Two very different studies show that dancing is more than just fun. It can keep your mind sharp and your heart healthy. The first was done in the United Kingdom and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Researchers pooled results from 11 surveys that included a total of 49,000 people. The investigators compared… read on >
Over a five-year period, more than 21,000 Americans aged 21 and younger died from firearm-related injuries. But when states have stricter gun laws, fewer children die from gun violence, new research shows. For the study, investigators examined data on gun deaths from 2011 to 2015 and compared those statistics with the Brady Campaign to Prevent… read on >
Can sex help improve the health of a Parkinson’s patient? It might — at least for some. So claims a new two-year study that tracked the sexual habits and disease progression among 355 Parkinson’s patients. “This is in line with data showing a close relationship between sexual health and general health, both in healthy individuals… read on >
Keeping the kitchen clean can prevent sickness and improve the quality of health for you and your guests, says Wake Forest University. Many foodborne illnesses can be avoided with some extra care. To help maintain cleanliness, the school suggests: Wash your hands with warm water and soap after dealing with raw foods. Use two or… read on >
Riding on the subway alone, especially at off hours, can be a nerve-wracking experience. To help you stay out of harm’s way, Hunter College suggests: Keep purses and backpacks secure at all times. Do not display money or jewelry in public places. Never carry a wallet in your back pocket. Be suspicious of anyone approaching… read on >
Swimming lessons can lower the risk of drowning, but black kids often miss out on learning this lifesaving skill, a leading pediatricians group says. “Everyone should have the opportunity to learn to swim,” said Dr. Kyle Yasuda, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “This is an essential life skill for children, teens and… read on >
Having “friendly” bacteria in your digestive system is important for good health. They help the body extract nutrients from food, and boost the immune system in the fight against inflammation and many diseases associated with it. Gut microbes do much better with a plant-based diet, according to a study done at the Washington University School… read on >
Do you pump your arms while walking? Keeping your arms straight while walking is much more energy-efficient than walking with bent arms, but arm position doesn’t make much difference when running, a new, small study finds. The study included eight university students — ranging from casual runners to marathoners — who were filmed while they… read on >
No matter the age, race, gender, education or income level, most Americans favor forcing tobacco companies to lower nicotine levels in cigarettes to make them less addictive. That’s what researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found when they surveyed more than 4,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. “Cigarettes and other… read on >
Losing weight is one thing, but keeping it off is another. Now, a new study suggests that exercising at the same time each day is key. The research, on 375 adults who maintained a weight loss of 30 or more pounds for at least a year, showed that consistent timing of exercise was linked with… read on >
