All women go through menopause, when the menstrual periods stop and the child-bearing years end. Symptoms may emerge all at once, or may be mild at first and progress over time. The U.S. Office on Women’s Health says symptoms of menopause include: No menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Hot flashes. Trouble sleeping. Mood swings… read on >
Cutting down on fat is a big part of any weight-loss diet. Fat has twice the calories of protein and carbs — so ounce for ounce, you can replace fat with twice the amount of those foods for the same calories. You do need some fat in your diet, but you want to lower the… read on >
A girl who gets her first menstrual period early in life — possibly as young as 7 — has a greater risk for developing depression and antisocial behaviors that last at least into her 20s, a new study suggests. “Girls who go through puberty earlier than peers tend to be more psychologically vulnerable during adolescence,”… read on >
Your posture has a direct effect on your long-term health, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Good posture means your spine is correctly positioned at three natural curves: your neck, middle back and lower back. The agency says poor posture can lead to: Undue wear on the spine, making it more fragile and prone… read on >
Boys and girls of all ages have a fascination with laser toys. But it’s important to use these devices safely to avoid injury. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the concentrated light from lasers can cause serious eye injuries, even blindness. The agency suggests how to use these toys safely: Never aim a laser… read on >
A stomach bug can quickly put a damper on your Christmas Day festivities. If you’re teaching children how to prepare favorite family recipes, include important lessons about food safety, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. The last thing you want to give your family is a foodborne illness. Here are some suggestions from the pediatricians’… read on >
The holiday season can be stressful, especially for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The U.S. National Institute on Aging offers holiday suggestions for Alzheimer’s caregivers: Show a photo of a holiday guest to the person a week before the guest’s arrival. Each day, explain who the visitor is while showing the photo. Before the… read on >
When the weather gets colder and the winds gustier, it’s time to winterize your home. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests: Install weather stripping, insulation and storm windows. Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks. Have heating systems inspected by a professional. Inspect and… read on >
Family harmony and talk of politics can be combustible holiday companions, a therapist contends. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 62 percent of respondents said politics was the topic they dread most when relatives get together at the holidays. And nearly one-third said they planned to avoid the subject. No matter how you vote, it’s… read on >
Buying new clothes for an upcoming holiday trip may top your to-do list, but packing the right medications can mean addressing health needs with ease rather than scrambling to find an all-night drugstore in a strange city. Prescription medications are the top priority, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bring enough… read on >
