer screenings. He says one way to become sick is to start looking for something to be wrong.
Sugar, butter, and cream may be one celebrity chef's go-to ingredients, but that doesn't mean you should follow in her footsteps. You can still recreate the cuisine of the Queen of Southern Cooking without doing damage to your health. Let a team of experts show you how.
Now that Paula Deen's been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it's time for her followers to rethink adding all that butter, cream, and sugar to food to make it taste good.
It's certainly possible to switch out high-fat, high-cholesterol ingredients for more healthful ones, nutrition experts say.
Who can you count on to motivate, inspire, and coax you? To sweat, grunt, and whine with you? To kick you off the couch and run with you? Your gym buddy, of course. But how do you find a good one?
A good gym buddy shares your fitness goals or has goals a little more challenging than yours and is ready to exercise regularly. It helps if she's roughly your age and close to your fitness level (or better)-but that's not mandatory. The important thing is to look for someone who shares the following qualities.
The gym is great for improving health, but it can also be a danger zone. Some of the biggest safety issues happen right after your workout.
Hitting the showers can put your health at risk if you don't follow certain precautions. That's because:
Gym showers are slippery and slick.
Wet, warm tiles and shower drains are the perfect breeding ground for fungus, ringworm, bacteria, and viruses.
Is laughter the best medicine? Members of "Laughter Clubs" that span the globe heartily chuckle, "Yes!"
Laughter Yoga began in India in 1995 when health journalist, Dr. Madan Kataria, wrote an article on laughter as the best medicine. While doing his research, Kataria kept finding references to scientific studies that described the many proven benefits of laughter on the human mind and body.
Is working out hard on the weekends enough to keep you in shape? It all depends on what works for you.
Some fitness enthusiasts say you can meet all your fitness goals by exercising only two days per week. Others say that puts too much stress on underused muscles and sets them up for injury; and some weight-training experts say one strength workout per week is all you need to build a better body.
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to getting in shape. No matter where you start out, you have a unique fitness ID to discover, develop, and change as you grow.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) agrees that fitness is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Every person has unique factors that affect their health, fitness level, and fitness goals.
That's why trying to fit into someone else's fitness profile doesn't usually work and, in fact, often causes injury.
If you have a passion for fitness, you might have what it takes to become a trainer or instructor. Here's how to take your dream to the next level.
Certified personal trainers and fitness instructors have in-depth knowledge and training on a wide variety of fitness activities in addition to understanding anatomy, physiology, and sports medicine.
They also know the following:
Injury prevention
Age...
If you like Pilates, yoga, and dance, raise the bar with this system developed by a former ballet dancer. Appropriate for people of all fitness levels and those recovering from injuries, this trend could be for you.
Gyrotonic® was developed by former ballet dancer Juliu Horvath in the early 1980s after an injury ended his dance career. It incorporates elements from yoga, Pilates, dance, and tai chi, but people who practice Gyrotonic® say it's a lot like swimming due to its fluid movements.
Clinical trial. Double blind. Experimental. Understanding the terminology associated with different types of studies will help you determine which one might be right for you.
Most of what we know about cancer comes from the results of research studies. Understanding what makes for a good study is important if you're considering a new treatment option or deciding whether you should participate in a clinical trial.
Research studies can be classified by type—observational or experimental—or time period.
One of the newest players in the fitness world is one of the oldest nutritional substances on earth. Bovine colostrum (also known as early cow’s milk) is making a name as a powerful way to increase athletic performance and speed recovery time after extreme workouts.
Bovine colostrum is the first milk a cow produces during the first few days after delivering a calf. Much like human colostrum (from breast milk), bovine colostrum is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and proteins (antibodies) that fight disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses.
Bump up your fitness level with these 10 simple adjustments to your daily habits.
Check out our top ten tips for making the best fitness decisions:
Take the stairs, not the elevator. Walk up the stairs for ten minutes a day and you'll burn about 100 calories. Additionally, it's a healthy workout that fortifies your lungs and strengthens your legs, glutes, and back muscles.
Get in shape, and have fun doing it, with video gaming systems that incorporate active fitness.
By now, you probably know all about WiiTM bowling, yoga, and other exercise games. But if you've played those to the point of boredom, here are other games out there that can keep you engaged, energized, and fit.
What is Exergaming?
Exergames are video gaming systems that incorporate fitness into their activities.
Persevering through trying times may have long-term benefits, new research suggests. What can you reap from life's difficulties?
Martin Luther King, Jr. said the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. King, of course, was speaking of adversity and the power to overcome it.
Although avoiding fatty foods is the key to being lean, current science indicates that overeating doesn't tell the whole story.
Roughly two-thirds of Americans are overweight. Obesity results when body fat accumulates over time and as a result calories taken in exceed calories expended. It can run in families and is associated with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers.
If you're looking for a new twist on a classic workout and you're into dance, Pilates, or yoga, then a barre or ballet workout might be perfect for you.
Using a combination of ballet moves, weight training, stretching, and isometric body-weight exercises, barre/ballet workouts kick you into ballerina shape. It's not just for dancers, though. This workout may be the toughest one you've ever done in a leotard.
When you consider all the different ways you can add exercise to your life, it's really not difficult to make exercise fun, easy, and motivating.
People have a million excuses why they slack off on exercise like, "I don't have time," "it's too much work," "it's boring," or "I'd rather be with my friends." But what if exercise was fun? What if you enjoyed it so much that you made the time, looked forward to putting in the effort, found it exciting, and could do it with your friends and family?
These tips will make exercise fun again:
Make it a game.
Fitness imparts a slew of health benefits, but if you’re living with certain diabetes-related complications, some exercises could end up doing more harm than good. Here’s how to navigate through the confusion and find a workout that works for you.
Chances are, you've heard about the benefits of exercise so often, you could list them in your sleep: it can lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol, help you lose weight, reduce body fat, reduce your stress level, and give you more energy.
Many factors affect a blood pressure reading at any given time. Stress, caffeine, and even the time of year can alter your number.
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. The top number (systolic) indicates the maximum pressure the heart exerts while beating. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure in the arteries between beats.
Communication is key when it comes to a successful sexual relationship. But it's not always the easiest subject to talk about. Here's a head start to knowing what men want.
He may never come out and say it, but chances are your special someone wishes you knew certain things that would make him feel more special, sexy, and confident about your relationship. Just because he won't tell you himself doesn't mean he won't love it when you
1.
While there's no single food that meets every nutritional requirement a person needs, doctors and researchers have pinpointed a handful of edibles as standouts in the field.
These "super foods," as certain experts call them, are nutritionally dense and provide boatloads of vitamins and minerals along with excellent calorie and fat profiles.
Make it a point to include at least a few of these in your diet every day:
Salmon
High in omega-3 fatty acids and a preventer of heart disease, salmon, and other fatty fish such as halibut and rainbow trout can also help lower blood pressure and enhance brain function.
Watching your weight or looking to up your nutrients? Smoothies are a delicious and easy way to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Try some of these.
The beauty of smoothies is that they can be customized and made out of almost anything you have in your produce bin.
If you're watching your weight:
Use in-season fruit.
Whether fresh or frozen, fruit that's being grown tends to be sweeter than its out-of-season counterparts, meaning you don't need to add extra sugar or honey.
Understanding terms like "disease-free survival rate," "progression-free survival rate," and "5-year survival rate" can help you evaluate treatment options and assess the reliability of the information you obtain.
Trying to make sense of cancer statistics can be overwhelming. Adding to the confusion, many media reports lack context, and even reputable journals can promote misleading and overblown claims about cancer treatment. Understanding statistics, however, can help you evaluate treatment options and assess the reliability of the information you obtain.
Food manufacturers use both natural and synthetic preservatives to extend the life of many of the food products we eat. Government regulations limit the use of some of them. Here’s why.
Preservatives keep food products fresh long enough for them to get from the factory to the supermarket and eventually find a place on your dining table. They do this by slowing down the natural breakdown of fats, delaying the ripening process of fresh foods, and destroying or slowing down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that would otherwise grow on food.
Do you suffer from sinus troubles? Dandruff? Sore throat? Diarrhea? Apple cider vinegar could alleviate all of these conditions.
Often used in salad dressings, apple cider vinegar could also be of use to you as a natural remedy. It is reported to help ease a sore throat, relieve sinus congestion, calm intestinal troubles, and rid your scalp of dandruff. Also, if you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar could even help keep your blood sugar balanced.
While your intentions may be innocent, the illnesses that can be transmitted through a simple smooch are not. Watch out for these.
You may think a kiss is just a kiss, but in reality, it can be much more. Smooching can be romantic, but it can also transmit a variety of infections.
"When I think of the infectious risk of kissing, what comes to mind are viral infections," says Bruce Hirsch, MD, attending physician in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.
When you read the headlines about the latest advancements in cancer treatments, do you find yourself wondering, "What does this really mean?" Here's a guide to understanding the meaning behind the numbers.
Consider these two headlines, which announce the same study results:
New drug cuts cancer risk by 50%
Drug results in 2% drop in cancer risk
In this hypothetical study described by the Annie Appleseed project, 100 women take a new drug for cancer and 100 women take a placebo.
Your scalp can be a hidden zone for skin cancer, but a new study and advocacy campaign gets behind an innovative solution.
There's no question that the best way to beat skin cancer is to spot it early. Unfortunately, it's hard for you to see what may be growing on your own scalp or on the back of your neck. However, there is someone who already looks at that area carefully—your hairdresser.
Make hydration a priority before, during, and after your workout to keep your body nourished and replenished.
You've been told your whole life that you need your eight glasses of water a day, and while how much one needs to take in is still up for debate, the truth remains that for optimal functioning, the body needs a consistent intake of water.
For the average person, thirst should be your guide.
Selecting the right form of birth control depends on a variety of factors including hormone levels and sexual habits. Follow these five tips to make an educated decision.
Half of all girls are sexually active by the age of 17 and menopause doesn't typically take place until a woman reaches 50, so there are a lot of years during a woman's life when birth control may be needed, according to the Associated Press. Yet choosing the right contraceptive can lead to confusion and uncertainty.
Balancing office and home life can create conflicts between demands and stress from both sides. But there may also be healthy benefits to working outside the home.
Several recent studies have demonstrated that working, especially part time, provides mental health benefits for women.
A study in the December 2011 issue of the Journal of Family Psychology examined several aspects of well being in mothers who worked part time compared to those who worked full time or not at all.
If you're used to the dramatic representations of heart attacks on TV, you may be surprised to learn about real-life scenarios.
How many times have you seen this act on TV? The character on the screen gets a glazed look in his eyes, stumbles, and clutches his chest as he slowly (and dramatically) falls to the ground. This is the classic Hollywood depiction of a heart attack. And while this scenario might accurately describe some heart attacks, it's not representative.
The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is complex, and multiple healthcare professionals play key roles in providing comprehensive care. Here's who might be on your team.
The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is complex and multiple healthcare professionals play a role in providing comprehensive care to patients.
Oncology Physicians
Physicians are either medical doctors (MDs) or osteopathic doctors (OD) and many complete additional training in specific medical conditions, such as oncology.
A vaccine originally developed to prevent tuberculosis may be the key contender when it comes to reversing type 1 diabetes. Preliminary findings are promising.
Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are fortunate in that it's possible, with diet and lifestyle changes, to actually reverse the course of the disease. Even if they're unable to reverse Type 2, it's possible for them to avoid going on insulin by losing weight, watching carbs, and getting moderate exercise.
Suffering from anxiety? Stomach issues? A cold that won’t quit? There’s an herb for you.
Herbs and spices are as at-home in your medicine chest as they are in your pantry. That's because they possess powerful healing properties that have been used as medicinals for thousands of years. Check out these 10 common herbs you may already have growing in your yard or sitting in your spice rack.
Here's a cost-free way to turn back the clock. It's as simple as putting on a happy face. According to a new study, people who smile appear younger than their true age.
In a study published in the journal, Psychology and Aging, researchers from The Institute for Human Development in Berlin discovered the unusual byproduct of smiling. They recruited 154 people of various ages to examine more than 2,000 photographs. The photographs depicted young faces and older ones wearing a wide range of expressions—from sad to happy.
Whether you're an avid runner or a beginner, running a marathon is an attainable goal with the right training, attitude, and strategy.
According to MarathonGuide.com, 503,000 people ran a marathon in 2010. With more and more Americans endeavoring the 26.2 mile trek, you may be wondering how you, too, can join the trend. Though much of how you train will be based on your previous experience and personal training preferences, there are a few tips that anyone willing to tackle the challenge of a marathon should follow.
If you’re a diabetic who’s going through menopause, you’re up against some unique challenges. Find out what steps you can take to stay on top of your health.
If you're going through menopause, you're undoubtedly familiar with moodiness, sleep difficulties, and hot flashes. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you've got a few additional concerns. Here's what you can expect during menopause-and what you can do to stay fit and healthy.
The dietary choices you make during breakfast can set your course for the rest of the day. Let this go-to guide help you bring a wholesome cereal selection to the table each morning.
It's been said time and again: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And cereal is a great morning choice, right? Well, not necessarily. The grocery store is filled with a barrage of cereal selections, and many are downright unhealthy. So how can you determine if the cereal's worthy of a place in your cart or if it should go right back on the shelf? Take a look at the label:
If sugar is the first ingredient on the list, put it back on the shelf.
This alternative treatment has proven benefits for conditions like chronic pain and stress. But can it combat infertility?
If you're trying to have a baby, acupuncture is one treatment you may never have considered to help increase your chances of conceiving. The centuries-old Asian medical practice, in which sterile, ultra-thin needles are placed in various pressure points (or Qi, pronounced "chee" in the body), is believed to reduce stress and improve circulation.
New findings stir up additional concerns among birth control users. Here's a rundown of the research and an expert's take on the topic.
Two recent studies found that women who take contraceptive pills containing the hormone drospirenone (Yaz, Yasmine, Beyaz) have 2 to 3 times the risk of developing blood clots compared to those taking pills containing levonorgestrel. The FDA is still reviewing the research and conducting its own study of the contraceptive's safety.
From the most common forms to the obvious (and not-so-obvious) signs, here's your overview of this common condition.
Anemia affects nearly 9 percent of the population, yet most people don't understand what it is. Even the term anemia is confusing because it indicates several distinct health conditions with different symptoms, causes, and treatments. So what exactly is anemia?
Most of the time, when someone is diagnosed with anemia, she has a condition called Iron-Deficiency anemia.
If you have a "sweet tooth," research suggests this preference could actually affect your personality. But does it make you sweeter or does it make you sour?
"You are what you eat." A platitude used by parents and high school health teachers alike. And a new report published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has added credence to this adage.
Research conducted by psychologists at the North Dakota State University in Fargo suggests that individuals who regularly eat sweets are more likely to help another person in need.
If you’re tired of dragging yourself to the gym, maybe it’s time to move your workout to the dance floor.
Dance-based workouts can provide everything your body needs to get toned, fit, and in-shape. Plus, they're fun, inspiring, and they're great places to meet new people.
Here are six kinds of dance that will keep you on your toes:
Belly dancing is a centuries-old dance tradition that grew from many different middle-eastern cultures.
Rich in color, flavor, and nutrients, these versatile vegetables star in a variety of international cuisines. Here's a bushel of ways to add them to your diet.
Whether eaten raw with your favorite dip, jarred and pickled, or cooked up as part of a savory dinner entrée, peppers deserve a place at your table. By far, the most popular variety of pepper eaten in the U.S. is the bell pepper. Here's a guide to the differences between these bell peppers:
Green Peppers
The least expensive of the bell peppers and the least sweet, this pepper is picked before achieving full ripeness.
For injury prevention and the sheer sake of comfort, the right pair of shoes are essential. Let this guide point you in the right direction.
Falling and hurting yourself becomes a real danger as you get older, especially if you don't get enough exercise, have vision problems, take sedating medications, suffer from osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions, or there are environmental hazards in your home, such as loose rugs, poor lighting, or unstable furniture or fixtures.
Reducing your meat consumption doesn't mean you only have bean protein sources left. Consider these vegan meat substitutes. They offer the flavors and textures you enjoy from your favorite meats.
If your goal is to cut down on or cut out meat consumption, you may be wondering if there are worthy substitutes out there. Sure, you'll eat more fish, chicken, and beans, but are there any foods that can really stand in for meat in your favorite recipes? Happily, the answer is yes.
If you're heading into your senior years sometime in the next decade, or you're already there, it's important to consider the type of doctor who can best serve your physical and emotional needs as you age.
A geriatrician is typically an internist or family practitioner who has had additional training in the medical and psychological care of men and women age 65 and older. Geriatricians develop a special understanding of what happens to the body as it ages and what aging means with respect to your health.
If you're having trouble climaxing, you're not alone. Many older adults have difficulty achieving orgasm. Here, five reasons why you're having difficulty.
If your sex life is suffering because of your inability to reach orgasm, chances are you're trying to figure out why and what you can do about it. Experts say, there are physical, as well as psychological causes to your sexual dilemma.
"There are psychological, physical, and biological reasons for the inability to orgasm," says Renee Horowitz, MD, FACOG, director of the Center for Sexual Wellness in Farmington Hills, New York.
While superficial matters may be low on your list of priorities when you're facing a serious illness, feeling good about how you look can lift your spirits and your self-confidence.
Cancer treatments can wreak havoc on your appearance. While beauty may be low on your list of priorities when you're facing a serious illness, feeling good about how you look can lift your spirits and your self-confidence.
Cancer patients have unique skin and hair care challenges.
Sometimes too much "care" can ruin your tresses. Here's how to keep your hair under control without overdoing it.
We all want our hair to look healthy and beautiful. But most of us don't realize how easy it is to over-do the steps we take to make our hair look great. Here are eight common mistakes and tips to keep your hair under control.
Over-Washing. Most people don't need to wash their hair more than once or twice a week, but some wash it once or twice a day! Unless your hair is very oily, resist the urge to wash it too often.
If you and your partner don't have the same sexual appetite, worry not. We'll provide the insight to diagnose the issue and 9 exciting ways to get you seeing eye-to-eye.
Getting older can take a toll on your sexual appetite. And if you're in a relationship where you and your partner have different sexual needs, frustration and tension can result.
Often, it's the woman who experiences a diminished sexual appetite, experts say.
What's one thing you never want to leave home without? A first-aid kit. When scrapes, stings, bumps, and boo-boos happen, make sure you have what you need to treat the injury right away.
What's one thing you never want to leave home without? A first-aid kit. When scrapes, stings, bumps, and boo-boos happen, make sure you have what you need to treat the injury right away.
The American Red Cross offers a complete line of kits you can slip in your pocket, pack in your purse, or stow in the trunk of your car.
When you consider all the different ways you can add exercise to your life, it's really not that difficult to make exercise fun, easy, and something that enriches you.
People have a million excuses for why they slack off on fitness:
I don't have time,
It's too much work
It's boring
I'd rather be with my friends
But what if exercise was fun? What if you enjoyed it so much you made the time,...
White fruits and vegetables contain as many essential nutrients and other health-promoting substances as do red, yellow, and green foods. And some of these substances may be especially important for aging adults.
Don't be fooled by their lack of color—white fruits and vegetables contain as many essential nutrients and other health-promoting substances as do red, yellow, and green foods. And some of these substances may be especially important for aging adults.
Being “old” just got younger. However, to achieve that there's something you need to do.
Being "old" just got younger, according to a new study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise—that is if you hit the gym regularly.
After administering fitness tests to 4,500 volunteers ages 20 to 90, scientists reported that the fitness levels/indicators of active middle-aged participants were nearly identical to that of inactive 20-year-olds.
The debate rages on as to whether social networking sites isolate people or contribute to global connectedness. One new study's results offer an interesting perspective.
Much has been made of the social, emotional, and intellectual implications of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Some studies suggest that they can contribute to depressive symptoms while others feel they foster a sense of a global community.
Brighten your smile without breaking the bank with these at-home, do-it-yourself ingredients.
According to the American Dental Association, tooth whitening can be achieved by either bleaching the color of your teeth, or by physically abrading surface stains to make them lighten or disappear. There are hundreds of teeth whitening products you can buy that use these techniques, but combining natural products can save you the expense.
Cold weather brings unique challenges to skin health. Keep these tips in mind and you'll have smooth, hydrated skin in this chilly season.
Winter can cause as much harm to your skin as summer's damaging sun rays, especially if you suffer from dryness or a skin condition. Take care to defend your skin against the effects of these common culprits:
1. Dry indoor air is one of the most damaging, dehydrating elements of winter.
There are many known benefits to using mouthwash, but if yours has too much of this common ingredient, this daily routine can reverse the health of your teeth and gums.
Four out of five dentists may recommend you use it, but have you ever wondered how mouthwash affects your mouth?
Many brands tout the bacteria and bad breath (also known as halitosis) eliminating benefits of their products. The secret ingredient? Alcohol.
Don't just plan the itinerary of your next vacation, plan on having travel insurance to protect you against asthma gone haywire. Here's what you need to consider.
So you finally booked that vacation you've been dreaming about for years. But if you're traveling to a new place, it's important to remember that you will still be exposed to a range of asthma triggers, which is why it's a good idea to invest in a good travel insurance protection plan.
Nonmedical or non-health-related drugs have become very popular. But before you decide to try these kinds of drugs and procedures, proceed with caution.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), defining what is a "lifestyle drug" actually is a subject of much debate. However, according to the NLM it's typically thought of as a drug taken to satisfy a non-medical or non-health-related goal.
Learn how to keep the food you buy fresh and safe to eat.
If your kitchen cabinets hold cans dating back to the last century and your freezer is home to unrecognizable lumps of ice-coated leftovers, you may be due for a crash course on food storage. Knowing where and how to store food is tricky. Some produce thrives in the refrigerator, while other types wilt and lose flavor.
Studies have found that the skin on an apple contains a substance that not only promotes muscle growth and prevents the loss of muscle that comes with aging, but may also lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Laboratory studies have found that the skin on an apple contains a substance that not only promotes muscle growth and prevents the loss of muscle that comes with aging, but may also lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
In addition to vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other substances such as antioxidants and phytochemicals that are known to protect against cancer and other forms of chronic disease, apples contain a chemical called ursolic acid.
In a society obsessed with beauty, most of us don't want to stand out because of our appearance. Whether you have a physical deformity, or are just unhappy with some aspect of how you look, follow these tips to work toward better quality of life.
In a society obsessed with beauty, most of us don't want to stand out because of our appearance. Whether you have a physical deformity, or are just unhappy with some aspect of how you look, insecurities about your appearance can negatively affect your quality of life and mental well-being.
The ups and downs associated with relationships don't pertain only to emotions. In fact, your partnership, good or bad, can have a real effect on your body.
When you and your partner or significant other are happy together, your stress level plummets, and your heart thanks you for it. Conversely, a toxic relationship puts considerable stress and unhappiness on a couple, and their hearts can show the strain, experts say.
While java will give you a jolt, you have other pick-me-up options that may be less jarring to your system. Consider forgoing the caffeine for a protein-rich snack.
If you've ever been hit with the 3 p.m. sleepies (and who hasn't?), you may have been tempted to head to the nearest coffee bar for a caffeine infusion. But while java will give you a jolt, you have other pick-me-up options that may be less jarring to your system.
There's nothing wrong with trying to slim down, but watch out for these red flags.
So you've got a high-school reunion coming up in three weeks, or a Caribbean vacation planned, or a wedding to go to. You absolutely have to drop 10 pounds immediately. There's nothing wrong with trying to slim down, but make sure you're doing it in a healthy way.
QualityHealth sits down with fitness expert Jackie Warner to discuss her initiative to give people with psoriasis a renewed resolve to get fit and feel great in their skin.
For some, exercise is like brushing teeth—a regular part of their day routine. But for people with psoriasis—an autoimmune disease that impacts the skin and restricts range of motion—fitting in just a few jumping jacks into the day can be challenging.
QualityHealth sat down with American Idol's Casey Abrams to talk about his experience living with ulcerative colitis. Here's what you should know about this chronic, but manageable inflammatory bowel disease.
American Idol contestant Casey Abrams was a freshman at a large college who was slowly adjusting from a small high school when he developed worrisome and painful symptoms in his stomach. He was losing weight, running to the bathroom up to a dozen times a day, and was generally feeling unwell.
Can you control whether you get Alzheimer's disease? The answer is...maybe. In some cases, there is nothing a person can do to stop the illness. In other instances, lifestyle and environment may play a part.
Can you control whether you get Alzheimer's disease? The answer is...maybe. In some cases, there is nothing a person can do to stop the illness. In other instances, lifestyle and environment may play a part. Here's what you need to know about the factors that increase your Alzheimer's risk.
It can be difficult to see someone you care about suffering from pain. You want to help, but you're not sure how. So you cast about for something to say...and you end up making your loved one more upset than before. How did your comment get taken so wrongly? And what should you have said instead?
It can be difficult to see someone you care about suffering from pain. You want to help, but you're not sure how. So you cast about for something to say...and you end up making your loved one more upset than before. How did your comment get taken so wrongly? And what should you have said instead?
"It can't be that bad.
More than any other time, vaccines are extremely crucial to senior health. They can help you ward off sicknesses that are now harder to tackle.
It's especially important to keep up with vaccinations when you're older because certain infections and diseases hit seniors more heavily than they do on younger people.
The flu is one example. While normally influenza is not fatal, it does take a number of lives every year, and 90 percent of those it kills are 65 years old or older.
New research has uncovered a tool that lets doctors accurately assess your pain without needing your input.
When you tell a doctor you're having pain, he or she will typically ask you to rank it on a scale of one to ten. But if you say "five," does the doctor really know what you're feeling? Is your five the same as someone else's five? And what if you aren't able to verbally communicate? How will your physician know what you're feeling without your saying anything?
New research has uncovered a tool that lets doctors accurately assess your pain without needing your input.
A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume.
Want to stave off cognitive problems as you get older? Consider making a special effort to get enough Vitamin B12. A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume.
Many popular skin care and cosmetic products contain potentially harmful ingredients. Here's a roundup of ingredients to look out for, the products that may contain them, and why they can be dangerous.
Many popular skin care and cosmetic products contain potentially harmful ingredients. Here's a roundup of ingredients to look out for, the products that may contain them, and why they can be dangerous:
1. Coal tar. Used in hair dyes and dandruff prevention products, this carcinogen is often labeled as FD&C or D&C on product labels.
Many fit women are turning to mini-liposuction procedures to remove problem fat deposits that can't be removed naturally. But does this trend represent a dangerous quest for perfection?
Recent reports reveal a growing trend of fit women turning to mini-liposuction procedures to tackle problem areas. But some wonder, does this represent a dangerous quest for perfection? Experts are divided on the issue, but to help you make up your mind, it's important to look at what liposuction is for.
Discover which parts of your body hold clues to how well your digestive tract is functioning.
Feeling sluggish? Stick out your tongue. It holds clues to how efficient your body's digestive tract is running, says Brent Barlow, ND, Okanagan Naturopathic Healthcare in Kelowna, British Columbia. But this isn't the only secret your body has to share.
If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way.
The basic rule of weight loss says that if you take in fewer calories than you use, you'll shed pounds. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try it seems that the scale just won't budge. If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way.
Whether you're the jealous one or the recipient, sibling rivalries are never easy to cope with. Here, tips on how to get past the green-eyed monster and rebuild your relationship.
Jealous of your brother's great job? Envious that your sister's kids are always so beautifully behaved that your parents compliment her constantly? Whether you're the jealous one, always feeling like your sibling has a better job/house/car/kids than you, or you're the sibling that others in your family are jealous of, envy can be stressful and draining.
Typically when you have muscle pain it's equated to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions.
Typically when you have muscle pain it's equated to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions.
Muscle pain tops the symptom list for many illnesses and health conditions from the flu to fibromyalgia.
Several studies have shown that lack of sleep has a profound effect on your mental well-being and that, for some people, chronic insomnia increases the risk of developing a psychological disorder such as depression or anxiety.
You know how you feel after a restless or sleepless night—grouchy, stressed out, and just plain awful! The longer you go without a good night's sleep, the worse you feel. Here's what you can do to get your sleep habits—and your mood—back on track.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel?
Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel?
Your gastrointestinal tract is actually one long tube that stretches from your mouth to your rectum, with lots of twists, turns, bulges, and folds in between.
If diet or lifestyle habits are at the root of your bloating or gas overload, there are steps you can take during the day to avoid having problems at night.
Everyone produces gas while digesting food and, once formed, and that gas has to go somewhere. Throughout the day and night, normal amounts of gas pass through your body unnoticed, but any build-up of excess gas usually makes itself known. If it passes through your mouth, you burp.
If antibiotics are making you nauseated, eating the right foods and staying away from the wrong ones can help you feel better.
If antibiotics are making you nauseated, eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help you feel better.
When you take antibiotics to kill the bacteria that are causing an infection, the drug has a "take no prisoners" effect on your body: It wipes out all bacteria, good and bad.
When you don't get enough sleep, it becomes difficult to focus your attention and manage your emotions. You lose perspective. It is as if you become a different person than who you are when you are well rested.
No one knows exactly why we are designed to sleep, but just about everyone knows what happens when we don't.
If you are one of the estimated 50 to 70 million Americans who suffer from chronic sleep loss, you are probably feeling the consequences right now.
If you drink a bit more coffee or tea than most people you know, scientists say it may be thanks to your DNA.
If you drink a bit more coffee or tea than most people you know, scientists say it may be thanks to your DNA.
Ah, caffeine. It wakes you up in the morning, helps you get your work done throughout the day and, after a long night, may be the only thing that can get you through the next day.
Taking a hot bath every evening is a natural way to decrease stress and anxiety, and ease yourself into a good night's sleep. Here's how to make this pre-bedtime ritual work for you.
Taking a hot bath every evening is a natural way to decrease stress and anxiety, and ease yourself into a good night's sleep. Here's how to make this pre-bedtime ritual work for you.
Timing is Everything
Figure out how much sleep you need and what time you need to go to bed to get that amount.
Fluid retention is a common occurrence. Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce or eliminate excess fluids.
Your body tries to maintain equilibrium at all times. However, sometimes pregnancy, premenstrual side effects, medications, or an underlying medical condition will disrupt the balance of water and chemicals, causing fluid retention. You may also hear this described as water retention, edema, or dropsy.
Here's what you need to know about this neurological condition, from symptoms to treatment options.
You may not have heard of Lewy Body Dementia because it tends to be overshadowed by its close relations, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. But experts say that this neurological disorder is woefully underdiagnosed, with many doctors uninformed about it.
Want to save your eyesight as you get older? Consider forgoing that juicy steak in favor of a green salad.
Want to save your eyesight as you get older? Consider forgoing that juicy steak in favor of a green salad. A recent study out of England has found a positive correlation between the amount of meat a person consumes and his or her risk of developing cataracts.
When your feet have problems, it's hard to feel good about anything else. Here's a rundown of four common foot problems, from bunions to plantar fasciitis.
Your feet create the foundation for the rest of your body. When your feet have problems, it's hard to feel good about anything else. Millions of Americans suffer with foot problems that can often be prevented or easily treated. Learn what you can do about these four common foot problems:
1) Bunions form when your big toe points toward your second toe and causes a bump to form on the outside edge of your toe.
Physicians and fitness experts are teaming up to help patients exercise their way to wellness.
One of the top fitness trends of 2011 is teaming physicians with fitness experts to bring the power of exercise to health care. That's because exercise is often the best medicine.
Studies say that physical inactivity costs the U.S. health care system about $102 billion dollars per year.
Food safety issues make headlines far too often. Here's how to help ensure you're feeding your family safe, high-quality food.
Food safety issues make headlines far too often. Even "healthy" foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats have been connected with serious illnesses caused by contamination with bacteria, parasites, and chemicals. This has many Americans wondering, "What's safe to eat?" The answer may depend on the quality of the foods you choose and whether or not you follow common sense safety-precautions.
Eliminating some foods from your diet may help relieve some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Adding others may help even more. Here's how to eat to beat PMS.
Eliminating some foods from your diet may help relieve some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Adding others may help even more. Here's how to eat to beat PMS.
There are diet strategies for treating and preventing some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as water retention, bloating, moodiness, and weight gain.
Some experts say that even if you are a night owl by nature, you can transform yourself into a morning lark and be more productive during the day. Here's how.
Some experts say that even if you are a night owl by nature, you can transform yourself into a morning lark and be more productive during the day.
These tips, for exercising in the morning to changing your sleep habits, may seem obvious—as you may have tried some of them from time to time to no avail—but the secret to a successful switch is to be consistent.
Like supplements, fortified foods offer insurance against the health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies. But are they an ideal replacement?
Fortified foods provide an alternative source of nutrients for people who don't consume enough of the foods that naturally supply those nutrients. Like supplements, fortified foods offer insurance against the health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies.
Some doctors say it's a real condition, some say it's not. Here's a breakdown of both sides.
People are talking about adrenal fatigue. The symptoms are vague and mimic those of many conditions. Many doctors aren't convinced it's a real medical problem, but a growing number of health professionals say adrenal fatigue is among the most commonly undiagnosed conditions today.
If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, there may be a simple solution.
If you have primary insomnia, that is, if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and it's not due to a medical problem, it is quite possible that one of your routine habits is to blame. Eating big dinners, drinking alcoholic beverages, sleeping in a hot room, exercising late in the day, and smoking cigarettes can all prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.
