Raw fruit and vegetables provide vital nutrients and vitamins. But they may also harbor harmful germs, such as Salmonella andE. coli. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to select and store fruit and vegetables: Select producethat doesn’t look bruised or damaged. Keep precut fruit and vegetables cold.Refrigerate it or keep it on… read on >
New research suggests that a special MRI technique can spot abnormal connections in the brains of preschoolers with autism. The discovery “may be a clue for future diagnosis and even for therapeutic intervention in preschool children with [autism],” study co-author Dr. Lin Ma, a radiologist at Chinese PLA General Hospital in Beijing, explained in a… read on >
Dieters sometimes chalk up their lack of weight-loss success to a lack of willpower. The truth about willpower, though, is that everyone has some. Research has shown that you wake up each day with a limited supply that gets depleted very quickly. The more you use willpower to avoid temptation of any kind, the faster… read on >
All those hours spent reading bedtime stories may pay off for you and your little ones beyond language and brain development: New research suggests it’s also good for social and behavioral skills. Evaluating prior studies on parent-child reading in children up to age 6, researchers in Hong Kong found positive effects for both sides in… read on >
The hormone testosterone is responsible for male characteristics such as facial and body hair, muscle development, regulating sex drive, sperm production and bone health. Low testosterone can result in loss of hair and muscle, mood changes, less energy and smaller testes, the Endocrine Society says. If your doctor detects low testosterone, he or she may… read on >
Pierced ears may be all the rage, but they can lead to infection if not properly cared for. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests how to reduce your risk: Always wash your hands after touching your ears. After you pierce your ears, leave the earrings in for at least six weeks to prevent the… read on >
There’s another study that finds that taking the epilepsy drug valproate while pregnant may take an intellectual toll on offspring. Children whose mothers took the anti-seizure medication during pregnancy appear to get lower scores on school tests, the new study finds. The U.K. researchers pointed to prior studies with similar results, and they recommend that… read on >
Many people don’t think twice about their vision until there’s a problem, but seeing an eye doctor should definitely be on your wellness radar at different stages of life. Newborns should get a standard reflex test. If a baby is premature or at high risk for vision problems, schedule an exam with an eye specialist.… read on >
Teen boys in the United States are less likely than girls to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) because many doctors don’t recommend the shots to boys’ parents, researchers say. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, mouth and throat cancers. The HPV vaccine is recommended as a… read on >
Less than 40 percent of American adults with extremely high cholesterol levels get the medications they should, a new study finds. Researchers examined federal government data to assess rates of awareness, screening and the use of cholesterol-lowering statins among adults aged 20 and older with extremely high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. The investigators also… read on >
