Maybe it’s time to retire the office cubicle. A new study suggests that open workspaces without partitions between desks encourage employees to be more active and help curb stress. “We are becoming an increasingly sedentary workforce, and anything that we can do, even passively, to nudge physical activity up will have enormous benefits,” said lead… read on >
Sports-medicine research has called into question the value of warm-ups and cool-downs, and cast doubt on whether they really prevent muscle soreness. However, there are still other benefits to these pre- and post-workout steps, and to stretching after both. But it’s important to get the sequence right. A warm-up preps your body for exercise by… read on >
Most American parents would forbid their teen from getting a tattoo due to concerns about possible infection and future job prospects, a nationwide survey finds. The poll of more than 1,000 parents found 78 percent said they would not let their 13- to 18-year-old get inked. About half expressed concern about infection, scarring or transmission… read on >
There are a number of things you can do to ensure your kids have a smooth start to the new school year. Don’t wait until the first day of class to seek help. Schools are open over the summer to address any concerns you or your child might have, and the best time to get… read on >
Nearly 40 percent of teen drivers in the United States say they text while driving, a new survey finds. Researchers analyzed survey data from teen drivers aged 14 and older in 35 states and found that more than a third said they’d texted while driving at least once in the month before the survey. In… read on >
E-cigarettes produce chemicals that can damage a person’s DNA, the first step on a path that might lead to cancer, a new study reports. The saliva of a small group of e-cigarette users contained increased levels of three DNA-damaging compounds, the researchers said. These chemicals are formaldehyde, acrolein and methylglyoxal. Further, four of the five… read on >
Each day, adults pass about 1.5 quarts of urine through the bladder, the National Institute on Aging says. Keeping your bladder healthy can help prevent infection and incontinence, which tend to become more common as you age, the agency says. It suggests: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Most people should drink at least six… read on >
While grapefruit is a great source of vitamin C and potassium, it may interact with your medication, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. The FDA says these types of medication may become an issue when taken with grapefruit juice or grapefruit: Some statins to control cholesterol, such as Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin). Some… read on >
If your child has a food allergy, safety prevention belongs at the top of your back-to-school checklist. “Ensuring that parents and school personnel are all on the same page as far as preventing exposures and treating symptoms is critical to keeping food-allergic children safe,” said Dr. B.J. Lanser, director of the Pediatric Food Allergy Program… read on >
Some simple steps can reduce danger when you venture into the great outdoors, an expert says. “Knowing your limits, not trying to do too much, knowing where you’re going and what you might encounter there and being aware of the environment you’re in are the best ways to avoid problems outdoors,” said Dr. Henderson McGinnis,… read on >