If you're sawing logs at night, it's important to find out if it's just a noisy nuisance or a sign of a serious sleep disorder.
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but everyone who has sleep apnea snores. If you're sawing logs at night, it's important to find out if it's just a noisy nuisance or a sign of a serious sleep disorder.
Snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious medical condition that results in blocked airflow while you sleep.
Researchers have found that night owls tend to eat twice as much junk food and weigh more than people who go to bed on the early side and wake up with the sun.
Yes, it can. Researchers have found that night owls—people who routinely stay up late and sleep in the next morning—tend to eat twice as much junk food and weigh more than people who go to bed on the early side and wake up with the sun.
For some people, "early to bed, early to rise" just doesn't cut it.
This drugstore staple is often overlooked in our search for the best health and beauty aids. But there are some good reasons to add this affordable compound to your shopping cart.
This drugstore staple is often overlooked in our search for the best health and beauty aids. But there are some good reasons to add this affordable compound to your shopping cart.
Epsom Salt—or magnesium sulfate—is a pure mineral compound and essential electrolyte that many of us need more of in our diet.
While clenched fists and gritted teeth may seem like the anger response of a toddler, new research suggests this reaction can set you at ease.
While clenched fists and gritted teeth may seem like the anger response of a toddler, new research suggests this reaction can set you at ease.
In a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research that was conducted at National University of Singapore and the University of Chicago, participants were better able to withstand physical pain when clenching their muscles—squeezing their fists, clenching their teeth, or scrunching facial muscles.
While a set of pearly whites is certainly aesthetically pleasing, poor oral health can put you at risk for a variety of chronic conditions.
Poll your friends about what physical characteristics they find most attractive. The majority will include a "nice smile" at the top of the list. While a set of pearly whites is certainly aesthetically pleasing, poor oral health can put you at risk for a variety of chronic conditions.
Gel manicures may be the hottest offer at your local nail salon. They're rumored to last for weeks and are relatively affordable. But before you turn your hands over to a nail tech, be sure to know what you're getting into and know the associated risks.
Gel manicures may be the hottest offer at your local nail salon. They're rumored to last for weeks and are relatively affordable. But before you turn your hands over to a nail tech, be sure to know what you're getting into and know the associated risks.
Aero Jump is a jump rope-based workout developed by ex-boxer Michael Olajide, Jr. It's fun and fast-paced, but it's anything but child's play.
Jump ropes made their way from the playground to the boxing ring long ago, but now they're turning up in gyms and fitness centers all over the world. Aero Jump is a jump rope-based workout developed by ex-boxer Michael Olajide, Jr. It's fun and fast-paced, but it's anything but child's play.
Scientists now believe that consuming a diet high in acid-producing foods like animal proteins, processed foods, and sweeteners and low in fresh fruits and vegetables is partly responsible for the development of osteoporosis and diseases caused by chronic metabolic acidosis.
Did you know your bones are responsible for maintaining your body's delicate pH balance, which impacts your overall health and may even play a role in longevity?
What is pH balance? pH is a chemistry term that stands for "potential for hydrogen." In simpler terms, pH indicates how acid or alkaline a solution is on a scale of 1 to 14.
Nothing terrible will happen to your figure if you spend a night indulging in your favorite comfort foods. But unfortunately, if you get into the habit of noshing as a way to numb the pain of a breakup, you may be horrified the next time you hop on the scale.
Everyone knows digging into a carton of ice cream or polishing off a bag of cookies spells contentment—even if it's fleeting. And sure, after a traumatic breakup, turning to food for solace seems like a great solution. But, it's not.
Nothing terrible will happen to your figure if you spend a night or two indulging in your favorite comfort foods.
What if you could take a pill that would stop you from ever developing rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis? Research suggests there may be such a pill, and it's widely available and easy to obtain.
What if you could take a pill that would stop you from ever developing rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis? Research suggests there may be such a pill—and it's widely available and easy to obtain. In fact, your local supermarket no doubt has a bottle of it on a shelf right now.
How do you define a healthy snack? Low-fat? Low-calorie? Low-carb? Foods that fit into those categories may be good choices, but a better approach might be to choose snacks that are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
How do you define a healthy snack? Low-fat? Low-calorie? Low-carb? Foods that fit into those categories may be good choices, but a better approach might be to choose snacks that are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Snacks are healthy when they fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet without adding excess calories.
If you wake up with a wet pillow, it may just be a normal effect of sleeping on your stomach or your side. In some cases, however, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
If you wake up with a wet pillow, it may just be a normal effect of sleeping on your stomach or your side. In some cases, however, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Saliva coats your mouth and throat, makes it easier to swallow, helps food taste better, and keeps the area clean by washing away leftover food particles.
Starchy foods are essential for energy, and fatty foods can make you feel fuller. But there are a host of health complications that can ensue if you consume too much of both. Learn how eating the right combination of foods can help your digestive system function at its best.
Did you know that your gut contains 500 species of bacteria and that altogether, they weigh about three pounds? These bacteria play a critical role in digestion and other important health-related functions. Eating the wrong foods can throw off the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria and cause a host of digestive (and other) health problems.
Remaining safe behind the wheel is a complicated endeavor and there is a lot to be aware of in different situations. However, the following tips will provide you with the toolbox you need to keep yourself, your family, and your fellow drivers secure.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 30,000 Americans are killed in car accidents each year. Though there are a variety of causes linked to motor vehicle accidents—drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding to name a few—the statistics prove that starting your car and pulling out onto the road is a dangerous task.
In recent years, products derived from oils to help achieve sleek styles have become very popular. Best of all, oils can be very budget friendly. Learn how and when to work oil into your hair care routine.
Natural oils have been used for centuries to keep hair looking healthy. In recent years, products derived from oils to help achieve sleek styles have become very popular. Best of all, oils can be very budget friendly. Learn how and when to work oil into your hair care routine.
Nearly every workplace has one, yet few know how to deal with him effectively. Follow these 6 tips to make your day go more smoothly.
Nearly every workplace has one: a truly annoying employee who gets under everyone's skin and who puts everyone into a bad mood. You may actually have entertained fantasies about him being transferred to another branch office.
The office jerk is likely...
A new observational study uncovered why men seem to struggle when it comes to talking about their problems. Read on to get the scoop.
The media and popular books, such as John Gray's Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, lead us to believe that men and women have very different communication styles. This is only partially true. Men and women are actually more similar than not in how they communicate in close, personal relationships.
A study conducted at the University of Hawaii's animal science department of 106 pet owners found that almost a third experienced grief that lasted six months or more after their pet's death. Twelve percent reported that their grief caused major disruptions in their lives.
For many of us, a pet is a valued member of the family. In honor of the love, support, companionship and acceptance they show us, we celebrate their birthdays, buy them gifts, and provide top-notch medical care. We brag about their accomplishments, keep photos of them on our desks, and add their names to the holiday cards we send.
If you're tired of exercising in a crowd and can't afford one-on-one sessions with a fitness instructor, then small group training might be just what you need to kick your workout into high gear.
Everyone needs a little push every now and then. That's what personal trainers and group exercise classes are for. But if you're tired of exercising in a crowd and can't afford one-on-one sessions with a fitness instructor, then small group training might be just what you need to kick your workout into high gear.
The best way to boost your bones, besides weight-bearing exercise, is to take in enough of the substances that strengthen and build your skeleton. Here's a rundown of the top nutrients you need for a fit frame.
Your bones are the foundation of your body supporting you throughout your life. Just as you need to take care of your major organs, you need to tend to your bones in order to maintain optimal health. The best way to boost your bones, besides weight-bearing exercise, is to take in enough of the substances that strengthen and build your skeleton.
If you're a new divorcee, you may be surprised to find the dating game has changed—drastically. In order to navigate the rules of courtship, follow these tips.
If you've recently split from your partner and are about to dip your toe into the dating pool once again, you may be surprised at how technology has changed it. Texting, online dating, and social networking sites have made old-fashioned dating seem, well, outdated.
A great sex life might seem like one of life's perks for young people. But these days, it’s not uncommon for younger as well as older individuals to suffer from a low libido. Here, common causes and how to address them.
A great sex life might seem like one of life's perks for young people. But these days, it's not uncommon for younger as well as older individuals to suffer from a low libido, says Michael Krychman, MD, executive director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and an associate clinical professor at USC Medical School in Los Angeles.
While cancer treatments continue to become more effective and targeted, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. Understand the high-level trends and how they could affect you.
Cancer has become a serious personal and public health problem. The mortality rate of cancer has declined over the past several decades due to advances in treatment. At the same time, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. While humans have always faced cancer, it's become increasingly prevalent over the past century.
During atrial fibrillation, the heart's two upper chambers beat out of sync with the two lower chambers. Learn about the potential causes and complications of this condition.
If you've ever experienced heart palpitations (a feeling of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats), shortness of breath, and weakness, you could have atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that causes poor blood flow to the body.
If you're caught up in a cycle of sleepless nights, there's a drug-free way to get back on track: Make love more often.
If you're caught up in a cycle of sleepless nights, there's a drug-free way to get back on track: Make love more often.
Whenever you read tips for beating insomnia, you probably see the advice to use your bed (and bedroom) only for sleeping and sex.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves do more than flavor some of your favorite foods. These and others have medicinal properties and are most effective as healers when used on a regular basis. Here's how to get more of them into your diet.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves do more than flavor some of your favorite foods. These and other "sweet" spices have medicinal properties and are most effective as healers when used on a regular basis. Here's how to get more of them into your diet.
Cinnamon In addition to treating stomach and intestinal problems such as bloating, gas, and spasms, cinnamon has been found to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.
Not that you need another reason to trim excess flab, but here it is: Scientists have linked extra pounds in midlife to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease later on.
Not that you need another reason to trim excess flab, but here it is: Scientists have linked extra pounds in midlife to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease later on. This finding comes on the heels of a previous study that found that modest weight gain during middle age, particularly around the middle, is linked to a higher rate of cardiovascular disease.
If your gray strands bother you or you simply long for a change, hair dye is your best bet. But before you take the plunge in a salon or at home, be sure you're armed with information to help prevent unwelcome surprises.
If your gray strands bother you or you simply long for a change, hair dye is your best bet. But before you take the plunge in a salon or at home, be sure you're armed with information to help prevent unwelcome surprises.
DO start subtle and small. Particularly if this will be a DIY project, start with a minor hue adjustment and consider a temporary or demi-permanent color.
Among the many popular types of yoga offered at studios and gyms, one style might make you break a sweat in a super-hot room, while another might be mellow and cool.
Do you know what you're getting into when you sign up for a yoga class? Among the many popular styles offered in gyms and studios these days, one might make you break a sweat in a super-hot room, while another might be mellow and cool.
The word yoga means to yoke or unify the mind, bod,y and spirit.
Unfortunately, no matter where you plan to travel, your food allergies will always be with you. So don't just plan your vacation itinerary, plan on ways you can stay safe on your trip, too.
Unfortunately, no matter where you plan to travel, your food allergies will always be with you. So don't just plan your vacation itinerary, plan on ways you can stay safe on your trip, too. Whether you're heading to the beach, the countryside, or the mountains, be mindful that you could come on contact with your allergens.
Too little iron in the body can affect many body functions, but most physical signs and symptoms don't show up until iron deficiency anemia occurs.
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that results from too little iron in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anemia in the U.S.
The condition is usually caused by blood loss, diet, or an inability of your body to absorb enough iron from food.
Everyone has life goals and dreams, but many people have no idea how to achieve them. That's where a life coach can help. Life coaches help you create the blueprint to become your best self.
Everyone has life goals and dreams, but many people have no idea how to achieve them. That's where a life coach can help. Life coaches help you create the blueprint to become your best self.
What is a life coach? Life coaches are trained professionals who help clients realize their personal, professional, and physical goals.
Although it's the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) of all, chances are you've never heard of it.
Though trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) of all, many people haven't ever heard of it. Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a microscopic parasite, it can cause no symptoms at all, or it can present with symptoms such as vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and redness.
From size to style, many factors go into choosing a bra. Follow these guidelines to help you make an informed purchase.
How do you know if you're wearing the right bra? When your breasts feel comfortable, supported, and beautiful. When your bra straps don't dig, roll, or pinch and your band fits without leaving red marks, riding up, or chafing. When there's no "back fat" and your breasts fill the cups without "running over," bulging, or leaving gaps.
If you're the partner of someone who is depressed, it can take a toll on your relationship and your own mental health. Here, a guide to keeping your relationship intact in the face of mental illness.
Suffering from depression is emotionally frustrating. So is living with someone who suffers from depression. Unfortunately, this is more common than you may imagine. In a Reader's Digest survey, 42 percent of respondents said depression was a major challenge in their relationship.
A good meal should boost your energy, not leave you feeling sapped.
A good meal should boost your energy, not leave you feeling sapped. Here's what you can do to avoid post-meal fatigue.
1. Eat light. Heavy meals, especially those rich in carbohydrates, help boost your levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which is responsible for the "tired but content" feeling that often comes after a holiday dinner, but can occur after any big meal.
Whether you work in a controlled setting like an office, spend your days in a laboratory or manufacturing plant, or are outdoors working with animals or plants, there are many allergens that, with repeated exposure, can make you feel quite sick.
Does your workplace do a real job on your health? Your place of employment may expose you to substances that can trigger an array of symptoms.
Whether you work in the controlled setting like an office, spend your days in a laboratory or manufacturing plant, or are outdoors working with animals or plants, there are many allergens that, with repeated exposure, can make you feel quite sick.
The typical smartphone user checks his phone an average of 34 times per day. What’s more, many people who compulsively check their cellphones are unaware that they are doing it.
If you haven't done it yourself, you've certainly seen it: A group of people at a social gathering who, instead of conversing with each other, are pecking away at their cell phones.
While this situation may sound strange, it's actually very common. A recent study in the journal Personal and Ubiquitous Computing found that the typical smartphone user checked their phone an average of 34 times per day.
All couples experience some moments of uncertainty, but if your spouse possesses too many of these 10 traits, he may not be the right man for you.
All couples find each other maddening at times, and it's certainly not uncommon to have occasional disagreements and spats. But if you're miserable more than you're not, and you increasingly find yourself wondering if the guy you're sitting across the table from is the same guy you married once upon a time, it may be time to reassess your future with him.
Unlike other types of muscular back pain, which go away and typically don't come back, menstrual back pain can be a frequent, unwelcome visitor.
Millions of women suffer from menstrual back cramps every month. Unlike other types of muscular back pain, which go away and typically don't come back, menstrual back pain can be a frequent, unwelcome visitor.
Just like menstrual cramps, most menstrual back pain is caused by contractions of the uterus as it releases menstrual fluid.
A healthy dependency is a two-way relationship; both parties contribute to it in positive ways. A codependent relationship, in contrast, is an unhealthy, dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive, one-sided relationship.
We depend on family and friends to fill some of our needs for love, companionship, and security. A healthy dependency is a two-way relationship; both parties contribute to it in positive ways. A codependent relationship, in contrast, is an unhealthy, dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive, one-sided relationship.
Whether you have a newly developed scar or you're trying to stop a wound from turning into a prominent scar, there are ways you can minimize its appearance.
We all have scars, whether they're extremely noticeable or barely visible. Scars can result from simple accidents like getting too close to an iron or from bad habits like picking at pimples. Whether you have a newly developed scar or you're trying to stop a wound from turning into a prominent scar, there are ways you can minimize its appearance.
How do you know if you or a loved one is becoming an unsafe driver? It can be difficult to assess one's driving skills but these factors can help you figure it out.
We've all seen it: The little old man or woman hunched over the steering wheel, squinting ahead while doing 20 miles an hour in a 40 mile an hour zone. And it's not uncommon to hear about accidents caused by elderly drivers who step on the gas pedal instead of the brake.
Here are tips for working through grief in a healthy way when it involves an entire community.
Everyone handles personal grief in an individual way, processing it at a different pace as they struggle to cope. But nationwide grief following a horrific tragedy such as the events of 9/11 is anything but private.
National grief and mourning like what gripped the country after 9/11 is different from grief experienced on a personal scale.
You love your cat with all your heart, but if you suffer from pet allergies, the object of your affection could cause episodes of sneezing, coughing, itching, and wheezing. If the misery is more than you can bear, know that you can take action.
You love your cat with all your heart, but if you suffer from pet allergies, the object of your affection could cause episodes of sneezing, coughing, itching, and wheezing. If the misery is more than you can bear, know that you can take action.
Best Approaches to Treat Cat Allergies
If you won't consider parting with your pet but don't want to suffer indefinitely, that's okay.
Mammograms save lives. Or do they? Breast cancer deaths have declined over the past two decades. Is this due to routine screenings or better treatment techniques?
For years, women have been inundated with messages that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Yet, there's a substantial body of evidence that this is not the case.
The Other Side of the Mammogram Picture
Researchers have found that breast cancer rates increase significantly in countries after women begin undergoing regular mammograms.
The best time to go to bed is the time that ensures you get enough sleep before you have to get up each day to go to work or school or take care of your home life.
Early to bed, early to rise? That's good. Late to bed, late to rise? For some people, that's good too. Your body's best bedtime is the time that works best for you.
The best time to go to bed is the time that ensures you get enough sleep before you have to get up each day to go to work or school or take care of your home life.
There's been much talk about the possibility that wearing high heels could be connected with getting migraines, but is there scientific weight to this claim?
Many women are willing to invest their entire paychecks and suffer a few blisters in order to walk in a much-coveted pair.
There's been much talk recently about the possibility that wearing high heels could be connected with getting migraines—a debilitating headache that causes throbbing pain and sensitivity to sound and light.
The good news is that it's rarely serious, but the bad news is that it can make getting out of bed and going about your day an exercise in fighting nausea and trying to keep your balance.
If the room is spinning and you don't know why, you may have a condition known as BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. This unpleasant malady strikes many in middle age, and the cause isn't always known. The good news is that it's rarely serious, but the bad news is that it can make getting out of bed and going about your day an exercise in fighting nausea and trying to keep your balance.
Touted as a "living food," wheatgrass juice first became popular when a self-proclaimed "natural healer" began to promote the benefits of consuming green vegetables, herbs, and wild weeds. Since then, wheatgrass has been analyzed, studied, and sold as a health remedy.
Wheatgrass is sold as a juice, a pill, a powder and, in some greenmarkets and natural foods stores, a potted plant. Touted as a "living food," wheatgrass juice first became popular in the 1950's, when a self-proclaimed "natural healer" began to promote the benefits of consuming green vegetables, herbs, and wild weeds.
Krill, tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that live on the bottom of the ocean, are chock full of beneficial oils, including omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, but is Krill oil even better? Several studies say "yes."
Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that live on the bottom of the ocean. They're the primary food source for many species of whale, manta and shark.
Need an excuse to go shopping? How about this one? Recent research suggests it may actually be good for you.
Need an excuse to go shopping? How about this one? Recent research suggests it may actually be good for you.
Taiwanese researchers published a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health that states people who shop frequently may live longer than people who don't shop at all or shop infrequently.
For years now, the conventional wisdom has been to drink eight glasses of water a day if you want to maintain good health. But is that really true? According to one doctor, the answer is no.
For years now, the conventional wisdom has been to drink eight glasses of water a day if you want to maintain good health. But is that really true? According to Heinz Valtin, MD, a retired professor of physiology from Dartmouth Medical School, the answer is no.
Also known as "dream sleep," REM (rapid eye movement) is the stage of sleep when your brain processes your thoughts and memories from the day.
Also known as "dream sleep," REM (rapid eye movement) is the stage of sleep when your brain processes your thoughts and memories from the day.
While you are sleeping, your brain moves through a series of sleep cycles that repeat themselves about every hour and a half, or five times, throughout the night.
Cosmetic plastic surgery can achieve remarkable results. However, it can't cure life's problems or bring back youth. If you're considering plastic surgery, ask yourself these questions to make sure you're seeking it for the right reasons.
With more than 1.5 million procedures performed in the U.S. every year, cosmetic plastic surgery can achieve remarkable results—correcting traits that cause embarrassment or pain. However, what it can't do is cure life's problems or bring back youth, and unfortunately some people find themselves disappointed with the results.
You know it does, but do you know how and why smoking is one of the greatest health risks out there? Understanding what's behind the risk might help you or a loved one give them up for good.
There's no question about it: smoking causes cancer. In fact, smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Roughly 22 percent of cancer deaths in women, and 45 percent in men, are directly attributable to personal smoking habits.
Some experts say you'll burn more fat if you exercise on an empty stomach. Others assert your athletic performance will suffer if you don't fuel it with the right food. Who's right?
Which is better: running on full or running on empty? We're talking about the fuel you put in your body. There's a lot of confusion about eating and exercise. Some studies say you'll burn more fat if you exercise on an empty stomach. Others assert your athletic performance will suffer if you don't fuel it with the right food.
If you're newly single, you may be feeling a whole range of emotions, both negative and positive. Still, assessing yourself honestly is an essential step to avoiding future relationship blunders.
If you're newly single, you may be feeling a whole range of emotions, both negative and positive. On the negative side, you may be lonely. On a positive note, you may be relieved that the constant fighting between you and your partner has stopped. You also may be experiencing such emotional overload that you're resistant to the idea of stopping and taking stock of where you are--and where you're going.
The variety of hearing aids can be overwhelming, and you may not be sure where to start. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration has created an online guide to help you make an informed decision.
If you're one of the 35 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss, you may be considering getting a hearing aid. But the variety of hearing aids can be overwhelming, and you may not be sure where to start. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration has created an online guide to help you make an informed decision.
Pizza? Drinks? TV? Your favorite indulgences can be made heart healthy, if you do them right.
Making sure you get your daily dose of nutritious foods and plenty of exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy heart, but that doesn't mean you have to completely cut yourself off from your favorite indulgences.
Here are three ways you can stay heart-healthy without feeling deprived.
Here's how not to care for your skin. Taking heed of these seven common blunders will help renew your complexion and possibly even save your life.
From time to time, it's possible to miss the mark and slip into a bad habit. And although eating the occasional burger, skipping a week of exercise, or forgetting to wash your face one day won't hurt you, continually committing these offenses can become harmful.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California have proposed a new formula for measuring body fat using hip circumference and height. This formula is known as body adiposity index, or BAI.
The more body fat you have, the higher your chances of developing chronic health problems. Now there's a new way to measure your risk.
If you are overweight, you are actually "overfat." You are carrying around too much body fat. The body mass index (BMI) is a formula based on height and weight that is used by health professionals and fitness experts to calculate body fat.
The cool, crisp days of autumn can be a refreshing treat after a hot, humid summer. Yet with the change of season also comes an increased risk of illness that can lead to fall asthma.
The cool, crisp days of autumn can be a refreshing treat after a hot, humid summer. Yet with the change of season also comes an increased risk of illness that can lead to fall asthma.
It's no coincidence that many asthmatics visit the emergency room in the fall and early winter.
As if bloating, cramping, breast pain, and mood swings weren't enough, the long list of symptoms that can affect women with premenstrual syndrome also includes trouble falling asleep. Here's what to do if it happens to you.
As if bloating, cramping, breast pain, and mood swings weren't enough, the long list of symptoms that can affect women with premenstrual syndrome also includes trouble falling asleep. Here's what to do if it happens to you.
Not all women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but if you're one of them, you certainly know it.
Learn about the most common causes, plus get tips on how to fix this common problem.
What causes tooth sensitivity in the first place? Common triggers include a cavity or crack in the tooth, but it might also be due to the erosion of tooth enamel.
If you frequently get that "zing" feeling while biting into something sweet, cold, hot, or sour, you could have sensitive teeth.
If your sex life feels limp and lackluster these days, resolve to spice it up. No, not with dietary supplements or prescription pills, but by exercising with a purpose.
If your sex life feels limp and lackluster these days, resolve to spice it up.
No, not with dietary supplements or prescription pills, but by exercising with a purpose. Certain exercises can help rev-up your performance and level of satisfaction, experts say.
While over-the-counter pain relievers are convenient and readily available, they still come with certain risks.
Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen are readily available on your grocery and drug store shelves. No prescription is needed. Pop a couple and your pain, fever or headache disappear. While these common over-the-ounter (OTC) medications are generally safe, they're still powerful chemicals.
If you're craving sugar, the problem may be more serious than merely trying to satisfy an occasional sweet tooth. You may be addicted to sugar.
If you're craving sugar, the problem may be more serious than merely trying to satisfy an occasional sweet tooth. You may be addicted to sugar.
Researchers at Princeton University conducted several laboratory studies on rats and found that when the rats were given too much sugar, they suffered from withdrawal.
It's normal to feel tired after a workout. Mild muscle ache is common, too. But what if you're completely exhausted?
It's normal to feel tired after a workout. Mild muscle ache is common, too. But what if you're completely exhausted? Post-workout fatigue that persists after you cool down or interferes with your lifestyle is not normal.
Vigorous exercise is a healthy challenge for every body.
Many women incorporate blush into their daily makeup routine to accentuate their cheekbones with a rosy-red look. But for the millions of people living with the skin condition rosacea, unintentional blushing and flushing can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem.
Many women incorporate blush into their daily makeup routine to accentuate their cheekbones with a rosy-red look. But for the millions of people living with the skin condition rosacea, unintentional blushing and flushing can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem.
Actors may appear sultry and glamorous when lighting up on-screen, but in real life, the tobacco habit can downgrade you from hot to "not." Here's a rundown of just some of the ways smoking is a blight on beauty.
It's been well-documented that smoking ruins your health, affecting everything from your lungs to your taste buds to your heart. A persistent smoking habit might even kill you. But did you know that puffing on cigarettes can also wreak havoc on your looks? Actors may appear sultry and glamorous when lighting up on-screen, but in real life, the tobacco habit can downgrade you from hot to "not.
A number of possible factors can make you more susceptible to having an asthma attack at night. Read on to find out what they are and what you can do about them.
If you battle your worst asthma symptoms at night and wake up many mornings still feeling tired and out of sorts, you could have nocturnal asthma. As the name implies, this is when asthma strikes at night causing shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and/or chest pressure.
Genetically modified (GM) or engineered, foods have been scientifically altered to develop more desirable traits. These traits might include better resistance to destructive insects in the field, or increased nutritional value.
You have the right to know what's in the food products you buy, but you can't know if it's not on the label.
Genetically modified (GM) or engineered, foods have been scientifically altered to develop more desirable traits. These traits might include better resistance to destructive insects in the field, or increased nutritional value.
Digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common occurrences among those over the age of 50. Take inventory of the digestive symptoms you may have and measure them against these potential digestive conditions.
Digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can cause a variety of stomachaches and are common occurrences—especially among those over the age of 50.
Although the GI system usually does its job without any glitches, as you get older, the risk for digestive disorders that affect the stomach and small or large intestine can increase.
While acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic garner most of the attention, Reiki quietly benefits patients in its own gentle way.
Complementary and alternative healing practices are becoming mainstream as people search for ways to support health naturally. While acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic garner most of the attention, Reiki quietly benefits patients in its own gentle way.
Hula-hooping isn't just for kids anymore. Fitness experts say it can provide boot camp-quality exercise.
Wish you could play like a child again? Then hula-hooping might be the perfect workout for you. It's not just kids' stuff, though. Hula-hooping provides boot camp-quality exercise.
Hula-hoops have been popular since they were invented in the 1950s.
Are you hyper-focused on one particular person? Can't resist calling him several times a day? Do you analyze his every action? If you've answered "yes," you may have one-itis.
If you're hyperfocused on one particular person, cannot resist calling him several times a day, and analyze his every action, you may have one-itis. If this sounds like you, you may have one-itis, and it's worth curing.
"When someone is so focused on another person, it's obvious that she is trying to compensate for, or make up for, not feeling whole herself," says Karin Anderson, Ph.
Set an alarm. Use a fancy glass. Hang a sign on your fridge. These are just a few ways to ensure you get your daily dose of H20.
If there is one magical elixir that can help promote good health, it's water. Here's how to make sure you get enough each day.
1. Set goals. For instance, first thing in the morning, fill a large pitcher with eight cups of water and set a goal to finish it by the end of the day.
More than a snuggle buddy, a body-length pillow can improve your bedtime posture and help you get a better night's sleep by relieving common aches and pains that are keeping you awake.
Have you hugged your pillow lately? More than a snuggle buddy, a body-length pillow can improve your bedtime posture and help you get a better night's sleep by relieving common aches and pains that are keeping you awake.
If you're pregnant, or suffer from arthritis, back pain, or sore muscles resulting from an injury or pain after surgery, a full-length body pillow can provide support to your entire body and help keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
That red, painful-to-the-touch burn on your overly sun-exposed skin can be a big problem. You thought you did everything you could to prevent sunburn, but apparently it wasn't enough. The good news is that it's temporary and treatable.
That red, painful-to-the-touch burn on your overly sun-exposed skin can be a big problem—especially if you're an avid beach-goer or a lover of the outdoors. You thought you did everything you could to prevent sunburn, but apparently it wasn't enough.
Sure, there may be a laundry list of activities that make you happy, but when it comes to reconnecting with your partner, these are key (and the reason is chemical).
You smooch your pooch, cuddle with your baby, and engage in all manner of close physical contact with your partner. And afterwards, no matter how stressful and exhausting your day was, you find yourself feeling lighter and more relaxed.
Well, there's a reason cuddling and other forms of physical touch have a positive effect on you.
During the Great Depression, suicide rates hit their highest level ever, increasing almost 23 percent over the four years of the depression. Since then, suicide rates have consistently risen during times of economic downturns.
During the Great Depression, suicide rates hit their highest level ever, increasing almost 23 percent over the four years of the depression (1929 to 1933). Since then, suicide rates have consistently risen during times of economic downturns.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a study, Impact of Business Cycles on the U.
In recent study, people who took a specific type of osteoporosis medication known as bisphosphonates lived an average of five years longer than those who didn't take them.
The pros and cons of bisphosphonate medications for osteoporosis have been in the news a lot lately. A new study adds a point to the "pro" column.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, people who took a specific type of osteoporosis medication known as bisphosphonates lived an average of five years longer than those who didn't take them.
BPA is used in the production of some hard plastics and the plastic-like linings of many metal cans used to package foods and beverages. Since BPA leaches out of the plastic and into the contents of the can when exposed to heat, there is wide concern about its toxic effect.
Although canned foods rarely make it to any "top ten" list of great-tasting or especially nutritious foods, the only real concern has ever been the loss of certain nutrients during the canning process and over time. All that changed when toxic chemicals were found in the food.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can debilitate your skin, self-esteem, and overall health. What's worse is that it can lead to more serious health complications. Learn about how to detect, treat, and cope with this disease.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can debilitate your skin, self-esteem, and overall health. An estimated two million people have this disease and don't even know it. What's worse is that it can lead to more serious health complications. Learn about how to detect, treat, and cope with this disease.
If urges to go to the bathroom when exercising are keeping you from getting a good workout, here are some tips to keep in mind.
There's nothing better you can do for your health than to get moving. Exercise revs the whole body up, including your digestive and urinary tract. If urges to go to the bathroom when exercising are keeping you from getting a good workout, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Every day, people die waiting for organ transplants. Whether they need a new heart, lung, liver, or kidney, these patients know their lives depend on the availability of healthy organs.
Every day, people die waiting for organ transplants. Whether they need a new heart, lung, liver, or kidney, these patients know their lives depend on the availability of healthy organs. Unfortunately, there are never enough organs to meet the needs of the sick.
A simple spinal tap may be the key to identifying those who are heading toward Alzheimer's disease.
What if we could identify Alzheimer's patients even before they started forgetting words, getting lost in familiar places, and not recognizing friends and loved ones? Would we be able to prevent the disease from progressing or even occurring? That scenario is looking more and more likely, according to scientists, who are busy testing hundreds of new Alzheimer's drugs.
Fatigue is one of lupus’ hallmark symptoms, but because the damage caused by Lupus is largely unseen, patients may be confused about why they’re so tired. Read on for five tips that tackle fatigue caused by Lupus.
Fatigue is one of lupus’ hallmark symptoms, but because the damage caused by lupus is largely unseen, patients may be confused about why they’re so tired.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.
Resolving conflicts doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, you can make the process easy on the both of you by following these ten tips.
You and your partner are becoming seasoned experts at sniping, bickering, and arguing. And yet all too often, you're no closer to resolving your differences even after hours of butting heads.
It's possible to resolve things in a less stressful way, experts say, when both partners are willing to work things out - and to learn the art of compromise.
There are you, peacefully dozing off, and then, whoa! Your body does a sudden jerk and you're awake again. For the most part, these body spasms are considered normal. But sometimes they're not.
There are you, peacefully dozing off, and then, whoa! Your body does a sudden jerk and you're awake again. For the most part, these body spasms are considered normal. But sometimes they're not. Hypnic jerks, or sleep starts, are normal leg, arm, or full-body twitches that occur just as you're about to fall asleep.
If you find yourself munching on the same old lettuce and tomatoes day in and day out, maybe it's time for a salad makeover.
If you find yourself munching on the same old lettuce and tomatoes day in and day out, maybe it's time for a makeover. Here are 10 tips for building a better salad: 1. Mix up your greens. There's nothing wrong with lettuce, but with so many varieties of salad-ready greens available, why be boring? Toss together a combination of Swiss chard, baby spinach, radicchio, arugula, and/or watercress and discover the sweet, bitter, and peppery differences in flavor.
