Profoundly obese people are prone to an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, but new research suggests that weight-loss surgery can improve the odds that a procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm will work. When atrial fibrillation, or a-fib, cannot be controlled by medications, a procedure called ablation can help. It targets the nerves…  read on >

Bucking a longstanding upward trend, new data shows that the percentage of Americans taking any prescription drug has fallen slightly over the past decade. Still, nearly half — 45.8% — of Americans said they took at least one prescription medicine over the past month, according to a national survey conducted in 2015-2016. That’s a slight…  read on >

Without enough water, your body can’t function properly, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy people typically meet their fluid needs by drinking with meals and when thirsty. The CDC suggests: Carry a water bottle with you. Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Choose water when eating out. Add a wedge of lime…  read on >

Traditional media, including TV and magazine ads, tend to portray ideals of physical perfection that can fuel worries about body image and eating disorders. A study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that spending hours on social media is linked to these issues, too. In particular, people in the top 25% of…  read on >

A major medical group has issued new guidance on detecting and treating the leading cause of death in pregnant women and new mothers in the United States. Heart disease accounts for 26.5% of pregnancy-related deaths, and rates are highest among black women and those with low incomes. On Friday, the American College of Obstetricians and…  read on >

Pesto is a delicious and fast pasta sauce. Because it can be made in advance and served cold, it’s also a perfect do-ahead dish. The nuts used in traditional pesto are healthful, but whether almonds, walnuts or pine nuts, you may not always want the extra calories they pack in. There are some great variations…  read on >

Gas is air in the digestive tract, says the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Swallowing less air is a key way help reduce symptoms. For other ways to reduce excess gas, the NIH suggests: Eat slowly. Avoid gum and hard candies. Quit smoking. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Ask your doctor about over-the-counter medications. Source:…  read on >

(HealthDay News) — Buyer beware: When it comes to testosterone supplements, men should know a new study finds there is precious little evidence to support claims they will boost testosterone levels, sex drive, strength and overall energy. To come to this conclusion, the researchers first broke down 50 testosterone supplements into their component parts. The…  read on >

Up all night, stressing out, feeling pressured. Cramming for college finals can bring all that, plus have students reaching for fatty, sugary foods, a new study suggests. “Stress has long been implicated in poor diet. People tend to report overeating and comfort eating foods high in fat, sugar and calories in times of stress,” said…  read on >

Living well starts at the grocery store: When you choose the right foods, it’s easy to cook and eat healthfully. As a general rule, shop mostly along the perimeter of the store. This is where you’ll find fresh foods, such as the dairy, meat, fish and fresh produce that should be the foundation of your…  read on >