High blood pressure is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States and one of the most treatable, an expert says. High blood pressure affects a third of adults ages 40-59 and nearly two-thirds of those 60 and older. “It’s something we check at almost every medical appointment, no matter what,” said… read on >
Kids in high chairs should never be left alone. Nor should they be placed there for long periods, safety experts warn. High chair-related injuries — mainly falls — have risen in recent years, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of these injuries occur when a child stands while attempting to get out… read on >
Studies show that the earlier a child’s school struggles are addressed, the better the outcome will be. So it’s important for parents to tackle problems early on rather than ignore them or hope children will grow out of them. It’s often easy to spot a child who’s having difficulty with addition or subtraction, but other… read on >
Take-out pizza is the ultimate fast food — gooey cheese, salty sauce, fatty pepperoni, all baked on top of what’s basically white bread. But there’s no need to feel guilty about enjoying a hot slice once you’ve mastered a nutritious and delicious pizza makeover. Add just a few ingredients to your weekly shopping list. It… read on >
The switch to Daylight Saving Time can increase the risk of driver fatigue and crashes, but there are a number of ways to reduce the danger, an expert says. “Any time change can exacerbate drowsiness because your internal clock has not adjusted to the time change. This can lead to disruptions in sleep until your… read on >
People taking blood pressure medications have faced a frightening and bewildering series of pharmaceutical recalls in recent months, as trace amounts of cancer-causing chemicals have been discovered in individual batches of drugs. But experts from the nation’s leading heart groups are urging patients to remain calm, even as the recall list continues to grow. The… read on >
Frostbite is a serious injury caused by extreme cold, which results in skin discoloration and loss of feeling. The nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are most often affected. To avoid permanent damage, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges the public to seek immediate medical care. Until immediate medical care is… read on >
While energy drinks are promoted as products that increase energy and enhance performance, they also can put users at risk. From 2007 to 2011, energy-drink related emergency room visits doubled. Overconsumption of energy drinks can cause a host of issues, the U.S> National Institutes of Health says. The NIH warns that excessive consumption can result… read on >
When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor is likely to start you on a program to lower blood sugar and help insulin work more efficiently — a regimen that may include a modified diet, exercise and possibly medication. Starting (or ramping up) an exercise program can be the hardest of all these lifestyle changes. Typical… read on >
With research finding that the body prefers calcium from food, not supplements, it can be a challenge to meet daily requirements if you’re lactose-intolerant. On average, adults need about 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. Fortunately, there are choices within many food groups that deliver on calcium. Leafy greens are a great calcium source, and… read on >
