Vitamin D helps build strong bones, regulate the immune system and ward off illness. It also helps maintain blood calcium levels and regulate calcium and phosphorous, which are crucial to keeping bones and teeth firm, the Arthritis Foundation says. People with arthritis who take oral corticosteroids are at greater risk of being vitamin D deficient,… read on >
With flu season looming, don’t wait too long to get your flu shot, a health expert advises. “The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated,” said Cindy Weston, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing. “When it comes to you and your family’s health, it’s best to take the… read on >
Colorful or unusual-looking contact lenses are popular at Halloween, but they could harm your eyes, vision experts warn. “Decorative contact lenses may seem like a fun costume accessory, but if you’re not careful, they can cause serious eye and vision problems,” said Samuel Pierce, president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). “Many people mistakenly believe… read on >
Though the term “functional foods” currently has no legal definition, it’s more than just a clever marketing catchphrase. According to health organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, these are foods that go beyond providing calories and basic nutrition to actually improving your health. They can be whole foods in their natural state or… read on >
Paid leave for new mothers may increase breastfeeding rates, but mainly among women with higher incomes, a new study contends. The United States is the only developed country that does not offer paid leave to new parents on a national level. But four states now offer paid leave, and the study focused on two of… read on >
An experimental vaginal ring meant to prevent pregnancy and HIV looks safe, according to an early stage study. The dual-purpose ring releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine and the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel, said researchers led by Dr. Sharon Achilles, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “We are very encouraged by our findings in this… read on >
Obese patients in need of a kidney transplant may find themselves denied one because of their weight, but a new study says that shouldn’t happen in all cases. Researchers have found that kidneys given to obese patients fared as well as those transplanted into normal-weight patients. In addition, no difference was seen in patient survival,… read on >
Botox is made by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s been used as a way to treat eye and nerve disorders for more than 20 years, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says. While people typically think of Botox as a remedy for facial wrinkles, the AOCD says it’s FDA-approved to also… read on >
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that will affect vision if left untreated. Half of Americans will have had a cataract by the time they are 80, the American Eye Institute says. Risk factors for cataracts include diabetes, smoking, drinking alcohol and prolonged exposure to direct sun, the group says. Here are… read on >
Carbohydrates supply glucose, which your body converts to energy. But not all carbs are created equal, and some experts believe that the type of carbs you eat — those with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients — matters more than the quantity. This is important if you’re battling diabetes or pre-diabetes to avoid blood sugar… read on >
