The danger that air pollution poses to the hearts and lungs of adults is well-documented, but new research suggests that newborns are also at risk. Infants of mothers who were exposed to high levels of air pollution in the week before giving birth were more likely to end up in the newborn intensive care unit… read on >
Turns out that the old adage — an apple a day keeps the doctor away — may actually be true. New research suggests that the more plant foods you eat, the lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. People who ate a mostly plant-based diet reduced their risk of diabetes by 23%, the study found.… read on >
A phobia is an anxiety disorder that produces a strong, irrational fear of something that poses little danger, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Phobias can range from a fear of highway driving to a fear of blood. When people are anxious and extremely self-conscious in social situations, they may have a… read on >
For those with back pain, even daily activities can be uncomfortable. A common treatment option is chiropractic care, says Duke University. A chiropractor typically will use his or her hands to improve joint mobility, relieve muscle tightness and ease nerve irritation in certain areas. Though chiropractic care can be uncomfortable at first, serious side effects… read on >
Love the idea of using more exotic fresh herbs in your cooking, but not sure where to begin? Thai basil and tarragon are two to try. Thai basil and tarragon are richly flavored, leafy green herbs — both have the aroma of anise or licorice — that can add interest to mild-tasting vegetables, fruits and… read on >
In an average year, close to 70,000 children under age 5 go to the emergency department because of injuries from common nursery items, according to the journal Pediatrics. About 90% of these injuries happen at home, so prevention starts there. One reason young children are more prone to injury is that they have disproportionately large… read on >
Due to waning vaccination levels in some areas, measles outbreaks are back with a vengeance. But many globe-trotting Americans may not realize the problem is worldwide. Therefore, making sure your measles vaccination is up to date is paramount before jetting off. In fact, U.S. outbreaks of measles “are usually started by foreign travelers importing the… read on >
Brian Duncan doesn’t know why his brain still works as well as it does. Duncan, 67, got his bell rung more than once during his life — as a professional football player, an amateur boxer and a bull rider at Texas rodeos. He remembers one time he got slammed into the ground by L.C. Greenwood,… read on >
Giving a child the wrong dose or an inappropriate medication can have serious consequences, says MedlinePlus. Drug labels for prescription medicines should have a section on use among children. To safely give medicine to your child, MedlinePlus suggests: Read and follow the label directions every time. Watch for any side effects. Know the abbreviations for… read on >
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that commonly occurs in people whose feet become sweaty in tight-fitting shoes. The infection typically begins as a scaly rash between the toes. To treat mild athlete’s foot, Mayo Clinic suggests using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. If athlete’s foot does not respond to treatment,… read on >