Giving blood is straightforward, safe, and infinitely helpful to those in need. So if you want to join the effort, here are six steps you can take to ensure the process is as easy as possible.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to the American Red Cross. What's more, nearly 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. Needless to say, the demand for blood is high.
But blood donations are very popular among many Americans.
Do you think of allergies as an equal opportunity disease? If so, you might be surprised to know when it comes to immune system reactions to certain foods and drinks, there seems to be a strong sex difference.
Do you think of allergies as an equal opportunity disease? If so, you might be surprised to know that there seems to be a strong sex difference—at least when it comes to immune system reactions to certain foods and drinks.
Food Allergy Symptoms in Women
When it comes to allergies and sex, women are more likely to suffer from food allergies than men—although researchers aren't sure exactly how or why such differences exist.
You've heard they do. You've heard they don't. So, what are the experts saying about the real risk?
Cell phones have become ubiquitous worldwide, even in developing countries, so the very thought they might cause harm is hard to believe. While the data on a possible link between cell phone use and cancer has been inconsistent-and definitely controversial-the evidence is finally starting to accumulate.
There's always something to eat at the airport, especially if you're at one of the larger "hub" airports. Unfortunately, where there are more food vendors, there are more opportunities for unhealthy options and food safety violations.
Eating at airports, especially when you're in a hurry, is pretty much the nutritional equivalent of eating at a truck stop. But the problem is not just finding and choosing healthier foods or piecing together something that resembles a balanced meal. It's also about finding food that's safe to eat.
Approximately 3.4 million Americans are stalked every year; women three times more often than men. Here are the steps to take if you become a target.
Approximately 3.4 million Americans are stalked every year; women three times more often than men. Forty percent of them will be victims of violence or crime. Who's at risk? Almost anyone. That's why protecting yourself from becoming a stalker's target is so important.
If your libido seems to be waning and you're just not as interested in sex as you used to be, you may have wondered whether you should try to get help. Moreover, you may be concerned about from where that help will come.
If your libido seems to be waning and you're just not as interested in sex as you used to be, you may have wondered whether you should try to get help. Moreover, you may be concerned about from where that help will come.
Natural supplements may be worth considering, some health experts say.
Over the last few years, some hair salons and barbers have been dispensing more than just trims. They've been giving out health advice, too.
In some communities, particularly where many African-Americans live, the local salon or barber shop is a cultural institution. Men and women alike visit these social hubs on a regular basis not only to get their hair done but to connect with friends and neighbors in a familiar, comforting environment where they can talk, share, vent, and just be themselves.
You may have considered participating in a clinical trial. But are you a good candidate? And what's in it for you?
Reading about the latest miracle medication to hit the market after success in clinical trials, you may have wondered who are these people who offer themselves up to science? You may even have considered participating in a clinical trial yourself. But are you a good candidate? And what's in it for you?
Advantages
1.
Tempted to sleep out in a hammock on a warm summer night? Or take a hammock nap in the late afternoon? It may turn out to be the best sleep you ever got.
Tempted to sleep out in a hammock on a warm summer night? Or take a hammock nap in the late afternoon? It may turn out to be the best sleep you ever got.
If you're a parent, you know that rocking a baby is the best way to get him to sleep. If you have a grandmother, you may have seen how quickly she falls asleep in a rocking chair.
You can take a vacation from day-to-day living without forfeiting daily exercise and healthy eating. These practical tips will help you stave off the extra pounds without needing to give up festive foods and unforgettable fun.
The purpose of going on vacation is simple—to take a break from the rigors of day-to-day living. However, we also tend to take a break from daily exercise and healthy eating as we launch into local cuisine with little, if any, mind to the damage it's doing to our diets.
What is it about these rays that makes them so harmful? And how can you tell if you're taking the proper safety precautions?
We all require some sun exposure. In fact, it's the body's primary source of vitamin D. But the problem lies in repeated, unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. What is it about these rays, though, that makes them so harmful? And how can you tell if you're taking the proper safety precautions?
UVA Rays: Think "A" for Aging
UVA wavelengths deeply penetrate the dermis and subcutaneous layers of your skin.
Whole or separated, in recipes or on their own, eggs are an important part of most people's diets. But if you're concerned about heart disease, shouldn't you worry about the fat and cholesterol in eggs? Not when you know which parts of the egg to use, and when to use them.
Whole or separated, in recipes or on their own, eggs are an important part of most people's diets. But if you're concerned about heart disease, shouldn't you worry about the fat and cholesterol in eggs? Not if you know which parts of the egg to use, and when to use them.
The MSLT helps confirm a diagnosis of narcolepsy, a condition in which a person suddenly loses muscle control and falls asleep, or idiopathic hypersomnia, which is excess or inappropriate daytime sleepiness without an apparent cause.
Most sleep studies are performed overnight so your doctor can monitor your sleep patterns and behavior. But you may also benefit from another test that assesses just how sleepy you are during daytime hours.
The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) looks at how overtired you are during the day.
Hypersomnia is a word used to describe excessive sleepiness at times when you should actually be feeling well rested. If you consistently feel drowsy in spite of a good night's sleep, there are several possible causes and many potential treatments.
Hypersomnia is a word used to describe excessive sleepiness at times when you should actually be feeling well rested. If you consistently feel drowsy in spite of a good night's sleep, there are several possible causes and many potential treatments.
It makes sense to feel tired and feel the need for a nap if you didn't sleep well or at all the night before.
Some physicians call ovarian cancer the silent killer because of its vague, non-specific symptoms. So on the surface, it sounds like regular screening would save lives. But it's not that simple.
When detected early, oncologists can treat most cancers successfully and patients generally have a good long-term prognosis. However, women do not usually learn they have ovarian cancer until it has reached stage III or IV and treatment is often ineffective.
Volunteering can be one of the most enriching and satisfying experiences of your life. Here's how to get started.
A popular option for people young and old is to volunteer. Not only are you doing something good for the community, volunteering has been shown to be good for your mental and physical health. But perhaps you've never offered your time and skills before and aren't sure what to expect.
New research suggests you can lose weight—and keep it off—just by spending a week in the mountains.
Weight loss is a natural phenomenon for anyone who travels from sea level to extreme altitudes. The amount of weight lost depends on how high you go and how long you stay, and has always been thought to be temporary. In addition, high-altitude weight loss has always been associated with active people who spend time hiking and skiing in mountainous areas.
Have you thought about how your digestive system actually converts the meals you eat into fuel? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients to keep your body in motion.
Have you ever thought about how your digestive system—a complex network of hollow organs and long, twisting tubes—actually converts your meals into fuel to keep your body functioning well? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins, to keep your body in motion.
Try these creative ways to exercise that are good for your body and easy on your wallet.
Don't let high gym prices keep you from getting into the best shape of your life. We've got five great exercise ideas that work your body hard, but go easy on your wallet.
The key to designing a great workout is to focus on the three pillars of fitness: cardio, strength, and flexibility.
An occasional increase in blood pressure above your average reading is not usually a cause for alarm. But, over time—and if those spikes in your blood pressure occur frequently enough—they can cause damage to your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys the same way having chronically high blood pressure can.
Blood pressure follows a normal daily pattern. It's usually lower at night while you're asleep and when you first wake up than it is during the day.
But episodes of anxiety, for example, a visit to your doctor's office for a checkup, can cause your blood pressure to spike, often called white-coat hypertension.
For a growing number of families (couples and singles, too), personal chefs are becoming as common and indispensable as housekeepers. They're the answer to "What's for dinner?"
The benefits of sitting down to a home-cooked meal with family are well established: Better nutrition, closer bonding, and even better behavior and school performance. The challenge is how to get it on the table while juggling work and kids' schedules.
If you're looking for a "healthy" beer, unfortunately, you won't find one. But that doesn't mean you should skip out entirely. If you choose to indulge in a beer, make the best choice for your health.
If you’re looking for a “healthy” beer, unfortunately, you won’t find one.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one of the best ways to avoiding weight gain is to consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods have a high micro-nutrient (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.
Keeping safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days. Here are practical steps you can take to minimize exposure.
Keeping children safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days.
The current offender: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used to make plastic clear and hard. It also keeps bacteria from contaminating foods and prevents cans from rusting.
Drinking plenty of water is among the best things you can do for your health. Switching from a disposable water bottle to a reusable one is among the best things you can do for the planet.
Drinking plenty of water is among the best things you can do for your health. Switching from a disposable to reusable water bottle is among the best things you can do for the planet. How do you choose the best water bottle? Check out our tips before you go shopping.
This nutrient-powerhouse can aid an assortment of digestive woes, and there are many ways you can enjoy it. Whether you cook it, eat it raw, or put it in a smoothie, incorporate papaya into your healthy digestion plan.
Papaya is a super food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
Additionally, this tropical fruit contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme that helps promote digestion. In fact, in laboratory studies, papaya extract was shown to alleviate induced gastric ulcers in rats, leading researchers to believe that the fruit may be useful in treating gastric ulcers in humans.
It's a common stereotype that a person who's had too much Botox can't form normal facial expressions as a result of the paralyzing injections. But according to a new study, the reality could be even scarier.
It's a common stereotype that a person who's had too much Botox® can't form normal facial expressions as a result of the paralyzing injections. But according to a new study, the reality could be even scarier—Botox® may lessen a person's ability to understand the feelings of others.
Have you ever grappled with the unexpected side effects from a medication? It's important to pinpoint the cause of these surprising reactions. Here's the right way to know if it's a true drug allergy.
When you end up grappling with unexpected side effects from your medication, such as a rash, nausea, or stomach distress, you might think you're allergic to the drug. However, most of the time, the reaction is caused by a drug sensitivity and not a true allergy.
We all know what pressure feels like. But when it comes to making a long-term commitment, are you prepared to overcome cold feet?
Many people know what it feels like to have "cold feet." You may experience pressure in your chest, butterflies in your stomach, confusion in your heart—and ambivalence about just what the future holds. All the uncertainty can be unnerving, to say the least.
If the thought of your elderly loved one falling and not being able to get help is a real concern, it may be time to invest in a personal medical-alert system.
If the thought of your elderly loved one falling and not being able to get help is a real concern, it may be time to invest in a personal medical-alert system. Also known as emergency-alert systems, or medical-alarm systems, these let someone in trouble send out an alarm to a monitoring center, 911, or other emergency-assistance provider such as a family member at the touch of a button.
Numerous studies have linked the consumption of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and processed meats to an increased risk for a wide range of cancers.
Backyard barbeques are the quintessential American summertime activity. They're a great way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy fresh, seasonal food cooked outdoors. However, it pays to be cautious when grilling meat. Scientists have linked barbequed meat to an increased risk of developing cancer.
Can waiting until after you tie the knot mean better sex in the long-term?
Waiting until after the wedding to have sex—and being in a monogamous long-term relationship—has definite benefits. One is that your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is lower than if you had many partners. Another is, not having to worry about an unwanted pregnancy.
When you apply sunscreens that say "broad spectrum," "sweat-resistant," or "SPF 100," are you truly getting the protection you paid for? These new sunscreen regulations can help you make the right choice to protect yourself.
Broad-spectrum. Sweat-resistant. Sunblock. SPF 100. What do all of these terms really mean?
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up to clearly define what makes an effective sunscreen. And manufacturers are being held accountable to these new standards.
Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Here's how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office.
Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Julie Silver, M.D., Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and author of What Helped Me Get Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope and After Cancer Treatment: Heal Faster, Stronger, Better weighs in on how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office.
Whether traveling on business or vacationing with family or friends, looking your best will likely be on your itinerary. But packing your favorite skin and hair care products can be complicated.
Whether traveling on business, vacationing with the family or friends, looking your best will likely be on your itinerary. But packing your favorite skin and hair care products can be complicated. Thanks to security threats courtesy of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-as well as individual airlines-has imposed restrictions aimed at keeping travelers safe.
Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it also provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb.
The number of people affected by severe allergies has been on the rise recently, and the experts say that global warming could be to blame.
The number of people affected by severe allergies has been on the rise recently, and the experts say that global warming could be to blame for the worsening allergies.
The Effect of Climate Change on Allergies
Global climate changes have led to an earlier onset of spring weather over the past few years.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Did you know there are four steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 82 percent?
Although breast cancer is the disease women fear most, according to a study by the Society for Women's Health Research, heart disease is actually the number one killer of women—approximately 500,000 women die annually from heart disease—far surpassing the death rate of breast cancer, about 41,000 each year.
Thinking about signing up to be a bone marrow donor? Here's what's involved in this selfless act.
For cancer patients, a bone-marrow transplant can a life-saving procedure. For the lucky some, a close relative turns out to be a perfect match. The rest need to turn elsewhere to find a bone-marrow donor, a task that may not be easy. You can help simply by signing up to be a marrow donor through a national registry.
Environmentally-conscious beauty is a growing trend that's inspiring many beauty salon owners and customers to embrace eco-friendly products and services. But what does "natural beauty" really mean?
We all know going green is good for the planet, but could it also be the key to personal health and beauty? Environmentally-conscious beauty is a growing trend that's inspiring many beauty salon owners and customers to embrace eco-friendly products and services.
A satisfying relationship with a special someone doesn't happen overnight. If you're looking for love, you may wonder why it's just not happening. You may find the process much easier if you learn to love yourself first.
A satisfying relationship with a special someone doesn't happen overnight. If you're looking for love, you may wonder why it's just not happening. You may find the process much easier if you learn to love yourself first, experts say.
"If you don't put yourself first, then you are denying your abilities to the world around you," says Carolyn Bates, a certified personal life coach, or ICF.
Did you know that many products used for personal hygiene and beauty can be major sources of human exposure to dangerous chemicals?
Every morning you brush your teeth, take a shower, and apply deodorants, creams, makeup, and other personal care products.
Did you know, however, that many of these products are a major source of human exposure to dangerous chemicals?
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that conducts independent research to expose health and environmental threats, the average consumer uses 10 personal care products daily that contain about 126 distinct ingredients.
To make the most of your restaurant experience while making sure you're not undoing a week's worth of exercise, follow these tips.
Let's face it. Dining out is wonderful. A server is there to cater to your every whim. You're provided with a delicious meal with all the upside and none of the work.
What's more, you're given options: healthy and otherwise. Do you opt for the grilled chicken with asparagus and winter squash mash? Or do you go with the risotto cakes and polenta? While you may think you've chosen the healthier chicken dish, studies find that this isn't the case.
Work in the United States has become a 24-hour phenomenon. Working irregular hours may also lead to a condition characterized by insomnia, excessive sleepiness during work, difficulties concentrating, headaches, and lack of energy.
Work in the United States has become a 24-hour phenomenon. Many workers, such as healthcare providers, must be available at all hours, and increasingly, companies are adding shifts to accommodate customers and vendors in different time zones.
Non-standard work schedules, which includes evenings, nights, weekends, and shift work are common.
Most of us have some kind of birthmark, whether it's a tiny spot no one ever sees or a prominent port-wine stain. But very few of us know the facts about these marks and if they carry any associated risks. Here are some birthmark FAQs and clarifications of common misconceptions.
Most of us have some kind of birthmark, whether it's a tiny spot no one ever sees or a prominent port-wine stain. But very few of us know the facts about these marks and if they carry any associated risks. Here are some birthmark FAQs and clarifications of common misconceptions.
To some degree, we all experience such foggy moments, especially as we get older. But when should it be cause for concern?
You've done it again: lost your car keys somewhere in your house, or forgotten the name of a neighborhood acquaintance, or opened the refrigerator without having the slightest idea of what you were hoping to find. Everyone of a certain age has these so-called "senior moments," and many people make jokes about them to excuse their own forgetfulness.
Organize your makeup bag with must-haves such as foundation, lipstick, blush, eye shadow, and eyeliner to ensure your look stays fresh all day.
Is your portable makeup bag stuffed to the brim with products you hardly use? Or perhaps it's skimpy and empty-looking—missing the products you actually need?
Organize your makeup bag with these five essentials to keep you looking fresh all day.
Should you throw out a container of yogurt if you notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it? Well, it all depends on these factors.
You take a container of yogurt from your refrigerator and notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it. Should you throw it out?
Well, it all depends on the type of date stamped on the container and how well the product was handled, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Don't let asthma get in the way of your daily activities. There are multiple asthma treatment methods available by prescription that are worth considering.
Don't let asthma get in the way of your daily activities. There are multiple asthma treatment methods available by prescription that are worth considering.
Some of the most common approaches to managing asthma include asthma inhalers that contain fast-acting relief medication to open up your airways, inhaled steroids for long-term control of your respiratory functioning, and allergy control medications to manage your immune system response to various triggers that set off asthma symptoms.
Your breasts put up with a lot. It's only natural that once in a while, they'll react. So, what can you do about strange but common occurrences such as rashes, pimples, moles, and ingrown hairs?
Your breasts put up with a lot. It's only natural that once in a while, they'll react. So, what can you do about strange but common occurrences such as rashes, pimples, moles, and ingrown hairs?
Women are trained to worry about lumps, bumps, puckers, and other signs of breast cancer.
Giving a little bit of your self can make an enormous difference in the life of a sick child. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Volunteering can be powerful. If you're open to it, you'll wind up learning new skills, making new friends, and even changing lives—yours as well as someone else's.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Volunteer Your Time
If you love babies and have time to give, hospitals with neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are often in need of "cuddlers.
The Hospice Foundation of America estimates that there are more than 460,000 hospice volunteers in the U.S. Here's what you need to know before taking on this important job.
If you want to make a difference to a terminally ill person and her family, consider becoming a hospice volunteer. You'll be in good company: The Hospice Foundation of America estimates that there are more than 460,000 hospice volunteers in the U.S. But what exactly do you do as a hospice volunteer? And do you need any special qualifications? Here's what you need to know before taking on this important job.
Why is the barefoot running movement gaining popularity? Is it simply a fad popularized by a few outspoken naturalists? Or is there science that backs a more natural approach to running?
It's safe to say that resorting to the primitive practices of our prehistoric ancestors is typically viewed as a bad thing. We evolved, discovered, and invented our way into a life in which we are no longer dependent on the hunt to bring us food, nor do we fear being stalked by predators.
Since 1992, up to 10 million worldwide have had breast implants. Now there's concern about whether implants lead to increased risk of lymphoma. Here are the facts you need.
You may have heard news reports that breast implants cause lymphoma, and if you have implants, you might be concerned. The short answer is, you needn't be.
Breast Implants and Cancer Risk
Since 1992, up to two million women in the U.S. and up to 10 million worldwide have had breast implants, either for cosmetic reasons or following breast cancer surgery.
Working up a sweat is good for you, but what if you're not one to perspire during exercise? Can you still consider it to be an effective workout? Here's the answer.
Working up a sweat is good for you, but what if you're not one to perspire during exercise? Can you still consider it to be an effective workout? The answer is "yes!"
Most people sweat more during a high-intensity workout than a gentle stroll in the park.
One research team studied older people on the small Greek island of Ikaria, a place where fully one-third of residents live to at least 90, and found that the residents share many healthful habits.
Now that your working life is behind you, it's time to pay attention to the rest of your life. You've got extra time now, and you want to make the most of it. Whether you've dedicated yourself to living healthily all these years or put your health on the back burner, it's never too late to form good habits.
Here's what researchers know about this mysterious chemical messenger that appears to have such a profound and direct effect on one's ability to lose weight.
Your stomach produces a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite and encourages you to eat. That's a good thing for some people, not so good for others. Here's what researchers know about this mysterious chemical messenger that appears to have such a profound and direct effect on one's ability to lose weight.
Although many experts encourage exercise earlier in the day to help you fall asleep easier at night, those in the know say that an evening workout might just work out for you.
Exercising before bed: Will it keep you up or put you to sleep? Although many experts encourage exercise earlier in the day to help you fall asleep easier at night, those in the know say that an evening workout might just work out for you.
Overall, exercise has been proven to improve sleep quality in people who have insomnia as well as those who don't have serious sleep problems.
Follow these tips to improve communication with your partner and do away with the criticizing, berating, and belittling you've become accustomed to.
You love your partner, and can't quite imagine life without him. Yet when the two of you are together, it's all too easy to fall into the pattern of criticizing, berating, and belittling, with each of you feeling wronged by the other. No wonder it sometimes feels like the two of you are oceans apart when it comes to intimacy.
Wish there was a magic formula that could make your allergies go away? While no medication can completely erase your immune system's response to allergens, a form of treatment called sublingual immunotherapy may provide some welcome relief.
Wish there was a magic formula that could make your allergies go away? While no medication can completely erase your immune system's response to allergens, a form of treatment called sublingual immunotherapy may provide some welcome relief.
Sublingual immunotherapy is available as tablets or drops that you place under your tongue to build up your body's tolerance to allergens.
Color counts. For instance, red is an intense color that some people associate with passion and eroticism, but color experts point out it can also evoke feelings of anger and aggression.
If you are sensitive to your environment, the color of your curtains, your rug, your bedding and the walls that surround you can influence how you feel when you're trying to relax before falling asleep.
The psychological effects of color have not been studied extensively and the results of those studies performed have not always been consistent.
What and how you eat could be hazardous to your health.
When Canadian physician Kevin Patterson worked as doctor at the Canadian Combat Surgical Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan, he came to realize that the Afghans he treated had very different body types from the Canadians he typically cared for back in his homeland.
Omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids confer a variety of health benefits when consumed on a regular basis and in the right amounts.
Three-six-nine, the goose drank wine...or was it fish oil? If it was fish oil, or certain vegetable oils, that would be one healthy goose because the omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids found in these oils confer a variety of medical benefits when they are consumed on a regular basis and in the right amounts.
The weather's not all that heats up in the summer. This can also be the season of love, whether you're single and looking for a relationship or in a committed partnership.
The weather's not all that heats up in the summer. This can also be the season of love, whether you're single and looking for a relationship or in a committed partnership.
"Summer's a great time to develop a new relationship or to spice up the one that you already have," says Terri Orbuch, Ph.
What exactly causes pulmonary embolism, and is there a way to lower your risk? Read on for some insight into this frightening malady.
Pulmonary embolism is a frightening condition that often comes on suddenly. You can go from feeling fine one moment to coughing and gasping for breath the next. And it can happen to anyone, although certain people are more prone to it than others. What exactly causes pulmonary embolism, and is there a way to lower your risk? Read on for some insight into this frightening malady:
What is pulmonary embolism? Pulmonary embolism results from a blockage in an artery that feeds the lungs.
What could be more convenient for lunch on the go than a quick stop at the salad bar? But the choices you make can make the difference between a fat-laden, calorie-heavy meal and a satisfying, good-for-your-heart lunch.
In these busy times, grabbing a quick meal from the salad bar of your local deli or fast-food restaurant chain may not only help you shave off precious minutes from your busy day, it may also provide all the ingredients you need for a healthy heart-if you know what to choose.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing nutritious foods easier for Americans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing healthful foods easier for all Americans. The icon, which replaces the old food pyramid, is a colorful graphic image of a plate divided into separate sections and is intended to provide a visual reminder of the appropriate balance between the different food groups.
Although advancing age and being a woman are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer, a family history also raises your risk of developing breast cancer and developing it at a younger age.
Although advancing age and being a woman are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer, a family history also raises your risk of developing breast cancer and developing it at a younger age.
Breast Cancer Family History
You have a family...
Growing gray hairs is an inevitable part of aging. But how do you know when to cover it up or put it on display? Read on for tips on transitioning through the graying process.
Growing gray hairs is an inevitable part of aging. But how do you know when to cover it up or put it on display? Read on for tips on transitioning through the graying process.
When our bodies' melanin production decreases, our hair starts to go gray.
Everyone worries occasionally. Some people, however, feel afraid when they really don't need to or experience anxiety at a level that's unreasonable for the threat they face.
Are anxious people born that way? Studies suggest some people are "wired to worry" right from the start. What causes a predisposition toward anxiety, and what does it mean if you're wired that way?
Everyone worries occasionally. Some people, however, feel afraid when they really don't need to or experience anxiety at a level that's unreasonable for the threat they face.
If you don't have much interest in sex these days, you may worry that you'll never reclaim the passion and sexual desire you once had. Well, worry not. These supplements will get that fire raging once again.
If you don't have much interest in sex these days, you may worry that you'll never reclaim the passion and sexual desire you once had. You can't seem to recall just when you started feeling less than passionate, and wonder if you'll ever again enjoy a care and worry-free sex life.
Having children is an exciting, rewarding experience for most parents. For women suffering from depression, however, parenting is especially difficult and untreated depression can have long-lasting effects on their children.
Having children is an exciting, rewarding experience for most parents. For women suffering from depression, however, parenting is especially difficult and untreated depression can have long-lasting effects on their children.
You've probably heard of post-partum blues, in which new mothers experience mood swings and feelings of sadness shortly after birth.
You're newly single, and this may be an excellent time to re-enter the dating game. But before you hop back into the game, consider these tips.
You're newly single, maybe feeling lonely, and perhaps feeling disconnected from all your "couples" friends. This may be an excellent time to re-enter the dating game, but you're understandably hesitant because it seems so intimidating. Before you hop back into the game, it's essential for you to make certain considerations.
If you're looking to transform your curly or frizzy hair into sleek, straight strands, you've likely looked for options beyond the traditional blow dry. Here are the pros and cons of a few of the most popular hair straightening treatments.
If you're looking to transform your curly or frizzy hair into sleek, straight strands, you've likely looked for options beyond the traditional blow dry. Here's a rundown of the most popular hair straightening treatments, including the results you can expect from each method.
Having close friends is essential to any productive social life; however, it is possible that one of your "friendships" may be more than just that. Read on to find out if you're really partaking in an emotional affair.
You spend as much time with him as possible, seeing him is the bright spot of your day, you share your fears and your secrets, and you simply feel good when you're with him. Nope, not your husband--but a dear friend upon whom you've come to rely. But is he really just a friend, or something more? If the following scenarios resonate with you, your relationship could be in jeopardy.
The act of swallowing a pill can range from uneventful at best to gag-inducing at worst. Here, tips to make it easier.
It's no coincidence that the expression "a bitter pill to swallow" refers to something tough to accept. The act of swallowing a pill can range from uneventful at best to gag-inducing at worst. Children, notorious pill avoiders, often are given vitamins and other medication in chewable or liquid form.
The formula behind body mass index (BMI) can be tricky. It can help you know if the number on the scale is where it's supposed to be. However, BMI can't provide useful information about this.
In 2004, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labeled obesity as the number one health risk facing Americans. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, obesity affects 32 percent of adult men and 35.
We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes.
We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes. The study, which was funded...
From aiding in digestion to raising a red flag about potential diseases, your saliva plays a pretty big role in your health.
What exactly is saliva, and what is its purpose? Could your saliva reveal secrets about your health? We've got your "saliva basics" (and beyond) right here.
Saliva is the watery, sometimes frothy liquid that forms in your mouth. Salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw produce between two and four pints per day.
If you find that your fire is burning one minute only to find it extinguished the next, you may have an irregular sex drive. In order to remedy your libido woes, you need to know what's causing it. Here, the four most common culprits.
If you find that your fire is burning one minute only to find it extinguished the next, you may have an irregular sex drive. In order to remedy your libido woes, you need to know what's causing it.
When your libido's plummeted to the point where your sex life is anything but satisfying, taking a close look at what's going on in your life may be the first step toward revving it up again.
Sure, expressing your emotions in positive ways can be a challenge, but keeping them bottled up is likely to lead to an explosion down the road.
When it comes to anger, health and psychology experts agree: Better out than in.
Expressing anger in healthy ways can be a challenge; but keeping your emotions bottled up is likely to lead to an explosion down the road. What happens when you get angry, and how can you let it go?
Anger is a physical and psychological response to fear, stress, confusion, anxiety, or some other negative situation that puts you on guard.
Some skin care experts propose that women should shave their faces to help exfoliate their skin. Others maintain that this will stimulate unwanted hair growth. So who should you listen to?
Some skin care experts propose that women should shave their faces to help exfoliate their skin. Others maintain that this will stimulate unwanted hair growth. So who should you listen to? Is facial shaving a good idea for women?
The common assumption that shaving will make hair grow back darker and thicker is not true.
Camping is a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and convene with nature. But if you suffer from allergies, heading out to the wilderness can expose you to a series of dangers. Here's how to stay healthy.
Camping is a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and convene with nature. But if you suffer from allergies, heading out to the wilderness can expose you to a series of dangers. Here's how to stay healthy.
Camping with Allergies
While activities such as hiking in the woods, sleeping under the stars, and toasting marshmallows over the open fire can be enjoyable, they can also expose you to series of allergy triggers, such as pollen, mold, stinging insects, and poison ivy.
You don't consider yourself a smoker. An entire week can go by without a single craving for a cigarette. Yet, once the weekend rolls around, all bets are off. Good thing the occasional smoke can't hurt you. Or can it?
You don't consider yourself a smoker. A week can go by without a craving for a single puff of tobacco. However, once the weekend rolls in and you're among friends who smoke, you don't refrain from partaking. In fact, you may even enjoy the sensation. After all, smoking socially can't really hurt you.
Are you an "apple"? Are you a "pear"? And what does that really determine anyway?
For years we've been told that people with "central obesity"—also known as an "apple" body type—were at greater risk of developing heart disease than people with a "pear" shape, whose fat is clustered around their thighs and buttocks. However, a new study published in the medical journal The Lancet dispels that notion.
If you wake up with bad breath every morning, join the club. Very few people can escape it, and no one starts the day with a minty-fresh mouth. Fortunately, there are ways to tame the dragon.
If you wake up with bad breath every morning, join the club. Very few people can escape it, and no one starts the day with a minty-fresh mouth. Fortunately, there are ways to fight the dragon.
Bad breath in the morning can have many of the same causes as bad breath any other time of day: dry mouth, smoking, sinus problems, poor dental hygiene, or a stomach disorder, to name just a few.
Don't wait for fate to bring you together: it may never happen. Instead, take a chance with one of these attention getting tips.
You notice him from across the room, and you're pretty sure he's spotted you, too. Or maybe the two of you play on the same weekend softball team and you'd love to ask him out.
Don't wait for fate to bring you together. The reality is that it may never happen.
Here, answers to your most pressing questions about dense breasts.
Rumor has it that if you have dense breasts, then mammograms won't be effective. While there's some substance to that statement, it's not the whole story. Here, answers to your biggest questions about dense breasts.
How does breast density affect mammograms?
Breasts are made up of fatty tissue and connective tissue.
Although many people assume that asthma affects males and females equally, it's becoming increasingly clear to the medical community that respiratory health is handled differently by women and men.
Although many people assume that asthma affects males and females equally, it's becoming increasingly clear to the medical community that respiratory health is handled differently by women and men. Researchers from the Ohio State University Medical Center found that when you compare men and women with similar asthma conditions, women will be apt to perceive their symptoms as more serious.
Taking stock of the kinds of foods in your pantry and refrigerator and replacing the ones that increase your risk for cardiovascular disease with nutritious, flavorful whole foods, will help you and your family make heart-smart food choices and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Heart disease is the number-one killer of both men and women. But making just a few simple changes to your diet can make a big difference in keeping you and your family heart-healthy. And the first place to start is in the kitchen.
Start Your Heart Healthy Kitchen Makeover Here
The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods every day.
Flipping through magazines, you see page after page of impossibly skinny and perfect people. Many magazines use photography angles, effects, and techniques to alter what you see, but could these photos be subconsciously affecting your confidence and self-image?
Flipping through magazines, you see page after page of impossibly skinny and perfect people. Many magazines use photography angles, effects, and techniques to alter what you see, but could these photos be subconsciously affecting your confidence and self-image?
Scientists say yes.
When sex stops being satisfying between you, your relationship becomes vulnerable. The remedy: effective communication. Follow these ten tips to voice your concerns without offending your partner.
A breakdown in intimacy is a leading cause of marital discord, says Danine Manette, infidelity expert and the author of The Ultimate Betrayal. And when sex is no longer satisfying, your relationship becomes vulnerable. Resentment, withdrawal, and unhappiness can settle in when the sex life sours.
The American Heart Association has some specific recommendations when it comes to getting heart healthy nutrients.
Although the shelves of your local pharmacy or health food store may be lined with dietary supplements claiming to provide a heart health benefit, there is little scientific evidence to support those claims.
To the contrary, one recent large, placebo-controlled randomized study of vitamin E actually failed to show any benefit on heart disease.
Many women with unwanted hair are on the lookout for hair removal solutions. But if they took the time to determine the cause, they might be better off.
Women love thick hair; that is, unless it grows in places they don't want it to.
Eight percent of women have unwanted hair growing on their upper lip, chin, cheeks, neck, arms, abdomen, or back. Hair growth in these areas is common for men, but when it happens to women, many search for hair removal solutions.
Overloading on vitamins and minerals is easy to do and can be dangerous.
Can taking extra vitamins be too much of a good thing? Yes. In fact, overloading on vitamins and minerals is easy to do and can be dangerous.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping your body strong, fit and healthy. Most of us run the risk of not getting enough if we don't eat the right foods.
Remember having the chicken pox as a kid? That episode can come back to haunt you as an adult. Shingles normally presents with severe pain, tingling, or burning on one side of the body. That's followed by red, scaly blisters that break, dry, and crust over.
Remember that bout with chicken pox you had as a kid? You probably spent a good deal of time soaking in a baking-soda bath and trying not to scratch those itchy lesions. Fortunately, the infection cleared up with no long-lasting effects, right? Wrong! If you've ever had chicken pox, you're at risk of getting a related disease called shingles as you get older.
