The popular herbal supplement kratom may cause liver damage, researchers warn. Kratom is widely available in smoke shops and online. It’s a botanical product made from Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia. At low doses, it’s a stimulant. At high doses, it has an opioid-like effect. Use of kratom has risen… read on >
Just because your upper arms are temporarily hidden under sweaters and jackets doesn’t mean you should neglect them. Here’s how to tone them with weights for better definition now and when they’re fully back in view. Hammer Curls: These are an effective variation of the bicep curl. Stand straight, a dumbbell in each hand, arms… read on >
Want to get more fish in your diet with a lot more flavor? This two-step technique yields a crispy outside and flaky fish within. Cooking fish in a skillet is a fast and flavorful way to prepare this healthy, low-calorie protein. The trick to searing fish and getting a crisp top is to start with… read on >
Immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers is encouraged, but poses some potential risks in cases of cesarean birth, researchers say. In a new report, the researchers described two cases where newly delivered babies came into contact with electrodes on the mothers’ skin that were used to monitor her vital signs during C-section surgery.… read on >
The gut microbiome of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) may hinder their future growth, new research shows. The study included 78 infants who weighed less than 3 pounds at birth. Their stool samples were tested weekly for their first six weeks in the NICU, and the results showed that all of the… read on >
A toenail fungal infection typically occurs beneath the surface of the nail, says the American Podiatric Medical Association. Damp areas from swimming pools to locker rooms heighten the risk of getting a toenail fungal infection. Typically after infection, the nail will thicken, look deformed, smell foul and become darker. If ignored, the infection can spread… read on >
“Mom, can I get a tattoo?” Tats, along with body piercings, have become mainstream. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that 29% of the population has at least one tattoo. So this is a question you’re likely to face as a parent. You may not be in favor of it, but it’s important to… read on >
If you’re looking for a way to liven up your dishes with a great tasting, low-calorie condiment, zesty gremolata is for you. Gremolata is an Italian chopped herb mix and, as exotic as it sounds, it takes just three ingredients to make: lemon zest, parsley and garlic. It’s full of flavor but has hardly any… read on >
Proper hand-washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to protect yourself during the cold and flu season, an expert says. Wet your hands with water, add soap, cover all surfaces, and rub vigorously for about 20 seconds. That advice comes from Dr. Roland Newman II, a family medicine physician at Penn… read on >
Infants need a balance of nutrients to grow properly and be healthy, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although homemade formulas may seem healthy or inexpensive, they may not meet your baby’s nutritional needs. The academy mentions some do’s and don’ts of homemade baby formula: Do choose recipes that have been reviewed by the U.S.… read on >
