If you are pregnant and live in a rural area of the United States, new research shows that you’re at higher risk of life-threatening complications or death during or after childbirth. “Our study suggests that geographic disparities may put rural women at an increased risk of requiring lifesaving interventions during or immediately after delivering a…  read on >

If you can tackle a tough workout, that may bode well for your longevity, new research suggests. A woman’s risk of dying from heart disease, cancer or other causes is much lower if she can engage in vigorous exercise, scientists report. The new study included more than 4,700 middle-aged and older women, average age 64,…  read on >

When people are breathing cleaner air, their health generally improves — rapidly, in some cases, a new review shows. The report, from the Environmental Committee of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), details some of the evidence on air quality and human health. Overall, it concludes, people can reap a range of benefits when…  read on >

Arguing with a partner or feeling anxious about meeting the in-laws can induce stress. When these strains are intense or prolonged, your heart can suffer, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. The school mentions these healthier ways to deal with relationship stress: Discuss life stresses with your doctor. Check if your coping strategies are healthy. Find stress…  read on >

A small, preliminary study suggests that a brain area called the hypothalamus appears to be about 6% smaller in women who use birth control pills. But exactly what that means isn’t yet clear. In this study, women on the pill had statistically significant increases in anger. Researchers also found a possible link with depression symptoms.…  read on >

Breathing exercises can help you relax and manage stress, says the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. The center suggests using the 4-7-8 breath exercise: Exhale completely through your mouth. Close your mouth and inhale through your nose to a mental count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 7. Exhale through your mouth…  read on >

Romance was absolutely the last thing Gloria Duncan and Al Cappiello had on their minds when they became nursing home residents. “When I got here, I felt almost like my life was over. I was a very active, social person. I was almost devastated,” Gloria said. But then she met Al, who asked Gloria to…  read on >

Got travel plans abroad? Spending just a short time in a highly polluted city can harm your health, researchers warn. “It’s widely known that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with increased cardiovascular disease. But it was unknown whether a short-term visit to a location with severe air pollution could have any significant impact,”…  read on >

MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2019Brushing your teeth may be good for your heart, a new study suggests. It included more than 161,000 South Korean adults, ages 40 to 79, with no history of heart failure or the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation. Between 2003 and 2004, participants had a routine medical exam and were asked about…  read on >

(HealthDay News) –The menopausal transition is a 7- to 14-year period when women have symptoms like hot flashes and changes in monthly cycles. Typically, the transition occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, says the U.S. National Institute on Aging. During this time, hormone production by the ovaries will vary. Because of this, bones…  read on >