Dark chocolate is soothing and satisfying, and it may have health benefits, including some for heart health. But can it fit into a weight-loss diet? Yes … if you control portions. Unsweetened cocoa — the cacao bean product with tons of healthy flavonoids — has only about 12 calories per tablespoon. It makes for a… read on >
Sorry, new moms, although you’ve already waited at least nine months, it’s not time for a glass of wine just yet: New research suggests it might be best for baby’s brain to wait until you’ve stopped breast-feeding. That’s because exposure to alcohol in breast milk was linked to a reduction in thinking and reasoning skills… read on >
News reports on suicides may be quickly followed by a bump in suicide rates — especially if they contain details that sensationalize the tragedy, a new study finds. The research adds to evidence of a phenomenon known as “suicide contagion.” It happens when vulnerable people identify with a person who died by suicide, and then… read on >
Americans strongly support medical marijuana, and a majority also believe that pot should be legal for recreational purposes, a new HealthDay/Harris Poll has found. Nearly nine out of every 10 adults — 85 percent — believe that marijuana should be legalized for medical use, the poll reports. And more than half, 57 percent, support the… read on >
Hot flashes are a common symptom for menopausal women. The earlier in life hot flashes begin, the longer they may last, the U.S. National Institute on Aging says. The agency suggests how to manage hot flashes: Dress in layers, which can be removed when hot flashes begin. Carry a portable fan. Avoid alcohol, spicy foods… read on >
Summer typically is a whirlwind of long days, summer barbeques, pool parties and camping trips. With all of that activity, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the American Cancer Society says. The society suggests: Get plenty of exercise during the cooler part of the day, such as in the early morning or evening. Drink… read on >
Exposure to bright light in the hour before bedtime can make it difficult for kids to fall asleep, family health experts warn. As day changes to night, the body increases production of a sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin. But exposure to artificial light from light bulbs or electronic devices can disrupt melatonin production, according to a… read on >
When you’re out having fun in the sun this summer, remember to take steps to prevent sunburn. Along with being painful, sunburns can cause lasting damage that can lead to a number of skin problems, including skin cancer, warned Dr. Suzanne Olbricht, chief of dermatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “The sun’s… read on >
As scientists look into the effects of diet on health, they’re finding that more and more everyday foods offer benefits that go well beyond making dishes tastier. Garlic, an ingredient found in almost every cuisine, has emerged as one such superfood. Part of the allium family, which includes onions and leeks, garlic has a number… read on >
College students might want to leave their smartphones and tablets behind when they head to a lecture, new research suggests. Otherwise, the distraction might translate into a lower grade on the final exam. For the study, researchers followed 118 cognitive psychology students at Rutgers University in New Jersey. For one term, electronic devices were banned… read on >