If you've ever been pregnant, you've probably taken daily folic acid supplements to safeguard the health of your unborn baby. But did you know that in the process, you could have been increasing your child's risk of developing asthma?
If you've ever been pregnant, you've probably taken daily folic acid supplements to safeguard the health of your unborn baby. But did you know that in the process, you could have been increasing your child's risk of developing asthma?
Folic Acid in Pregnancy
Taking folic acid in pregnancy has long been recognized for its protective action in preventing serious neural tube defects, including a condition called spina bifida.
The new technique of 3-D mammograms, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), overlays 3-D optical mammogram images with x-ray images.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved the first system for digital mammography. The FDA reports that in pre-clinical studies, 3-D mammography was seven percent more accurate than traditional mammography.
3-D Mammography
3-D mammograms, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), overlays 3-D optical mammogram images with x-ray images.
Researchers have found that women are 11 times more likely to develop this serious condition if they are missing teeth or have gum disease. What's the connection?
If you need one more reason to take good care of your teeth and gums, here it is. Periodontal disease is linked to breast cancer. In a recent study, researchers found that women were 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer if they were missing teeth or had gum disease.
What precautions should you consider when it comes to these radiation risks?
Last month's report published in the British Medical Journal may be giving x-ray technicians and doctors reason to hesitate before ordering diagnostic radiation. The recent study of children in The United Kingdom (England and Wales) examined childhood cancer risks associated with exposure to x-rays and ultrasound scans both in utero and early infancy (age zero to 100 days)
In the study, Preetha Rajaraman, PhD, of the U.
If your partner frequently says one thing when he means another, you may question his sincerity. Before mixed signals start causing your relationship to unravel, there's a lot you should consider.
If your partner frequently says one thing when he means another, or acts in one way only to behave in a completely different fashion later, you may question his sincerity. Before mixed signals start causing your relationship to unravel, keep in mind the following considerations:
1.
Many things can temporarily derail a relationship, including an episode of depression. It is possible, however, to get relationships back on track after treatment.
Many things can temporarily derail a relationship, including an episode of depression. Although mental health issues can take a toll on your relationship with your spouse, children, extended family, friends, and coworkers, they do not have to cause permanent damage.
What "real world" preventative steps should you incorporate into your life to lower your chances of heart disease?
Earlier this year, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated its cardiovascular prevention guidelines for women, which take into account what works best for women in the "real world" settings as opposed to findings from clinical trial research.
First...
Could it be the smell of relief? Here's how to use essential oils to address pain and anxiety associated with cancer treatment and recovery.
Aromatherapy is a type of complementary therapy and one that many cancer patients use in conjunction with traditional medical treatment.
Aromatherapy 101
For centuries, humans have used essential oil for healing. Many essential oils, which are derived from the stems, leaves, flowers, and roots of plants, have pharmacologic actions, which is why they are used in aromatherapy.
Twenty-five percent of people with diabetes don't even know they have it and that means they're not getting the treatment they need or taking the important steps necessary to keep the disease in check.
Considering that there are 7 million undiagnosed diabetics in the United States and about 1.9 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed each year, it's likely that someone you know has the disease. In fact, you or a family member could be at risk for developing diabetes.
Nearly 2,000 people were evaluated against seven heart-healthy criteria set by the American Heart Association. The results may surprise you.
Just one out of 1,900 people evaluated in a study published in Circulation, met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health set by the American Heart Association (AHA).
The study, initiated by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, evaluated 1,933 people, ages 45 to 75, through surveys, physical exams, and blood tests.
If you're suspicious that your partner has broken your trust, it can be a heavy burden to carry around. Get at the truth by looking for these ten tell-tale signs.
If you're suspicious that your partner has broken your trust, it can be a heavy burden to carry around. After all, trust is what your entire relationship is built on. Without it, you may well wonder what the two of you have.
"The two biggest things people hide from a partner are definitely an affair or money problems," says Stacy Kaiser, MA, MFT, author of How to Be a Grownup.
Your partner is undergoing a traumatic experience. You want to be supportive, but he's not the easiest person to help. Here's what to do.
Your partner is undergoing a painful, traumatic experience—the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or a business failure. While you want to be supportive, he's not the easiest person to help. So the two of you start going at it, and before you know it, you've got a crisis brewing between you that just seems to grow worse by the day.
The evidence is overwhelming that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps prevent cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, in particular, deliver compounds that help prevent the transformation of normal cells into cancer.
When former president George H.W. Bush publicly proclaimed his dislike of broccoli, he wasn't doing himself any favors. This ubiquitous vegetable is part of a family of vegetables that is a veritable powerhouse when it comes to cancer prevention.
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which is part of the cabbage family.
It's a great cause. If you'd like to get involved in finding a cure, raising awareness about the disease, or simply learning more about diabetes, here are some ways you can help out.
Chances are that even if you're not diabetic, you have a friend or relative who is. Some 285 million people worldwide have the disease, and that figure is expected to jump to 438 million by 2030, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as reported on MedicalNewsToday.
There are many reasons to take on this challenge, and mental acuity is probably at the bottom of the list. But that doesn't diminish the brain benefits it can confer.
It's no secret that knowing a second language brings multiple benefits. You're able to get around more easily if you visit a country in which that language is spoken, you can communicate with friends and family who speak that language, and you might even have an advantage in the job market.
A new study reveals some surprising factors when it comes to what brings on a heart attack.
Everyday occurrences such as drinking coffee and alcohol, physical exertion and even breathing can help spur a heart attack, according to a Belgium study published in the journal The Lancet. The study researchers analyzed data from 36 separate studies of potential triggers for heart attack in people ranging in age from 44 to 72 years old.
Good posture is the foundation for how the body moves, works and prospers. What exactly is good posture and how can you achieve it? Read on to become a posture perfectionist.
Good posture is important for everything we do, from making a good impression to preventing pain, but it means more than just standing up straight. It's the foundation for how the body moves, works and prospers. What exactly is good posture and how can you achieve it? Read on to become a posture perfectionist.
Is your ideal man one who can "protect" you from the evils of the past? Or are you a guy who feels the need to "rescue" women who have been wronged? If you answered "yes" to either question, you may have Knight in Shining Armor Syndrome.
Answer honestly: If you're a woman, Is your ideal man one who can "protect" you from the woes of past relationships? If you're a man, do you constantly feel the need to "rescue" women who have been wronged? If you answered "yes" to either question, you may have Knight in Shining Armor Syndrome--a relationship faux pas that can take you down treacherous paths.
Bioidentical hormone therapy is often called "natural hormone therapy" because bioidentical hormones act in the body just like the hormones we produce.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women with menopausal symptoms can be divided into two eras: Before 2002 and After 2002. That's when the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) halted studies of a specific type of estrogen/progesterone therapy because they were linked to significant health risks.
It's hard to find time for fitness, a sensible diet, and health screenings, especially when you work full time. That is, unless health and fitness opportunities come directly to you.
It's hard to find time for fitness, a sensible diet, and health screenings—especially when you work full time. That is, unless health and fitness opportunities come directly to you. Employee fitness and health programs are par for the course at many large companies.
Also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, the body absorbs too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses.
Hemochromatosis, also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, causes the body to absorb too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart problems, and liver disease.
Having trouble getting in the mood? You can feel amorous, sexy, and ready for love without having to resort to pills or patches.
Having trouble getting in the mood? Given the stressful schedules and lack of free time that most people endure these days, it's hardly surprising that you lack the will or desire to be intimate with your partner. But you can feel amorous, sexy and ready for love without having to resort to pills or patches.
The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey.
When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.
Sample these dozen healthy ideas that will help your family lead a healthier life for the long haul.
Parents may hold the key to turning the nation's obesity problem around, suggest the findings of a new study conducted by GfK MRI, a leading media and consumer market research company. Five thousand children aged 6-11 were surveyed as part of the 2010 American Kids Study and found that parental impact and behavior greatly influences their kids' attitudes toward food and nutrition.
Many would agree that no method of eyebrow shaping is perfect, but what are the pros and cons of each?
The toil of achieving the perfect set of eyebrows is enough to make anyone weary. Yet millions of women (and men, too!) show up at the salon every few weeks to be threaded or waxed—while others stay home to take on the challenge with tweezers. Many would agree that no method of eyebrow shaping is perfect, but what are the pros and cons of each?
Plucking
This method of eyebrow shaping is the most economical way of grooming your eyebrows.
Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 13 vitamins that are crucial to proper body function.
If you've struggled with giving up a bad habit, or trying to create a new one, don't be too hard on yourself; it's not a personal weakness or lack of self-control. Turns out, there's a whole science behind habit formation.
Are you trying to lose weight? Begin an exercise program? Give up junk food? If you've struggled with giving up a bad habit, or trying to create a new one, don't be too hard on yourself; it's not a personal weakness or lack of self-control. Turns out, there's a whole science behind habit formation.
When conception becomes difficult, it can affect both partners. Read on for information about your options and how you can keep a positive perspective.
Infertility can be heartbreaking for couples who are faced with wrenching decisions about treatment and a variety of emotions ranging from disbelief that something so natural eludes them to depression when friends and siblings conceive easily. Even for couples who are very close, infertility tests a relationship like few other things do.
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of sebaceous cysts.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Whenever you find a lump or bump that shouldn't be there, it's natural to feel worried. Sometimes a lump is a sign of something serious such as cancer. More often, however, it's nothing more than a simple sebaceous cyst.
In people with autoimmune disease, the immune system malfunctions and the body mistakenly attacks its own cells, causing a host of symptoms.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
One might say that autoimmune diseases are cases of mistaken identity. In healthy people, the immune system works the way it should, by keeping out invaders such as viruses and bacteria.
Get ready to clean out the cobwebs, spruce up your space, and break a serious sweat with this power-cleaning, calorie-burning workout.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Can spring cleaning help you get ready for bathing suit season? It can if you do it right. Get ready to clean out the cobwebs, spruce up your space, and break a serious sweat with this power-cleaning, calorie-burning workout.
If your relationship's been nearly as chilly as the cold, dark winter, warm things up with these tips for a spring relationship cleanup.
If your relationship's been nearly as chilly as the cold, dark winter, it may be time to warm things up with a spring relationship cleanup. Along with those showers and flowers comes a hint of romance; so take advantage of the warmer, longer days and the great outdoors.
If your budget for beauty products isn't unlimited, you've probably considered generic alternatives. These formulas claim to be identical to their big-name brothers and sisters, but will they yield the same results?
If your budget doesn't extend to $100 or more for skincare, you've probably tried or considered generic alternatives.
These over-the-counter and prescription formulas claim to be identical to their big-name siblings and often come in identical packaging.
Who needs a treadmill? Here are 10 smart ways to build exercise into your day with no special equipment needed.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
You don't necessarily need to go to spin classes or get up at 5:00 a.m. for an hour-long turn on the treadmill to keep your ticker in tip-top shape.
For a healthy heart, you should...
This condition occurs when a person's white blood cells damage the glands that produce moisture throughout the body. Dry eyes and mouth are typical symptoms, but the disease can trigger serious malfunctions in major organs.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Although it's one of the most common autoimmune diseases in this country, chances are you've never heard of Sjögren's syndrome. This condition occurs when a person's white blood cells damage the glands that produce moisture throughout the body.
The standard of care for ovarian cancer treatment has changed over time. What's the latest in the battle against this hard-to-diagnose disease?
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common malignancy in postmenopausal women in the U.S. and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. Like so many cancers, it's highly treatable when caught early; however, few symptoms make it difficult to detect until it becomes advanced.
When Daylight Saving Time arrives, you can reset your alarm clock, your computer clock and your wall clock, but it's not so easy to reset your internal clock. These tips will help make it easier.
When Daylight Savings Time arrives, you can reset your alarm clock, your computer clock, and your wall clock, but it's not so easy to reset your internal clock.
The hormone melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland in your brain, regulates your sleep-wake cycle by responding to daylight.
Chronic pelvic pain isn’t just a problem for women. Plenty of men suffer from it too. What are the common sources of pelvic pain for men and women? Find out here.
Chronic pelvic pain isn't just a problem for women. Plenty of men suffer from it too. What are the common sources of pelvic pain for men and women? It all has to do with what parts you have between your pelvic bones.
The pelvis is a basin made from our two hipbones, sacrum and coccyx bones.
If sex hurts, a woman can find it hard to get into the mood for intimacy, her partner feels frustrated, and no one's happy. Discomfort during intercourse isn't uncommon, and, fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help you get your sex life back on track.
If sex hurts, a woman can find it hard to get into the mood for intimacy, her partner feels frustrated, and no one's happy. Discomfort during intercourse isn't uncommon, and, fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help you get your sex life back on track.
If you're always putting yourself first without thinking of your significant other's needs, you're setting up your relationship for failure.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
It's one thing to take care of yourself. It's another when you're so self-focused that your partner is always taking a back seat while you do and say whatever you like without regard for his feelings.
Has your unconscious come to surface and forced you into a sticky, embarrassing situation? If so, worry not. There are ways to bounce back.
"What was I thinking?" We've all uttered these words from time to time when we say the wrong thing, make a stupid decision, or engage in some other temporary lapse in judgment. Despite our tendency to joke away our gaffes, they can be quite embarrassing.
Learn more about this uncomfortable skin condition including who's most often affected.
If you have unbearable intimate itching, you might have Lichen Sclerosus. This uncommon skin condition is usually a "girl thing," though men and children can get it too.
Lichen sclerosus (LS) causes delicate skin in the genital area to become thin, whitened, wrinkled, and sometimes, unbearably itchy, primarily in postmenopausal women.
Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages.
Are you the kind who, during lunch break, forgoes the trip across the street to the local café and plow through lunch at your desk while never diverging from work? If so, you could be harming your health. Here's four ways you can get back on track.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
You've seen them: the coworkers who, during their lunch break, forgo the trip across the street to the local café and plow through lunch at their desks while never diverging from work.
If you're a middle-aged woman it's especially important to keep your blood pressure under control. There are small changes you can make that will add up big when it comes to your health.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
If you're a woman, you're middle aged and you have high blood pressure, you're at an increased risk of heart attack.
"Having high blood pressure is not a good thing, especially for this age group," says Furqan H.
Could the act of raising your thermostat increase your waist line as well?
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Is the bitter blast of winter leaving your driveway ice-coated, car slush-covered, and heating bills at an all-time high? With all these cold weather woes, it's hard to believe it could get much worse.
Why are self-breast exams less in favor, and what options do you have now for detecting breast cancer?
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
"But no one in my family ever had breast cancer."
This is an all-too-common response from women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. While family history is a significant risk factor, only about one in 10 women diagnosed have family members with breast cancer.
While fibro affects people from all social statuses, races and ethnic groups, approximately 75-90 percent of fibromyalgia patients are women. But do men experience it differently? Find out here.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Fibromyalgia syndrome affects approximately 10 million Americans with widespread pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression and other debilitating symptoms. While it affects people from all social statuses, races and ethnic groups, approximately 75-90 percent of fibromyalgia patients are women.
You've heard about the health dangers of tanning booths: skin cancer and eye damage, to name just two. But if you simply can't get the desire for bronze out of your head, it's time to walk away from the tanning bed...and over to your fridge.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Over and over again, you've heard about the dangers of tanning booths—skin cancer and eye damage, to name just two. But what if you simply can't get the desire for bronze out of your head? Then, it's time to walk away from the tanning bed.
While it probably won't hurt you to experience occasional nocturnal stirrings, night after night of interrupted sleep is dangerous to your mental and physical health.
Do you wake up at 2, 4 and 6 a.m.? While it probably won't hurt you to experience occasional nocturnal stirrings, night after night of interrupted sleep is dangerous to your mental and physical health. Here's what you can do to help yourself sleep through the night.
Are your daily doses making you dizzy? Handy help is here.
Gone are the days when the only pill you popped was a multivitamin. Now, it seems your medicine cabinet is bursting with remedies for a variety of ailments, each with its own directions for use.
But how do you keep track of different medications when...
Doctor's offices are full of sick people, and not all of them practice good hygiene or use common sense about keeping their germs to themselves. So, how do you avoid picking up a virus or infection while in the waiting room? Start by following these 10 tips.
It's ironic, isn't it? The one place you go to get healthy is also among the best places to get sick.
Doctor's offices are full of sick people, and not all of them practice good hygiene or use common sense about keeping their germs to themselves. So, how do you avoid picking up a virus or infection while in the waiting room?
Start by following these 10 tips:
1.
All-you-can-eat buffets. Unlimited soda refills. Burgers the size of ball fields. When it comes to food, America serves it up. It's no wonder one-third of our children and two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. Here's what you need to know to help your family eat better.
In an effort to improve the overall health of our nation, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released new dietary guidelines (January 2011). The revised guidelines place a stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity.
According to a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 2010 Annual Meeting migraines are seen in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) more often than in women without. What's the link? Read on to find out.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Millions of women suffer from migraines. Millions more have multiple sclerosis. New research indicates there might be a connection between these two conditions. According to a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 2010 Annual Meeting migraines are seen in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) more often than in women without.
Telling your partner he's gained weight is not easy. Try these 10 tips to help motivate him tactfully.
You're worried about your partner's health, to say nothing of his appearance. But no matter how much you wish that he'd shed those extra pounds or lose the spare tire around his middle, it's really not up to you.
"You can't force someone to get in shape," says Jennifer Brennan, RD, CDN, who works at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
A recent study from the National Institutes of Health says many women who suffer from migraines also suffer with chronic pelvic pain. Is there a connection between what’s going on upstairs and what’s going on below the belt? Find out here.
A recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that many women who suffer from migraines also suffer with chronic pelvic pain. Is there a connection between what's going on upstairs and what's going on below the belt?
The two most common chronic conditions women seek medical care for are migraines and chronic pelvic pain.
If you partner cheats, and you find out, you’re probably expecting a certain reaction–like remorse, maybe, or genuine sadness. But how about if he blames his genes? Is this a valid excuse? Find out here.
If you partner goes astray and has an affair, and you find out, you're probably expecting a certain reaction--like remorse, maybe, or genuine sadness. But how about if he blames his genes?
If cheaters want a new excuse for their actions, they may have found just the ticket.
Underwear is the foundation of any outfit. If you don't feel comfortable in your undergarments, you won't feel comfortable in your outfit either.
Underwear is the foundation of any outfit. If you don't feel great in your undergarments, you won't feel confident on the outside either. If you're feeling less-than-happy with your current ones, it may be time to switch some out. So, where do you start? Well, there may not be concrete laws about underwear, but you can count on certain guidelines to help you along.
More people than ever are turning to online dating to make a love connection. While a healthy relationship is a great goal to work toward, here are tips to keep in mind as you navigate your way.
Meeting that special someone who just might rock your world is easier than ever, thanks to online dating. And it's more popular than ever before, with an estimated 20 million Americans now using online dating sites, a figure that's more than doubled from just five years ago, says the market research firm IBISWorld, as reported in The New York Times.
Are your fingers and toes often cold, even when the rest of you is warm? If so, you could have a condition known as Raynaud's disease, in which there's an interruption of blood flow to specific areas of the body.
Are your fingers and toes often cold, even when the rest of you is warm? If so, you could have a condition known as Raynaud's disease, in which an interruption of blood flow to specific areas of the body (often the extremities but sometimes the nose and ears) makes them feel cold, turn different colors, and feel numb or prickly when they finally do get warm.
America is the land of the free and home of the brave. But when it comes to hygiene, we also tend to be the home of the over-obsessed. Here's how to remain fresh and clean without going overboard.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
America is the land of the free and home of the brave. But when it comes to hygiene, we also tend to be the home of the over-obsessed. Americans tend to overdo bathing, hair washing, and teeth brush, resulting with dry skin, dry hair, and bleeding or receding gums.
If you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update from the National Cancer Institute.
In 2001, the National Cancer Institute began producing the NCI Cancer Trends Progress Report. Since then, it has updated it annually. The Report gives us an overall summary on the incidence and mortality of different types of cancer.
So, if you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update (2009/2010)
Death rates for prostate, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers (the four most common types) continue to decline.
When it comes to vaginal discharge, how do you know what's normal and what's not? Well, it's all a matter of color, smell, quantity, and feel.
When it comes to vaginal discharge, how do you know what's normal and what's not? Well, it's all a matter of color, smell, quantity, and feel. Here, all the information you need to understand what's going on down there.
What's Normal?
Every woman past the age of puberty has vaginal discharge.
Germs thrive in saliva, mucous, stomach acids, and other body fluids. Regardless of how good you are about personal hygiene when you're sick, chances are you're going to spew a few germs.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
You're finally feeling better after that nasty flu or cold, and the last thing you want is to get sick again or infect someone else. Therefore, it's time to do a serious assessment of the five main areas where you and your "bug" hung out together.
Spare time is at a premium these days. If you find it difficult to find time to work out, worry not; we've provided you with calorie-burning gold.
Spare time is at a premium these days. If you find it difficult to find time to wor kout, worry not; we've provided you with calorie-burning gold.
1. Rise and stretch. While in bed, position yourself so that your right foot is on the opposite side of your left knee.
New lovers attribute their passionate feelings to matters of the heart. However, scientists are unraveling the science of falling in love and linking it directly to the brain.
Ah, romantic love; that all-consuming, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling you so enjoy when you first fall in love with someone. New lovers attribute their passionate feelings to matters of the heart. However, scientists are unraveling the science of falling in love and linking it directly to the brain.
Some causes are unavoidable: a genetic predisposition or if you're going through chemo, for instance. However, you can often take steps to avoid the loss of your luscious locks.
Typically, baldness is thought of as a problem that rests solely in the male population. While losing what was once a triumphant head of hair is more common in men, women actually make up approximately 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers. Although the hair loss patterns for men and women are a bit different, many of the causes and treatment methods are the same.
Compromise is the key to any healthy relationship. Here, 8 tips to help you help your partnership.
Everyone likes getting their own way. But if you're in a relationship, learning the art of the compromise is essential. It can be a delicate balance, experts say, because if you always do what your partner wants, you'll ultimately feel resentful. But if you determinedly move forward with your own agenda all the time, and don't attempt to meet your significant other halfway, there'll inevitably be feelings of negativity and resentment.
Research presented at the 26th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Rome says that measuring a woman's hormone levels with a single blood test can accurately predict the age when she'll reach menopause.
Menopause is defined as the 12-month mark after a woman has her last menstrual period and the end of her reproductive life. Most women reach menopause some time in their late 40s or early 50s and might be peri-menopausal for as much as a decade before that time.
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. But heart disease is actually a category of diseases and it pays to know the different types.
The term "heart disease" broadly refers to a range of diseases-more than 50-that affect your heart and blood vessels and is often used interchangeably with "cardiovascular disease." Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S.
...
Learn to stay tight with your sweetie year round.
Hearts, flowers, chocolate and lace-trimmed cards. Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion for saying "I Love You" in many beautiful and delicious ways. But keeping the passion alive - and making your partner feel cherished and special - is really a goal to work toward year round.
While it's difficult to determine the exact reason, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Treating depression helps patients lose weight.
There's a strong link between depression and being overweight or obese. It's the classic chicken-and-egg question: does depression cause obesity, or does obesity trigger depression. While it's difficult to say for sure, one thing is becoming increasingly clear.
In fact, a new study found an inverse relationship over time between quitting smoking and a reduction in depressive symptoms.
Smoking acts as an antidepressant, making smokers feel good, at least in the short term. For years, physicians and smokers alike worried that quitting smoking would exacerbate depression in people who were already depressed.
Researchers are accumulating evidence to disprove this notion.
According to a new study, women who experience high stress on their jobs have an increased risk for heart attack or other forms of heart disease.
According to a new study, women who experience high stress on their jobs have an increased risk for heart attack or other forms of heart disease.
The findings, based on data from 17,415 healthy middle-aged women participating in the Women's Health Study,...
You've heard it a million times, but the next time you hear "you are what you eat," you can be sure that the statement has been validated by numerous studies.
You've heard it a million times, but the next time you hear "you are what you eat," you can be sure that the statement has been validated by numerous studies.
While the phrase has earlier origins, it didn't emerge in the English-speaking world until nutritionist Victor Lindlahr published his book You Are What You Eat: how to win and keep health with diet in 1942.
Women simultaneously give their best as professionals, mothers, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, and more. They work inside and outside the home and somehow find time for everyone...except the one person who is most important: Herself.
What if Superwoman were overweight, depressed, anxious, and crabby? What if she was forgetful, distracted, and downright unhappy? Would we still consider her a superhero? That's what millions of women worldwide experience when they try to do it all; simultaneously giving their best as professionals, mothers, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, and more.
Sexually aggressive men are the most likely to misread important signals.
Men who are sexually aggressive tend to be worse at reading a woman's cues that she's not interested than men who are more relaxed about sex, according to a new study. The study's finding - that difficulties interpreting a woman's cues are linked with sexual aggression - certainly does not excuse rape, says University of Iowa psychologist Teresa Treat, a study researcher.
Here, 10 signs that there may be trouble ahead.
You may be happily involved with your significant other, and either married or contemplating it. You know your partner was in a serious relationship before you two met, and you thought it was over. Now you're wondering if it's not, and whether he still has feelings for his ex.
Since we can't really sleep the day away, here are a few tips for coping with Valentine's Day.
If the thought of another Valentine's Day makes you want to stay in bed and pull the covers over your head, don't despair; you're not alone. Although Valentine's Day is a made-up, highly commercialized holiday, it still manages to stir up a brew of unrealistic expectations and powerful emotions.
Does a typical day for you include work, shepherding children to activities, overseeing homework, and taking your parents to the doctor? You're part of the so-called sandwich generation, "sandwiched" as you are between the responsibilities of kids and elderly relatives.
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
Does a typical day for you include work, shepherding children to activities, overseeing homework, and taking your parents to the doctor? You're part of the so-called sandwich generation, "sandwiched" as you are between the responsibilities of kids and elderly relatives.
A study at Johns Hopkins University found that Medicare beneficiaries who were accompanied to their medical appointments were more satisfied with their visits than those who went alone. How can you make the most of your companionship, beyond just being a driver?
As your parents get older, they will probably be spending more time with doctors. And while they may insist that they're perfectly independent and able to get themselves to and from appointments, you should consider accompanying them, at least some of the time.
Many of the products we use on a daily or weekly basis contain dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals, some of which are linked to increased risk of cancer.
It's true there's no place home, especially when it comes to indoor pollution.
Many of the products we use on a daily or weekly basis contain dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals, some of which are linked to increased risk of cancer. For example, one study found that women who reported the highest use of certain household products had a significantly higher risk for breast cancer.
Millions of women go undiagnosed with an extremely common mood disorder called the Body Blues. Instead of showing up as sadness or depression, Body Blues are often signified by weight gain, fatigue, and a low sex drive (among other symptoms).
Millions of women are undiagnosed with an extremely common mood disorder, called the Body Blues. Instead of showing up as sadness or depression, Body Blues shows up as weight gain, fatigue, and a low sex drive (among other symptoms). What's going...
Packed with protein and fiber, but low in fat, this pantry must-have delivers a lot of nutrition at an affordable price.
Legumes, or beans, may just be nature's wonder food. Loaded with protein and fiber, they deliver a hefty dose of nutrition at a cheap price.
They're versatile—you can boil, stew, puree, roast, or pan-fry them—and for people who choose to or need to avoid animal products, they can be a great entrée alternative.
A program of "eurhythmics" shows results in promoting physical coordination and mental acuity in older adults.
Elderly people are often unsteady on their feet and prone to falls, which can lead to serious complications. But a practice called eurhythmics, originally designed for students by the noted Swiss composer Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, may give them better balance and help them maintain their health.
When talking on your cell phone for long periods of time, do you find that your cheek and ear seem to be irritated or blistered afterward? If this sounds familiar, it’s not a coincidence.
When talking on your cell phone for long periods of time, do you find that your cheek and ear seem to be irritated or blistered afterward? If this sounds familiar, it's not a coincidence. Many cell phones contain nickel, which is a common allergy trigger.
Learn more about how to balance your symptoms and work-life and when to consider disability.
Managing fibromyalgia symptoms like pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and depression can feel like a full-time job. For some fibromyalgia patients however, their job is their saving grace, because it gives them something to focus on other than their symptoms.
Sex life taking a downward trend? Here, a dozen ideas for how to reignite the passion.
A lagging sex life doesn't have to be a chronic, incurable condition. Whether you've been married for a long time and have kids together, or you're a busy, stressed-out single with no time for sex, there are effective (and fun) strategies to help to rekindle the romance and add some sparkle to your sex life.
Fewer couples are tying the knot, but romance is still very much alive.
First comes love, then comes marriage? These days, one doesn't necessarily follow the other. Some 39 percent of Americans now say marriage is becoming obsolete, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. That's quite a drastic drop from 1978, when 28 percent of Americans felt that way.
Whether you get regular manicures or never do more than give your nails a cursory cut, the fact is, they speak volumes about your hygiene and your health.
Whether you get regular manicures or never do more than give your nails a cursory cut, the fact is, they speak volumes about your hygiene and your health. Here are some ways to ensure that your nails stay strong as well as signs that a more serious medical condition is going on and look for these signs to detect a potential medical problem.
When it comes to mercury exposure from fish, what do you need to know to make the healthiest choices?
According to a Swedish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the benefits of eating fish may outweigh the potential negative impact of mercury exposure from fish.
The study analyzed responses from more than 900 Swedish adults about the amount of fish in their diet and then examined the subjects' red blood cells for levels of mercury and selenium.
Family therapist Allison Cohen says separate beds are not a symbol of a dysfunctional relationship if they lead to healthier interactions between couples. Instead of tearing you apart, separate beds may actually bring you closer together.
For some couples, sleeping together is a cure for insomnia; for others, it's a cause. If you have trouble sleeping in the same bed as your partner, don't let it lead to more trouble in your relationship.
When the National Sleep Foundation polled adults about their sleep habits and conditions, about 25 percent of participants who are married or living with someone reported that they lose sleep because of their partner's sleep problems.
Aches and pains in breasts are common and usually no cause for alarm. For some women, however, sore breasts are a sign that something more serious is going on.
Aches and pains in breasts are common and usually no cause for alarm. For some women, however, sore breasts are a sign that something more serious is going on.
Breast pain is called myalgia. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explains what's going on inside our breasts:
Your breast is made up of glands, fat, and fibrous tissue.
"Mudding" is a growing trend in which the cardiovascular demands of a long-distance run is coupled with the physical demands of a military-style obstacle course and the carefree atmosphere of a summer-time musical festival.
Are you part of one of these demographics? 1) Bored of hitting the gym daily with no end in sight? 2) A former athlete that has lost her way over the years? 3) Tired of the lackluster drag of the work-a-day existence? If you've answered "yes" to any of the previous statements, there's a new movement in endurance racing.
Can taking your calcium and vitamin D supplements be too much of a good thing? Some researchers say, "yes." We've waded through the research for you to help you understand when enough is enough and when it may actually be too much.
Can taking your calcium and vitamin D supplements be too much of a good thing? Some researchers say, "yes." We've waded through the research for you to help you understand when enough is enough and when it may actually be too much.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Medicine suggests calcium supplements may increase your risk of a heart attack.
Could half the country be diabetic in 10 years? Here are changes you can make now to keep this scary prediction from becoming reality.
Half of Americans will have Type 2 diabetes by 2020, according to a current forecast. This comes from a newly released report by United Health Group's Center for Reform and Modernization.
It's a scary figure to consider, since diabetes is a devastating and potentially deadly disease.
Men and women tend to entertain different sexual fantasies. Here are some common sexual fantasies for each.
Everyone has sexual fantasies from time to time, and they're usually nothing to be worried about. Sexual fantasies are not only common, but can be good for a couple, too.
"It's almost always healthy to fantasize," says Laurie Puhn, family and couples mediator and author of Fight Less, Love More.
New research studies further qualify how the quality of the relationship affects a couple’s individual happiness and health.
Early research on marriage and happiness has uncovered a positive association between the two. This so-called "marriage advantage" showed that, on average, married people tend to be healthier, live longer, and be at less risk for many serious health conditions than those who never marry.
It takes work to keep your face looking youthful and healthy. And minor scrapes, burns, and breakouts can sometimes undo the work. Fortunately, you can go back on track by following these tips to help speed up healing and prevent scarring.
A daily skincare routine can help keep your face looking youthful and healthy, but minor scrapes, burns, or occasional breakouts are unfortunately inevitable. Try these tips to speed up healing and prevent scarring, plus learn when you should seek professional medical care.
You may not realize that something as mundane as a car accident could put you at major risk for this disorder.
Typically, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with soldiers who have returned from combat; however, new information has found that the most common cause of PTSD is car accidents. Car accidents are also the most frequent kind of trauma experienced by American men and the second most frequent trauma experienced by American women.
If you have mild asthma and take a control inhaler that contains a combination of corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), you could be taking a life-threatening risk.
If you have mild asthma and take a control inhaler that contains a combination of corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), you could be overmedicating, according to the experts.
The latest research reveals that adding LABAs to corticosteroids for patients with mild asthma doesn't bring any extra health benefits and could increase the risk for life-threatening effects.
Alcohol has long been believed to dehydrate skin, resulting in the premature appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Now, a recent study is suggesting that red wine (in moderation, of course) may do just the opposite.
