Seasonal allergies make life miserable for millions of Americans. So, in a bid to ease some of that discomfort, experts from two leading groups of allergists created a task force that has just issued new practice guidelines on the best ways to quell those bothersome symptoms. The consensus? For most people, nasal steroid sprays are…  read on >

Weight loss from dieting can slow the progression of knee arthritis in overweight people, according to a new study. But losing pounds from exercise alone will not help preserve those aging knees, the researchers found. Obesity is a major risk factor for painful knee osteoarthritis — degeneration of cartilage caused by wear and tear. Weight…  read on >

Before heading out to shop this holiday season, steel yourself for an onslaught of tempting aromas that might lure you into a fast-food restaurant. Food-related cues, like the smell of burgers or eye-catching menu displays, stimulate brain activity. This tempts people to eat more, a new study finds. University of Michigan researchers conducted lab experiments…  read on >

More younger Americans experience the aches and pains of arthritis than once thought. Roughly 91 million adults had arthritis in 2015. But the most surprising fact was that nearly one-third of sufferers were aged 18 to 64, a new study found. Those estimates are 68 percent higher than previously reported, said lead researcher Dr. David…  read on >

You know about buying no- and low-fat dairy and lean cuts of meat. But your pantry might also need a makeover to help you get the most nutrients from your foods and stick with a healthy diet plan. Start by replacing white flour with whole-wheat flour, according to the Simple Cooking With Heart Grocery Guide…  read on >

Women who use a breast pump should make sure the device is well cleaned to prevent contamination. Breast pumps are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency suggests how to clean the device: As soon as possible after pumping, wash each piece separately using liquid dishwashing soap and plenty of warm water.…  read on >

If you’re 65 or older, your immune system probably is weaker than when you were younger, and you’re at higher risk of contracting foodborne illness. The foodsafety.gov website cites these specific changes among older people: The gastrointestinal tract holds on to food longer, affording more time for bacteria to grow. The liver and kidneys may…  read on >

Holiday overeating can harm your kidneys, a kidney expert warns. “The body absorbs nutrients from the gut and then the liver metabolizes them. Whatever is left that can’t be used by the body is excreted by the kidneys,” Dr. Sreedhar Mandayam, a specialist in nephrology at Baylor College of Medicine, said in a college news…  read on >

People with diabetes can have a healthy and safe Thanksgiving dinner if they follow certain guidelines, a diabetes expert says. The keys are pre-planning and moderation, according to Dr. Vanessa Arguello. She is a health sciences clinical instructor in the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles.…  read on >

What if you could have your cake, eat it, too, and lose weight? A nutritional fad called CICO — short for “Calories In, Calories Out” — promises just that for those looking to shed some pounds. The pitch is straightforward: Eat whatever you want, junk food included, and still shrink your waistline — as long…  read on >