Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, but there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself, a cardiologist says. “Heart disease kills hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, but many of these conditions are preventable,” said researcher Dr. David Slotwiner, chief of the division of…  read on >

If the constant stream of bad news from around the world gets to you, one psychiatrist suggests that helping others might make you feel better. “The sheer volume of stressful events occurring on a near-daily basis can make people feel pessimistic or fearful,” said researcher Emanuel Maidenberg, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University…  read on >

The United States is in the grip of a tough flu season, no doubt. It might seem as if every other person you know has fallen prey to influenza. Actually, though, health experts say this flu season is pretty much on par with other severe seasons. Here’s what else they have to say: How bad…  read on >

Maybe there’s some truth in the long-standing belief that dogs can sense fear in a human. According to a new British study, anxious people may be at increased risk for dog bites. The finding came from a survey of nearly 700 people in northern England, done by researchers from the University of Liverpool. As part…  read on >

Is learning a second language on your bucket list? Here’s compelling evidence to get started right away. Numerous studies at institutions, including Penn State, have found that learning a new language is great for brain health. It can strengthen your brain just as exercise strengthens your muscles. And like muscles, the more you work at…  read on >

Many people, the far majority of them blind, have non-24 Sleep Wake Disorder (Non-24), which affects the circadian rhythm. This means their bodies don’t properly prepare for sleep while it’s dark outside and for wakefulness while it’s light out. As a result, many people with the disorder cite ongoing fatigue. The National Sleep Foundation mentions…  read on >

You may not want to sit down for this. New research finds the mere act of standing burns more calories over time compared to sitting, and anyone bent on weight loss may want to remain upright a few more hours each day. In fact, standing for six hours each day — at a ‘standing desk’…  read on >

Migraine sufferers might have to worry about more than just dealing with debilitating headaches. Migraine patients could also face an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots and irregular heart rates, a new study suggests. The risk to heart health appears to be strongest in the first year after diagnosis of migraine, but persists…  read on >

Before you visit a podiatrist for the first time, it’s helpful to prepare a list of helpful information, questions and any special equipment. The American Podiatric Medical Association suggests including: A list of any symptoms, all medications and any previous surgeries. Important medical records and laboratory tests. A list of any special needs. If your…  read on >

“Rent-a-drip” IV lounges are popping up across the country, promising speedy recovery for hangover sufferers, jet lag victims and others seeking an intravenous solution to modern dilemmas. But experts say these lounges are at best a waste of money and at worst potentially dangerous. “The whole thing is really nonsense,” said Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, a…  read on >