Alcohol can have a dehydrating effect on your skin, increasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But some research shows that drinking red wine (in moderation, of course) can have the opposite effect.
Scientists have been exploring "The French Paradox" for decades, trying to figure out what keeps their population so comparatively healthy despite a diet traditionally high in fat, cholesterol.
As anyone with a serious illness can attest, being a part of a supportive community is critical. Now, thanks to the Internet, you can reach far beyond your little corner of the world. That's what Jennifer Wilson Cooper, two-time ovarian cancer survivor, did.
We are saddened to share the news of Jennifer Wilson Cooper's death on June 6, 2012. Jennifer's spirit lives on through her posts on her blog Fourseeds.com and through her generous spirit that touched so many. We are honored to have helped to bring you her inspiring story.
It's cold outside, so snuggle up to your sweetie! Here are seven tips for better sex this winter.
The bone-chilling temperatures, blizzard-like conditions and icy roads that keep everyone hibernating indoors for the long winter months can actually have a positive effect on your sex life. Unlike summer, when people are busy with a variety of outdoor activities with friends and family, winter can be a good time for couples to reconnect.
Money can't buy you love, as the song goes. But can it buy you happiness? The answer to this riddle has been the topic of extensive interest and study. The answer is yes and no.
Money can't buy you love, as the song goes. But can it buy you happiness? The answer to this riddle has been the topic of extensive interest and study. The answer is yes...and no.
Daniel Gilbert, a Harvard University psychologist and author of Stumbling on Happiness, has extensively studied whether money makes people happy.
While there may be some things about aging that are less than lovable, it turns out that hitting those milestone birthdays often means there are plenty of positives to celebrate. Here are a few.
You can feel blue about getting older, but that won't change the fact that we all do it. And while there may be some things about aging that are less than lovable, it turns out that hitting those milestone birthdays often means there are plenty of positives to celebrate.
These small lifestyle changes can make a big impact in helping you manage your asthma effectively anywhere and anytime.
Unfortunately, there's no magic cure for asthma. It is a lifelong chronic condition that requires you to master ways to avoid asthma attacks. But this doesn't mean that your respiratory challenges should hold you back from achieving your goals. These small lifestyle changes can make a big impact in helping you manage your asthma effectively.
Here's a look at six health practices and how they can affect intimacy.
If you want to have a sizzling sex life, take a good look at how healthy the other aspects of your life are, experts say.
And remember, you're never too young to make changes in your lifestyle that will promote health and vigor, says Maria Ordonez, MD, urological surgeon at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Medical Center in New York City.
Here are three active steps you can take now to set yourself up to not only become a centenarian but do so in the best health possible.
Will you make it to 100? You might, as more and more people are achieving this milestone.
But a better question to ask might be: Will you feel great at 100? A small subset of the population not only reaches 100 years of age but continues to live life fully and joyously after 10 decades.
10 tips to infuse your evening with love and intimacy.
Ready to spend the last night of the year with your sweetie? Start by resolving to focus on each other, to avoid spending more than you can afford, and to keep your celebration simple. Here are the 10 tips from Sara Nasserzadeh, Ph.D., author of The Orgasm Answer Guide, Tina B.
Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but there are many things you can do now to avoid it.
Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but there are many things you can do now to avoid heart disease. And what better time than the beginning of the New Year to put prevention steps in effect?
Here are five things you can do to ensure a heart-healthy New Year.
Your OBGYN has been there for you through thick and thin: from your first contraception to your last baby to even menopause. But should she also be your go-to-doctor for everything else?
Your obstetrician-gynecologist has been there for you through thick and thin: from your first contraception to your last baby; maybe even through menopause. But is she always the best choice as a primary care physician? Your gynecologist as your go-to-doctor-for-everything might not necessarily be a good idea.
Joint pain may seem to naturally result from purely physical ailments such as arthritis, but there's significant evidence that joint pain can be caused or exacerbated by mental distress.
Although it may seem that joint pain should naturally result from purely physical ailments such as arthritis or other conditions, there's significant evidence that joint pain can be caused or exacerbated by mental distress.
Specifically, anxiety disorders have been targeted as the culprit in many cases of joint pain, both anecdotally by arthritis sufferers and by scientists officially studying the phenomenon.
It probably doesn't matter what type of creamer you use, or what's on the ingredient list if you drink a cup of coffee a day. But if you drink several cups a day, and add more than the standard serving size of creamer per cup, you may be getting more fat and sugar than you bargained for.
If you only drink one cup of coffee a day, it probably doesn't matter what type of creamer you use, or what's on the ingredient list. But if you drink several cups a day, and add more than the standard serving size of creamer per cup, you may be getting more fat and sugar than you bargained for.
After extensive studies to determine whether this concern is founded, the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society have come to a conclusion.
Breast cancer is teeming with frightening rumors surrounding its causes. One of the most common is about whether antiperspirants and deodorants can cause breast cancer. We looked at the research presented by two reputable champions in the challenge to stop breast cancer: The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.
Do they or don't they? The question of whether artificial sweeteners cause cancer has been hotly debated in the medical community.
Do they or don't they? The question of whether artificial sweeteners cause cancer has been hotly debated in the medical community. The conclusion: scientists don't think so. At least, the data collected so far is inconclusive, and does not point to a link.
You can't turn on the TV or open a magazine without seeing a new "revolutionary" product that promises to turn back time. Before you blow your paycheck on a 3 oz jar of anti-aging cream, be sure to understand what these treatments can really do.
Anti-aging creams containing retinol, hydroxy acids, and all kinds of enzymes and botanicals crowd drugstore shelves and pharmacies. You can't turn on the TV or open a magazine without seeing a new "revolutionary" product that promises to turn back time.
A new study finds that heart disease patients' risk of suffering a major cardiovascular event can be measured by their resting heart rate.
A study by Canadian researchers has found a direct link between heart rate at rest and the risk of death in people with stable heart disease. The researchers analyzed data from two major clinical trials that followed more than 31,500 patients over four years.
This intense therapeutic experience manipulates your fascia, the connective tissue around muscles, to restructure your physique.
First popular in the 1970s, Rolfing is a trend again. Created by Ida Pauline Rolf, a biochemist from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, Rolfing isn't your typical massage.
According to the Rolf Institute® of Structural Integration (RISI), the therapy is described as a way to manipulate or restructure your fascia-the connective tissue around muscles.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a very scary condition that can be fatal. What do you need to know about DVT to ensure it doesn't happen to you?
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a very scary condition that can come on without warning. It involves the formation of a clot in the lower body, usually the legs. If this clot dislodges and becomes stuck in the heart or lungs, it can be fatal. Immediate treatment is crucial for survival.
Which veggies promise to reduce age-related memory deficits?
You may have heard of salmon and blueberries being referred to as "brain foods" for their specific properties that keep the brain healthy. Now a new study proves that certain vegetables qualify as brain foods as well.
Veggies--specifically crunchy, colorful ones such as celery, peppers, and carrots--contain a plant compound called luteolin, which works to tamp down inflammation in the brain that causes problems with memory.
The disease kills about one in every 10 patients but the results of a new study could change the way they are treated and improve survival rates.
Though relatively rare-affecting less than 2 percent of the adolescent population-anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening illness with a high mortality rate. Patients with the condition believe they are fat, and use food restriction and exercise to maintain dangerously low body weights.
Shift work disrupts our internal clock, which tells us when to eat, sleep, and be active.
Healthcare, transportation, manufacturing workers, and public servants play a critical role in our society, often working in the wee hours of the morning when the rest of us are sound asleep. Working nights, early mornings, or rotating shifts can affect workers' health.
Hearing that you need heart surgery can be frightening, but knowing what you can expect the day of your operation and afterward may help ease your fears and give you back a sense of control.
Unless your surgery is an emergency, talk to your doctor or other healthcare professionals to find out everything you can about your condition and the type of operation being recommended. Ask your healthcare team:
About the details of your surgery,...
Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables can feel a bit daunting, especially for busy families on the go. The good news is that it's a lot easier than you might imagine.
Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients that keep you healthy and help prevent cancer. Furthermore, since obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer, a diet that emphasizes plant-based foods helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Here are a few tips for adding healthy fruits and vegetables to your diet:
Learn what a serving looks like.
For some women, it may not be all in the head.
Women may not be in the mood for sex for many reasons--they're too tired, too stressed, too resentful, or maybe just too reluctant since the kids are still awake and in an adjacent bedroom. But not wanting sex isn't always tied into what's going on in a woman's head.
Here, 5 tips to keep both of you satisfied in the bedroom.
In a perfect world, you and your partner would want sex simultaneously and you'd both be happy with the amount of intimacy in your relationship. There would be no finger pointing, no self-recrimination, and no feelings of inadequacy on one partner's part and frustration on the other partner's part.
If you've lost access to insurance, you may be wondering how you'll survive. Is there a way to get good health care even if your finances are unstable?
The cost of health insurance is scary, but having no health insurance can be downright terrifying. If you've lost access to insurance, you may be wondering how you'll survive. If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition, covering the costs of all of the prescription drugs and doctor's visits you need may seem impossible.
Teenagers may be irresponsible about a lot of things, but when it comes to condom use, they're actually more careful than grownups.
Teenagers may be irresponsible about a lot of things, but when it comes to condom use, they're actually more careful than grownups.
In a study of sexually active 14- to 17-year-olds, 80 percent of the boys and 69 percent of the girls reported using a condom the last time they'd had sex.
If you're a woman using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may be frightened about developing cancer, but even more frightened about giving up your prescription. But hold on—things might not be as scary as they seem.
We've all seen the headlines: Hormone Replacement Therapy Increases Risks for Cancer! If you're a woman using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may be frightened about developing cancer, but even more frightened about giving up your prescription.
As difficult as a cancer diagnosis is, you can cope with it. Here are a few of the things you should do first after learning you have cancer.
"You have cancer."
These three words can make you feel as though you've been hit by a fast-moving train and then strapped into an out-of-control roller coaster. You probably wonder how you're going to cope with the stress, your fears, treatment side effects, and managing work, family, and other responsibilities while ill.
Did you know you should also have regular sexual health check-ups? At these appointments, your doctor not only can pinpoint any physical conditions early on but may be able to help with certain problems keeping you from enjoying a satisfying sex life.
You're vigilant about scheduling an annual physical, and you pay attention to your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. But did you know you should also have regular sexual health check-ups? At these appointments, your doctor not only can pinpoint any physical conditions early on but may be able to help with certain problems keeping you from enjoying a satisfying sex life.
Growing evidence supports the theory that it is possible to be overweight and healthy, provided the individual is also fit.
Don't judge a book by its cover has long been the counsel of school teachers, but a growing body of evidence suggests the expression may apply to people, too. Overweight adults, it turns out can be healthy.
One example is research published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) which followed 2,600 adults (60 and over) for 12 years to observe the link between weight, fitness, and mortality.
Increases in accidental overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs are one of the fastest-rising causes of accidental death in the U.S.
Whether you reach for prescription pills on a daily basis or take an over-the-counter remedy for a persistent cough or occasional headache, there are risks associated with all medications especially when they are combined with other medications.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), increases in accidental overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs are one of the fastest-rising causes of accidental death in the United States.
Get to know this common test, what it measures, and what percentage number means you're in good control.
Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes or you've had it for awhile, you've surely heard the term "hemoglobin A1C" tossed around by your doctor. Here are answers to some important questions about this test.
1. What exactly does the hemoglobin...
Whether it's bad breath or body odor, here are some ways to ease into a conversation.
It's a conversation you'd just as soon not have with your partner. But his bad breath (or body odor, excessive flatulence, or another repulsive condition or habit) is such a turn off that you've decided you have to bring it up.
"If you don't it will erode the relationship," says Irina Firstein, LCSW.
You can look great without wearing uncomfortable, constricting clothing. Here's how you can be stylish and still stay comfortable.
Even if your daily wardrobe consists of loose jeans and sweatshirts, chances are you'll be attending at least one holiday party this season. And that means getting out of your comfort zone and dressing up. Perhaps you've got a slinky number hanging in your closet from last year.
All orgasms aren't created equal. Here, differences between men and women.
The truth about orgasms? They're just not the same for both sexes. While experiencing an orgasm for a woman depends a lot on where her head is at (and whether she remembered to take care of all the details of the day before she'll even allow herself to think about orgasms), it's a whole lot simpler for guys.
Poor circulation can cause numbness, cold hands and feet, and other unpleasant symptoms. But a sluggish blood flow isn't something you have to live with. You can boost your circulation and get that blood moving through your body.
If you have poor circulation, you may be plagued by such undesirable symptoms as cold hands and feet, numbness, tiredness in the legs upon standing for long periods, or wounds that are slow to heal. But a sluggish blood flow isn't something you have to live with.
Your knees have a heavy load to bear. They support a good percentage of your body weight and have been doing so since you learned to walk. So it's no surprise that as you get older, your knees may experience a little (or a lot) more trouble than they used to.
Your knees have a heavy load to bear. They support a good percentage of your body weight and have been doing so since you learned to walk. So it's no surprise that as you get older, your knees may experience a little (or a lot) more trouble than they used to.
Are you and your partner looking to start or add to your family? Don't let stress put a stop to it.
You desperately want to be a parent and all your friends seem to be announcing their pregnancies to the world. While you're happy for them, you're experiencing a wrenching gamut of emotions about your own situation that ranges from anger to despair to fear.
Chronic stress is a villain that causes a host of problems ranging from sleep and digestive disorders to depression. Stress can affect your concentration, lead to weight gain (or loss), weaken the immune system and even contribute to heart disease.
Stress brings man into Penny Donnenfeld's New York City practice. "Stress is real and should be taken seriously," says the clinical psychologist who is also a supervisor at Columbia University's Teacher's College. "It can affect your functioning and your physical health in profound ways but is often dismissed as 'only' stress.
Here, we reveal the truth about how she really feels.
Typically, we're inundated with TV shows and movies suggesting only men are the ones who complain about lack of intimacy from their partner. However, it's equally as frustrating for a woman whose husband has no or little interest in sex. Especially in a society in which many wives seem to complain about their lack of desire for intimacy with a spouse, a woman who wants more intimacy (and is getting less) from her husband can experience a low self esteem and wonder if something is wrong with her.
Getting away for some pressure-free, stress-free time with your partner sounds like a terrific idea. After all, how can two people not get along in a beautiful spot with no kids, no irritating coworkers, and no nagging bosses? Couples retreats have both pros and cons, so weigh both before you sign up
Getting away for some pressure-free, stress-free time with your partner sounds like a terrific idea. After all, how can two people not get along in a beautiful spot with no kids, no irritating coworkers, and no nagging bosses?
Couples retreats have both pros and cons, so weigh both before you sign up.
What is the normal weight obesity condition and what can you do about it?
Mayo researchers have coined a new condition: normal weight obesity (NWO) also known as "skinny fat."
According to research from the Mayo Clinic, more than half of American adults thought to have normal body weight, as defined by their body mass index...
Fewer women are having children than ever before. In fact, in 2008, 80 percent more women remained child-free by age 44, as compared to 1976. Why this remarkable downturn? And what are the health implications of not reproducing?
Fewer women are having children than ever before. That's according to a new study released by the Pew Research Center, claiming that 2008, 80 percent more women remained child-free by age 44, as compared to 1976. Why are there more women without children? The answers aren't as obvious as you might think.
Cryolipolysis, a new technique for eliminating unwanted body fat, is quickly becoming popular. But before you rush to set up an appointment, here's what you should know.
Fitness experts tell you to "feel the burn," but others may soon be telling you to "cool it." That's because Cryolipolysis, a new technique for eliminating unwanted body fat, is quickly becoming popular. The Food and Drug Administration only recently approved it, but many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons have been performing cryolipolysis "off label" for a while.
Are your thighs and hips plagued by bumpy, cottage-cheese style skin? You're not alone. Approximately 80 percent of women suffer from cellulite. So, what can you do about this unsightly condition?
Are your thighs and hips plagued by bumpy, cottage-cheese style skin? You're not alone. Approximately 80 percent of women suffer from cellulite. So, what can you do about this unsightly condition?
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite appears when the connective cords that tether your skin to muscle push against an area of fat cells.
If the feeling just isn't striking you, don't worry. We have the fixes to get you back in the mood.
A lack of interest in your partner can make you feel a range of emotions: guilt, frustration, sorrow and anxiety chief among them. Whether it's been a long time coming or it's seemingly overnight that you find yourself simply not caring anymore, a disinterest in that someone who's been so incredibly special in your life usually occurs for one or more reasons.
Do you crave time to yourself? More importantly, do you make time for yourself? Many people need some rejuvenating alone time and making this time a priority is one of the best things you can do to care for yourself.
Do you occasionally crave time to yourself? More importantly, do you make time for yourself? Many people need some rejuvenating alone time and making this time a priority is one of the best things you can do to care for yourself.
Most of us are running non-stop between work, family, and other obligations.
If shortness of breath and wheezing are accompanied with hot flashes and mood swings, you might have more than just menopause.
You probably associate menopause with a wide range of physical changes. But have you ever thought that this change of life can also trigger asthma symptoms?
When Menopause and Asthma Co-Exist
If you've never experienced any respiratory issues before menopause and you suddenly find yourself wheezing and short of breath, the timing might not be a coincidence.
Ovarian cancer is among the sneakiest cancers. Its symptoms can be so vague that 80 percent of women who develop it don't know they have it until it's spread to other organs. Recent studies, however, reveal new genetic clues about who's at risk.
Ovarian cancer is among the sneakiest cancers. Its symptoms can be so vague that 80 percent of women who develop it don't know they have it until it's spread to other organs. Recent studies, however, reveal new genetic clues about who's at risk.
Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of the old, is turning up more often than ever before in younger people, but there is some good news.
Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of older people, is turning up more often than ever in the young and rising obesity rates among teens is why.
Some 154,000 people under the age of 20 now have diabetes in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The goal of cancer treatment is to put the disease in remission. But cancer can recur in several different ways.
The goal of cancer treatment is to put the disease in remission. Patients are in remission when all the signs and symptoms of their cancer disappear. For many patients, remission is permanent.
When cancer recurs (returns), it is the same type of cancer.
Whether you want to lose 5 or 50 pounds, it's extra challenging when you have diabetes.
Whether you want to lose 5 or 50 pounds, it's extra challenging when you have diabetes.
If you're prone to episodes of hypoglycemia, there are times when you have to eat whether or not you want to, and it can be frustrating to have to take in those extra calories to prevent your blood sugar from dropping dangerously low.
Without a doubt, older women bring depth and maturity to many relationships, but there can also be valid reasons to steer clear of courting a cougar.
According to Fayr Barkley, Ph.D. human behavior research expert and founder of cougar international (a cougar/cub dating site) younger men are driving the dynamic behind the younger man/older woman dating trend.
"I see a ratio of more than 10 men to every woman who join my website, www.
Does the idea of retirement scare you? Here's how to prep for this major life transition.
For some people, leaving the workforce is a long-held dream. For others, the thought of giving up the job they've had for years is a great source of anxiety. If retirement is something that scares you, it's important to be well prepared for this major life transition.
The birth control patch has been popular since it came on the market in 2002 due to its convenience and reliability. It's also been controversial because studies have linked it to some serious health risks. Now, there are new worries.
Hormonal contraception has provided safe, reliable birth control for fifty years. Originating as "The Pill," hormonal contraception is now available in a variety delivery methods including the Ortho Evra birth control patch. The Patch has been popular since it came on the market in 2002 for convenience, reliability and user-friendliness.
These simple strategies can knock a whole decade off of your outlook so you'll feel 10 years younger.
You can try at least a few of these strategies to knock a whole decade off of your outlook and feel ten years younger:
Laugh. A hearty chuckle sends your blood pressure downward, unkinks your muscles, and may even lower your stress hormone levels.
Diabetic women are much more prone than non-diabetic women to getting yeast infections. Here's why and what to do about it.
If you're a woman with diabetes, you've probably found yourself at the drugstore more than once, trying to figure out which over the counter medication would be most effective for the symptoms of itching and burning that signal another yeast infection.
The delicate skin on your neck can reveal your true age—no matter how young your face looks. But does it really need one of the dozens of specialized formulas available? And how do you choose the right one?
The delicate skin on your neck can reveal your true age-no matter how young your face looks. But does it really need one of the dozens of specialized formulas available? And how do you choose the right one?
The skin on your neck contains so little fat and few sebaceous, or oil-producing-glands, making it particularly susceptible to premature aging.
People with depression typically lose interest in many activities they once enjoyed, including sex. This can significantly reduce their quality of life. Because many patients are reluctant to discuss sexual problems with their physician, the problem often goes unidentified and untreated.
People with depression typically lose interest in many activities they once enjoyed, including sex. This can significantly reduce their quality of life. Because many patients are reluctant to discuss sexual problems with their physician, the problem often goes unidentified and untreated.
New research has now determined that men and women misuse pain medication differently.
It's long been accepted that men and women experience pain differently. They feel it in different parts of their bodies, have different ways of expressing it and even have different pain thresholds and durations. When doctors prescribe pain medication, especially if it is opiate-based, like Vicodin or Oxycontin, they consider these gender differences.
There are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don't become a walking biohazard, regardless of the state of the public bathroom you find yourself in.
What You Can Catch, If Anything? There are a few misconceptions surrounding public restrooms and bacteria. Bacteria thrives in wet, moist environments-making sinks, faucet knobs, and flushers prime for the spread of germs. So, yes, it is very possible to get sick from visiting the restroom at your local fast food joint.
"Brain fog" is a common complaint of women during menopause. They feel they should be at the top of their game, but instead find themselves dropping the ball by making small errors and forgetting details like never before.
Hot flashes and night sweats get all the attention when it comes to menopausal symptoms, but for many women, it's the way perimenopause and menopause affect their brain that's a bigger priority.
Mood swings, anxiety, depression, insomnia and "brain fog (a combination of confusion, memory loss, and inability to focus)," are common complaints during menopause.
Your surgeon will instruct you on a list of do’s and don’ts to help you get ready and minimize risks. Some surgeries have very specific instructions and your surgeon will make sure you know what to do. Many, however, include these general instructions.
The success of your upcoming surgery depends in part on what you do and don't do before the big day. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist are counting on you to make sure they can do their job in the operating room safely while also making sure you're comfortable.
Exhibiting defensive qualities is usually viewed as negative, but this may not always be the case for men.
Typically, defensiveness-a trait characterized as rejecting, repressing, or contradicting information that's perceived as threatening-is viewed as a negative quality, and in a lot of ways it is; for men, however, this may not be the case.
You've seen it: the coworker contradicting or becoming uptight about constructive criticism, or the friend that flips the switch from friendly to antagonistic once you crack a joke.
Your favorite fragrance may be giving off more than just a nice scent.
The chemical composition of the fragrances you own may be giving off more than just a nice scent. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics who recently published a report analyzing 17 name-brand perfumes, these chemicals may have inherent health risks that could lead to asthma, contact dermatitis, and hormone imbalances.
Is it possible that certain widely-used pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment?
There is a growing body of evidence that certain pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment, especially for colorectal and breast cancer.
While results are mixed, the medical community is investing significant attention and resources to this subject.
If you're feeling a definite lack of sparkle and sizzle in your love life, it may just be all in your head. You can look glowing, desirable, self-confident and utterly sexy again, but it has to start with you.
If you're feeling a definite lack of sparkle and sizzle in your love life, it may just be all in your head. You can look glowing, desirable, self-confident and utterly sexy again, but it has to start with you.
"The most powerful sex tool we have is our brain," says Lisa Rene Reynolds, Ph.
New research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S.
Red meat is making headlines again. This time, new research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S.
The Study In the National Institutes of Health and AARP's Diet and Health...
Kickboxing is a total-body, booty-kicking workout that's fun, makes you fast on your feet, and kicks you into the best shape of your life.
Ever since the 1970s when everybody was Kung Fu Fighting, martial arts-based exercise has been a solid fitness favorite. For the last decade, kickboxing, and its "cousin," cardio-boxing have become popular variations on these challenging workouts, through Tae-Bo, Powerstrike and classes all over the world.
If you have painful periods, irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, or have even had trouble getting pregnant, you could be among the 9 percent of American women with endometriosis.
If you have painful periods, irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, or have even had trouble getting pregnant, you could be among the 9 percent of American women with endometriosis. While this common condition can be disabling, there are plenty of treatment options that can cure it or make living with endometriosis a whole lot easier.
A perfectionist is someone who constantly strives to achieve extremely high standards. You would expect perfectionism to be a good personality trait, but it usually isn’t.
You must do the right thing the first time. Nothing good comes from making mistakes.
Are you nodding your head as you read these statements? These are classic thoughts of the perfectionist. A perfectionist is someone who constantly strives to achieve extremely high standards.
Do you believe that most people will tell a lie if they think they can gain by it? If you answered yes to this question, chances are you have a bit of a cynical streak.
Do you believe that most people will tell a lie if they think they can gain by it? If you answered yes to this question, chances are you have a bit of a cynical streak.
The dictionary defines cynicism as a bad attitude, a belief in bad outcomes, resentment, sarcasm, or suspicion.
You and your partner have a caring, mutually supportive relationship, except for one little sticking point: he’s still friendly with his ex. You don’t know whether this is perfectly healthy and natural, or whether you should call him on it. Here’s how to know when it’s okay and when it’s not okay.
You and your partner have a caring, mutually supportive relationship, except for one little sticking point: he's still friendly with his ex. You don't know whether this is perfectly healthy and natural, or whether you should call him on it. Here's how to know when it's okay and when it's not.
The most common type of cancer in the United States is also widely misunderstood. Take action to keep you and your family safe from skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but it's also widely misunderstood. Exposing the myths and taking action can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe.
There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) and melanoma.
Find out what makes this form of cancer so fatal.
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women in the U.S. and the fifth leading cancer-related cause of death. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 22,280 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2012, and approximately 15,500 women will die from it.
Some of us have been led to believe that going on and off the birth control bill is a good way to give our bodies a "break." The truth is, though, this constant "back and forth" could be harmful to our health.
There are almost as many birth control myths as there are birth control options. One misconception is that women need to quit taking birth control pills occasionally to give their body a "natural" break. The truth is that going off and on the Pill frequently (aka yo-yoing) is a good way to get pregnant and may even put your health at risk.
Sure, there may be some difficulties now that you're older. But it’s never too late to get your intimacy back.
The coast is clearer than ever before. The kids are grown and living on their own, and you no longer have to lock your bedroom door in order to be intimate with your partner. Just one problem: you don't feel as, well, as sexy as you did when you were younger.
The battle of the sexes turns into a battle over the thermostat when men and women live or work together. So, when it comes to this hot topic, how can both genders learn to live in harmony?
The battle of the sexes turns into a battle over the thermostat when men and women live or work together. That's because women always seem to be cold while men always seem to be hot. What's behind this hot topic and how can men and women achieve climate control?
It's not just a battle of wills.
Being married seems so easy at first: everything's new and fresh, from the bone china to the queen-sized comforter to "officially" sharing a last name. But at some point, the honeymoon's clearly over and you both find yourselves marveling at how tough being married can be.
Being married seems so easy at first: everything's new and fresh, from the bone china to the queen-sized comforter to "officially" sharing a last name. But at some point, the honeymoon's clearly over and you both find yourselves marveling at how tough being married can be.
Seat belts save more than 13,000 lives every year in this country, but they can do so only if you wear them the right way.
Seatbelts save more than 13,000 lives every year in this country, but they can do so only if you wear them the right way. In fact, using your seatbelt improperly isn't always better than not using it at all—you may be setting yourself up for serious injury if you wear your seatbelt in any way other than the way it was designed to be worn.
Produced naturally by our bodies, the hormone DHEA has been touted as the key to longevity. And some people have begun to supplement their bodies' own DHEA with a synthetic version of the hormone. But are they effective?
You may have heard that a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is the key to longevity. Produced naturally by our bodies, it facilities the production of other hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. But some people, looking for the secret to agelessness, are supplementing their bodies' own DHEA with a synthetic version of the hormone, sold in this country in pill form.
Some studies estimate that up to 88 percent of women have breast assymetry. While it's usually harmless and likely not noticeable, many women feel self-conscious nonetheless. So what can you do?
Some studies estimate that up to 88 percent of women have breast assymetry. While it's usually harmless and likely not noticeable, many women feel self-conscious nonetheless. So, what can you do about uneven breasts?
Desiree Bley, MD, OB-GYN in Portland, OR says, "I'd say almost every woman has some level of breast asymmetry and there's nothing wrong with that.
If you’re considering adding a bundle of joy to your family, you may be in for a surprise to find that getting pregnant isn’t necessarily as easy it seems. Still, there are plenty of low-tech ways that you and your partner can increase the odds of becoming parents.
If you're considering adding a bundle of joy to your family, you may be in for a surprise to find that getting pregnant isn't necessarily as easy it seems. Still, there are plenty of low-tech ways that you and your partner can increase the odds of becoming parents.
Ask any guy and he'll tell you that he believes it's the women in his life who are the emotional or vulnerable ones. Though that may be true in some circumstances, a recent study has found that men are actually the ones who are most affected by rocky relationships.
Ask any guy and he'll tell you that he believes it's the women in his life who are the emotional or vulnerable ones. Though that may be true in some circumstances, a recent study has found that men are actually the ones who are most affected by rocky relationships.
Approximately 3.9 billion prescriptions were filled in 2009-and 1.7 percent of which were wrongly dispensed. This translates into 66 million drug mistakes a year.
Consider the following scenario: You go to your doctor because you don't feel well. He performs a routine check-up and determines the only remedy to your ailment is a specific medication. He writes the prescription, which you then give to your pharmacist and begin the drug regimen.
There are many benefits nursing can bring, such as a special bond with your newborn and a boost to his immune system. However, for a few women, the very act of breastfeeding can put their own health at risk.
There are many benefits nursing can bring, such as a special bond with your newborn and a boost to his immune system. However, for a few women, the very act of breastfeeding can put their own health at risk,as it's possible that nursing can trigger mild allergy symptoms or even a serious anaphylaxis reaction.
Your birth control method: how well does it work? Here, 3 factors that may be affecting it.
Whether you're on the pill, have an IUD, or use condoms, you need to be extra vigilant about your birth control method in order to maximize its effectiveness. Forgetting to take a pill or buying a cheap condom can result in an unwanted pregnancy.
"When you average out all types of birth control, there is about a 3 percent failure rate," says Jennifer Wu, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Whether you blow dry your hair daily or just for special occasions, your goal is to always look your best. But all your efforts will be in vain if you end up harming your hair.
Whether you blow dry your hair daily or just for special occasions, your goal is to look your best. But all your efforts will be in vain if you end up harming your hair. Here's a run-down of ways this popular practice can mess up your tresses—plus steps you can take to minimize the damage.
According to the National Cancer Institute, about 55 million pap smears are performed each year and of those, only 3.5 million are abnormal, requiring further medical follow-up.
When your doctor says, "We need to talk about your Pap Smear," it's natural to jump to the wrong conclusion. Worst case scenario: Your abnormal pap smear means cervical cancer. More likely scenario? Something else is going on that's far less scary.
Do you command attention? Are you quick to get into a fight? Did you engage in sex at an early age? While these questions may seem inquisitive, various studies suggest that these queries, among others, can be answered simply by the sound of your voice.
Do you command attention? Are you quick to get into a fight? Did you engage in sex at an early age? While these questions may seem inquisitive, various studies suggest that these queries, among others, can be answered simply by the sound of your voice.
Most women are all too familiar with the moodiness, cravings, cramps, and bloating that coincide with their menstrual cycle. But for those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), digestive symptoms tend to get worse during this time. Find out the reasons as well as what can be done to ease your symptoms.
Most women are all too familiar with the moodiness, food cravings, cramps and bloating that accompany their monthly menstrual cycle. But for many women suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease, their symptoms appear to be worse.
It sounds so perfect: a libido-boosting pill for women that would magically erase all the cares, exhaustion and worries of the day and put her in the mood for sex. But while hopes ran high for a female version of Viagra, it appears that such a medication is not yet ready for prime time.
It sounds so perfect: a libido-boosting pill for women that would magically erase all the cares, exhaustion and worries of the day and put her in the mood for sex. But while hopes ran high for a female version of Viagra, it appears that such a medication is not yet ready for prime time.
A drug-resistant strain makes gonorrhea difficult to treat.
Gonorrhea might strike you as one of those diseases that antibiotics have all but vanquished, right?
Wrong. The sexually transmitted disease, the second most commonly reported one in the U.S., is actually an alarming health problem because it's becoming drug-resistant, and before too long, it may exist in a form that no antibiotic, however potent, can kill.
Nutritionally speaking, eggs are a near-perfect food, naturally rich in high-quality protein and containing almost every essential vitamin and mineral. Still, eggs enriched with extra vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are available in just about every supermarket.
Nutritionally speaking, eggs are a near-perfect food, naturally rich in high-quality protein and containing almost every vitamin and mineral known to be essential for human health. Still, eggs enriched with extra vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are available in just about every supermarket.
The oft-cited but confusing statistic that one out of eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime creates a lot of understandable anxiety among women. The fear of finding a lump, even if it's not cancerous, just adds to the stress. Here are a few of the common myths about breast lumps.
The oft-cited but confusing statistic that 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime creates a lot of understandable anxiety among women. The fear of finding a lump, even if it's not cancerous, just adds to the stress. Here are a few of the common myths about breast lumps.
