Nasal irrigation systems, sometimes called neti pots, use a saltwater solution to help tame congested sinuses. The devices, when used properly, can help moisten dried and swollen nasal passages. But if misused or improperly cleaned, they can also lead to infection, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. The FDA suggests using only distilled, sterile… read on >
Older heart attack patients who are frail are at increased risk for bleeding when being treated, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data from more than 129,000 heart attack patients older than 65 who were treated at 775 U.S. hospitals between early 2015 and late 2016. Those who were frail had a 50 percent higher… read on >
With more and more research uncovering the best foods for health, people are learning how important it is to focus on food quality to prevent weight gain and live longer. There are many approaches to consider. For instance, findings show that a diet high in fiber, especially from fruits and vegetables, can lower stroke risk.… read on >
How quickly children pick up language skills may help predict their IQ in middle age, a new Danish study suggests. The researchers found a significant association between IQ test results at age 50 and the speed at which participants achieved a number of developmental milestones in childhood. “Most studies of the relationship between the speed… read on >
You can do certain things before becoming pregnant to create a safe and healthy environment for your baby, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says. First, you should pay attention to the foods you eat, the vitamins you take and the amount of alcohol you drink, the organization advises.… read on >
When a child gets the flu, it usually doesn’t require professional medical treatment, but the illness can make your child very uncomfortable. Here are suggestions on how to ease the flu’s misery, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation: Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids. To encourage her to drink, offer her frozen fruit drinks… read on >
When you first start strength training, almost any weight you lift will bring some results. But also use this time to learn proper form, the American College of Sports Medicine advises. As you progress, you can zero in on the best amount of weight as well as the number of repetitions and sets of repetitions… read on >
There are a number of ways you can serve up a healthier Thanksgiving meal, a nutrition expert says. “Cut back on boxed and premade processed foods by making more dishes from scratch,” said Mindy Athas. She is an outpatient dietitian nutritionist at Carroll Hospital in Westminster, Md. Good choices for fresh seasonal ingredients include pumpkin,… read on >
Smoking bans in public places might protect more than the lungs of nonsmokers, with new research suggesting a beneficial effect on blood pressure. “We found that nonsmoking adults in the study who lived in areas with smoke-free laws in restaurants, bars or workplaces had lower systolic [top number] blood pressure by the end of the… read on >
Does your teenager’s personality actually predict how long he or she will live? Yes, claims new research that finds high school students who tend to be calm, empathetic and intellectually curious are more likely to still be alive 50 years later than their peers who are less so. The finding does not prove that certain… read on >
