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 >
The chickenpox vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since the start of the U.S. chickenpox vaccination program, there has been a 90 percent drop in cases of chickenpox, the agency says. If you or a loved one does get chickenpox, the CDC has this… read on >
Most American parents say they might have trouble distinguishing between a teen’s typical mood swings and possible signs of depression, a new survey finds. The nationwide poll of 819 parents with at least one child in middle school, junior high or high school found that while one-third were confident they could detect depression in their… read on >
Parents usually know their child better than anyone, and if a parent suspects something is wrong, it probably is. That was the case for Dan and Laura Wallenberg from Columbus, Ohio. EV Wallenberg was just 5 months old when they noticed that their daughter wasn’t eating normally. They scheduled a visit with her pediatrician. “I… read on >
In light of the more than 250 mass shootings in the United States in 2019, the American Psychological Association encourages parents to help their kids feel safe. The association offers this advice: Talk with your children about their worries and concerns. Keep home a safe and comfortable place. Watch for any signs of stress, fear… read on >
