Spring and summer may bring warmer weather, but they also bring on cases of the sneezes and sniffles for people with seasonal pollen allergies. The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says pollen counts typically are higher between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and on dry, hot and windy days. The agency suggests: Stay… read on >
If you have asthma, the same triggers may be causing your attacks each time, so it’s important to know what those triggers are. Common triggers include: tobacco smoke, dust mites, air pollution, pets and molds, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The CDC says asthmatics should also: Create an “asthma action plan,”… read on >
As if their work wasn’t already tough enough, new research suggests that men in physically taxing jobs may be at risk of an early death. The increase in risk can be as high as 18 percent beyond that of a typical office worker, the researchers said. “Our findings suggest that there are contrasting health outcomes… read on >
Outdoor exercise can be invigorating and a great morale booster. But always take a few simple steps to stay safe, no matter the season. For starters, dress for the weather. Whether it’s cold or hot, that usually involves layering so you can start off warm and peel off layers as you heat up. In warm… read on >
Women looking for a husband tend to rule out flashy guys, a new study reports. But if she’s just in it for sex, a dude with bling will do. The study of more than 100 women found a man’s practical side carries more weight than bling for those deciding on a lifelong mate. For the… read on >
Parents are more likely to let their kids see violent PG-13 movies if they feel the mayhem is “justified,” a new study suggests. The study, of 610 U.S. parents, found that moms and dads were less disturbed by gun violence in PG-13 movies when they deemed it justified. That included the typical action-movie scenario where… read on >
Progress made in limiting kids’ exposure to secondhand smoke could be undermined by the increasing popularity of pot, a new study suggests. “As we are removing cigarette smoke — and that’s a major public policy achievement — that success will be attenuated by increasing exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke,” said lead researcher Renee Goodwin. The… read on >
Your refrigerator should be kept at or slightly below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests using a thermometer to ensure that your refrigerator maintains the correct temperature. The FDA also suggests: Avoid stuffing your fridge, as it will prevent cold air from circulating around… read on >
End of life care is focused on easing pain and comforting a person who is dying. The focus should be on the person’s mental and emotional needs, spirituality and fulfilling everyday obligations, the National Institute on Aging says. The agency suggests caregivers ask the person’s doctor these questions: Since there is no cure for what… read on >
Sun damage puts children and teens at risk for deadly melanoma, so parents need to protect their youngsters from the sun and teach them about sun safety, oncologists say. “Don’t assume children cannot get skin cancer because of their age,” said Dr. Alberto Pappo, director of the solid tumor division at St. Jude Children’s Research… read on >