Sometimes called female sterilization or "getting your tubes tied," tubal ligation is a surgical technique that prevents a man's sperm from reaching a woman's egg—thus preventing pregnancy. If you're considering this procedure, there are key factors you should consider.
Maybe you've decided your family is perfect and you don't want to have any more (or any at all) children. You can either continue using contraception until you or your partner goes through menopause or have surgery (vasectomy or tubal ligation) to make that decision permanent.
Do your hands look 10 years older than your face? It’s not surprising–the delicate skin is under constant attack from the sun, harsh agents, and constant use. Try these lifestyle changes to keep your hands feeling young.
Do your hands look 10 years older than your face? It's not surprising—the delicate skin is under constant attack from the sun, harsh agents, and constant use.
Try these lifestyle changes to keep your hands feeling young:
1. Wear Gloves
Rubber gloves will protect your hands from harsh soap, chemicals, and even water that can break down your hands' natural oils.
In late 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) created a brouhaha among cancer organizations, physicians, women's advocacy groups, and patients when it released its updated mammography screening recommendations. Here are the highlights from these guidelines.
In late 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) created a brouhaha among cancer organizations, physicians, women's advocacy groups, and patients when it released its updated mammography screening recommendations. Here are the highlights from these guidelines.
If your skin looks duller, older, and more uneven than it should, bad choices could be to blame. Break these common habits to bring out big improvements from head to toe.
If your skin looks older, duller, and more uneven than it should, bad choices could be to blame. Break these common habits to bring out big improvements in your skin.
1. Tanning or Skipping the SPF
Shielding your skin from the sun is the best way to battle premature aging.
When accidents happen, there’s a backup plan.
Neglected to use a condom or miscalculated your "safe days?" Don't stress out. Emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, gives women some extra options, and a new one may be coming soon.
If you're weighing your options about backup...
The Pap smear, or Papanicolaou test, looks for abnormal changes on the cells of the cervix that may indicate cervical cancer.
Most women are accustomed to having a Pap smear as part of their regularly gynecological checkup. The Pap smear, or Papanicolaou test, looks for abnormal changes on the cells of the cervix (the narrow, lowest part of the uterus) that may indicate cervical cancer.
Genomics can map out the exact sequence of a person's DNA to come up with a comprehensive picture of that person's future health risks.
You've probably heard of genetic testing, which looks at single genes to determine if someone has an increased risk of a particular disease. But you may be less familiar with genomics, which is the study of someone's complete genetic code. With genomics, scientists map out the exact sequence of a person's DNA to come up with a comprehensive picture of that person's future health risks.
No matter how dedicated you’ve been to your diet and exercise routine, bloating can still strike. Here, seven ways to banish it.
No matter how dedicated you've been to your diet and exercise routine, bloating can still strike. According to the National Institutes of Health, it's more common among people who have intestinal disorders-such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome-but it can affect anyone.
Bloating is never pleasant, but uncomfortable and irritating. Not only is bloating caused by foods and stress, but can also be induced by hormones. Find out how this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Abdominal bloating-that uncomfortable feeling of tightness or fullness in the stomach caused by either a buildup of gas or fluid retention-is very common affecting about 30 percent of people. Bloating is especially common and bothersome in sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome and is the result of gas trapped inside the bowel.
While sweating is an essential function that helps your body stay cool, you don't have to walk around with armpit stains on all your shirts.
Tired of walking around with your elbows held in tight, trying to hide those armpit stains? While most people sweat when they exercise, or are nervous, anxious, or under stress, walking around with sweat stains can be embarrassing.
For some people, the answer to put an end to armpit stains may be simple: an over-the-counter antiperspirant.
Why does menopause get all the attention when it's actually perimenopause that brings those infamous symptoms? Here's a rundown of the time leading up to menopause.
Why does menopause get all the attention when it's actually perimenopause that brings those infamous symptoms? Because, most people don't know there's a difference. Understanding perimenopause however, might help women enter a new time of life healthier, happier and more in control.
Here, warning signs that show you when it's time to call things off.
Like the song proclaims, "Breaking-up is hard to do." Futhermore, ending a relationship in which you were truly invested and severing all ties can be the most painful experience of all.
So how can you tell when it's time to stick it out and work on the relationship, or admit things aren't working and move on? Here, 10 signs to look for that will tell you it's time to split.
Here, ingredients for the perfect pre-sex meal and how to choose the menu for a love-fest feast.
Of course setting the stage for great sex involves the obvious--candles, soft music, low lights, and maybe some rose pedals. But why not also whip up a sensual feast to put you both in the mood for amore? Enjoying a meal that's light, yet slightly exotic and replete with the foods that encourage romance gives both of you the delicious opportunity to share a feast as you anticipate what's to come after dessert.
Tampons are among the most popular feminine hygiene products. But rumors claim they contain asbestos, rayon, and dioxin-chemicals that are associated with cancer, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and other serious health risks. But are these fears realistic?
Tampons are among the most popular feminine hygiene products. But rumors claim they contain asbestos, rayon, and dioxin-chemicals that are associated with cancer, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and other serious health risks. But are these fears realistic? Let's sort fact from fiction about tampon safety.
How new moms can rev up an appetite for romance.
The only thing an exhausted new mother wants to do when she's lucky enough to fall into bed is sleep. Husbands may be okay with the no-sex routine for awhile—they're exhausted, too—but then they start wondering whether they've been permanently displaced by an tiny intruder whose needs must be met 24/7 and who seems to know just when Mom and Dad are trying to have a little alone time.
Does your 'do need some youthful invigoration? If so, try these tips for rolling back the clock on your tresses.
Does your 'do need some youthful invigoration? Try these tips for rolling back the clock on your tresses.
Chop Long Hair to Chin Length
Shorter cuts offer an infusion of energy and sex appeal because they show off your face and skin. They suggest that anyone will look good in a bob, especially women with very straight hair.
Health experts have long linked processed foods, such as hot dogs, sausages, and most lunchmeats to many forms of cancers, including esophageal, lung, pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, endometrial, and prostate. Now they’ve added ovarian cancer to the list.
Health experts have long linked processed foods, such as hot dogs, sausages, and most lunchmeats to many forms of cancers, including esophageal, lung, pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, endometrial, and prostate. Now they've added ovarian cancer to the list.
Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat—unless they're contaminated with dirt, pesticides, or harmful bacteria. So before you take your first bite, make sure you follow these six steps.
Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat—unless they're contaminated with dirt or harmful bacteria. Since foodborne illnesses have sometimes been linked to fresh produce, it's important to wash what you eat.
The first rule for washing fresh produce is to wash your own hands.
Don't be so fast to assume it's your partner who is responsible for your STD.
If you've just tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you may be pointing the finger of blame at your partner. After all, you two have been monogamous, and before you were together, there's no way you could have been infected, right?
Don't be so fast to assume it's your partner who is responsible for your STD.
You may be worried about mixing allergy shots and pregnancy and wonder if this practice will put your unborn child in any danger.
Does it seem like your allergies have gotten worse since you've been pregnant? If so, it's probably not your imagination. During pregnancy, your body undergoes a variety of changes that can make you feel pretty miserable. For some women, this includes an increase in allergy symptoms.
When it comes to smoking, and quitting, men and women are different. Understanding the distinctions can give you a leg up when you're ready to face the difficult task of quitting.
When it comes to smoking--and quitting--men and women are different. Understanding the distinctions between them can give you a leg up when you're ready to face the difficult task of quitting.
The Differences
Men tend to smoke from habit or to enhance positive sensations, while women often smoke as a buffer against negative feelings.
When sex hurts after menopause, you'll look for guidance. Here, tips for how to make intercourse feel good once again.
Menopause isn't called the change of life for nothing. Sleep habits change (for the worse), your mood changes (minute to minute), and your hair changes (gets thinner). But perhaps the most unexpected change of all has to do with your sex life. Not only is intercourse downright uncomfortable, but it can actually be painful.
Too many of us find a doctor by picking one randomly from a list of practitioners who accept our insurance. Or we simply choose someone close to our home.
Have you ever wondered how doctors find doctors for themselves and their families? We all could take a tip from physicians when it comes to evaluating other medical professionals. Too many people find a doctor by picking one randomly from a list of practitioners who accept their insurance.
Most of the time, a bloody nose is just a messy nuisance. Occasionally, however it can signal more serious medical conditions.
Nosebleeds are common, messy, and sometimes scary-but how serious are they? Fortunately, most of the time a bloody nose is just a nuisance. Occasionally, however it can signal more serious medical conditions.
The formal medical names for a nosebleed is epistaxis or nasal hemorrhage.
As part of the American Heart Association's focus on women and heart health, the organization initiated new guidelines in 2007 to help doctors evaluate women's risk factors for cardiac disease. Three years later, how well are these guidelines working?
In 2007, the American Heart Association (AHA) initiated new guidelines to predict which women would develop heart disease. As part of the AHA's new focus on women and heart health, these new guidelines help doctors evaluate women's risk factors for cardiac disease.
Few people pay much attention to their urine, but the truth is, it can tell you a lot about your health. For example, if you have kidney stones, diabetes, or certain forms of cancer, the first clue is often is often in the urine.
Few people pay attention to their urine unless there's a problem or they're taking a pregnancy test. But the truth is, urine can tell you a lot about your health. Here, answers to some of the most common questions about urine-as well as key facts and information.
A lot changes when you age. Here, the sexual changes you and your partner may experience.
Let's face it, growing older means facing some physical changes--graying hair, some wrinkles, maybe a few extra pounds that stay stubbornly on the hips. But aging brings changes in sexuality, too. Every person's experience is different and to some extent, age is less of a predictor of changes in sexuality than health.
One day they're pregnant and the next, they're movie star slim again. How do Julia, Halle, and others do it? Read on to discover how celebrities get fit so fast after becoming new moms.
One day they're pregnant and the next, they're movie star slim again. How do celebrities get fit so fast after becoming new moms?
Most of their secrets are simply common sense fitness facts: eating smart, working out, and drinking lots of water. Celebrity moms who drop the weight fast usually don't have too much to lose.
If you suffer from depression and plan to become pregnant, you may be understandably concerned about the effect of depression and treatment on your unborn child.
If you suffer from depression and plan to become pregnant, you may be understandably concerned about the effect of depression and treatment on your unborn child. It may help to know you are not alone. Studies show that up to 12 percent of pregnant women also experience depression.
Ever wonder why sex feels so good? Here’s what happens to your body when you make love.
Your body is like a pleasure powerhouse that cycles through a series of sexual responses each time you and a partner have sex. The phases of response differ somewhat for men and for women, but they both follow a fairly set physiological pattern, experts say.
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in women over 45, and the fourth most common cancer in women. When detected and treated early, however, endometrial cancer patients have extremely good survival odds.
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in women over 45, and the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2008, about 40,000 women were diagnosed with endometrial cancer. When detected and treated early, however, endometrial cancer patients have extremely good survival odds.
Which option is best for for you? Read on to find out.
Diabetic women of child-bearing age may well wonder if the birth control pill is a healthy option for them. The answer depends upon her age and her general health, experts say.
Young, healthy diabetic women should not have a problem with the birth control pill, says Millicent Comrie, MD, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Long Island College Hospital in New York.
Despite what you might think, talking about others has its benefits.
"Pssssst! Did you hear what she said? He did what? How could she have said that?"
Whether it's a whispered conversation over coffee with a friend or a late-night telephone gabfest with your sister, gossiping bestows a feel-good aura on women who are feeling stressed-out, jilted or just having a bad day.
Research suggests that your TV-viewing habit can be a deadly pastime.
Americans watch more than five hours of television per day on average, according to a 2008 study conducted by the Neilsen Company. While you may have your weekly "must-watch" show , you may consider doing something else with those 25+ hours that you usually spend plopped in front of the television.
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, but it is also highly preventable. These are the five worst things that you can do to your heart.
Although heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S., it's often an avoidable problem.
While some risk factors for heart disease, such as family history or age, can't be changed, there are many things you can do to prevent heart disease that aren't burdensome or complicated and will help you avoid using medication.
Learn how to get into online dating and get the results you desire.
Whether it's the commericials you've seen on T.V. or the stories friends have regaled you with at dinner, you've heard the stories of people meeting Mr. or Mrs. Right through online dating. Still, you're a little wary of the whole idea. (Don't just people who are desperate use the sites? Isn't it dangerous?)
Online Dating for Dummies
Here are the top 11 strategies for first timers, from Mary Jo Rapini, LPC, a relationship expert, and Irina Firstein, LSCW.
How—and when—is essential to communicating sensitive information.
Embarrassment, shame, or the fear that your partner will want to end your relationship. Any of these could be the reason for not being forthright about a particular health condition. Whether it's a sexually transmitted disease, a chronic disorder like multiple sclerosis, or an invisible but life-impacting illness such as fibromyalgia, there just hasn't been the right time to discuss it.
Yeast infections can be annoying, irritating, and itchy, but are they dangerous? Well, not usually. Find out when you should be worried.
Yeast infections can be annoying, irritating, and itchy, but are they dangerous? Well, not usually. But sometimes, persistent yeast infections can signal other health problems and in very rare cases, can cause infections in other parts of the body.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 75 percent of women will get a yeast infection at some time in their lifetime, and nearly half will get more than one.
An easy way to help prevent breast cancer and increase survival in breast cancer patients may be as close as your medicine cabinet. Two new studies add to the growing body of evidence that aspirin could possibly play a role inhibiting the development and recurrence of breast cancer.
An easy way to help prevent breast cancer and increase survival in breast cancer patients may be as close as your medicine cabinet. Two new studies add to the growing body of evidence that aspirin could possibly play a role inhibiting the development and recurrence of breast cancer.
How one celebrity copes and thrives.
She's not the only public person to have diabetes. Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, and Sonia Sotomayor on the Supreme Court all have the disease, Mary Tyler Moore, however, not only has Type 1 diabetes, she has written a book about her own experiences, Growing Up Again: Life, Loves And Oh Yeah, Diabetes, and she has campaigned tirelessly for more research to find a cure.
A guide to preventing a herpes outbreak.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren't something that most people take lightly. They conjure up visions of dire complications, they hurt and, let's face it, they are embarrassing to talk about with your partner or your doctor.
They're also very common.
You've seen him or her at work: aggressive, racing against the clock, competitive, always multitasking. The typical type A personality type. Recently, experts have examined whether personality type plays a role in workplace stress. They found personality type did, and didn't, correlate to stress.
You've seen him or her at work: aggressive, racing against the clock, competitive, always multitasking. The typical type A personality type. Recently, experts have examined whether personality type plays a role in workplace stress. They found personality type did-and didn't-correlate to stress.
The G spot. What is it and where is it? More importantly, does it even exist?
The G-spot is an elusive pleasure zone that some women swear provides them with an intense sexual experience and some researchers doubt even exists. While it has never been definitively located, many women believe they have a small area in the front of their vagina that, when stimulated, results in an intense orgasm.
Relationships with mothers and stepmothers can be very confusing, but don’t give up. Aim to find common ground.
Mother's Day is supposed to be a day to honor and celebrate the efforts of your mother or stepmother. But for many of us, the holiday can seem like a chore and emotional torture at worst.
Here are three of the most common "Mother-Adult Child" scenarios in families on Mother's Day.
Make sense of your scents. Make perfume or cologne work for you.
Our sense of smell is so powerful that a whiff of a freshly baked apple pie brings us right back to the warm security of Grandma's kitchen, a piney aroma evokes Christmases past, and the lingering scent of cologne or perfume can be a turn-on or a turnoff.
If you’ve been with a few women, you may think you know a lot about sex. But with some bedroom experience you soon learn that what is a turn on for one woman is a deal-breaker for another. Good sex means using your brain as much as your body.
If you've been with a few women, you may think you know a lot about sex. But as you gain bedroom experience, you'll soon learn that what is a turn on for one woman is a deal-breaker for another. Good sex means using your brain as much as your body.
Sex Mistake #1: Thinking sex is only physical
Guys tend to get caught up in the physicality of sex.
Hair not cooperating? Before you reach for a hat, try these tips from stylist Jocelyn Dunnavant to tackle your particular problem.
Having a morning when your hair won't cooperate? Before you reach for a hat, try these tips from Slope Suds Salon stylist Jocelyn Dunnavant to tackle your particular problem.
Bed-head and cowlicks: Use a spray bottle filled with water to re-wet the problem areas, comb it into place, and re-dry it.
Read on for a rundown of the most common pelvic problems so that you can recognize a problem before it becomes too severe.
There's a lot going on between women's pelvic bones. In addition to our reproductive organs, the pelvis contains our bladder, intestines and pelvic floor (a group of muscles that holds everything in place). Pelvic disorders are common. Here, five common pelvic disorders.
Boredom may be shaving years off of your life, scientists have found.
In a commentary to be published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in April 2010, experts say there's a possibility that the more bored you are, the more likely you are to die early.
Researchers from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London analyzed over 7500 interviews, from 1985 to 1988, with British civil servants aged between 35 and 55 that asked whether they'd felt bored at work.
It’s possible to be too nice, experts say.
Do mean jerks always come out on top? Not really, but it sure seems that way sometimes. It's enough to make kind, considerate and caring people actually ponder getting a little pushier, more selfish, and more into self-promotion.
You might not want to change those inner good qualities just yet.
Women must deal with some complications that men don’t. Here, the diabetes complications no one talks about.
If you are a woman with diabetes, you must be extra vigilant about certain conditions. The good news is that you're less likely to get some of them if your blood sugar is in good control, says Jeffrey Powell, MD, endocrinologist at the Mount Kisco Medical Group in Mount Kisco, New York.
If your itchy scalp is leaving snow on your shoulders, you'll be happy to know that most dandruff problems are simple to tackle.
If your itchy scalp leaves snow on your shoulders, you'll be happy to know that most dandruff problems are simple to tackle.
Read on to find out the causes and treatment options that will help you get dandruff under control.
Dandruff's Different Causes
Dry scalp skin is the most frequent culprit.
The right and wrong way to enhance your romance with texting, email and social networking sites.
Modern technology is a mixed blessing when it comes to romance. On one level, social networking sites, texting, and emailing have made it much easier to date. But these forms of communication have also made dating more complicated. There are no set rules, no established guidelines, and no code of etiquette to follow.
How to determine if you two would have a red hot love life.
You've met a great guy or girl and the future looks bright. But will your sex life sizzle, and more importantly, will it stay hot?
Love at first sight doesn't always happen, and it can take awhile for a deeply satisfying relationship to thrive and grow.
Your cardio-respiratory fitness level decreases more rapidly after age 45. Fortunately, there are ways to slow down this decline and maintain a higher fitness level throughout middle age and your senior years.
Time goes faster as you get older, but you can slow the age-clock down. It's all about fitness and healthy living. According to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine, your cardio-respiratory fitness level declines more rapidly after age 45.
It works for some people, but not for the long haul.
In a recent episode of "Grey's Anatomy," Alex and Lexie, two of the doctors who aren't romantically involved, engage in a "no feelings" quickie, as it's referred to in the show's episode recap.
Unlike the fictional characters in ABC's hit TV series, having sex with a friend just for sex's sake is not uncommon.
Recent studies have raised concern about the safety of antidepressants in women who are, or hope to become, pregnant.
Recent studies have raised concern about the safety of antidepressants in women who are, or hope to become, pregnant. The type of antidepressants in question are SSRIs--selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. Although scientists are not exactly sure how SSRIs work, they appear to block the body's ability to reabsorb serotonin, which improves mood.
Want to have a great evening together? Here’s what to talk about.
You've made a restaurant reservation, switched in and out of three different outfits, and inspected your appearance so many times you've lost count. You're about to spend your first evening ever with someone with potential, but you feel tongue-tied. What can you find to talk about that will be mutually interesting?
"Keep it light, fun, entertaining and interesting," advises Stacy Kaiser, licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert.
Help your kids enjoy the year's spookiest night without sacrificing nutrition.
For children, October 31 is one of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year. And is it any wonder? Not only is Halloween an excuse to dress up in scary costumes; it's also an opportunity to snatch up massive amounts of sugary treats.
According to the National Confectioner's Association, 93 percent of U.
How to whip up the perfect recipe for a stress-free and enjoyable evening.
The time is set, the meeting place arranged. The mirror confirms that your hair and outfit look great. Then what's with the butterflies in your stomach? The perfect date is well within your grasp, experts say, whether you're single or married. You just need to keep a few pointers in mind.
Sex has innumerable benefits, and growing evidence is proving that improved heart health is one of them.
While evidence has been building about the overall health benefits of sexual activity, including easing depression and stress and relieving pain, a new study has found that men who have sex twice a week have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
...
Read on to learn what half a century has brought us in terms of what we know about this widely used method of contraception.
Fifty years ago, one of the greatest health advancements hit the market: The birth control pill. Today, the pill is all grown up and includes low-dose pills, continuous (no period) pills, patches, and rings. It's even used to treat acne, migraines, and other health issues.
What causes muscle cramps in the first place, and how can they be avoided?
If you've ever had a muscle cramp or charley horse, you know how painful they are. They're unpredictable and tend to strike during sleep, exercise, or when you've held one position for too long. But what causes muscle cramps, and how can they be avoided?
What Are Muscle Cramps?
Muscle cramps are caused by sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles.
There are numerous causes of infertility and almost as many treatments. Some women are concerned that pursuing infertility treatments may increase their risk for uterine cancer. If you’ve taken, or are considering, infertility treatments, here’s what you need to know.
The inability to conceive is frustrating and disappointing for any woman who aspires to raise a family. So, it's no wonder why many couples turn to fertility treatments to improve their chances of becoming pregnant. There are numerous causes of infertility and almost as many treatments.
When it comes to sex, women and men truly do seem to inhabit different planets.
When it comes to sex, women and men truly do seem to inhabit different planets. Women tend to have a very strong emotional connection to sex that men simply aren't saddled with, explains Cheryl Pappas, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and social commentator.
Men just do not have the need to be as connected emotionally to a partner as a woman does when having sex, she says.
Killer abs may not be linked to better sex, but another body part is.
Disappointed that you don't have time to both spend at the gym and in bed with your sweetie? That's not to say that you can't occasionally use sex as a form of exercise, says Cathie Helfand, MS, a marriage and sex therapist. "Using sex as a workout from time to time can help trim the body," she explains.
By making the following changes to your diet, fitness, and even bedroom behaviors, you can enjoy great health in this new stage of your life.
Most women who have had a hysterectomy report feeling much healthier, once they recover from operation and the conditions that led to surgery are resolved. But what lifestyle changes should you expect or plan to make after a hysterectomy? That depends on your age and if you still have your ovaries.
Learn how to get it right when you want easier intimacy with the guy in your life.
If sex unsatisfying, don't rush to point the finger your male partner. In fact, the blame could be put on none other than yourself. All too often, sexual misunderstandings can be cleared up by better communication, experts say. If you want to jump start your sex life, see which of these mistakes you're guilty of, and what you can do to right them.
Learn more about this common condition, plus get tips on how to ease the pain.
If you experience severe headaches around the time of your period, you could be suffering from menstrual migraines. But, you're not alone. Approximately 70 percent of migraine sufferers are female, and 60 to 70 percent report their migraines are related to their menstrual cycle.
Just like other parts of a woman's body, the vagina changes over the course of her lifetime. Here, a step-by-step account of these changes, from birth to menopause.
The vagina. What most people see, right from the start, is actually the vulva, the plump folds of skin that include the labia majora (outside lips), labia minora (inside lips), clitoris, and urethra. The vagina itself is a muscular tube that connects the internal reproductive organs (cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes) to the outside of the body.
Your sex drive’s not gone, it just needs revving up. Rekindle romance in your relationship.
If you're feeling apathetic and disinterested in intimacy with your partner these days, the first person to call is your doctor. A variety of prescription medications as well as even small illnesses can kill off sexual desire—and once it happens, you can start to lose confidence in the bedroom.
Can kissing help you pick a compatible mate? Studies say it could.
Kissing feels good, but it serves even more of a purpose than that. It's a great way to check out how compatible you are with the one you're kissing, says Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D., LMFT, and author of The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again.
"Kissing is a way to tell if you fit together physically," she says.
Kindle a romance by knowing when to smile and when to start up a conversation.
We've all done it--cast an extra glance at a person who looks attractive, occasionally smiling, maybe striking up a conversation. Flirting is fun, it's sociable, and it can lead to an enduring romance. That said, there's an unwritten code of behavior that should be followed when you flirt.
Taking part in a healthy marriage may make you happier in all aspects of your life.
Think about this next time you and your spouse are in an argument. Despite all your squabbling and minor skirmishes, marriage is actually good for you. That's the result of a study of 34,493 people in 15 countries over a 10 year period. The study was based on surveys conducted by the World Health Organization's World Mental Health (WMH) which appeared in the journal Psychological Medicine.
Stuck in a sexual rut? Read these tips to rev up your sex life with your partner.
Yes, it is often true that the heat of passion dips in even great relationships. The first two years of dating and marriage are usually the hottest--sexually speaking. Your love hormone, oxytocin, is high, and you feel close, alive, special, and very sexual.
If you think dehydration only occurs outside during the summertime, you're sorely mistaken.
When you think of staying hydrated, the warm summer months may come to mind. And while it's important to avoid dehydration when working or playing outdoors in summer's heat, it's just as crucial to maintain appropriate fluid levels when the temperature falls and you spend more time in heated indoor environments.
Read on to find out how to soothe your cold sore symptoms, or reduce your outbreaks altogether.
Cold sores, aka "fever blisters," are small blisters that occur around the mouth and occasionally in your nostrils, fingers, chin, gums, or roof of your mouth. They can tingle and ache before and during the blister formation, which usually lasts for a week to 10 days before it crusts and peels away.
Here’s how to treat and prevent an annoying and painful occurrence.
It may or may not cause symptoms, it can start out subtly and if not treated, it can progress to a more serious infection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are much more frequent in women than in men, and they're even more frequent in women with diabetes.
You'll both experience sexual satisfaction when you tell each other what feels good.
It's an all-too-common scenario: A spouse feels overworked, underappreciated and overwhelmed with a job, household and kids to care for. Resentment and exhaustion take their toll, and she feels less and less like having sex. With a busy life, there just isn't time for everything, let alone having an all night lovefest.
Ovarian cysts are common for women during childbearing years, but most never realize they have them. Occasionally one can rupture, though, causing severe pain and serious side effects.
Ovarian cysts are common for women during childbearing years, but most never realize they have them. Occasionally one can rupture, though, causing severe pain and serious side effects. So, when is an ovarian cyst an emergency-and how do you know if you have one?
The ovaries are two small organs located on either side of the uterus.
Back pain is one of the more common symptoms of PMS, and can range from a small ache to debilitating pain.
An estimated three of every four menstruating women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a wide variety of symptoms and can affect a woman mentally, emotionally and physically. These symptoms can range from irritability, anxiety, depression and aggression to nausea, breast swelling, abdominal cramping and back pain.
Try these everyday tips to minimize frizz, breakage, and dryness.
Winter's chilly temperatures and bitter winds can create a hostile environment for your hair. Things only get worse when you go inside, where dry heat saps hair of its natural moisture. But you don't have to have bad hair days all season. Try these everyday tips to minimize the frizz, breakage, and dryness.
The hormones in oral contraceptives may make boyish-looking guys more attractive to women.
Pretty boys like Zac Ephron and Chace Crawford are modern-day sex symbols, which is quite a switch from the 1950s and 1960s. Back then, the rugged, very masculine look was in vogue, and Sean Connery, Marlon Brandon and Steve McQueen were considered the heart stoppers of the day.
Here, 10 tips for finding a moisturizer that will get rid of the dryness, itchiness, and redness that is all-too-common in the winter months.
Freezing elements and dry indoor air disrupt skin's balance during the winter, robbing it of lipids and stripping its epidermis of liquids. If your skin feels tighter, itchy, red, or flaky, or seems more likely to look dull, break out, and show lines, your winter moisturizer isn't doing its job.
Although middle-age men still have higher rates of heart attacks and heart disease than middle-age women, a recent study suggests that the gap might be closing.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine looked at national survey data of more than 4,000 men and women, ages 35 to 54, during two time periods: from 1988 through 1994 and from 1999 through 2004. While during both time periods, men had more heart attacks than women, the rates of heart attacks in men improved from 2.
Studies suggest that a fiber-filled diet may cause problems for women wishing to conceive.
Women who want to get pregnant are often among the healthiest eaters. They stock up on high-fiber foods such fruits, vegetables and whole grains so they'll be at their best for pregnancy. A new study however, suggests that a fiber-filled diet may actually cause some women to ovulate less; and this could be a factor in infertility.
Postpartum depression is a common, and troublesome, occurrence. Psychologist Debra Warner explores the issue in her weekly column.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time in a woman's life. For many women however, pregnancy is marked by a struggle with depression. Research estimates that nearly 20 percent of pregnant women contend with depressive symptoms. Warning signs of depression can be especially difficult to spot during pregnancy because some of them resemble normal issues experienced by expectant mothers.
Approximately 75 percent of women will develop uterine fibroids during or after her childbearing years—but most will never realize they have them.
Approximately 75 percent of women will develop uterine fibroids during or after her childbearing years. Most will never know they have them. Sometimes, however, uterine fibroids become troublemakers - causing pain, bleeding and rarely, infertility.
Here’s all you need to know--and why you need to talk to your teen.
There's a lot of misinformation floating around about STDs these days, and it's a subject no one likes to broach with their teenager. Regardless of how uncomfortable it may be, it's a conversation that needs to happen, since teens who are sexually active are at high risk for an STD.
Sometimes it's as simple as just listening and offering her a warm hug. When your woman is feeling stressed, here's how to help.
Sure, you can't take your woman's stress away. However, you can often lift her spirits and make her feel better, experts say, by offering a sympathetic ear, solace, and an embrace.
"I tell men, if you want to score points with her, you have to learn to just listen," says Ingrid Schweiger, Ph.
Innocent behaviors such as social drinking, dieting, and relieving back pain through a doctor-prescribed medication can unsuspectingly be a gateway to harmful behavior for some people and ultimately death.
When you are out at a party enjoying a glass of wine, strategizing your next diet, or swallowing the seemingly innocent painkiller that your doctor prescribed, death may be the last thing on your mind. However, for some people, these innocent behaviors can unsuspectingly turn a corner toward harmful behavior, later leading to their death.
Can this latest type of lingerie really work wonders on tired, sagging breasts?
Most of us will end up with a bust line that points south sooner or later, but bra innovators claim that liquid bras can work wonders on tired, sagging breasts. But can they really help?
Why Breasts Sag
Breasts consist of muscles, layered with fat, and covered by skin, with ligaments leading from the skin to the muscles to hold them in place.
Find out how communication breakdowns can cause real emotional issues down the road.
Studies have shown that men and women have very different communication styles. Some experts have even gone so far as to describe these different styles as completely different languages. Many authorities attribute communication differences to disparities in the way that men and women think.
When it really comes down to it, how safe is this popular cleansing routine?
The ads portray laughing women running through flowery fields. The commercials make claims about all-natural ingredients. But when it really comes down to it, how safe is douching? While as many as 40 percent of women say they douche regularly, douching is nothing to laugh about and far from natural.
If you never leave the house without a tube of lip balm or can't even count the number of times you apply it each day, you may have an unhealthy attachment.
If you can't leave the house without a tube in your pocket or can't even count the number of times each day you apply, you may be worried that you have an unhealthy attachment to lip balm. But is it possible to be addicted to something so innocuous?
Experts are divided on the subject.
Five classic excuses that scream insincerity.
Honesty is always the best approach when considering a breakup. But it's difficult because the person who's doing the breaking up doesn't want to hurt the other person's feelings, explains relationship expert Ingrid Schweiger, Ph.D. "We are afraid to be honest and we fear confrontation," she says.
Read on for five things that could be throwing your period out of whack.
It's normal for your period to be lighter, heavier, earlier, or later than usual, especially if you're adolescent or perimenopausal. Most women have periods every 24 to 34 days, lasting for three to seven days. A small percentage of women have periods more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days, and this might be entirely normal for them.
Trick your body into thinking it's spring with these eight moisture-preserving ideas.
Winter may be the worst time of year for your skin, particularly if you suffer from an underlying condition like psoriasis or eczema. Blowing winds, extreme cold, and dry, indoor air can dehydrate even the most balanced skin. Trick your skin into thinking it's spring with these moisture preserving ideas.
The disturbing truth about emotional affairs is that they’re harder on a marriage than purely physical flings.
If you've ever wondered whether an emotional affair is as damaging as one that involves mostly sex, the answer is yes--maybe even more so. That's the word from relationship experts, who say it can be harder to break off an affair when it's purely an emotional thing.
No woman looks forward to her gynecological exam, but if an appointment feels more uncomfortable than usual or your doctor is overly judgmental, it may be time to look elsewhere.
No woman looks forward to her gynecological exam, but if an appointment feels more uncomfortable than usual or your doctor is overly judgmental, it may be time to look elsewhere. Read on for 5 reasons why it may be time to fire your gynecologist.
1) Your gynecologist doesn't show respect.
Is mineral makeup worth all the hype? Check out these FAQs to find out.
Proponents of mineral makeup claim that it not only gives you great coverage and looks completely natural, but it can also clear up acne and soften your skin. So, is it worth all the hype? Check out these FAQ's to find out.
What Is It?
Mineral makeup consists of various combinations of natural minerals like zinc oxide, bismuth oxychloride, talc, mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, combined with natural pigments.
