When you’re looking for a new doctor, find someone you feel comfortable talking with, the U.S. National Institute on Aging suggests. The agency offers these additional tips: Locate several doctors who meet your criteria. Read online reviews to understand how existing patients rate each doctor. Call each doctor’s office and speak with the staff to… read on >
Movies, the theater and other cultural events can help you fight the blues as you age. And the more you go, the less depressed you’ll be, new research suggests. The British study showed that older folks can cut their depression risk by 32 percent simply by going to cultural activities every few months. And if… read on >
For common birthmarks, doctors should abandon the traditional wait-and-see approach, a leading group of pediatricians says. Instead, physicians should try to identify those that could cause scarring or medical problems and begin immediate treatment, according to a new American Academy of Pediatrics guideline. Infantile hemangiomas are bright red or bruise-like birthmarks that appear shortly after… read on >
Many people rely on chicken noodle soup to soothe a cold, but few know exactly why the warm broth brings relief. But one dietitian can explain its magic. “Studies have shown that a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup may help clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms,” said Sandy Allonen, a clinical dietitian at… read on >
Whooping cough is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, the Nemours Foundation says. The highly contagious infection, typically affecting children. can trigger coughing spells that can last more than a minute. The child’s face may turn red or purple, and the child may vomit, Nemours adds. Nemours offers this… read on >
Chapped lips often occur throughout winter, but there are things you can do to prevent them, the Mayo Clinic says. Here are the clinic’s suggestions: Before you go outside in cold weather, apply a lubricating lip cream or balm. Then cover your lips with a scarf. Reapply the balm as needed. Do not lick your… read on >
While others are decking the halls, many people find the holidays trigger anxiety and depression. Stress can arise from financial strain, dealing with difficult relatives or trying to create the perfect holiday, said Michelle Martel, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky. Also, the holidays can bring up sad memories for people… read on >
Most sore throats among infants, toddlers and preschoolers are caused by viral infections, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. No antibiotic should be given to treat this type of sore throat, since antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not those that are triggered by viruses. One type of sore throat this is caused by bacteria is… read on >
Since there are so many blood vessels in the nose and they are so close to the surface, they are relatively easy to injure and trigger a nosebleed, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Nosebleeds are most often caused by dryness in the air and nose picking. Colds, injuries, allergies and cocaine use can also… read on >
The joy of giving really does last longer than the joy of receiving, researchers report. Experiments with hundreds of participants found their happiness did not decrease, or decreased much slower, if they repeatedly gave small amounts of money to others instead of repeatedly receiving money. The findings suggest that “repeated giving, even in identical ways… read on >
