Pile those vegetables and fruits high when you sit down to eat, and your heart will thank you. A diet rich in plant-based foods translated into fewer heart problems in a new study. For the study, the researchers analyzed data collected from more than 10,000 middle-aged U.S. adults who were followed from 1987 through 2016.…  read on >

Thinking of picking up an electric fan to help keep you cool and protect your health during the next heat wave? You might want to think again. Electric fans might make you feel cooler, but they can actually increase your risk of becoming heat sick and even dying from a heat stroke, the evidence shows.…  read on >

Taking your blood pressure may become as easy as taking a video selfie if a new smartphone app proves itself. High blood pressure can be a warning sign of a heart attack or stroke, but half of those with hypertension don’t know it. Developing an easy at-home blood pressure screen could potentially save lives. A…  read on >

A small electric “tickle” to the ear may affect the body’s nervous system, and British researchers claim this can promote overall well-being and may potentially slow down some effects of aging. The tickle treatment is called transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS). The procedure involves placing custom-made clips containing electrodes on the part of your ear…  read on >

Pregnant women should keep in mind that donating their umbilical cord blood could save lives, a clinical cell therapy expert says. Cord blood is the blood collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a healthy baby, said Fabio Triolo. He is director of the Cellular Therapy Core laboratories at University of…  read on >

From chilly temperatures to the flu or allergies, a runny nose has a variety of causes. A prescription antibiotic usually is not needed to treat a runny nose, says Cleveland Clinic. To get rid of a runny nose, Cleveland Clinic suggests: Rest as much as possible. Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Use saline nasal…  read on >

As kids head back to school, it’s important for parents to keep potential asthma and allergy challenges in mind. “In the fall, allergists see an increase in kids’ visits for allergies and asthma because of a combination of factors,” said Dr. Todd Mahr, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “And…  read on >

If you’re a runner, the wrong running shoe could sideline you, a foot expert says. Choose carefully, or you risk discomfort, pain and injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, irritated nerves or the loss of a toenail, warned Dr. Christina Rowe-Bauer, a podiatrist with Penn State Health Sports Medicine. If you’re new…  read on >

A bruise typically forms when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface break from an injury, says Mayo Clinic. Blood then leaks from the vessels, appearing as a black-and-blue mark. Some people are more prone to bruising than others. Bruising easily may be triggered by: Gender and age-related factors. Aspirin and other medications that affect…  read on >