When the two of you can’t hear what the other one is saying, you may need to address your communication skills.
Men and women communicate differently, experts say. When we talk with each other, men tend to sit side by side rather than face to face, which seems unconfrontational to them, says Mary Jo Rapini, LPC, an intimacy/sex relationship psychotherapist. And men often don't make eye contact when they talk, she says, because they find it "threatening.
We've got 10 tips to make exercise a habit you'll never want to break.
Your best bet for health is to start a lifelong fitness habit. But you may find yourself breaking that habit unless you find ways to keep it fun, fresh, and energizing. So, what gets in the way of lifelong fitness? Most people cite boredom, lack of time, and no motivation as reasons why they stop working out.
A married couple who live in the same house, eat the same foods, and engage in the same activities should have life expectancies that are equal, shouldn't they?
It's no secret that women generally live longer than men, often by as much as ten years. Check out any senior center or nursing home and chances are you'll find more (sometimes many more) women. Widows far outnumber widowers in this country and others.
Until recently, the traditional mammogram was the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Today, digital mammograms are also an option. Which is better?
Physicians use mammograms in two ways: to screen women who have no signs of breast cancer and as a diagnostic tool to check for cancer after a woman or her physician notice other symptoms. The medical community has long advised women to begin screening for breast cancer at age 40 unless they have known risk factors, such as a family history of cancer.
Talking to your doctor about menopause can help ease your symptoms and make for an easier transition into this new stage of life.
Million of women are going through "the change" and dealing with menopause symptoms that can last a long time. The four-to-six years leading up to your final period are called Perimenopause. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) says, " Menopause happens around age 51, but every woman's body has its own timeline .
Studies show that overweight women were at a greater risk of antisocial, paranoid, and avoidant personality disorders.
According to new research published in Psychosomatic Medicine, overweight and obese women are more likely to have antisocial personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and extreme social phobia than their leaner peers.
Dr. Jitender Sareen of the University of Manitoba and his colleagues suggest in their report that obesity in women could cause antisocial and paranoid personality disorders and vice versa.
There's more reason than ever to get your daily five servings.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to good health. Now, women have more reason than ever to make sure they get their daily five servings. Folate-rich diets have been linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancers.
Citrus fruits, peas, beans and leafy green vegetables are all high in folate; a water-soluble B Vitamin that plays a key role in copying DNA.
Food and sex are two of life's great pleasures. However, sustained overeating leads to unwanted weight gain. This often produces unexpected consequences such as squelching your interest in sex.
Prolonged stress–such as many of us are experiencing during the current recession--increases the likelihood we will develop unhealthy ways to cope. These inadequate behaviors take a toll on our overall health and vitality and may even put the kibosh on our sex drive.
The body’s sexy zones can be just about anywhere you can reach.
It's easy for men to become sexually aroused. For women, though, sex may seem like just another "task" in their busy day-to-day. This can be because of their crazy schedules and an unwillingness to ask for what they want in the bedroom, according to LiveScience, and so women may tend to just settle for so-so sex.
Looking for new ways to factor some greenery into your diet? If so, read on.
Low in calories, packed with vitamins and minerals, and essential for good health--vegetables are a powerhouse food! Nutrition experts say you can never have too many veggies in your diet but most of us aren't eating enough to reap their benefits.
In addition to simple side dishes, there are many familiar and easy ways to enjoy all kinds of vegetables, including soups, salads, pastas, stir-fries and even desserts.
Recognize the signs of being a workaholic and learn what to do to protect your health.
As more Americans put in 60, 70, or 80 hours at work each week, concerns about the health consequences increase. In some cases, workaholism fuelled by fear, a need for financial security, or even poor self esteem.
Being a workaholic isn't all bad. In some cases, it results in products and services that benefit millions such as the light bulb or telephone.
When it comes to rules about getting mammograms, who's right?
For years, it's been medical protocol that women get a baseline mammogram at age 35 and a yearly one starting at age 40. But recently the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), cited by the government as an "independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention," raised questions by issuing a recommendation that women between the ages of 40 and 49 not get yearly mammograms.
Don’t let life’s stresses tempt you to settle in love. Give and take, yes. Settle, no.
Tough times often make us choose or stay with partners we might not select when our lives are more stable. Increased family responsibilities and long hours at work leave less time and energy to meet new potential dates and mates. Furthermore the economic downturn puts greater financial burdens on singles and main earners.
Certain products and procedures can help to significantly minimize the appearance of this common cosmetic problem.
If stretch marks are strewn along your stomach, hips, or thighs, you may think there's nothing you can do about this unsightly problem. But the truth is, certain treatments can help to significantly reduce their appearance.
Stretch marks are caused by a stretching of the skin, combined with elevated cortisone levels.
Learn about a surprising side effect of this common therapy.
Menopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have had plenty to worry about for the past several years. But now, they may have reason to celebrate. A new study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, confirms what scientists have suspected for a while: Older women who take hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms may have a significantly reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer.
If you and your spouse are in a sexless union, you might need some relationship Rx.
A sexless marriage. While it's not something you'd want to participate in, experts estimate that nearly 15 to 20 percent of American couples aren't being inimate regularly.
It's the very rare marriage in which both spouses are happy with a no-sex policy, says Israel Helfand, marriage counselor, sex therapist and member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
The health benefits outweigh the side effects, experts say.
If you're the parent of a tween or teen girl, you probably know about the HPV vaccine, commonly known as Gardasil, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006. The first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to human papillomavirus (HPV), the three-shot regimen is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for girls ages 11 and 12 and "catch-up" shots for girls 13 to 26.
Studies are giving gals even more reason to put out that cigarette for good.
Women's reasons for smoking are often different than men's. They may smoke because they want help with weight loss. They may think it makes them appear more glamorous, independent, or mature. Young women may smoke simply because that's what their mother's did.
Even if you buy organic food, go for regular runs, and stay far away from smokers, your best efforts are going to be in vain if you commit certain slip-ups.
You buy organic food, go for regular runs, use fat-free dressing on your salad, and strenuously avoid being near people who smoke. You can relax-you're doing as much as you can to stay healthy, right? Wrong! You may be surprised that some of the smartest, most educated people around make health mistakes that are easily corrected.
Sure a massage feels good (great, actually), but did you know it can have a host of health benefits, too?
See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!
If you've always thought massage was something only pampered spa clients indulge in, you might want to reconsider. Massage, aside from feeling wonderful, actually delivers a host of legitimate health benefits.
Emotions run high after recovering from breast cancer and rightfully so. Here, a guide to coping with changes in body image and treatment-related sexual problems.
The National Cancer Institute reports that about half of women treated for breast cancer experience some form of long-term sexual dysfunction. Increasingly, younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. These women are particularly vulnerable to, or distressed by, treatment-related sexual problems.
Find out how a hefty handbag can harm your health.
If you're like most women, you love shopping for a new purse. But aside from such considerations as style, fabric, color and price, there's one very important factor that should influence your buying decision: the size of the bag. In addition to being quite functional and a current fashion statement, oversized purses can cause you pain, particularly if you load them up with all of the daily gear you just can't live without.
You may be pleasantly surprised to learn how easy it is.
If you have trouble attaining orgasm, you're far from alone. Surveys show that about a quarter of American women report they have some sort of orgasm related problems. Some women say they can't have one at all, which is called anorgasmia, while others can only get close but can't seem to climax.
Can your weight determine the effectiveness of your oral contraceptive? Read on to find out.
We've known for awhile that birth control pills might be less effective for heavy women. A study reported in 2005 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that overweight women had a 60 percent greater and obese women a 70 percent greater chance of unintentional pregnancy while on the pill than women of normal weight.
In some instances, refraining from sex may benefit your love life.
Generally, the lack of sex in a relationship signals a problem. "People can rationalize it away, but when couples stop having sex it often means there is conflict," says Dr. Scott Wetzler, a psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "Our sexuality is part of who we are and it's healthy to have sex.
Read on to find out where you're skimping—and how you can get more disease-busting power into your meals.
Many women aren't getting enough of five essential nutrients that could make a big difference to their health. While all are readily available through a healthy diet, many of us don't eat as well as we could. Read on for why we're skimping and what to do about it.
Here's what you can do to stay emotionally healthy during this important period of your life.
Women deal with tremendous changes during their 40s and 50s. Kids leave home, their parents become more dependent, and career goals may change. And then there's menopause. Approximately 75 percent of women experience symptoms in the years leading up to their last period.
Do you really need to be completely honest with your doctor? The answer may surprise you.
You're in the exam room in your doctor's office, and it's the moment of truth. She's just asked you a personal question, one you'd rather not answer. Only your best friend knows the facts on this one. In fact, just thinking about it makes you squirm....
An uncommon condition in some women causes itching and burning during intimacy, but fortunately, it is treatable.
Not tonight, dear, I'm allergic. This excuse sounds even less plausible than a headache but it can actually be a valid one: a small number of women actually are allergic to their partner's seminal fluid.
In fact, between 20,000 and 40,000 women in the United States may have this allergy, Dr.
Follow these tips to make smart snacking a part of your daily routine.
The snack choices you make really can lead to weight-loss success or sabotage. Potato chips, doughnuts, and candy bars, for example, can add hundreds of empty calories to your daily intake. Fortunately, there are healthier options. Follow these tips to make smart snacking a part of your routine.
If you’ve had heavy periods your entire life, you may blame it on bad luck or bad genetics. The truth is, excess bleeding could be a sign of something more: a clotting disorder.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is par for the course for some women. Their mother had it, their sisters have it, and they figure there's nothing that can be done about it. For some women, however, it may be a sign of a bigger health problem. In fact, studies that indicate heavy periods might be caused by a blood clotting disorder.
In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardisall, a vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. We know for a fact that HPV—human papilloma virus—causes cervical cancer. Although less common, HPV can also cause other cancers as well.
What is HPV?
HPV is actually 100 related viruses. Each represents a different type of HPV. Some of them cause warts or papillomas, which are non-cancerous tumors. HPV viruses live in the moist cells (called squamous epithelial cells) that line the organs and cavities in our body that open to the outside, such as the mouth and anus.
Study sheds new light on the diabetes and breast cancer link.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer confirms previous research showing that diabetes increases the risk of breast cancer. In this study elevated insulin levels in the blood appeared to raise the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
You'd think that with the work they put into their day, sleep would come easily. The truth is, that's when the tossing and turning begins.
Women today have more to do than ever before, juggling family, career, education, social, and community responsibilities. The only time they have to relax is when their head hits the pillow. You'd think with all the work they put into their day, sleep would come easily.
Here, how reproductive capabilities can affect your diagnosis of this common condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease, strikes women at higher rates than men. Between 1955 and 1994, the overall number of cases of rheumatoid arthritis declined. Since 1995, however, the incidence and prevalence of RA in women is increasing.
If you've been experiencing pelvic pain or irregular bleeding, you could be suffering from a condition that affects 5 to 10 percent of all women.
Pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility. These are the symptoms of endometriosis, a painful condition that affects 5 to 10 percent of all women. With endometriosis, cells from inside the uterus (the endometrium) grow outside where they don't belong.
A University of Michigan School of Public Health study has uncovered some startling findings.
Women who have their last period before age 42 are two times more likely to have a stroke down the road than those who experience menopause later in life, according to a University of Michigan School of Public Health study.
Most women go through menopause, which is marked by completing one year without periods, at an average age of 51.
Despite our modern American society, experts say emotions are perceived differently.
Male versus female: It's definitely a gender thing when it comes to showing one's feelings. Men tend to hold their feelings close and be stoic while women tend to express themselves more openly. The bottom line, experts say, is that males and females are hardwired to respond differently.
If your partner—or you—cheat, don’t assume that it’s over between the two of you. See the incident as a wake up call.
First, let's look at why most partners cheat.
To feel connected to someone. Since cheating involves sexual intensity, the brain's love and attachment chemicals such as oxytocin and endorphin increase—which make you feel close.
To feel appreciated and to matter to someone.
Studies are showing that even borderline high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of developing this degenerative disease.
For years, researchers have known that elevated cholesterol is tied to a host of diseases and conditions, mostly related to the heart. But a recent study offered up a surprising finding: Even borderline high levels of cholesterol can predict whether or not someone will suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia as they age.
Egg donation provides couples with infertility other options to have a child. Learn more about how egg donation works.
In 2005 there were nearly 39,000 live births resulting from assisted reproductive technology in the United States. Egg donation plays an integral part of this process, helping many couples to finally realize their dream of having a child.
Although egg donation increases yearly, many of us are probably more familiar with the process of sperm donation.
Men and women need to get some “Income Etiquette” no matter who makes more money!
Because men generally make more money than women, today's economic crisis has created more lay offs for men—and more "stuck in the same old job/same pay" for women. Furthermore, since men still put more of their "identity eggs" in the work basket, when a man loses his job or has to work for less pay and status, he is also likely to lose some self-esteem.
Genetics may be why some guys get cold feet.
A gene variant may explain why some males want to maintain their single-forever status. Men with one or two copies of the "allele 334" have trouble committing to a relationship, according to a Swedish study. When the researchers looked at 500 couples, they found that men with this variant not only were commitment-phobic but also had marital troubles if they tied the knot.
Research shows that women who nurse have a lower incidence of cardiac disease.
The longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease, according to University of Pittsburgh researchers.
The findings were published in "Obstetrics & Gynecology," and reported in Heart Disease Weekly.
When is pain a sign that something might be seriously wrong? Here, four pains you should never shrug off.
Minor aches and pains are part of life for most of us—a tension headache here, an upset stomach there.
But when is pain a signal that something might really be wrong? And how do you tell the difference between a mere annoyance and a warning sign? Below are four pains not to ignore:
1.
In general, you can greatly reduce your risk of osteoporosis by eating the right foods and getting plenty of exercise. But for some people, this may not be enough.
Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease. An estimated 10 million Americans have it, and another 18 million have low bone mass that may eventually lead to osteoporosis if untreated. People with osteoporosis have brittle bones that break easily; a leading cause of disability in seniors.
Is this method safe, or does it go against the natural course of nature?
Most women have about 450 periods in their lifetime. Most wish they had fewer. Now, women can reduce the number of periods they have and even eliminate them by taking birth control pills in a new way. Nicknamed the, "no period pill," women can have a period only every three to four months and, in some cases, once a year.
Here, the facts and myths surrounding why couples are unfaithful.
Take a poll on what people believe is the most common reason for an extramarital affair and the answer you are likely to get from the majority is: sex.
While this may be a common belief, it's not necessarily true, says Andrea Syrtash, a dating and relationships expert.
According to recent research, being a double D makes you more likely to develop the disease.
If you're worried about getting diabetes, take note of your bra size. A larger cup size is linked to higher rates of Type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The lead author of the study, Dr Joel Ray, said"I think the take-home message is that we have a new and thought provoking concept about how breast fatness or breast fat might be viewed as a contributor to Type 2 diabetes risk in a woman," lead author Dr.
In so many ways, women and men couldn't be more different. But what about when it comes to aging?
Are men and women really so different? After all, we speak the same language, eat the same foods, and enjoy most of what life has to offer together. But in some ways, there are big differences, particularly as we age. The most obvious one is that women can get pregnant, give birth, and breastfeed children.
Today pregnancy and diabetes is more manageable than in previous decades. Here are seven essential things you should know to protect your health and have a healthy baby.
&
Many women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have healthy, successful pregnancies, which are still considered high-risk. Some of the risks that increase due to diabetes and pregnancy include pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, congenital defects, stillbirth, neonatal death, and having a baby who will have diabetes.
Whether you’re experiencing hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia (or all three), here’s how to talk to your doctor about finding relief.
Million of women are going through "the change" and dealing with menopause symptoms that can last a long time. The four-to-six years leading up to your final period are called Perimenopause. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), "Menopause happens around age 51, but every woman's body has its own timeline .
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, or thermography, may be the best breast cancer screening tool you’ve never heard of.
Although it is not widely used, studies show digital infrared thermal imaging, or thermography, is more effective than mammography--the current gold standard for breast cancer screening. Thermography detects early changes in the breast that increase a woman's risk for developing breast cancer.
Don’t speak first and think later. Here are some tips for those times when your reactions rule.
Almost all of us have been in situations when we said or did the wrong thing. You might feel the response coming on, but by then it's too late. Your slip up behavior is already a runaway train. Besides being embarrassed and ashamed, you worry about giving your date the wrong impression or hurting the feelings of your partner.
Learn about common causes of varicose veins, plus get a leg up on possible treatment options.
If you've noticed blue or red bulging or branching veins in your legs or face, you're not alone. According to The National Women's Health Information Center, more than half of all American women have problems with varicose and/or spider veins. When too much pressure is placed on the veins, the valves stretch and allow blood to pool.
What your dinner plate looks like plays a big role in what your skin looks like.
Generally, if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, it will show on your face. Scientists have argued for years over the link between diet and skin problems, though there are some things that everyone agrees can negatively impact your skin's appearance and aggravate existing problems.
It's not possible to be addicted to tanning...is it?
You know that relaxed, slightly euphoric feeling you have when you leave the tanning salon? It's not just in your head. Believe it or not, tanning is on the growing list of addictive behaviors.
If you tan in a salon, you're not alone. More than one million Americans seek that day-in-the-sun look year-round.
Sky-high stilettos may be fashionable, but podiatrists advocate more down-to-earth footwear.
For many women, high heels are the ultimate fashion statement. After all, Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw wore her Jimmy Choo stilettos with everything (even shorts!) while running down New York City's busy streets. What's more, high heels make our legs look longer and sleeker, so is it any surprise that most women own at least a pair or two? But as stylish as high heels may be, according to experts, they also come with a host of potential drawbacks.
An overview of the side effects of the birth control pill and the birth control patch.
You may be relieved to learn that the risk of breast cancer from taking the birth control pill is very small, as revealed in research from the Mayo Clinic. However, there are many other side effects associated with the pill and the birth control patch.
If every month brings mood swings, meltdowns, and migraines, you may not be the only one who’s suffering. Your loved ones may be, too.
Premenstrual symptoms affect the majority (85%) of menstruating women to some degree or another. They may feel moody, irritable, or physically uncomfortable during the days leading up to their period. Some women, however, are so affected by these symptoms that they disrupt their lives and relationships.
New study indicates that ingesting probiotics during pregnancy prevents obesity.
Taking probiotics during pregnancy prevents obesity, according to a new study presented at the 17th European Congress on Obesity in May. According to researchers, one year after giving birth, women were less likely to become obese if they had taken probiotics starting from the first trimester of pregnancy.
Postpone those candlelight dinners and sex too soon. The flame and the rush can trick you into falling in love quickly—and too often with the wrong person.
Most of us want to feel romantic because it makes us feel valued, special and less alone. At the beginning of a relationship, great sex and the thrills and chills of exciting activities can fool you into feeling that you've really found that special someone this time.
Without a sexual performance drug for women many are turning to the number one sex enhancer on the market, Viagra. But is it safe for women?
It's been over a decade since sildenafil (Viagra®) was approved to treat men's sexual dysfunction. Yet, there's been no such pharmaceutical breakthrough for women—30 percent of whom experience some form of sexual problems in their lifetime. As a result, women are increasingly turning to Viagra to increase arousal and pleasure.
Victoria Zdrok, Ph.D., answers a reader's question about whether his sex life with his wife is normal.
Q: I'm a 45 year old male and have been happily married to my wife for over 20 years. One of our few points of contention is the fact that we only have sex once or twice a month. This is fine for her, but I have a higher sex drive, and this sometimes isn't enough for me.
Is there sex after menopause? You bet, say doctors and sexual health educators.
Reports that women's sexuality ends with menopause now fall into the category of urban myth or old wives' tale. While some women do experience sexual problems in menopause, many don't. Also, many women discover that sex after menopause is more pleasurable and gratifying than ever before.
Are you feeling too tired for sex? Survey after survey shows that busy couples are choosing sleep over sex. Try these tips to reawaken your love life.
It's a broken refrain: Americans are just too tired for sex. In the Romance and Parenting poll conducted last month by AreYouRomantic.com, 63 percent of women and 49 percent of men admitted to being too tired for sex. In this year's National Sleep Foundation "Sleep in America" poll, sleep-deprived people were more likely to not have sex (18 percent) compared to better sleepers (6 percent).
Orthopedic and spinal surgeon Dr. Sean McCance answers a reader's question about herniated discs.
Q: I've recently developed a herniated disc. What are the best treatment options for this condition?
A: The treatment of a herniated disc depends on the initial symptoms and the location. Herniated discs that appear primarily in the lower back are referred to as lumbar herniations; those that appear in the neck are called cervical herniations.
A look at pregnancy and neonatal lupus. Get information and tips on how to have a healthier pregnancy.
If you have lupus, you may be worried about how it will affect your baby and whether your baby will develop neonatal lupus erythematosus, commonly referred to as neonatal lupus. This rare condition affects about one to three percent of infants born to women who have systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon.
Can long-distance relationships work? For millions of modern couples, they do.
For millions of couples there truly is no mountain high enough or river wide enough to keep them apart. They're living proof that a long distance relationship works. In 2005, there were about 3.5 million people in long distance marriages, a 30 percent increase since 2000, according to the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships, an online information clearinghouse.
Research indicates that chemicals in sex toys can be dangerous.
Sex toys, or sexual aids, are increasingly popular in the post-Sex and the City era. But, are sex toys dangerous? That's what a study commissioned by Greenpeace in the Netherlands set out to discover three years ago. The world-renowned organization recruited a research organization, TNO Built Environment and Geosciences, to investigate the presence of phthalates in sex toys, including vibrators and dildos.
A bone mineral density (BMD) can help detect osteoporosis in its early stages so that treatment can begin. At what age should you get this important test, and how often should it be repeated? Get the facts here.
Affecting more than 10 million Americans, osteoporosis can lead to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. Fortunately, a bone mineral density (BMD) can help detect osteoporosis in its early stages so that treatment can begin. What exactly does this test entail? At what age should you get this important test, and how often should it be repeated?
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), "A bone mineral density test uses a special machine to measure bone density.
Sure, many women have small frames so they can’t process alcohol as quickly as men, but the reasons women get drunker quicker go deeper than that.
The evidence is mounting about women and alcohol. Even when we take differences in weight into consideration, it's a fact: women get drunk faster, with less alcohol than men. There's no way around it: drink for drink, women can't hold their liquor like men.
Statistics show that up to 15 percent of women report moderate to severe depression after their babies are born. But for mothers of multiples, the numbers—and the problems—can be even bigger.
Even under the best of circumstances, giving birth and caring for a newborn baby isn't easy. New mothers are dealing with the constant demands of an infant, including feeding, changing, stimulating, and settling. Breastfeeding requires a woman to be available at least every few hours around the clock, leaving her little time for unbroken sleep.
If you've ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you're all too familiar with the painful symptoms. But can a diet rich in cranberries or cranberry juice prevent a UTI?
Urinary tract (bladder) infections (UTI) can be very uncomfortable and if you've ever had one, you don't want another. Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics but if infection progresses beyond the bladder, it can affect the kidneys (a much more serious infection).
Do you ever feel so angry, irritable, or sad during the days leading up to your period that it affects your ability to lead a normal life? If so, read on.
Most of us know it's coming. We might feel cranky, crampy and gloomy; maybe a headache and a little water retention. No big deal—we pick up some tampons and a pint of ice cream and wait for our period to start. For some women, however, the days and even weeks leading up to their period make them so angry, irritable, or sad that it affects their ability to lead a normal life.
New study suggests that women with high emotional intelligence get more enjoyment from sex.
Want to improve your sex life? Scientists believe they have once again discovered an important factor in a woman reaching her sexual peak. According to a study conducted by the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, emotional intelligence in a woman (or the ability to monitor her own and others' feelings and emotions) appears to increase the number of orgasms she can have.
What you don’t know can hurt you. Here we clear up some contraception confusion.
Your reproductive system is one of the most fragile systems in the body, according to the Office of Women's Health (OWH). Yet, every day women make birth control decisions without all the facts. Your gynecologist is one of your best allies when it comes to choosing contraception.
Learn how to get a better night's sleep during the hottest nights of the year.
When the mercury soars, you take longer to fall asleep and your sleep is more intermittent. Although the ideal room temperature for sleeping is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, indoor temperatures during summer can rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the country.
Numerous studies have confirmed that people who eat nuts several times a week enjoy better heart health and protection from some serious diseases.
Nuts, those reliable old standbys for vegetarians and bar patrons, are much en vogue these days. And for good reason. Numerous studies have confirmed that people who eat nuts several times a week enjoy better heart health thanks to nuts' bountiful monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Although back pain is common, it doesn't have to be inevitable. Follow these easy tips to reduce your risk.
If you've ever had a backache, you know how bad the pain can get. It may be severe enough to keep you from going about your daily activities. Perhaps it makes you feel much older than you really are or causes you to groan when you sit or stand.
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain is a very common injury when dealing with athletes, says Erin K.
Get the truth about sex during pregnancy.
The myths surrounding sex during pregnancy are endless. Sex can hurt the baby. The baby will know what's happening. Sex can cause a miscarriage. What's an expectant mom or dad to believe? Here, we separate fact from fiction.
Q. Can you have sex during pregnancy?
A.
Although the recently developed cervical cancer vaccine has been heavily marketed to young women and teen girls, it hasn’t gained a foothold among the population of older women. But, that may soon be changing.
Although the recently developed cervical-cancer vaccine, known as Gardasil, has been heavily marketed to preteen and teen girls as well as young women in their early to mid twenties, it has not gained a foothold among the population of older women. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration currently approves the vaccine only for girls and women aged 9 to 26.
Many women find it difficult to leave an abusive relationship. Here are 13 ways to make the break easier.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States. Every year more than one million women seek medical assistance for injuries sustained in an abusive relationship. And about one in five female high school students have been physically or sexually abused by someone they're dating.
Get the answers to your most pressing questions about health after 40.
Forty may be the new 30, but turning the big 4-0 can still trigger health questions and worries. Do you wonder if weight gain, hypertension, and osteoarthritis are looming in your immediate future? Get some answers to your most pressing - and worrying - questions about health after 40.
Breast augmentation is growing more popular each year. With more than 300,000 women undergoing the procedure in 2008, it's important that implants—the medical devices inserted either under breast tissue or the chest muscle to enlarge the breasts—be safe.
Follow our head to toe guidelines for health screenings after menopause.
For many women, life after 50 is an exciting time. Their careers are at their peak and they're enjoying time with family. They feel great and are cruising through menopause with minimal problems. Some, however, face health concerns resulting from disease, unhealthy habits, genetics, or simple wear and tear.
See how far the benefits of this disease-fighting protein can go besides promoting bone health and rich nutrition.
Soybeans are legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils. They are one of the world's most important crops. Soybeans are consumed many different ways including edamame (young green soybeans), soy milk, soy nuts, soy yogurt, soy cheese, tempeh, miso, tofu and in a variety of meat substitutes such as veggie burgers.
Some studies suggest that 90 percent of women experience menstrual cramps, and 10 percent have it so bad that they’re stuck in bed for days.
Every month it's the same old thing for millions of women worldwide: cramps, crankiness, bloating and backache. Some studies suggest that 90 percent of women experience menstrual cramps, and 10 percent have it so bad that they're stuck in bed for days.
Nobody looks forward to a gynecological exam, but it is possible to make your time in the stirrups more comfortable and informative. Whether you're visiting your gynecologist for a basic checkup or are concerned about something specific, read on for what you should know before you go.
New study finds that a bad marriage takes a toll on a woman’s health increasing their risk of heart disease and diabetes.
A recent study from the University of Utah revealed that a woman in a strained or bad marriage is at risk for depressed mood, hypertension, obesity and other signs of metabolic syndrome. This makes women more vulnerable to diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
More consumers seeking out cheap or free plastic surgery alternatives as the economy sags.
If you're looking for cheap or free plastic surgery alternatives, you're not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), surgical procedures declined by five percent last year. While minimally-invasive procedures such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels increased by nine percent, they aren't the only options available.
Still in search of the big "O"? Learn about the surprising factors that affect female orgasms.
For many women sexual satisfaction can be as elusive as post-coital cuddling. While the anatomy of male orgasms are better understood, many studies and popular literature still refer to the female orgasm as "a mystery" or "misunderstood."
Scientists—from Freud to Kinsey—have attempted to shed light on women's sexuality.
How long of a break from dating should you take between a break up? Find out here.
Failed love hurts. And it hurts so bad that you might swear off marriage and relationships, loathe the thought of dating and close your heart and mind to finding love ever again. The glass of life feels half empty, and you've just joined the unofficial Club of Love Pessimists.
You may not want to think about sex when PMS symptoms take over. But sex may be just what you need.
Premenstrual syndrome isn't an aphrodisiac, to say the least. Symptoms like bloating, cramps, fatigue and depression hardly arouse sexual desire. So it seems like a cruel joke that when you're in a sexiness slump, sex is one of the PMS remedies you need.
Being a new mom is tough. If you're feeling bummed instead of elated over your bundle of joy, know that you're not alone—and that there's help.
There's no doubt about it, having a baby is a life changing experience. It's exhausting, demanding and requires all the resources a woman can muster. Add to that the physical and hormonal changes birth causes, challenges of breast feeding, and extreme sleep deprivation and it's no wonder many new mothers get bummed out.
Study finds that yoga and mindfulness meditation can improve the sex lives of women.
Yoga isn't just for better flexibility, relaxation, pain relief and muscle toning. Those sessions of asanas can help to boost your sex life, according to a research review article printed in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
The researchers focused on three Eastern disciplines - acupuncture, mindfulness meditation and yoga - and looked at empirical evidence from previous studies, as well as historical literature on sexuality.
It's summertime and the living is easy. But this hottest of seasons can bring with it special health risks, including food poisoning and insect-borne diseases.
It's summertime, and the living is easy. But this hottest of seasons can bring with it special health risks, including sun damage, food poisoning, and insect-borne diseases. Follow these five tips to have your best, healthiest summer yet:
1. Practice good pedicure hygiene.
Here, a guide for how to know you are in love and have chosen the right person to marry.
Marriage is scary. We're too good at hiding our fears, feelings and secrets from our partners—and ourselves. So, it's no wonder so many people are putting off finding a mate until later in life. There is no guaranteed list of do's and don'ts about making a wise choice, but relationship research provides some sound advice.
The word is out — sex can be great for your health in more ways than you can imagine.
Looking for the secret to a better quality of life, or longer life? Some of us think the answer lies in a bottle of herbal pills, a better diet, or more aerobic exercise. Few of us would think sex could have the same benefits. But according to research, sex does much more than satisfy desire - it can have a significant impact on your health and increase your lifespan.
After 20 years of treating breast cancer with less invasive techniques such as a lumpectomy, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. Now, many women are opting to have both breasts removed after they develop cancer in one breast. If you are facing breast cancer, here’s what you should know.
The procedure to remove both breasts is called contralateral (the corresponding part on the opposite side) prophylactic (preventative) mastectomy. Women choose prophylactic mastectomy to reduce their risk of, and their fear that, they will develop cancer in their other breast.
There may be a new way to reduce your risk.
The benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are complex and confusing. HRT, used to relieve symptoms of menopause, was the subject of the famous Women's Health initiative, a large-scale study that was halted in 2002 when HRT was shown to increase a woman's risk-and delay diagnosis-of breast cancer.
Fruits, vegetables, and even buffalo can help you realize success with your tresses.
You do almost everything to maintain healthy hair: You wash and condition it regularly, you stay away from blow dryers, curling irons, and all manner of other heat-styling devices, you neither perm nor bleach it, you use a scrunchie rather than an elastic when pulling it up into a ponytail, you wear a bathing cap when swimming, you've even invested in satin pillowcases and a boar-bristle brush.
A miscarriage can be a devastating event. Here, we explain the basics behind it.
Many women are all too familiar with miscarriage. If they haven't had one themselves, they most likely know someone who has. On average, 10 to 25 percent of all pregnancies result in miscarriage. This can be an extremely difficult experience for women and their families, resulting in grief, anger, sadness, and confusion.
From symptoms to treatments, here's a rundown of what every woman should know.
A cancer diagnosis is always scary but ovarian cancer is particularly frightening because it's difficult to detect in its early, most easily treated stages. Once a woman knows she has it, it's often too late to cure. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed annually and 14,600 women will die from it.
Psychologist and relationship expert Dr. LeslieBeth Wish answers a reader's question about maintaining distance in a healthy partnership.
Q: How do you manage emotional and physical space in a relationship?
A: If you're lucky in love, then you've probably found someone with problem-solving abilities and what I call the "relationship rhythm range" of time alone and time as one that mesh with yours—two things that are necessary to resolve emotional and physical space issues.
Now, hormonal contraception comes in a patch, vaginal ring, injection and IUDs, providing more options than ever.
The latest news in birth control is actually a new slant on old news. Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills have been around for decades and do far more than just prevent pregnancy. They also regulate, shorten and even eliminate periods, decrease bleeding and cramping and treat acne.
When you’re going through menopause, sex may take a backseat to coping with hot flashes, mood swings, and other menopause symptoms. Learn how to cope and keep your sex life alive.
Few positive images come to mind when you think of menopause. Bouts of moodiness, hot flashes, increased weight, sleeplessness, menstrual changes, and vaginal changes seem to define the process. Then there are all the myths surrounding menopause and sex.
Read on for five tips on how to manage your career and motherhood--while still leaving some time for yourself.
