Everyone is susceptible to dry skin during winter. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and drier, but harsh winters can irritate anyone’s skin, the American Academy of Dermatology says. To help dry skin in the cold weather, you can: Use an oil-based moisturizer. Oil creates a protective layer on the skin. Wear sunscreen. The… read on >
Obesity and severe obesity have been added to the list of conditions that put children and teens at increased risk for early heart disease. So says a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA). “Parents need to know that some medical conditions raise the chances of premature heart disease, but we are learning… read on >
Is forgive and forget always the right approach after hurtful behavior from your spouse or significant other? Research done at the University of North Carolina suggests it could actually set up a pattern of continued bad behavior, one in which you forgive and your spouse forgets the mistake and does it again. Researchers evaluated a… read on >
Simple at-home stool tests are a reliable way to screen for colon cancer — and a good alternative to invasive colonoscopies, a new research review confirms. The analysis, of 31 studies, looked at the effectiveness of the fecal immunochemical test, or FIT — which detects hidden blood in the stool. It found that a one-time… read on >
As days become shorter and the weather becomes colder, it is not uncommon to have depression-like symptoms. For those with the winter blues, the American Psychological Association offers ways to manage symptoms: Immerse yourself in daylight by going for a walk, or sitting by a window. Eat healthy, low sugar meals. Spend time with friends… read on >
Flu season is in full swing. Thousands of children under the age of 5 have been hospitalized for the flu in the last decade, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The CDC suggests following these precautions to protect younger children: Keep yourself and the child away from people who are sick. If… read on >
Many new nurses work long hours, put in overtime and hold down second jobs, all factors that could jeopardize patient safety and their own well-being, a new study suggests. A number of forces have affected nurses and the hours they work in recent years. They include introduction of the Affordable Care Act and increased access… read on >
Dry, cold air can trigger asthma attacks, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says. Breathing in the winter air can cause airways to restrict, making it difficult to breathe. The foundation offers suggestions to reduce asthma attacks during winter: Cover your mouth with a scarf. Exercise indoors, not outdoors. Always carry your quick-relief inhaler… read on >
It may still be winter, but it’s never too early to plan for your kids’ summer camp. And now’s the time to think about preparing them to handle allergies and allergic reactions, according to experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Kids who suffer from seasonal allergies, food allergies or asthma… read on >
Americans aren’t out of the woods yet, as the flu season continues to spread across the country, health officials reported Friday. One major shift that’s occurred is in the viruses that are circulating. At the start of the flu season, the predominant strain was influenza A H1N1, but now a more severe strain, influenza A… read on >
