A stomach bug can quickly put a damper on your Christmas Day festivities. If you’re teaching children how to prepare favorite family recipes, include important lessons about food safety, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. The last thing you want to give your family is a foodborne illness. Here are some suggestions from the pediatricians’…  read on >

A hectic holiday pace not only tires you out, it makes it easier to pick up an infection. Reducing stress, getting enough sleep and healthy eating are among the things you can do to stay healthy if you’re traveling over the holidays, one expert suggests. Stress levels can rise at this time of year, so…  read on >

Fried turkey has become a trendy dish for the holidays. Here are some safe-preparation suggestions, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council: Set up the fryer more than 10 feet fromthe house. Keep children away from the fryer. Locate a flat area to ensure that the oil is even and steady. Use a thawed and…  read on >

Overweight children often become obese adults, with attendant problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. But a new study suggests there are “critical windows” where that path to weight gain can be changed. The study, involving more than 2,700 Finnish adults, found what many studies have shown before: Childhood body mass index, or BMI,…  read on >

If you’ve got celiac disease or have another reason to go gluten-free, there are lots of ways to avoid dietary wheat, rye and barley. The American Diabetes Association says healthier gluten-free options include: Amaranth. Arrowroot. Beans (kidney, black, soy, navy, pinto). Buckwheat. Corn. Flax. Gluten-free baked products (made from corn, rice, soy, nut, teff or…  read on >

It’s safe for people with an egg allergy to get a flu shot, says a leading U.S. allergists’ group. Doctors no longer need to question patients about egg allergy before giving the vaccine, according to an updated guideline from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “When someone gets a flu shot, health care…  read on >

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, resist taking a vacation from the smart eating strategies you follow at home. Start off on the right foot at the airport by bringing a small baggie of your own homemade trail mix with a few different kinds of nuts and dried fruits. Buy a salad or sandwich…  read on >

Eating less salt could help you avoid heart disease or stroke. The U.S. Office on Women’s Health suggests how to cut the amount of salt in your diet: Eat fewer processed foods. Check the sodium content on the product’s nutrition facts label. Avoid foods with lots of salt. Season your food with herbs and spices,…  read on >

No matter how tempting it is to sneak a taste of raw cookie dough, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you shouldn’t. Raw dough can harbor dangerous bacteria. The CDC suggests: Never eat raw dough or batter. Don’t let children play with or eat raw dough, including dough for crafts. Make sure…  read on >

While you revel in the decorations and good food of the holiday season, there are dangers lurking in the tinsel and treats that can pose threats to your beloved pet. One veterinarian offers suggestions to maintain your pet safety. “Keep your pet from chewing or ingesting ornaments, holiday lights, electric wire and ribbons, to prevent…  read on >