Using a TV, computer or smartphone just before bed is a bad idea. These and similar gadgets emit blue light, which can harm sleep quality, the National Sleep Foundation says. Studies show blue light delays release of sleep-inducingmelatonin and resets the body’s internal clock to a later time. This can leave parents with children who… read on >
Physical activity is good for the body and the brain, but what about people with thinking and memory difficulties? A new recommendation from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that exercise is indeed helpful for people with mild cognitive impairment. The condition, in which thinking and memory skills deteriorate, often occurs as people age. Mild… read on >
Window blind cords are potential choking and safety hazards for young children. Nearly 17,000 children under age 6 were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for window blind-related injuries from 1990 through 2015, data published recently in the journal Pediatrics found. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions to help keep kids safer: Blinds with… read on >
Holiday parties and gatherings mean more trips to nail and hair salons for some. But if you’re not careful, you might end up picking up more than you bargained for. In a recent small survey of nail and hair salon clients, more than two-thirds said they’d had one or more health issues after visiting a… read on >
If you live in a cold climate, you should keep a complete emergency kit in your car. The National Weather Service suggests including: A mobile phone, charger and batteries. Blankets. A flashlight with extra batteries. A first-aid kit. A knife. High-calorie, non-perishable foods. Extra clothing to keep dry. A large empty can to use as… read on >
A girl who gets her first menstrual period early in life — possibly as young as 7 — has a greater risk for developing depression and antisocial behaviors that last at least into her 20s, a new study suggests. “Girls who go through puberty earlier than peers tend to be more psychologically vulnerable during adolescence,”… read on >
Your posture has a direct effect on your long-term health, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Good posture means your spine is correctly positioned at three natural curves: your neck, middle back and lower back. The agency says poor posture can lead to: Undue wear on the spine, making it more fragile and prone… read on >
The holiday season can be stressful, especially for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The U.S. National Institute on Aging offers holiday suggestions for Alzheimer’s caregivers: Show a photo of a holiday guest to the person a week before the guest’s arrival. Each day, explain who the visitor is while showing the photo. Before the… read on >
Family harmony and talk of politics can be combustible holiday companions, a therapist contends. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 62 percent of respondents said politics was the topic they dread most when relatives get together at the holidays. And nearly one-third said they planned to avoid the subject. No matter how you vote, it’s… read on >
Buying new clothes for an upcoming holiday trip may top your to-do list, but packing the right medications can mean addressing health needs with ease rather than scrambling to find an all-night drugstore in a strange city. Prescription medications are the top priority, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bring enough… read on >
