Taking your blood pressure may become as easy as taking a video selfie if a new smartphone app proves itself. High blood pressure can be a warning sign of a heart attack or stroke, but half of those with hypertension don’t know it. Developing an easy at-home blood pressure screen could potentially save lives. A…  read on >

You’ve made the decision to improve your eating habits, but where should you begin? It can seem overwhelming at first. One way to approach new lifestyle habits is to map out the improvements you’d like to make and tackle them one at a time, over a week or two, before making the next change. Here…  read on >

Is your toothbrush more than four months old? And how about your contact lens case? These and other everyday essentials need regular replacing, no matter how comfortable you are with them. At the top of the list is your toothbrush. To benefit oral health, your toothbrush needs to be in tiptop form. The American Dental…  read on >

Simple steps can help you protect your home from health dangers big and small. Here are four tips to get you started: It can’t be said often enough: Proactively change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Don’t wait until you hear the chirping signal. Set a yearly reminder, such as on your birthday.…  read on >

The sad sight of a receding hairline is not limited to men, a dermatologist says. Hair loss is just as common in women, and it can occur due to factors such as genetics, and the hairstyles and hair products used by women. It’s important to identify the cause of hair loss in women to treat…  read on >

Video games carry labels with an age-related rating, typically based on the level of violence, strong language and sexual content. But that’s not the only guideline to consider. An industry group called the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) sets the ratings. Look closely at the video game box or information on a game app and…  read on >

Many people wait until they’re older to have children, and that decision can raise the risk of problems like infertility and genetic abnormalities. But new research suggests there may be at least one benefit to having children later in life. The study found that kids with at least one older parent were less likely to…  read on >

Herbs are plants or plant derivatives that can be used for their scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are sold in many forms including tablets, powders, teas, extracts and fresh plants. MedlinePlus urges people to remember that products labeled “natural” aren’t always safe and healthy. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the…  read on >