As China scrambles to contain an outbreak of a new coronavirus spreading rapidly within its own borders and to other countries, U.S. infectious disease experts tackled questions about the emerging virus. What is the novel coronavirus circulating in China? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses responsible for about one out of every four cases…  read on >

Closed-toe shoes and sweaty feet are a recipe for foot odor and infection. Your feet start to smell when the bacteria on your skin and in your shoes consume your sweat, says Cleveland Clinic. To avoid stinky feet, Cleveland Clinic suggests: Soak your feet in a mixture of Epsom salt and water. Wash your feet…  read on >

Drowsy driving was responsible for more than 72,000 vehicle crashes in 2013, according to the most recent statistics available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowsiness slows your reaction time, affects your ability to make good decisions and distracts from the road. The CDC mentions these possible warning signs of drowsy driving:…  read on >

Elbow pain can keep you from a normal daily life, says Harvard Medical School. The school mentions these possible remedies for an aching elbow: Rest. Take a break from overusing the muscle group that may be behind elbow pain. Heat therapy. Heat can encourage healing by bringing blood flow and nutrients to the elbow. Stretching.…  read on >

How bad or how long this year’s flu season will be remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear: It’s proving to be an especially lethal season for infected children. Fueled by a strain of influenza that children may be especially vulnerable to, less than two months into flu season 39 children have…  read on >

The Harvard-associated lab that created the “CoolSculpting” process of reducing fat says it’s on the trail of the next advance in nonsurgical slimming. CoolSculpting freezes fat cells by applying an ice-cold gel pad to the skin, causing cells to die off and either be flushed away or absorbed by the body, said lead researcher Dr.…  read on >

Regular nut consumption can lower the risk of heart disease by up to 14 percent, says the American College of Cardiology. Nuts contain heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. The group reminds people that a complete heart-healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish and nuts. But as one ounce of…  read on >

Fleas feed on the blood of people and your furry friends, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Flea infestation can be difficult to quash, so prevention is key, the agency says. To prevent, reduce or eliminate flea infestation, the EPA suggests: Check carpets, cushioned furniture and cracks and crevices daily. Steam clean carpets regularly. Pay…  read on >

Anxiety can cause or worsen sleeping problems, says the National Sleep Foundation. If disrupted sleep due to anxiety happens, the foundation says you may want to try a few simple strategies: Practice meditation. Focus on your breathing. Add exercise to your day. Regular exercisers tend to have better sleep. Practice a healthy bedtime routine. Write…  read on >