A football helmet is a necessary part of the uniform that reduces the risk of a concussion or other head injury. But the helmet has to fit properly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips for selecting a football helmet: Make sure the child’s eyes are visible and that he can see straight…  read on >

When it comes to both fun and efficiency, cross-country skiing is an exhilarating, high-calorie burner. It’s a lot less expensive than downhill skiing — all you need are the skis and a flat, snowy trail. But you can get the same benefits any time of year with a home Nordic or cross-country ski machine when…  read on >

(HealthDay News) –If you are considering joining a gym, it is important to determine what you are looking for before you sign a contract. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission suggests: Planning a visit at a time you would normally be using the gym to see how crowded it is. Evaluating how clean and well-maintained the…  read on >

Rock climbing is no longer just for extreme sports athletes and thrill-seeking daredevils. With hundreds of indoor climbing facilities across the United States — plus climbing walls in local athletic clubs, sporting goods stores and even cruise ships — this fun activity continues to grow in popularity. Climbing has benefits for people of all ages.…  read on >

Many people don’t get enough exercise. But a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a host of physical and mental woes, from cancer to depression. The National Library of Medicine says an inactive lifestyle also is associated with: Obesity. Heart disease. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Stroke. Type 2 diabetes. Osteoporosis. Source: HealthDay

Eye injuries are a leading cause of childhood blindness in the United States, the U.S. National Eye Institute says. Baseball, basketball, hockey, boxing, squash, fencing, racquetball and lacrosse are just some of the high-risk sports for eye injuries, the institute says. It offers this additional advice about protective eyewear: Prescription glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses…  read on >

Americans could add years to their lives with just a handful of healthy habits, a large, new study suggests. Right now, the typical 50-year-old American can expect to live another 30 to 33 years, according to government statistics. But based on the new study, those who maintain five lifestyle habits could add roughly a decade…  read on >

Still having a hard time getting your kids to eat fruits and veggies? Studies show one solution is to grow your own. Kids get excited as they watch a garden yield fresh foods and are more motivated to eat what they helped grow. It gives kids a good understanding of what it takes to get…  read on >

Bicycling outdoors can feel more like fun than the high-quality aerobic activity it is. And while you may be tempted to dust off your old two-wheeler, you might want to consider a new one. Innovations include step-through bikes with a low, or no, top tube (cross bar), high-rise handlebars for better posture, wider tires for…  read on >

Athletes, because they sweat routinely and often perform in hot conditions, are at higher risk of developing skin conditions, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy suggests how athletes can reduce their chances of acquiring a skin infection: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. Prevent blisters by using…  read on >