Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective for brushing your teeth, says Mayo Clinic. For people with arthritis or other conditions that make brushing difficult, an electric toothbrush may be the better option. The bristle movement of an electric toothbrush may remove more plaque and help improve gum health. For those using an electric… read on >
One in three people with lupus uses opioid painkillers even though there is little evidence that they reduce the pain of rheumatic diseases, a new study finds. “Rheumatic diseases, such as lupus, are a leading cause of chronic pain,” said lead author Emily Somers. She’s an associate professor of rheumatology, environmental health sciences, and obstetrics… read on >
Scientists are learning more about why keeping off lost weight is so hard — and a pair of studies suggest it’s more than a question of sheer willpower. A Dartmouth University study published in Cognitive Neuroscience used brain imaging tests to show that some people have an imbalance between the executive control and reward systems… read on >
Most dogs and owners share an unbreakable emotional bond. But can they also share expanding waistlines? Yes, said Danish researchers, who found that Fido is twice as likely to be heavy or obese if his owner is as well. Why? “Based on our findings, it seems that the way owners give their dog treats is… read on >
There’s no doubt that eating a lot of sugar isn’t good for your health. What’s more, sugar can trigger a chemical reaction that has you craving more and more. Just think about the last time you ate a cookie — were you able to stop at one? Or three? Or 10? But Harvard researcher David… read on >
Here’s a compelling reason to keep those dreaded appointments with your dentist: New research suggests that red, tender or bleeding gums could trigger high blood pressure. In a review of 81 studies that included more than 250,000 people, U.K. scientists found that those who had moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis) had a 22% increased… read on >
Working around high levels of pesticides may translate into a high risk for heart trouble later, a new study suggests. That was the case for a group of Japanese-American men in Hawaii who were followed for more than three decades. Compared to men who had not worked around pesticides, those who had the greatest exposure… read on >
Research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics highlights two important steps for improving diet and exercise habits. The first is getting practical and personalized tips for making changes that you’ll permanently adopt. The second is developing the inner motivation needed to help make the first step stick. The study recruited adults from a… read on >
Love the taste of wild rice, but aren’t sure how to make it yourself? It’s easier than you think once you know how to prep and cook it the correct way. Wild rice is not actually rice, but rather the seed of an aquatic grass. It’s a Native American food that has a delicious, chewy… read on >
Eating too much meat can make you sick, says New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Too much red meat — especially processed meats like sausages, bacon, salami and hot dogs — contribute to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Overeating animal products often means the underconsumption of fiber, which is only found in plant-based foods. Fiber… read on >
