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 >
If you’ve made a financial commitment to athletic shoes, no doubt you want your money’s worth. But it’s important to replace them when you see specific signs of wear. Doing so will help prevent injury and allow you to work out at peak performance. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, there are… read on >
Ever wonder what top trainers tell their best clients? Personal trainers excel in mapping out individualized exercise programs. And they also offer insights that can help fitness buffs stay motivated. Here are some of their best tips: Remember the cliche “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and take a long-term view of your goals. Just… 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 >
For parents of a child with autism, communication is often the No. 1 hurdle. But what if there were a simple way to help them get their youngster talking? A new study suggests there just might be. It’s called “pivotal response treatment” (PRT). And those who have tried it say it can open up a… read on >
Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Take care of your heart. That’s the takeaway from a new study that suggests good heart health in middle age could lower your odds for problems with thinking and memory later in life. The study included nearly 7,900 British adults who did not have heart disease or dementia… read on >
Donating blood generally is safe, says Mayo Clinic. New, sterile equipment should be used for each donor. To have a safer blood-donation experience, Mayo suggests: Get plenty of sleep before donating and eat a healthy, low-fat meal. Drink an extra 16 ounces of water before the donation. For platelet donors, do not take aspirin for… read on >
