Infertility affects about 1 in 10 couples that are trying to have a baby, the U.S. National Institutes of Health says. Advancing age is a prime cause of infertility, but there are other factors that are more under a person’s control, the agency says, including: Alcohol consumption. Smoking. Environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead. Certain… read on >
Electrolytes are minerals in the body that have an electric charge. They are in your blood, urine, tissues and body fluids. Sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate and magnesium are types of electrolytes that are absorbed from foods you eat and fluids you drink. The U.S. Library of Medicine mentions these roles of electrolytes: Balance the… read on >
Is the dinner table a battleground at your house? Getting your kids to eat better doesn’t have to cause a fight if you follow these fast and easy strategies to enhance dishes that they already know and love. In some households, veggies and kids just don’t mix. But carrot fries have serious visual appeal plus… read on >
The term “sugar substitutes” is a catch-all that covers a wide range of alternatives, starting with those little pink, blue and yellow packets. But their value as a health or diet aid is still uncertain. A research review in the BMJ found that there’s limited evidence to say how much using them helps with weight… read on >
Men and women who get hormone therapy during gender transition treatment may face a much higher risk for developing heart disease, new Dutch research cautions. “In light of our results, we urge both physicians and transgender individuals to be aware of this increased cardiovascular risk,” said study author Dr. Nienke Nota, a researcher in the… read on >
Most women use eye makeup, but it does carry some risk, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says. The academy suggests how to use eye makeup safely: Infection-causing bacteria may grow in creamy or liquid eye makeup. So throw any unused eye makeup away after three months. If you develop an eye infection, immediately throw out… read on >
The American Heart Association recommends reducing saturated fat to no more than 6 percent of total daily calories for people who need to lower “bad” cholesterol. The AHA suggests how to limit saturated fat: Eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish and nuts. Limit red meat. high-fat dairy products, and sugary… read on >
An average of two children die from burns and more than 300 are treated for such injuries in U.S. emergency departments every day, a burn expert says. Burns are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States, and children are particularly vulnerable. Young children are at increased risk for accidental… read on >
Following the recipe for food safety is a must anytime you’re in the kitchen, and it starts with clean hands, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says. “Always wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food,” spokeswoman Isabel Maples advised in an academy news release. “Don’t forget… read on >
Oils are one of the most widely used ingredients in cooking and are healthy alternatives to butter and margarine. All cooking oils, including olive, canola and peanut oil, contain 14 grams of total fat per tablespoon, and roughly 120 calories. So measure amounts carefully because even though some fat is essential for good health and… read on >
