With school, sports and assorted activities, many kids have little or no free time. That fast-paced lifestyle can actually stifle their development, making them less likely to be self-starters. It could also limit their imagination, an important ingredient in creativity and problem-solving. University of Colorado-Boulder researchers found that kids who spend more time in less-structured… read on >
Infants and young children with vitamin D deficiency may have a heightened risk for elevated blood pressure later in childhood and in their teens, a new study finds. Researchers followed 775 children in Boston from birth to age 18. Most were from low-income families in urban neighborhoods. Compared to children born with normal vitamin D… read on >
If you’re an older woman, your heart disease risk might be shaped by the shape of your body. Researchers report that if you look more like an apple than a pear, your chances of heart trouble are heightened, even if you are a normal weight. Interestingly, women who carried their weight in their legs had… read on >
Remember the “mood ring” craze of the 1970s? A high-tech wristband is being developed along the same lines, potentially helping patients who struggle with mood disorders. The smart wristband would use a person’s skin to track their emotional intensity. During a mood swing, either high or low, the wristband would change color, heat up, squeeze… read on >
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your eyes, says Mayo Clinic. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV-related problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Mayo Clinic recommends looking for sunglasses that: Block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Screen out 75 percent to 90 percent of visible… read on >
As communities across America enjoy fireworks this July Fourth, folks should keep eye safety in mind. The number of eye injuries caused by fireworks nearly doubled from 2016 to 2017, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is urging Americans to take proper safety precautions this holiday. Fireworks-related eye injuries rose from 700 in 2016… read on >
A new study is sure to strike a chord with anyone who plays in a high school or college marching band. The researchers report that long, afternoon practices and playing on artificial turf put marching musicians at high risk of heat stroke. “People usually think of football players when they think of students struggling with… read on >
Many kids with tics can suppress them, and learning how they do it could lead to ways to help prevent major tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome, researchers say. At least 20% of elementary school-age children develop tics, such as excessive blinking, throat clearing or sniffing, but they don’t become a long-term problem. It was… read on >
Looking to boost your fiber and vitamin C in one bite? Forget dietary supplements — emerald green broccoli is the answer. Cup for cup, broccoli has more vitamin C than oranges, and only half the calories. It’s also rich in folate and vitamin K, the minerals potassium and calcium, and many phytochemicals that may play… read on >
It’s great to challenge yourself to keep workouts interesting, but you need to take steps to avoid injury whether you’re new to exercise or a seasoned veteran. This often means adapting exercise to your current fitness level and abilities. For instance, if you’re experiencing a problem with balance, swimming will be safer than running. If… read on >
