Chronic back pain makes it more difficult to do your job, whether you’re behind a desk or operating heavy machinery. The Mayo Clinic suggests how to avoid back pain at work: Maintain good posture. Lift with your legs and tighten your core muscles, and avoid twisting. When possible, use a lifting device. Alternate physically demanding… read on >
Weekly fitness guidelines can seem like a laundry list of to-do’s that you just can’t get done — 30 minutes of cardio at least five days, resistance training two or three days, and at least two flexibility sessions … each and every week. Yet each type of exercise does the body good, so it’s important… read on >
Even low levels of air pollution can pose a threat to the lungs of cigarette smokers, researchers say. They tested 29 nonsmokers, 71 smokers without lung disease, and 58 smokers with the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that the lungs of both groups of smokers could be harmed by levels… read on >
Your parents’ jobs likely had a strong influence on what you do for a living, according to a study that questions the belief in social mobility in the United States. “A lot of Americans think the U.S. has more social mobility than other western industrialized countries. This makes it abundantly clear that we have less,”… read on >
In vitro fertilization gives couples struggling to conceive the chance to have children, but a new study suggests these kids are at increased risk for high blood pressure. The study, of 54 teens conceived through assisted reproduction, found that eight — or 15 percent — had high blood pressure. That compared with just one case… read on >
Playtime is important to any child, especially one that is under pressure and stressed, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Playtime is a brain-building activity that’s a healthy and necessary part of childhood development, the academy adds. The group offers this advice to parents, doctors and educators: Doctors should encourage playful learning by writing a… read on >
If someone in your family is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to talk with children about what is happening, the U.S. National Institute on Aging says. The amount of information you share should depend on the child’s age and maturity. The agency suggests how to help kids understand Alzheimer’s: Answer questions simply and… read on >
Not being able to attend face-to-face meetings doesn’t mean you can’t get the benefits of joining an organized diet group. All you need is an internet connection. Online diet programs let you sign in for information and motivation at any hour of the day or night. Participating in a web-based weight-loss program can be helpful… read on >
Homelessness threatens young children’s health, even if it occurs while they’re still in the womb, a new study shows. “These findings back up what we already knew about how the stress of homelessness affects children’s heath, but this helps us determine which children are at greatest risk, and makes the argument that policymakers and providers… read on >
All children 6 months of age and older should have a flu shot, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says. A flu shot significantly reduces a child’s risk of severe illness and flu-related death, according to the policy statement published online Sept. 3 in the journal Pediatrics. “The flu virus is common — and unpredictable.… read on >
