If you have high cholesterol, you are at greater risk of developing a number of health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. High cholesterol often lacks symptoms, so cholesterol should be checked early in life, between ages 9 and 12, between ages 17 and 19,… read on >
Skipping breakfast should not be an option for kids, no matter how tired they are, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Regular meals help growing bodies and developing brains. The ideal breakfast should be a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables, proteins, grains and dairy. The FDA suggests how to make the most of… read on >
It may be tempting to squeeze a large pimple, but doing so could make the zit worse, skin doctors say. Up to 50 million Americans struggle with various forms of acne, particularly red, swollen, painful bumps that develop deep in the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. There are better, more effective ways… read on >
For many children with asthma, coughing is an early warning sign of a flare-up, an expert says. Understanding asthma and knowing what to expect can help parents prevent or lessen the severity of asthma attacks, said Dr. Ronald Ferdman, a pediatric allergist-immunologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He provided the following tips to help parents… read on >
From a three-day bike race to raise awareness of a charitable cause, to adventure travel abroad, you can take exercise to a brand new level on a fitness trip. With no shortage of “fitcation” options available any time of year, start with some research, either by destination or by the activity you want to explore… read on >
As important as getting close to eight hours of sleep a night is, new research suggests that going to bed and waking up at the same time every day is just as critical for your health. The study of more than 1,900 older adults found that those who didn’t keep to a regular bedtime and… read on >
Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment with only a vague idea of what was said? You’re not alone: A new survey finds many Americans, and their doctors, are turning to recordings for help. Researchers found that almost 30 percent of the doctors they surveyed had ever recorded a visit for a patient’s use. And… read on >
If you’ve been near or touched poison ivy, you may develop an itchy, blistering rash within 12 to 72 hours. Most everyone reacts to an oil in the poison ivy plant called urushiol. The rash typically goes away on its own in a few weeks, but some people have a more serious reaction that requires… read on >
Varicose veins and spider veins typically occur in the legs and can cause significant pain, swelling and an itchy rash, the Office on Women’s Health says. Varicose veins are often caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. Spider veins are typically caused by the backup of blood. They can also be triggered by… read on >
Different from osteoarthritis, which is the wear-and-tear breakdown of joint cartilage experienced over time, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that causes both pain and intense fatigue. When you’re in the throes of a flare, exercise may seem like mission impossible and you might be advised to rest until it passes. But exercise… read on >
