Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract fills with air or gas. This uncomfortable feeling can be caused by eating certain foods and constipation, among other reasons. To prevent bloating, the American Academy of Family Physicians says you should avoid: Foods known to cause gas, such as beans and lentils. Chewing gum. Straws for drinking. Carbonated…  read on >

It happens to everyone: A familiar song comes on the radio, and suddenly you recall every note and every word. Now, new research has pinpointed exactly how long it takes people to recognize that favorite tune — just 0.1 to 0.3 seconds. The study included five men and five women who each provided a list…  read on >

Teen girls who play several sports have a lower injury risk than those who focus on just one, a new study finds. It included more than 1,100 girls who play basketball, soccer and volleyball. Most were middle and high school students; some were in college. Girls who specialize too early in sports such as basketball,…  read on >

More than 30 million Americans need help dealing with their feelings and problems, says the American Psychological Association. From the loss of a job to the death of a loved one, these stressful events can be debilitating and require outside help. The APA mentions important questions to ask when choosing a psychologist: Are you a…  read on >

If someone is hospitalized for a painful gallbladder attack, new research suggests that surgery probably shouldn’t wait. Doctors may typically hold off on operating until gallbladder inflammation has gone down and antibiotics have started working on an infection. But the study found that waiting more than 72 hours for surgery led to a higher rate…  read on >

Nicotine typically is as addictive as heroin, says the University of California San Francisco. Within minutes of smoking, the brain releases chemicals that give users a rush. Smokers then get hooked on this pleasant feeling. And when people stop smoking, withdrawal side effects commonly appear. The school mentions these signs of nicotine withdrawal: Anxiety or…  read on >

Unpaid bills, overdrawn accounts, dwindling investments: When seniors begin experiencing fiscal troubles, early dementia or Alzheimer’s disease could be an underlying cause, researchers say. In the early stages of the disease, people with undiagnosed Alzheimer’s are at high risk of making foolish and dangerous decisions about their finances, mostly because families may not know they…  read on >

More than 300 million people worldwide — or 4% of the population — have a rare disease, a new study finds. A disease is considered rare when it affects fewer than five in 10,000 people, according to a European definition. Until now, it’s been difficult to gauge how widespread rare diseases are. But a team…  read on >

Most of the time, your urine should be a pale yellow color, says Harvard Medical School. Though food or medication can change urine’s color, if your urine truly looks abnormal, you should always consult a doctor without delay. Harvard Medical School mentions these typical causes of a change in urine color: Dark yellow typically indicates…  read on >