Tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that can remove unsightly stains. From dental office procedures to at-home whiteners, there are many safe and effective whitening options, says the American Dental Association. Before whitening, the ADA encourages people to: Check with your dentist. Whitening is not recommended for everyone. For over-the-counter options, only use products that… read on >
Lifting heavy things is a leading cause of workplace injury, says the University of North Carolina. People who practice smart lifting techniques are less likely to suffer muscle sprains, pulls and injuries caused by heavy lifting. To properly lift a heavy item, the school recommends: Prepare for the load. Think about if you are suited… read on >
Are you having enough sex? It’s a loaded question. “Enough,” like “a lot,” means different things to different people — it could mean every night, twice a week or twice a month. Many studies have tried to pinpoint how often the average couple has sex, how that number might change at various stages in a… read on >
Americans eat three times as much cheese as just 50 years ago, but not because we’re enjoying careful indulgences like a cheese plate with fruit and whole grain crackers. Experts point to the cheese overload in pizza and other Italian dishes, Tex-Mex favorites and the ubiquitous mac-and-cheese. That’s a lot of saturated fat and calories.… read on >
Driving is a source of independence for many seniors, so determining when they should hang up the keys requires careful consideration, an expert says. “Driving retirement is a normal part of aging, and should be carefully considered and discussed openly,” said Dr. Ericka Tung, an internist and geriatrician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.… read on >
Living in the city can be hard on the senses and the spirit, but spending some time in a tree-lined park could counteract that stress, new research suggests. “Over a three-month period, we collected tweets from 4,688 Twitter users before, during and after they posted from the park,” explained study author Aaron Schwartz. He’s a… read on >
Back pain is one of the most common medical issues in the United States, says the National Institutes of Health. Short-term back pain lasts no longer than six weeks, and can be uncomfortable if untreated. To treat short-term back pain, the NIH suggests: Use hot or cold packs to soothe a sore, stiff back. Try… read on >
Everyone feels lack of motivation at some point, and it doesn’t necessarily represent a mental health issue, says the Mental Health Foundation. From meeting up with friends to participating in a hobby, sometimes it can be difficult to find the motivation to get involved. To help overcome lack of motivation, the Mental Health Foundation suggests:… read on >
Sometimes it’s obvious when older parents need outside help — like when they’re having difficulty managing numerous chronic illnesses or losing mobility and unable to maneuver well even at home. But mental problems may not be as easy to spot. For instance, is Dad’s forgetfulness — his misplacing house keys or missing appointments — normal… read on >
If you’re satisfied with your life, you probably have emotional well-being. Emotional well-being can be mastered just like any other skill, according to Richard Davidson, founder of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. How? By developing four key traits, said Davidson, a neuroscientist. The first is resilience. Research at the Center… read on >
