High levels of ozone and wood smoke each increase the risk for lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among smokers and nonsmokers alike, two new studies find. People with COPD gradually lose their ability to draw a decent breath. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause, but COPD also can be caused by regular… read on >
Exercise may do more than build body strength: New research shows it might also keep brain cells in shape. According to the study, exercise helps maintain the brain’s gray matter, which is linked to various skills and thinking abilities. So, keeping your gray matter intact may help prevent thinking declines, the German researchers explained. The… read on >
If you need yet another health reason to get enough sleep, here’s one that may wake you up: Science shows that a loss of sleep can make you eat more. And that doesn’t mean healthful salads and green veggies. Studies have shown that total sleep deprivation can trigger a reward system in the brain in… read on >
Pilates is an excellent exercise discipline that develops strength and agility, and you don’t need to take formal classes or use Pilates machines to get its benefits. Using a stability ball with floor exercises is tailor made to target your core — the muscles of your abdomen. Here are three to try from the American… read on >
If 2020 is the year you’ve resolved to quit smoking, don’t start vaping. No matter what e-cigarette companies advertise, their products aren’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a safe and effective way to give up tobacco, the American Lung Association warns. And switching from tobacco to e-cigarettes isn’t quitting. “The simple… read on >
You made your resolution — this year was finally going to be the year you lost weight. But then your neighbor stopped by with a plate of cookies, and well, your resolve didn’t even last a day. Maybe next year? But instead of looking at your resolutions as a sweeping year-long project, what if you… read on >
With regular visits to a vision specialist, about half of all cases of blindness can be avoided or treated, says Harvard Medical School. There are many misconceptions about what can hurt or help vision. The school debunks five common eye myths: Doing eye exercises will not improve or preserve sight. Reading in dim light does… read on >
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to allergens. From animal dander to foods, allergens may cause hives, itching, a rash and other symptoms. For a mild-to-moderate reaction, MedlinePlus mentions these first aid steps: Calm and reassure the person having the reaction. Try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid additional contact with it. If the… read on >
As much as people often love to talk about their feelings, it might be more productive to skip the conversations and write about your worries instead, according to research done at Michigan State University (MSU). The research, published in the journal Psychophysiology, provides the first neural evidence of the benefits of expressive writing, according to… read on >
If you’re not taking regular breaks to move around during your workday, your muscles may rebel after being scrunched in your desk chair hour after hour. The rebellion might be felt in your neck, shoulders, back, hips and legs when you do finally stand up. Stop the insurrection with these three simple stretching exercises you… read on >
