You don’t have to wind up with stained teeth if you toast the holidays with red wine, an expert says. “The strength of your enamel and how prone you are to plaque buildup is key to how much your teeth might stain,” said Dr. Uchenna Akosa, head of Rutgers Health University Dental Associates, the faculty…  read on >

Levels of the widely used chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in people’s bodies are much higher than once thought, according to scientists who say they’ve created a more accurate way to measure them. BPA is used in many plastic products, including food and drink containers, and animal studies have shown that it can interfere with hormones.…  read on >

Keeping your retainer clean can prevent cavities and infection, says the California Association of Orthodontists. Brushing your teeth and caring for your retainer also can ensure that your smile stays healthy. To keep your retainer clean, the association suggests: Wash your hands before and after wearing your retainer. Soak your retainer often in a vinegar-and-water…  read on >

MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2019Brushing your teeth may be good for your heart, a new study suggests. It included more than 161,000 South Korean adults, ages 40 to 79, with no history of heart failure or the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation. Between 2003 and 2004, participants had a routine medical exam and were asked about…  read on >

The holiday season can give you real headaches, but you can take action to prevent them, an expert says. To reduce stress, make plans well in advance and know your limits, advised Dr. Bing Liao, a neurologist at Houston Methodist. “The nature of the holiday season already increases stress levels, so finding small ways to…  read on >

Stomach ulcers are sores on the lining of the stomach. Contrary to popular belief, ulcers are not caused by stress or spicy foods, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Most stomach ulcers are caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. The germ can erode the protective layer of mucus covering the stomach lining.…  read on >

The turkey, stuffing, cranberries, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes on the Thanksgiving table may look tempting, but if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) you should proceed with caution, experts say. GERD is often called chronic heartburn or acid reflux. “When it comes to what we eat and drink over the holidays, it is…  read on >

Asthma or allergies can put a damper on holiday gatherings. But there are ways you can stay healthy, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says. “Everyone wants this time of year to be picture-perfect. But when there are runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing involved, the picture is less than ideal. There are…  read on >

Figuring out which nutrition and exercise information is trustworthy may be difficult, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The agency debunks these common misconceptions: Bread, pasta and rice are not necessarily fattening. Try to eat whole grains to feel fuller. You do not have to avoid all fats if you’re…  read on >

More Americans have been sickened with E. coli after eating romaine lettuce thought to be grown in Salinas, Calif., federal health officials said Tuesday. Twenty-seven new cases have been reported over the past few days, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That brings the total to 67 across 19 states. In…  read on >