Fibromyalgia is a mysterious and misunderstood illness, but researchers may have uncovered at least one key to the disease’s origin: insulin resistance. The new research compared a small group of people with fibromyalgia to two groups of healthy people and noted that a long-term measure of blood sugar levels was higher in the people with…  read on >

Ringworm is a fungal infection that gets its name from the red circular rash that develops. The inside of the ring typically is clear or scaly. People who use public lockers and showers, athletes and people with weak immune systems are especially at risk. To prevent the infection, Mayo Clinic suggests: Wash your hands often.…  read on >

If you’re part of a multi-generational home, you’re in good company. The number of Americans living with two or more adult generations of one family rose during the last recession and has grown to an all-time high during the recovery. More than 64 million Americans live in a multi-generational home, according to a census analysis…  read on >

(HealthDay News) — Glucosamine has long been used as a supplement to help ease the joint pain of arthritis, but new research suggests its anti-inflammatory properties might also lower heart disease risk. The finding stems from a lifestyle survey involving more than 466,000 British men and women. None had been diagnosed with heart disease when…  read on >

Each year, about 18 million adults in the United States report problems with their voice, says the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. From singers to teachers, many people use their voice for work. To prevent chronic voice problems, the agency suggests: Don’t abuse drugs. Drink plenty of water. Limit medications that dry…  read on >

“Charley horse” is another name for a muscle spasm or cramp of the leg. When a muscle cramps, it contracts involuntarily and does not relax. To treat a charley horse, MedlinePlus suggests: Stop activity. Try stretching and massaging the muscle. Use heat to relax the muscle initially, then ice after. If the muscle is still…  read on >

As the United States struggles with a painkiller-abuse epidemic, researchers have found that it’s the quantity of opioids prescribed after orthopedic surgery, not the type of opioid, that corresponds with long-term use. “One of the frequent myths we encounter among clinicians is that some types of opioids, such as hydromorphone, are more dangerous than others,”…  read on >

Could you — or your teenage daughter — have an iron deficiency and not know it? If you’re getting enough sleep, but still feel tired, running low on iron could be the problem. Iron is our most common nutrient shortfall. A serious deficiency can lead to anemia. That’s when you have fewer red blood cells…  read on >

They might be too young to abuse opioids themselves, but America’s kids are suffering nonetheless because of their drug-dependent parents. New research shows more than 600,000 American parents with kids under 18 are addicted to opioids. That amounts to almost 1% of parents of minors, most of whom aren’t getting treated, the study found. In…  read on >