To prevent allergic reactions — from latex to pollen — having an allergy management plan is essential, says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The AAFA asks people to: Avoid contact with allergens. Take medicines as prescribed. Keep epinephrine with you if you are at risk for anaphylaxis. Keep a diary to track what… read on >
Wall sits, leg curls and leg lifts are three effective thigh exercises that don’t require any strength-training equipment — just your own body weight, so you can do them virtually anywhere, even at the office. Here’s how to exercise with proper form. Wall sits are also called the invisible chair. Stand with your back firmly… read on >
Douching is the age-old practice of using a solution to attempt to clean the vagina, but there’s only downsides to it. Beyond having no proven benefits, douching can cause many health problems, including bacterial and yeast infections. And if you already have a vaginal infection, it can push bacteria up into your reproductive organs, causing… read on >
Under-the-tongue allergy pills have quickly caught on as a way to treat hay fever and dust mite allergies, a new study finds. Allergy shots have been available for more than 100 years, while sublingual, or under-the-tongue, allergy pills were only approved for use in the United States in 2014. But of 268 U.S. allergists surveyed… read on >
Rates of prostate cancer cases and deaths have declined or stabilized in many countries. And the United States had the largest recent decrease in disease incidence, a new study says. “Previous studies have indicated significant variation in prostate cancer rates, due to factors including detection practices, availability of treatment, and genetic factors,” said study author… read on >
A new study may help resolve a longstanding debate around the impact of surgery for a common form of advanced breast cancer. The study found that mastectomy may indeed boost the chances of survival for women with stage 4 (advanced) HER2-positive breast cancer. Twenty to 30% of all newly diagnosed stage 4 breast cancer cases… read on >
As electronic cigarettes took off, some worried they would lead teens back to traditional cigarettes. But new research suggests that’s not the case. Vaping has done little to slow or reverse a two-decade decline in the popularity of regular cigarettes among youth, a British study suggests. “Given the important contribution to public health which has… read on >
Aspirin can prevent heart attacks and strokes by lowering the clotting action of the blood’s platelets. However, preventing blood from clotting can also cause stomach or brain bleeding, kidney failure and other kinds of strokes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The decision to start daily aspirin therapy is safest when made in consultation… read on >
Sugary drinks have been linked to a number of chronic diseases and conditions, says the American Heart Association. For those struggling with cutting back on drinks such as soda or lemonade, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services suggests: Limit sugary drinks to special occasions. Choose water or low-fat milk instead. Carry water with… read on >
Men often have a hard time acknowledging erectile dysfunction, or ED. But it can leave their partner feeling confused or even blaming themselves for something not within their control. First, know that while the odds of ED rise after age 50, many men experience normal physical changes that are not ED. Erections may not be… read on >
