Shopping for a gift for a friend or loved one? Instead of wracking your brain over which sweater to buy, keep in mind that gifts for good health are always the right size. You can be extravagant with a gym membership or a state-of-the-art piece of home equipment, but there are also many choices that…  read on >

If you’re constantly sneezing and sniffling even though you take allergy medication to relieve symptoms, you may want to consider immunotherapy. This treatment is aimed at desensitizing you to your allergy triggers, providing long-term relief from allergies and reducing the risk for asthma. Recent advances have made this option more appealing. Allergy shots used to…  read on >

Meals on Wheels might do more than deliver hot food to isolated seniors: New research suggests it can serve as an early warning system for declining health. The study included Meals on Wheels drivers in Guernsey County in Ohio and San Diego County, who were trained to use a mobile app to alert care coordinators…  read on >

A stomach virus typically is mild and goes away on its own, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. To help ease symptoms of a stomach virus, the academy suggests: Eat bland foods. Drink clear liquids. Stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay home and rest. Source: HealthDay

As America grapples with an opioid epidemic, it has become even more important to dispose of your leftover prescription medications properly, one pharmacist says. “Many people don’t realize that simply throwing away leftover medications or flushing them down the toilet is actually very dangerous,” said Karen Youmbi, manager of pharmacy regulatory surveillance and outpatient pharmacies…  read on >

Your beloved pets need to be part of any plan you craft for emergencies, such as hurricanes or floods. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says you should stock at least one week’s supply of food and fresh water for your pet. If your pet takes medication, stock a one-week supply of that, too. Have…  read on >

Thirteen paralyzed young adults have regained elbow and hand movement after undergoing complex surgery in Australia, surgeons report. The patients now brush their hair and teeth, feed themselves and put on makeup — tasks that were impossible before the “nerve transfer” surgery, the doctors report in the July 4 issue of The Lancet medical journal.…  read on >

Don’t invite skin cancer to your holiday weekend. As you celebrate America’s independence at beaches, pools or backyard parties, remember that the sun’s damaging rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. — and protecting yourself is a must. “When it comes to sunscreen, people in general don’t put on enough, and they don’t…  read on >

High blood pressure is a serious risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other life-threatening medical conditions. While many people need medication and dietary changes to control their blood pressure, exercise is a key component of nearly every management plan. Scientists know that exercise causes the body to adapt in ways that lower blood pressure,…  read on >