The more you smoke, the greater your chances of developing a common heart rhythm disorder that increases your risk of stroke and early death, researchers say. “If you smoke, stop smoking, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start,” said study author Dagfinn Aune, a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London. “We found that smokers are…  read on >

You’ve probably heard the health warning: Sitting is the new smoking. The importance of getting up and walking to prevent serious health issues when you sit at a desk all day long has gotten a lot of attention recently. Those health risks include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess weight and high cholesterol levels,…  read on >

Today’s ever-stressful lifestyles demand techniques to cultivate your healthiest self. The American Heart Association suggests these healthier habits: Sleep well, since getting a good night’s sleep helps improve eating habits, mood and memory. Add yoga or meditation to your life. Finding coping methods, such as a brisk walk, volunteering or starting a new hobby. Get…  read on >

There’s no need to panic if you cut yourself with a knife or broken glass, one dermatologist says, since most cuts can be treated at home. “The most important thing to do is to gently wash the cut to prevent an infection,” said Dr. Laura Ferris, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of…  read on >

New research suggests that no two brains are alike, as genetics and experience make their mark on your mind. “With our study, we were able to confirm that the structure of people’s brains is very individual,” said study author Lutz Jancke. He is a professor of neuropsychology at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. “Just…  read on >

While some politicians are snubbing science, the American public is choosing to do the opposite, a new study suggests. “In the context of debates regarding the loss of trust in experts, what we show is that in actual fact, when compared to a government working group, the public in the U.S. and U.K. judge scientists…  read on >

Restrictive abortion laws may drive some Americans to look for abortion medications online, a new study reports. “Though it may be surprising to consider, people in the United States are looking for ways to end their pregnancies at home using abortion pills they can get online,” said study author Abigail Aiken. She’s an assistant professor…  read on >

A startling 75 percent of black people in the United States develop high blood pressure by the age of 55, a new study finds. That’s a far higher rate than seen among either white men (55 percent) or white women (40 percent), the researchers said. “We started to see differences between blacks and whites by…  read on >

Eating a healthful diet is easier when nutritious foods are more accessible. But it’s not enough to simply buy better choices. To make a habit of choosing healthy over less-healthy options, you want to make them as easy to eat, as visually appealing, and as everyday as the packaged treats that tempt you. That’s as…  read on >

Afraid to raise your hand because of embarrassing body odor? Here’s some good news for you: Scientists say they’re one step closer to conquering smelly armpits. Researchers in England say they’ve identified a protein that enables bacteria in your armpits to take up odorless compounds in sweat and make it stink. According to the investigators,…  read on >