Vaccines are big news in the United States these days. Measles outbreaks in unvaccinated clusters around the country have highlighted the importance of immunization, reviving debate over whether vaccines should be required for all children. Meanwhile, the flu continues to plague all parts of the United States so the flu shot is still worth getting,… read on >
About 8,000 of the 45,000 snake bites in the United States each year are caused by venomous snakes. But most traditional first-aid methods do more harm than good, the World Health Organization says. WHO recommends: Reassure the victim, if he or she is anxious. Immobilize the person’s body and bitten area. Avoid interference with the… read on >
You know that too much salt contributes to high blood pressure, but you might not realize how easily eating out could put you and your kids at risk. Many entrees at leading restaurants and fast food places contain almost a full day’s allotment of salt, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.… read on >
Working your triceps might not always be top of mind, but toning the muscles that run along the backs of your upper arms is key to the smooth functioning of your elbows and to also give bare arms a sleeker look. For a study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), scientists from the… read on >
Cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting is a leading cause of disease-related health loss in the United States, a new study says. But bystander use of CPR and automated external defibrillators reduces the risk of death and disability. “Cardiac arrest is unique because survival is dependent on the timely response of bystanders, medical dispatch,… read on >
As American kids pack on the pounds, the number of those with back pain is on the rise. One in three between the ages of 10 and 18 said they had backaches in the past year, according to a survey of about 3,700 youngsters. The incidence rose along with kids’ age and weight and was… read on >
The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical, throat, vulvar, vaginal, penile and anal cancer. To reduce your child’s risk, the American Cancer Society encourages the vaccine. Here are some fast facts from the ACS. The HPV vaccine: Is for boys and girls. Is recommended at age 11 or 12. Contains no harmful ingredients. Does not… read on >
A good night’s sleep is important for physical and mental health. Long-lasting sleep problems can increase your risk of anxiety or depression, the U.S. National Institutes of Health says. The NIH suggests these ways to manage insomnia: Talk to your doctor. Seek cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation therapy. Set good bedtime habits. Consider sleep medicine.… read on >
Has your hectic lifestyle turned you into someone who gulps down meals? People who eat quickly tend to eat moreand have a higher body mass index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight) than those who eat slowly. People who eat slowly feel full sooner and eat less in the process. Part… read on >
Stretching your leg muscles can improve your flexibility and prevent injury. Here are three stretches that you can do every day and at every age. Start with a calf stretch. Stand at arm’s length from a wall and place your palms flat on the wall at shoulder height for support. Now take one big step… read on >
