The extreme heat and choking wildfire smoke blanketing wide swaths of the United States this summer are actively dangerous to heart health, a new study reports. Days where soaring heat combines with fine particulate air pollution can double a person’s risk of a fatal heart attack, researchers have found. “Heat wave exposure interacts synergistically with…  read on >  read on >

Most early childhood vaccines require three or four doses for best protection, but more than 1 in 6 toddlers aren’t getting them all, leaving them vulnerable to potentially deadly infections, a new study finds. There are many reasons that kids aren’t completing their vaccine series, according to researchers. Some families may have moved across state…  read on >  read on >

You’ve likely heard that “you are what you eat,” but a new study suggests what you eat also has something to do with who you are — genetically speaking. Researchers have identified nearly 500 genes that appear to directly influence what someone eats. These insights could help improve personalized nutrition to boost health or prevent…  read on >  read on >

Eight healthy habits could add years to your life. A new study of more than 700,000 U.S. veterans breaks down the habits that when adopted by middle age, can help someone live substantially longer than folks who don’t have these habits. These are the big eight: Be physically active. Don’t smoke. Don’t get addicted to…  read on >  read on >

Your body needs vitamin D, the “sunshine” vitamin, but too much time in the sun can increase your risk for skin cancer. An expert offers tips for boosting vitamin D intake while staying safe from the sun and this summer’s record-high temperatures. “Vitamin D is important for bone health, calcium absorption, reduction of inflammation, promoting…  read on >  read on >