While a weekend (or longer) retreat can be very rejuvenating, day spas have made it possible for almost everyone to enjoy a short escape from life’s stresses. Take these simple steps to make the most of the experience. Identify all the day spas within a comfortable driving distance and then compare their menu of services…  read on >

As the world becomes more diverse, parents should teach their children how to be open and respect the differences between people, the Nemours Foundation says. It offers these suggestions: Demonstrate your own respect for others. Kids are always listening, so be conscious of the way you talk about people who are different from you. Talk…  read on >

Breast cancer screening is the most reliable way to detect the disease when it’s at an early stage and is most treatable, experts advise. “Today, there is greater awareness of the disease, and breast cancer is being detected earlier through screening,” said Dr. Kathryn Evers, senior radiologist and a professor of diagnostic imaging at Fox…  read on >

Too few teens and young adults with an opioid addiction are tested for hepatitis C, even though they’re at high risk for the liver infection, researchers say. In 2016, hepatitis C killed more than 18,000 Americans, making it the most common cause of death from a reportable infectious disease, according to the U.S. Centers for…  read on >

In rare instances, body odor or bad breath is a sign that something’s wrong. In most cases, however, it’s perfectly normal. So how do you deal with it? Typical body odor can be controlled by regular bathing, shaving, wearing clean clothing and using deodorant, the National Institutes of Health says. A dry mouth allows bacteria…  read on >

Tough pregnancies might translate into tough times during menopause, new research suggests. Women who developed complications during pregnancy — including dangerously high blood pressure (“preeclampsia”) and gestational diabetes — were more likely to experience more hot flashes during menopause, the researchers found. “This study further underscores the importance of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes…  read on >

The health benefits of quitting smoking have been well documented. But many people put it off, fearing the inevitable cravings. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests how to manage cravings: Keep your hands busy, such as by sorting the mail or washing the dishes. Prepare healthy snacks in the morning to have…  read on >

TUESDAY, Oct. 2, 2018The number of Americans with diabetes who wind up in hospitals with serious infections, or who develop them while in the hospital, is on the rise. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of diabetics hospitalized for infections rose 52 percent (from 16 per 1,000 people to 24 per 1,000), according to researchers…  read on >

MONDAY, Oct. 1, 2018If your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar levels fluctuate, you may have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and premature death than people with more steady readings, new research suggests. According to the study, during nearly six years of follow-up, men and women whose readings changed the most were…  read on >

Losing weight often comes down to changing the patterns and habits that led to overeating. And that usually takes self-control, or the ability to resist temptation. Think of self-control as the inner voice that keeps you from indulging in high-calorie food and prompts you to stick to your diet. But having to constantly resist temptation…  read on >