Do you often feel grumpy at work? Sometimes a small change in your surroundings can have a big effect on your mood. According to a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, having some greenery in your office space can make you both happier and more productive. British and Dutch researchers decided to challenge…  read on >

Do you have lingering feelings of self-doubt, insecurity and incompetence, despite evidence that you are skilled and successful? The American Psychological Association calls this “imposter syndrome.” Here are the organization’s suggestions for beating imposter syndrome: If all fingers point to your doing a great job at work, ignore any self-doubt. Stop feeling guilty and celebrate…  read on >

The economic cost of asthma in the United States is nearly $82 billion a year, federal health officials report. That figure includes medical expenses and costs associated with work and school absences and deaths. However, the true cost of asthma is probably underestimated because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study did not…  read on >

While your dog or cat might love the taste of raw meat, a steady diet of it might be a bad idea, a new study warns. Raw meat diets for pets have become increasingly popular, but there is no evidence that they are healthier than typical pet foods, the researchers said. In fact, some studies…  read on >

Injecting a calcium-based cement into the bones of some people with knee or hip pain could help them avoid joint replacement surgery, Ohio State University doctors say. The calcium phosphate cement flows into the spongy inside portion of the bone, filling in microfractures and other damaged areas, and it hardens in about 10 minutes’ time,…  read on >

Black children are more than twice as likely as white kids to die from surgery complications in the United States, a new study suggests. Researchers found that black kids more often had risk factors that raised their odds of dying within 30 days of surgery. They were more likely, for example, to need blood transfusions…  read on >

High doses of vitamin D seem to keep arteries more flexible and pliable, potentially warding off future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, preliminary research suggests. In just four months, vitamin D supplements reduced arterial stiffness in a group of 70 young black men and women, according to results from a small-scale clinical trial. The…  read on >

When is it appropriate to give kids a cellphone? That depends on factors like their maturity level, their ability to follow rules at home and school, and your family’s circumstances, including health and safety issues. For instance, if both parents work outside the home, it’s easier to check in with a child during the day…  read on >

Need to travel for work? Have an important job interview coming up? Consider tucking a shirt from your partner into your bag. Sniffing it just might help you relax. It seems that the scent of a romantic partner can help ease stress, particularly when couples are temporarily separated or away from home, according to new…  read on >

If you feel stressed for a long time, it can have negative effects on your mental and physical well-being. The U.S. Office on Women’s Health identifies these common warning signs of too much stress: Not eating enough, or overeating. Feeling as you have lost control of your life. Forgetfulness. Headaches. Lack of energy. Lack of…  read on >