Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment developed to help people confront their fears, says the American Psychological Association (APA). When people are fearful of things, they tend to avoid what frightens them. With exposure therapy, psychologists create an environment to expose people to the things they fear. Exposure therapy has been shown to help phobias,… read on >
Many older men take testosterone to boost their sex drive, but new research suggests that postmenopausal women who struggle with a sagging libido might want to follow suit. Applied topically, the hormone appears to increase women’s sexual function and satisfaction, according to a new review of 36 clinical trials involving nearly 8,500 women. Women naturally… read on >
“Don’t fight in front of the kids.” Sounds like familiar advice that’s been passed down from generation to generation. But as it turns out, it’s not always the fighting, but rather the way you fight that can have a negative — or a positive — effect on your children. Researchers E. Mark Cummings and Patrick… read on >
If you’re looking for a frozen treat that won’t give your healthy eating plan the cold shoulder, pass on store-bought pops and make your own. Some prepackaged pops might be calorie-friendly, but many have dyes and preservatives. Making your own is easy, and you can use gut-friendly ingredients like kefir (a cultured dairy drink), fresh… read on >
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 >
