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 >
A hectic holiday pace not only tires you out, it makes it easier to pick up an infection. Reducing stress, getting enough sleep and healthy eating are among the things you can do to stay healthy if you’re traveling over the holidays, one expert suggests. Stress levels can rise at this time of year, so… read on >
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all kids get the annual flu shot. Each year, up to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, the academy says. Here’s the group’s list of things to know about the flu shot: The flu vaccine is recommended for… read on >
When trying to choose the perfect toys for kids this holiday, consider the age of the child first, a leading pediatricians’ group says. Buying toys that are too advanced can be not only frustrating for kids, but also dangerous, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). When children receive age-appropriate toys they are more… read on >
Holidays, and all of the chocolate goodies that come with the celebrations, can be particularly dangerous for dogs, researchers warn. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. In dogs, it can cause vomiting, increased heart rate, agitation and seizures. In their study, British researchers discovered that dogs were over four times… read on >
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season often demands spending too much time on your feet. The American Podiatric Medical Association suggests these remedies: Moisturizefeet daily to help avoid dry, cracked and irritated skin. Raise, point and curl your toes throughout the day. Get a foot rub, which is a great way to release… read on >