The words "working" and "mother" are redundant. Parenting is a tough job; tougher still for working mothers juggling responsibilities at home and work. The US Department of Labor says, "Nearly three-quarters of all mothers are in the labor force.
Some researchers believe the connection between human pheromones and attraction is nothing to scoff at.
Can a perfume or cologne with pheromones turn you into a love magnet? The prevailing wisdom is that you should hold on tightly to your purse for now.
Pheromones are defined as chemicals secreted by an individual that produces a change in the sexual or social behavior of another individual of the same species.
You know exercise is good for your heart, but did you know it also plays an important role in preventing and treating breast cancer?
Breast cancer statistics can be scary and may leave you feeling like you have no control over whether or not you develop this disease. However, simple lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet can help put you in charge of your own health.
Do you have to have your period every month? Are premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual syndrome the same thing? Here, five things you didn't know about your time of the month.
If you're an average woman, you'll have your period 500 times in your life. That's 500 cycles of ovum (egg) development, uterine lining buildup and, if you don't get pregnant, breakdown. That's what we call a menstrual cycle. Most girls start menstruating around age 12 and quit (menopause) around 52.
Researchers say, despite commonly held beliefs, romance can thrive in long-term relationships. Find out how.
Most of us are in awe - or disbelief - when we hear that a couple has been married for 50 years or longer. These days few marriages, let alone relationships, last that long. For instance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76 percent of men who married in 1955 to 1959 stayed married for at least 20 years, while only 58 percent of men who married in 1975 to 1979 stayed married as long.
It turns out that women aren’t looking for just a pretty face when it comes to choosing a mate. What researchers have discovered will surprise you.
Not so long ago society was abuzz with the discovery that women preferred more feminine features in male partners - think Brad Pitt. Researches found that women associated less masculine features in a man - rounder face and fuller lips - with being a good husband and provider, a good parent, and emotionally supportive.
Work and money are the leading causes of stress for 75 percent of Americans. While companies that invest in employees significantly outperform the market, not all employers are taking the hint.
Even in tough economic times companies that continue to invest in employees reap rewards for employers and employees, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). The findings were released at the APA's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards ceremony earlier this year.
This silent disease is more common than you may think.
It sneaks up on unsuspecting women with little warning and is the fourth leading cause of death in women in United States. Ovarian cancer kills more women than all gynecological cancers combined.
Despite these morbid facts, you can take steps and make lifestyle choices that lower your risk of becoming another statistic in the battle against ovarian cancer:
Motherhood.
Are you at higher risk for cancer because of your genes?
Genetic screening determines your risk of developing certain cancers based on inherited genes that, when altered, are associated with cancer. The actual test is just a simple blood test. However, making the decision to be tested, and what to do with the results, is not simple at all.
Find out if your heart palpitations and hot flashes are sign of something serious.
Maybe you've been feeling sluggish lately and unable to concentrate. Or you're having heart palpitations and constantly feeling too warm. It might be time to have your thyroid checked. A small, butterfly-shaped gland located in front of your trachea and below your larynx, your thyroid produces hormones that control your metabolism.
Want to lose weight or ward off depression? Start lifting.
For optimal fitness, experts tell us it's important to use weights or weight machines along with performing cardiovascular exercise such as running, biking or walking. But a lot of us are still shy when it comes to the weight room at the gym, preferring to leave it to the grunting male masses.
Can this controversial yet useful technology one day knock heart disease from its spot as the leading killer of American women?
Seeing as 64 percent of women who died suddenly due to coronary heart disease showed no symptoms of the disease beforehand, you'd think that the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology would be imploring women to get heart scans, which can detect blockages and calcium buildup in people with heart disease who have exhibited no signs whether through actual symptoms, blood tests, echocardiograms, or otherwise.
With a few tricks, everyone will think you got a full eight hours.
It's no secret that you'll have trouble sleeping as you get older. And there's nothing like a full plate—work projects due, sick kids, and money worries—to keep you up at night. If you've been tossing and turning in the wee hours, it's probably taking a toll on your appearance.
With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth workday.
Most people who have Crohn’s can hold a steady job and enjoy a rewarding career. A little planning and preparation can make all the difference in having a successful day at work. Here are a few tips for managing Crohn’s at work.
1. Always have a change of clothes—just in case.
More than 200 million days of work are missed each year due to employee depression. Get the whole story here.
Since Americans spend so much of their lives working, it makes sense that depression affects people on the job well as outside of work. In fact, clinical depression is a very costly illness for businesses. According to the organization Mental Health America, more than 200 million days of work are missed each year due to employee depression, mostly by women, not to mention lost productivity at work and the measurable costs of treatment.
Dr. Jeff Aroesty answers a reader's question about snoring and discusses the innovative Pillar® Procedure.
Q: My husband has always been a snorer, but over the past few years it seems to have gotten worse. It's to the point where I'm often forced to get up in the middle of the night to sleep in the guest room. We're both in our fifties and extremely health conscious.
As with most other substances we consume, alcohol can be harmful in excess and beneficial in moderation, especially when it comes to heart health.
Researchers first reported this correlation between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease as early as 1904 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. But because alcoholism has been a long-standing problem in the United States, experts are reticent to wholeheartedly endorse raising a glass or two for your heart’s sake.
Here's what you need to know about this crucial topic.
Are you pregnant and feeling confused, afraid, sad, stressed or depressed? According to the American Pregnancy Association, 10 to 20 percent of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy. And of those women, a quarter to half will suffer from severe depression.
You exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excess stress. Complete your health puzzle by learning your family's health history.
Why is it important to know what maladies your relatives have suffered from? Certain diseases, such as sickle-cell anemia, are inherited, passed down from generation to generation in the form of DNA abnormalities. Others, such as cancer or heart disease, may strike seemingly at random.
A service of The National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health reports that a study has been published suggesting that measuring the levels of hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy may predict whether a woman is likely to develop postpartum depression or not.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase greatly. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, hormone levels quickly return to normal. These hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression Researchers think the dramatic change in hormone levels may lead to depression.
If you’ve always wanted to have a baby but are worried that your asthma may get in the way, then you’ll be glad to know that today, most women with asthma are able to have very healthy pregnancies. Some of the latest research shows that the key to success is continuing to manage your symptoms throughout the nine months in order to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
Some of the latest research shows that the key to success is continuing to manage your symptoms throughout the nine months in order to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
Understand Your Changing Body
If you are one of the growing numbers of women in the United States who suffers from asthma symptoms, the good news is that you may be able to have a normal pregnancy as long as you follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Sure, sex is enjoyable, but could it turn deadly? Find out here.
It’s not something most of us want to think about. After all society — from alcohol commercials to Dr. Ruth—promotes sex as a pleasurable activity that’s a natural part of life. For the most part, they’re right.
Unfortunately, in some cases sex can lead to conditions that will kill you.
Getting quality shut-eye may benefit you more than you ever thought.
To sleep provides more than a chance to dream. Scientists are waking up to the fact that the right amount of shut-eye restores bones, gives the brain a much-needed break from the daily grind, and prevents a whole host of maladies, including heart disease.
Follow these guidelines to solve the multivitamin mystery.
You probably know that taking a multivitamin can be good for your health, but do you know which one is right for you? According to Dr. Ann G. Kulze, author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Lifelong Vitality, "there is perhaps no area of wellness that evokes more confusion and questions amongst consumers than what supplements they should or should not take.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the most common cause of disability, affecting nearly 50 percent of all Americans at some point in their lives. Each year, millions of workers skip work or leisure activities to cope with the debilitating symptoms such as chronic pain, swelling and stiffness.
With concerns about the arthritis epidemic in the future, health professionals want more people to be aware of ways to reduce the risk - read on to learn about a few. Quit smoking. There's little you can do about most risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) such as your sex (women are more likely to get it), age, or family history.
Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women will experience heartburn. Learn how to find relief.
Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women will experience heartburn (most common during the second and third trimester.) The reason: As a woman's level of progesterone increases during pregnancy, her lower esophageal sphincter relaxes. This allows food and acid to reflux back into the esophagus, thus creating the feeling of heartburn or indigestion.
A few simple changes can make a big difference.
It may not be dinner-table conversation, but sometimes what we eat at the dinner table can affect us in negative ways. If you've ever left a meal feeling bloated, or suffered from heartburn or pain, your digestive system may not be operating at top capacity.
It's the number one killer of women, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Even if heart disease runs in your family, getting it is not inevitable. There are many steps you can take to minimize your risk and live a long, healthy life, from making smart food choices to bumping up your exercise. So ditch the excuses, and check out this list:
Burn as many calories as you take in.
With the right knowledge and preparation, you can properly care for your condition while on the job.
If you think you're the only person with diabetes in your workplace, odds are you're mistaken. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) shows that diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people, or 8 percent of the population, in the United States.
Find out why women are at such a high risk for heart disease.
Though men are still perceived to comprise the majority of heart disease sufferers, as women age, their heart attack risk starts to equal that of men's. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death among older women, with about twice as many dying of cardiovascular disease than all the cancers combined.
Find out what you can do to prevent the number one killer of American women.
Heart disease should be a concern for every American. According to The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States. However, among all U.S. women who die each year, one in four dies of heart disease.
When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack.
Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.
Follow these tips to keep your fitness levels up when temperatures drop.
When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall outside, it's hard to justify a good reason for getting off the couch. But even though lounging in front of the television feels a lot more tempting than taking a jog or even driving to the gym, there's no reason you have to completely surrender your fitness goals until spring.
Clean teeth and healthy gums might be your first line of defense against other diseases. Learn more.
As a kid, brushing your teeth may have seemed like a hassle, but as an adult, you should be aware of how important healthy teeth and gums really are. Oral health goes hand in hand with your overall health. Think of your mouth as a window to your body's health.
Feeling weird? Your over-the-counter or prescription drug could be to blame.
Ever experience a sudden, strong desire to gamble, or a funny feeling that you've been driving in your sleep?
It could be nothing. Or maybe it's time to finally read the warnings that came with that bottle of over-the-counter or prescription drugs you're taking.
Tired of that burning feeling in your chest? Find out how to relieve heartburn during pregnancy.
Even if you rarely or never had heartburn before your pregnancy, it's likely to occur while you're carrying your baby, most commonly during the second or third trimester. In fact, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) reports that more than 50 percent of all pregnant women experience heartburn.
It's the second most common surgery for American women. But how much do you really know about the procedure? Learn more now.
Each year, more than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States, making it one of the most common women's surgeries—second only caesarean section. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the procedure is so common that one in every three American women has had a hysterectomy by age 60.
Find out why more and more women are turning to cosmetic surgery to regain their pre-pregnancy figures.
For many women, there's no greater thrill than having a baby. The act of childbirth signifies a new stage in their lives, and the arrival of their little one is a source of great joy. But some new moms find that pregnancy affects their bodies in unexpected, and unwanted, ways.
You might not have known it when you were young, but according to health experts, Mom was right all along.
Remember all those times your mom told you to go to bed early and eat your veggies? You might not have wanted to admit it back then, but as it turns out, she was right--about almost everything. Here, the 10 best pieces of advice that moms give:
1. Wash your hands.
Sure, your diet and exercise schedules can contribute to your weight. But who knew that your job could, too?
Ever-improving technology has replaced manual labor at many American jobs, making sedentary lifestyles commonplace. A whopping 60 percent of the population is overweight or obese, and occupations that require little or no movement certainly haven't helped.
You might not hear these tips at the doctor's office, but they could help you live a longer, healthier life.
Everyone knows that eating well and exercising can prevent all kinds of ailments, from heart disease to diabetes. But what don't you know? What aren't you being told that might also boost your health? And what health advice did you think was cliche but, as is turns out, really works? You might not hear the following 10 tips at the doctor's office, but they could help you to live a longer, more fulfilling life.
What you don't know could hurt you.
The relationship you have with your physician is a very important one. It should be rooted in trust and complete honesty. However, like most relationships, it's not perfect, and as you're likely to keep a few facts to yourself, your doctor is probably harboring some secrets of his own.
These five accidents changed what makes you sick and how you're treated when you go to the doctor or hospital.
Chances are, the next time you get sick, you won't want to hear your doctor utter the words "mistake" or "accident." But if it wasn't for mistakes and accidents, some of the very things you rely on to stay healthy or help you heal may never have been discovered.
Here, we reveal some little-known facts about what to expect when you're expecting.
When you're pregnant, almost everyone is eager to offer advice and a blueprint of what to expect during this monumental time. But moms-to-be may find that some aspects of pregnancy are rarely discussed. Here, we disclose some of pregnancy's best-kept secrets
Morning sickness isn't limited to the morning.
These five tips may help increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Pregnancy may seem like the most natural biological process in the world, but it doesn't come all that naturally for some. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 12 percent of American women (7.3 million) have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term.
These important tips could help you escape a dangerous situation.
It's late and it's dark, and you're finally leaving the office for the night. You're tired, frustrated, and just want to get home. As you're walking to your car in the deserted parking lot, you think you hear a noise behind you. You whip around, only to be forcibly grabbed.
Every year, millions of Americans are misdiagnosed. Find out when you should get a second opinion.
When you receive a diagnosis from your doctor, chances are, you believe it. After all, physicians are medical experts with years of experience identifying a variety of diseases. They've probably seen hundreds, if not thousands, of patients with symptoms just like yours.
Could today's innovations be hazardous to your health? Read on to get the real story.
From famines and floods to wars and pandemics, the world has always been a dangerous place. But these days, the very innovations we rely on for modern convenience may be ruining our health. Is your cell phone or iPod making you sick? Could your deodorant, antibiotics, or bottled water be toxic? Read on to uncover the five most frightening modern health threats.
Men, women, and children can all develop a bladder infection. Here, a look at the condition, from symptoms to treatments.
Uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone. A frequent urge to urinate. A burning feeling in the bladder or urethra. If you've had a urinary tract infection (UTI) before, you're all too familiar with these painful symptoms. The good news is that most UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics-and drinking cranberry juice may even help prevent them in the first place.
It's America's most popular cosmetic surgery, but how much do you really know about breast enlargement? Learn more now.
Throughout history, breasts have always been associated with femininity and sex appeal. And over the years, women have tried various techniques to enhance their curves. Back in 1885, Austrian-German surgeon Vincenz Czerny made the first recorded attempt at breast augmentation using a patient's own adipose (or fatty) tissue.
Late-shift workers put themselves at risk for certain illnesses. Is there anything they can do to protect their health?
Trying to get enough sleep while working the late shift can feel like trying to swim upstream. Simply put, the human body is meant to be active during the daytime hours. In fact, humans' circadian rhythms (the body's biological sleep clock) are naturally programmed to promote sleep at night.
Think you know everything about the human body? Check out 10 bizarre facts you didn't learn in anatomy class.
From WiFi and plasma screens to picture phones, modern technology might seem pretty complex. But according to biologists, the human body is still the most sophisticated—and mysterious—machine on Earth. A single brain cell, for example, can hold as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica, while human stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve razorblades.
From head to toe, we explore symptoms and solutions for some of the most awkward health conditions.
At one time or another, an embarrassing malady is bound to fall on everyone. Although some are more debilitating than others, all are at least conquerable, if not curable, with a combination of diligence, patience, and a doctor's supervision. Here, we...
Eating breakfast? Absolutely. Sunbathing? Not so much. Read on as we uncover the best and worst health advice.
When it comes to health, good advice abounds. But there are also lots of misconceptions, silly old wives' tales, and even dangerous ideas about everything from UV exposure to treating a common cold. Which suggestions should you follow, and which ones should you kick to the curb? Follow our guide to discover the best and worst health tips of all time.
As many as 30 percent of women suffer from this pelvic condition. Here, a look at prolapse, from symptoms to treatments.
Prolapse, which literally means "to fall out of place," is a condition in which the pelvic organs, such as the bladder or the uterus, are no longer adequately supported by the surrounding muscles and ligaments. The condition takes different forms, and there are different levels of severity.
Plagued by painful headaches? Find out how to pinpoint their source so you can prevent and treat them.
Headaches often strike when you least expect them--and they can range in severity from dull throbs and intense aches to debilitating pain. In fact, they land someone in the emergency room every 10 seconds, according to the American Headache Society. As if that weren't frustrating enough, oftentimes the direct cause of a headache is unknown.
Consider these factors to help determine which contraceptive method is right for you.
With the invention of birth control pills in the 1960s, women suddenly had unprecedented control over their reproductive schedules. Today, many couples are opting to delay starting a family, and some are ruling out parenthood completely. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the type of birth control you choose depends on your lifestyle and needs.
Will you live to a ripe old age? Read on to calculate your odds.
We've split the atom, spliced the gene, even sent a spacecraft to Mars. But finding a reliable way to predict a person's life span? That's proven a bit more difficult. In recent years, however, scientists have begun to crack the code-identifying 22 genetic, demographic, and lifestyle factors that can estimate life span with a surprising amount of accuracy.
Follow these steps to reduce your risk of developing this degenerative bone disease.
Affecting more than 10 million Americans, osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures. Although any bone can be affected, the most common fractures occur in the wrist, hips, and spine.
As common as the condition is, many women insist on keeping quiet about it. Here, we explore the reasons why.
Thousands of women in the United States experience bladder leakage--whether it means tiny drops when they sneeze, a small dribble when they hear running water, or a noticeable wet spot after certain forms of exercise. Yet as common as this condition is, many women keep quiet about their symptoms, ashamed to discuss it with their doctor, their friends, and even their spouse.
Sexually transmitted diseases can be hard to spot; in fact, some may have no symptoms at all. Here, how to pinpoint and prevent the three most common offenders.
You've been in a monogamous relationship for years. You and your partner have discussed your sexual histories. And you go to the doctor for regular checkups. There's no way you could be carrying or spreading a sexually transmitted disease, right? Well, not so fast.
When it comes to bladder leakage, many myths abound. Here, we separate fact from fiction.
Twenty-five percent of women over the age of 18 experience occasional episodes of involuntary urine leakage, according to the National Association for Continence. But as prevalent as the condition is, many misconceptions about it still exist. Here we dispel the top eight myths surrounding bladder health.
Find out how you can reduce your risk of acquiring this disease.
Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer, and it is the fifth most common cause of cancer death. Breast cancer, which starts in the cells of the breast in men and women, is by far the most common cancer among women.
Think you're too old to accomplish something? Follow these tips to defy your age and live a longer, healthier life.
Clint Eastwood still winning Oscars at 78. "Godfather of Fitness" Jack LaLanne still working out two hours a day at 94. All around us, individuals who would have once been considered "past their prime" are accomplishing incredible feats that make people half their age shake their heads in amazement.
Find out what the statistics about teen pregnancy means for you and your teenager.
It may seem as though stories about teen pregnancy--both fictional and real--are everywhere. First, there was the news about a Massachusetts high school where 17 girls under the age of 18 had become pregnant on purpose. Then, it was news that Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, was expecting a baby with her boyfriend.
Simple screw-ups are a part of life, but in medicine, these mistakes can be fatal. Learn how to protect yourself.
Doctor mistakes can mean the difference between life and death, and sadly, these errors are all too common. According to a study by the Institute of Medicine, medical mistakes in hospitals alone are the eighth-leading cause of death in the United States, exceeding those by car accidents, breast cancer, and AIDS.
Implementing a schedule for going to the bathroom is an important part of treating urge incontinence.
When treating urge incontinence, many urologists or bladder health experts begin with behavior modification. This is because, in many cases, the bladder can be trained to respond (i.e., empty) at the appropriate time. One tool that experts use to retrain the bladder is a voiding schedule.
Afraid weight lifting will make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger? It won't. Here, we debunk other weight-lifting myths.
Trying to lose weight? Put down the cookbook, and pick up some dumbbells. Some common misconceptions deter women from lifting weights, but the truth is weight lifting can help eliminate body fat. One study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrated that women who strength trained twice a week for two years decreased their body fat by 3.
Simple lifestyle changes can help you to better manage your condition.
If you or someone you care about has developed a bladder-leakage problem, it's important to visit your doctor, who will be able to rule out more serious health conditions. But while you wait for your appointment, did you know that there are many things you can do right at home to help control your symptoms? These changes may not solve your problem entirely, but many women claim to have found relief by making some simple adjustments to their lifestyle.
About one in every four people has a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and many don't even know it. Find out how to protect yourself.
Passed between individuals during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can have serious-and even fatal-consequences if left untreated. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting STDs, but fortunately, there are steps that you can take to minimize your chance of infection.
Tired of fad diets and bad weight-loss advice? These little-known secrets can help you shed big pounds.
Your sister fasts on grapefruit, your coworker guzzles caffeine, and your best friend eats nothing but soup for an entire week. When it comes to losing weight, silly strategies abound. And according to experts, these techniques are not only ineffective; they can be downright dangerous.
Slathering your face with glue? Swathing your thighs in Saran Wrap? Ladies, don't try these tips at home.
It's often said that beauty is pain--and for a few adventurous souls, the pursuit of beauty can be weird, wacky, and downright dangerous. The unconventional tips they follow? Some may be familiar (dabbing toothpaste on a pimple), while others are simply disturbing (plumping lips via vacuum cleaner).
Nearly six million people live with diabetes, but are unaware that they have the condition. Could you be one of them?
While the exact cause of diabetes remains unknown, both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to play major roles. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
From gossip and bullying to chronic lateness, we reveal seven things you should never do on the job.
Sexual harassment, profanity, and absenteeism were probably all covered in your company orientation. But chances are, a few egregious behaviors-like gossiping and bullying-didn't make their way into the employee handbook. Even so, these missteps might be grounds for immediate dismissal.
Looking to keep your love alive? Avoid these missteps at all costs.
Happily married couples usually credit love, tolerance, and devotion as the secrets to their success. But when a relationship goes sour, people often find themselves wondering what went wrong. According to experts, there are several common mistakes—from infidelity and neglect to communication breakdown—that can cause a once-loving partnership to end in a bitter breakup.
Living with MS can be a challenge, but these tips can help make it easier.
Fatigue, numbness, and depression are just a few of the common symptoms of MS, making even daily tasks a challenge for some sufferers. The good news: Most people with MS can learn to cope with the disease and continue to lead satisfying, productive lives, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMMS).
Research suggests that certain foods can help reduce your cancer risk.
While there's no single food that can protect you against cancer completely, a growing body of research suggests that certain edibles can help to reduce your risk. Some of these foods and spices may thwart the onset of the disease, while others can help to limit the spread of cancer cell growth.
When it comes to intimacy, misinformation abounds. Here, we put the 10 biggest sexual myths to bed.
When it comes to sex, most of us think we know it all--or at least enough that we don't need further education. But no matter what your background or relationship status, you've probably heard (and believed) a sexual falsehood somewhere along the line.
Do you find yourself speeding, honking, or constantly changing lanes? If so, you may have road rage. Read on to spot the top 10 signs.
Consider this: Americans spend 100 hours a year commuting but take only 80 hours of vacation annually, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Is it any wonder that many of us have road rage? Even so, road rage isn't acceptable. Aggressive driving, which includes speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and not paying full attention to the road, puts many people at risk.
If you're approached by a shark, is it better to play dead or fight back? Find out here.
In real life, unlike in the movie Jaws, sharks don't approach with a distinctive "duh, duh... duh, duh" soundtrack. They attack so suddenly, their victims rarely see it coming.
However, that doesn't mean that there's no way to avoid an attack. Experts say that if you take the right precautions, your risk of being attacked is minimal.
Buyer beware. Ingredients in some of these popular cosmetic products have been linked to dangerous and sometimes deadly side effects.
We dye, paint, perfume, and spray with reckless abandon, but could our favorite beauty products be doing us more harm than good? Dermatologist Jason R. Lupton weighs in with his list of the top six most dangerous ingredients. After reading this, you might want to start checking the labels of your favorite brands.
Follow these tips to start cutting medical costs without compromising the quality of your care.
Maybe your health insurance premiums have skyrocketed since last year. Maybe your employer is shifting more medical fees onto you. Or perhaps a new diagnosis, emergency-room visit, or other life change is leaving you with more health-related expenses than you ever expected.
Genetics plays a role in many of our health matters and actions, including learning from out mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. But the way people deal with their errors is often vastly different. While some people dwell on their missteps or simply refuse to acknowledge them, others view their blunders as unique opportunities for self-improvement and personal growth.
Today's high-tech reproductive options help couples achieve their dreams of having a baby.
For many couples, having a baby is the ultimate act of emotional fulfillment. Their little bundle of joy is an affirmation of life, and their new role as parents is the beginning of a uniquely rewarding journey. Even the physical pain associated with childbirth is usually viewed as a labor of love.
From chronic back pain to poor self-esteem, large breasts can present a host of health problems. Find out whether surgery could ease your discomfort.
Contrary to popular belief, large breasts aren't always what they're cracked up to be. For many women, overly large, pendulous breasts can result in chronic neck and back pain, poor posture, breathing problems, rashes, and deep skin grooves resulting from bra strap pressure.
When it comes to decision-making, relationships, and even health, intuition may be one of the greatest tools to have.
Do you trust your gut instead of rationalizing your way through problems? Are you likely to stick with your first instincts about people rather than waiting to make character judgments? Do you ever question the beliefs of others because you had a hunch that you were right? If you answered yes to two or more of the above, chances are, you're an intuitive person.
The rising costs of health care may seem daunting, but understanding your options doesn't have to be. Here, an explanation of common, but confusing, terms.
For many people, attempting to understand health care can feel like trying to find their way through a maze. All of the confusing the costs, terms, conditions, and stipulations can start to sound like a foreign language. Here, we set the facts straight.
More and more people are turning to elective options, such as plastic surgery and fertility treatments, to improve their confidence and enhance the quality of their lives.
If you've fantasized about making alterations to your appearance at one time or another, you're not alone. More than 11 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2006, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the number is growing.
Before you jump into an office relationship, ask yourself these important questions.
Jim and Pam from The Office, Sam and Diane from Cheers, Meredith and Derek from Grey's Anatomy. They're all workplace sweethearts whose relationships, albeit fictional, have met with varying degrees of success. But what about in the real worldare office romances a good idea or an automatic career buster?
A Common Occurrence
According to a 2006 CareerBuilder.
Babies grow and develop faster in the first year of their lives than during any other time. What to expect during those initial 12 months.
The first thing everyone wants to know when a baby is born (other than what's his name?) is how much he weighed and how big he was. You're certainly going to want to continue charting his growth after that initial weigh-in. What's more notable are the developmental milestones that infants achieve in their first year of life.
From nose and eye jobs to breast enlargement and liposuction, cosmetic surgery is on the rise. Here, a guide to some of the nation's most popular procedures.
For some people, cosmetic surgery represents the chance to change a physical feature they've never really liked. For others, it represents an exciting option to turn back the clock a little. For others, it's an opportunity to boost their body image and enhance their self-esteem.
These simple switches can get you on the road to long-term weight loss.
You start every diet with high hopes--and maybe you even lose a few pounds--but in a few short weeks, the weight comes creeping back. Sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. An estimated 95 percent of dieters gain back any weight they initially lose.
Before you splurge on the latest anti-wrinkle cream or step inside a tanning booth, check out these common misconceptions.
Greasy foods give you acne. Dry skin leads to wrinkles. Sunscreen blocks UV rays. These are just a few of the most common skin-care mythsand by this point, you've probably heard them all. Some of these myths promise overnight acne fixes, while others suggest amazing anti-aging effects.
For years, researchers had been debunking the age-old notion of a midlife crisis. But a new global study may prove them wrong.
Do you feel confused about who you are and where you're going? Do you feel trapped by your career, lifestyle, family, and friends? Do you find yourself second-guessing decisions you made years ago or even questioning the meaning of life? Not long ago, if you answered yes to these questions and were between the ages of 30 and 60, most experts probably would have chalked your feelings up to a midlife crisis.
Follow these tips to enhance your recall and make your mind more nimble.
Have you ever lost your reading glasses and then found them on top of your head? Have you ever gotten your kids off to school, only to find their lunches still in the refrigerator? If so, you're not alone. According to experts, many of us have minor problems with recall as we age.
Heart disease is the nation's number one killer. Learn what you can do to prevent a heart attack.
This year, 1.2 million Americans are expected to have a heart attack. Of those, about 452,000 will die, making coronary heart disease the nation's single leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association.
Heart disease can affect anyone, but certain factors put you at greater risk.
Are men really from Mars and women from Venus? Here, we explore the most common assumptions surrounding the sexes.
Men are obsessed with sports, cars, and the remote control. Women are hopeless romantics who can't do math. These are just a few common myths about men and women. Are they just gender stereotypes, or do they contain nuggets of truth? Some studies suggest there are, in fact, distinct differences between the sexes.
An addiction to your job could compromise your health. Find out whether you're a workaholic, and get on the road to recovery.
Lately, your spouse has been complaining about the long hours you're putting in at work. Maybe you really want that promotion, or perhaps you just don't trust anyone else to get the job done. Whatever the reason, you've been glued to your desk for weeks, and your personal relationships are starting to suffer.
As average life expectancies increase, people are challenging the old stereotypes of age. Learn what you can do to look and feel great at 50, 60, and beyond.
Victor Hugo once famously said, "Forty is the old age of youth; 50 the youth of old age." But times are changing, and in this first decade of the 21st century, 50 is beginning to take on a whole new meaning. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average U.
Many people don't know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. Find out if you're at risk, and learn how to prevent it.
It's slips and falls, not sticks and stones, that may break the bones of people with osteoporosis. According to the American College of Rheumatology, approximately 8 million women and 2 million men have the disease, which weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
Concerned about safety and the environment, many women are embracing "natural beauty." Check out these easy ways to start going green.
For most women, the term natural beauty might seem like something of a misnomer. After all, women spend an estimated $200 billion annually on cosmetics--substances that are specially designed to beautify, promote attractiveness, or alter appearance, according to the U.
Drug-resistant bacteria, like MRSA, are hard to treat once they develop. Fortunately, you can take these steps to protect yourself.
It's frightening to think that a child could contract a deadly drug-resistant staph infection while hospitalized. Or that an otherwise healthy person could pick up Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through skin contact. Until recently, the superbug phenomenon was limited primarily to hospitals, affecting the infirmed and otherwise immuno-compromised almost exclusively.
Do people walk all over you? Follow these tips to start becoming more assertive.
We've all met those people who can't stand up for themselves. Even when they know they should be assertive, they can't express their opinions. When others try to take advantage of them, they can't seem to take charge of the situation. And no matter how overwhelmed they are, they'll never say no or ask others for help.
These daily behaviors can boost your health and increase your longevity.
These days, the average American man can expect to live for up to 74 years, while the average U.S. woman will see her 79th birthday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although genetics and sheer luck play some part in life expectancy, our longevity also depends largely on the habits we incorporate into our daily lives.
An ever-growing topic among psychologists, emotional intelligence can play a significant role in your job, your relationships, and your own self-worth.
Emotional intelligence (EI) is a hot topic these days. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and why is it so important? According to Daniel Goleman's groundbreaking book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, while intelligence quotient (IQ) is a measurement of cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence is more difficult to quantify.
Get the facts about this common and deadly lung disease, which affects 32 million Americans.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella name for two frequently coexisting lung diseases: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD find that it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe due to partially blocked airways.
Long-term smokers are at the highest risk for the disease, which is the fourth leading cause of death in America.
By donating blood, you can truly give the gift of life. Follow these guidelines to make a difference.
There's perhaps no greater, or more personal, gift you can give than that of your own blood. During earthquakes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters, survivors depend on your contribution for speedy treatment. And in many cases, it can literally mean the difference between life and death.
How important is weight in determining good health?
It's no secret that being fat and out of shape is a health hazard. But what if you're overweight and still physically fit? Does the fact that you're active eliminate the health risks of those extra pounds? And what if your best friend is a skinny couch potato? Which one of you is healthier? As it turns out, the "fat but fit" debate is a longstanding source of controversy among experts.
The relationship between human papillomavirus and cervical cancer is a complex one. Get the facts now.
Human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, has gotten a great deal of attention lately, especially with regard to the HPV vaccine. But what exactly is HPV, and how is it related to cervical cancer?
What is HPV?
HPV is a large family of more than 100 viruses that infect the skin.
A few simple changes can help take years off your appearance.
High-school reunions can be a shock. Everyone attending is about the same age, so why do some classmates look amazingly young while others look at least a decade older than the rest? Genes play a significant role, of course. Grandma Esther's smooth, wrinkle-free skin may have been passed down to future generations, along with Uncle Jake's slim physique.
There's more to Botox than just a pretty face. Doctors are now using the injectable to treat a variety of serious medical conditions.
By now, you've probably seen advertisements for Botox—a popular injectable that relaxes targeted muscles to reduce or eliminate surface wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. But in recent years, scientists have found that there's much more to the drug than meets the eye.
The way you view your body can affect your health. Follow these tips for an instant body-image boost.
At some point, most of us have wished that we were thinner, more muscular, or better looking. After all, in today's world, we're constantly bombarded with images of celebrities and models. After a while, many people want to be like them or even believe they're happier because of the way they look.
Rich and creamy seasonal foods can quickly pile on the pounds. Check out these delicious, low-fat alternatives.
When temperatures drop, it's tempting to stay indoors, bundled up in cozy blankets, surrounded by satisfying comfort foods. But along with these foods come extra pounds, which can be tough to lose once the weather warms up. Fortunately, there are alternatives to winter's most fattening fare.
<
