While chronic stress is a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke, most cat and dog owners say pets help them chill out and stay active. A new American Heart Association (AHA) survey of 1,000 pet owners found 95% relying on their animal companions for stress relief. About 7 in 10 said they’d rather… read on > read on >
All Do It Herself:
Skin Tags? Moles? Products Promising to Treat Them Can Do Real Harm
It may seem tempting to remove a mole or skin tag you don’t like with a product that promises to make them disappear quickly. Don’t do it, experts say. Dermatologists and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration both warn about the dangers of using unregulated products for do-it-yourself removal of moles, skin tags and another… read on > read on >
Both Food and Drink Keep You Hydrated for Summer Exercise
Keeping your body well-fueled and hydrated is a must during outdoor summer sports and exercise, a nutrition expert says. “For summer workouts, it’s important to make sure that adequate carbohydrates, fluids and electrolytes are consumed,” said sports dietitian Kristen Chang, assistant director of the master’s program in nutrition and dietetics at Virginia Tech University. “You… read on > read on >
Salsa Is Smart: Latin Dance May Boost Your Aging Brain
Latin dance classes may be a great workout and social outlet, but new research suggests that learning the intricate steps of the salsa, samba and merengue may also improve your memory. In the study, a Latin dance program was offered to more than 300 Spanish speakers over four years at 12 different sites in Chicago.… read on > read on >
Pandemic Means Many Kids Didn’t Get Lifesaving Swim Lessons
Many children missed out on potentially lifesaving swimming lessons during the pandemic, so parents should enroll them in classes as soon as possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends. “Drowning is the single leading cause of injury death for children ages 1 to 4, and it’s one of the top causes of death for… read on > read on >
Veterans at Higher Risk of Deadly Skin Cancers
U.S. veterans are at higher risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than most Americans, and new research finds they are also more likely to have advanced-stage disease when it’s detected. At the time of diagnosis, “we found veterans with melanoma were more likely to present with ‘regional’ or ‘distant’ disease,” explained study… read on > read on >
It’s ‘Kids to Parks Day’: Get Out, Get Active
It’s a good idea to get children outside every day, but especially on Kids to Parks Day, a national day of outdoor play on May 21. “Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, outdoor time and nature exploration are safe for most kids,” pediatrician Dr. Danette Glassy said in an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) news… read on > read on >
Skin Biopsy? Here Are Tips on Wound Care
A skin biopsy is often used to diagnose skin cancer and other skin conditions. It involves the removal of a small amount of skin, which is examined under a microscope. Afterwards, you’ll need to look after the biopsy location to make sure it heals properly. “Your dermatologist will treat the small wound from the skin… read on > read on >
Is Slowed Walking a Sign Dementia Is Near?
If you’re a senior and walking to the mailbox takes longer than it used to, new research suggests you might want to ask your doctor to check your thinking skills. The study included nearly 17,000 adults over 65 and found those who walk about 5% slower or more each year and also had memory declines… read on > read on >
Can Mindfulness Really Change Your Brain?
Meditation and other mindfulness practices may improve your attention, but they won’t lead to structural changes in your brain in the short-term, according to a new study. Previous studies have shown that learning new skills, aerobic exercise and balance training could trigger changes in the brain, and some research has suggested that mindfulness regimens could… read on > read on >