You don’t have to have the talent of a Rembrandt or Yo-Yo Ma to express creativity and get some very special benefits from doing so. Everyday creativity boosts well-being and can give you a stronger sense of purpose and engagement, and everyone can tap into it. So why don’t we do more of it? The… read on >
A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts more than eight weeks, says Cleveland Clinic. The clinic mentions a few treatment options: For pneumonia or bronchitis, antibiotics such as Azithrocin and Ceftin may be prescribed. For post-nasal drip, an over-the-counter decongestant can relieve symptoms. For severe chronic cough, a suppressant such as codeine may… read on >
The chills refers to an episode of shivering, along with paleness and feeling cold. Most commonly, the chills are associated with fever, says Mount Sinai Hospital. They are the body’s way of producing heat when it feels cold. To treat the chills at home, Mount Sinai recommends: Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of… read on >
As extreme heat events become more common, you need to know how to protect your heart. Hot temperatures and high humidity can lead to dehydration, which causes the heart to work harder and puts it at risk, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Staying hydrated makes it easier for the heart to pump blood… read on >
Parts of the United States that raised the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21 have seen significant reductions in cigarette smoking among young adults. Compared to other regions, those with tobacco-21 laws had a 39% decline in regular smoking among 18- to 20-year-olds who had previously experimented with cigarettes, a new study… read on >
No one looks forward to a colonoscopy, but it can save your life. So you might be wondering whether a home test is a good alternative. These tests involve mailing a stool sample to a lab. Older types of tests check for blood, which could signal a cancerous growth. Precancerous polyps are harder to find… read on >
Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by a shortage of either red blood cells or hemoglobin. It can leave people feeling frequently exhausted and sluggish, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To prevent or counter anemia, people must get enough iron. Eating a balanced diet or taking dietary supplements are the simplest ways to… read on >
For older adults, being tired here and there may be common, says the National Institute on Aging. Illness, medication, emotional distress, poor sleep habits, alcohol and junk food are some of the many possible causes of fatigue. To feel less tired, the agency suggests that older adults: Keep a fatigue diary to find patterns. Exercise… read on >
Could the DNA from a patient’s breast tumor help doctors spot whether stray cancer cells are still in her blood? That’s what a small, new study suggests is possible. If the findings are replicated in a larger study, such a test might help determine whether a treatment is working or not. It also has the… read on >
If you have migraines, one or two cups of coffee a day may be okay, but three or more could raise your risk of an attack, a new study concludes. “Interestingly, despite some patients with episodic migraine thinking they need to avoid caffeine, we found that drinking one to two servings/day was not associated with… read on >
