Predictably, flu season is in full swing, with cases surging across the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Friday in a report. Thirteen states, including Tennessee and Louisiana, report high or very high levels of flu-like illness, double the number from the previous week, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases…  read on >  read on >

Everyone needs to feel appreciated — but especially someone who’s caring for a spouse with dementia. A study published recently in the journal Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology shows that the mental health of caregivers dramatically improves when they feel supported, understood and appreciated by the person they’re looking after. Feeling appreciated was so important it even helped…  read on >  read on >

What type of “me-time” is more restorative to a person — hiking by yourself deep in a forest, or reading a book while sipping a latte in a coffee shop? Surprisingly, you’ll do best with a cup of joe and a good book, alone with yourself while surrounded by people, a new study published recently…  read on >  read on >

Microscopic plastic particles in the air could be contributing to a wide variety of health problems, including lung and colon cancers. Tires and degrading garbage shed tiny pieces of plastic which become airborne, creating a form of air pollution that’s not very well understood, a new review says. “These microplastics are basically particulate matter air…  read on >  read on >

Research out of the United Kingdom finds workers often feel overwhelmed by digital technology and the need to always be connected online. It’s a worldwide issue, the study authors believe. “What we have found in our research is that there is a potential dark side to digital working, where employees can feel fatigue and strain…  read on >  read on >

Does a crowded neighborhood make you move more? Yes, says new research that found people who live in highly populated areas walk more than people who live in less densely populated areas.   Since more walking is connected to better health, generally speaking, the extra steps can make a big difference in terms of promoting an…  read on >  read on >

A self-administered test can help empower women in identifying risks for cervical cancer. A new study published Dec. 12 in the journal PLOS Medicine shows the self-test for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection accurately identified women who either had cervical cancer or precancerous cells in their cervix. “About 40% of women in our high-risk group had…  read on >  read on >