Sipping hot cocoa on the couch during winter may be a peaceful pursuit. But if cabin fever sets in on you or your family, it may make you very restless. SCL Health gives advice for staying sane inside this winter: Spend time in the kitchen. Cook fun, new meals. Get crafty with an arts-and-crafts project.… read on >
Stress abounds during the holiday season, but you can ease it, an expert says. The way to manage stress is to recognize it and take steps to minimize it so it doesn’t overwhelm you, according to Cinnamon Stetler, an associate professor of psychology at Furman University, in Greenville, S.C. One way to ease holiday stress… read on >
Many Americans aren’t getting a solid seven hours of sleep a night, putting them at risk for diabetes, heart disease and obesity. But it’s the brain that needs a good night’s sleep the most, according to Dr. Randall Wright, a neurologist at Houston Methodist Hospital. “When you are asleep, your brain catches up on tasks… read on >
First-aid myths may do more harm than good, says the University of Rochester Medical Center. The school mentions these examples of first-aid folklore, and what to do instead: Putting hot water on frozen skin can cause serious damage. Slowly thaw skin with warm water instead. Rubbing alcohol does not bring down a fever. Use ibuprofen… read on >
People are creatures of habit, so breaking old practices and forming new routines can be daunting. To start and maintain a new routine, NorthShore University Health System recommends: Figure out what needs to be in your routine. Set small goals. Lay out a plan. Be consistent over time. Be prepared. Make it fun. Track your… read on >
Whether it involves resisting a piece of chocolate cake or an ice cold beer, fighting temptation may be easier said than done. But with clear goals, self-monitoring and practice, you can improve your self-control, says the American Psychological Association. The association suggests: Use the “out of sight, out of mind” approach. Prepare “if-then” scenarios for… read on >
Though Thanksgiving dinner is treasured by many Americans, the meal typically isn’t heart-healthy. Including holiday staples such as mashed potatoes and stuffing, the traditional feast is full of fatty, high-cholesterol foods, says the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For a healthier holiday meal, the school suggests: Devote most of your plate to vegetables, such as green beans,… read on >
People with inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes or blood clots may be at increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis — and people with rheumatoid arthritis are at added risk for heart disease, blood clots and sleep apnea, researchers say. Their findings could improve understanding of how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) develops and also lead to earlier… read on >
Emergency room visits for high blood pressure surged following last year’s recall of the popular heart drug valsartan, Canadian researchers report. Within the first month of the recall, there was a 55% increase of people coming to Ontario-area emergency departments complaining of high blood pressure, said lead researcher Cynthia Jackevicius. She is a senior scientist… read on >
It’s not uncommon for a woman’s sex life to slow down with age, but hormones aren’t the only reason she might not be in the mood, a new study suggests. Postmenopausal issues, such as vaginal dryness or pain during sex, definitely put a damper on a woman’s desire. But just as often, it was issues… read on >
