A lack of exercise puts kids at risk for very adult problems, like obesity and diabetes. Now there’s also research that links exercise to their cognitive development and achievement in school. Turns out that physical activity gives the young brain needed boosts, according to a study published in Monographs of the Society for Research in… read on >
The health of your kidneys is directly related to the health of your heart, and vice versa. While the heart pumps blood throughout the body, the kidneys clean it. They remove wastes, assist in maintaining blood pressure and ensure that the blood has the right amount of key nutrients. Kidney disease means the kidneys are… read on >
Determining whether your food is nutritious can be challenge. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these suggestions for deciphering product nutrition labels: Review all ingredients. Those listed first have higher percentages for that product. Compare the label’s serving size with your standard portion size, and make sure they are similar. Note the total calories… read on >
Exercising with a buddy can give you both mental and fitness boosts. In fact, under the right conditions, the intensity and duration of exercise among workout partners can be more than twice that of solo efforts, according to research led by Kansas State University’s Dr. Brandon Irwin. Here’s how to make the most of a… read on >
More than half the parents in the United States start feeding their babies solid foods before they’re 6 months old — the age now recommended by health experts, a new study indicates. Introducing solid foods or new drinks too early could deprive them nutritionally, the researchers warned. Waiting too long can also have negative effects,… read on >
Developers of a new patch hope to eliminate a big barrier in type 2 diabetes treatment — painful finger-sticks and injections. The new patch — which actually uses an array of tiny needles that researchers promise are pain-free — senses when blood sugar levels are rising and then releases medication to bring those elevated levels… read on >
Routine visits to the dentist should start at an early age. The American Dental Association says your child’s first trip to the dentist should occur no later than the first birthday. The group offers these tips for a successful visit: Don’t schedule an appointment during naptime. Instead, choose a time when your child is typically… read on >
Being well should include focusing on mental health, avoiding substance abuse and getting the proper medical care, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says. Here are the agency’s suggestions for a healthier lifestyle: Don’t smoke or abuse drugs. Limit alcohol. Eat healthy foods. Exercise often Keep an eye on weight, blood pressure,… read on >
Gaining too much baby weight is an issue for many pregnant women. What’s more, if you don’t lose those pounds, they could pose a problem during your next pregnancy, according to a study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. Researchers looked at nearly 8,000 women who had babies two years apart and found that… read on >
With the flu season in full swing, a new poll shows that almost three-quarters of Americans over the age of 50 think all nursing home employees should get a flu vaccine every year. “We’ve finally gotten to the point in the last few years where most inpatient hospitals require their staff to get vaccinated against… read on >
