Users of cosmetics may find it overwhelming to understand all of the information on product labels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administrationsays consumers should always read the entire product label before using a cosmetic. And the agency says you should be aware of certain label terms: Hypoallergenic: This term is not expressly defined by the…  read on >

When Americans need medical care, almost one in two people choose the emergency room, a new study reveals. “I was stunned by the results. This really helps us better understand health care in this country,” said Dr. David Marcozzi. He is an associate professor in the University of Maryland’s department of emergency medicine. “This research…  read on >

Struggling to lose weight? Maybe posting that selfie on social media can help, researchers say. Their study included 33 people in two weight-loss groups — surgical and nonsurgical — who regularly blogged or posted online about their weight-loss experiences and were followed for four years. Sharing their successes and setbacks on social media helped the…  read on >

Nearly 18 percent of kids have a chronic health condition, such as asthma or allergies. If your child is one of them, working successfully with your school’s nurse will help keep him or her safe. Because a good chunk of a child’s day is spent in school, it’s important to communicate clearly and regularly with…  read on >

Think you know what’s in your favorite supplement? Think again. More than half of the herbal and dietary supplements analyzed by researchers contained ingredients that differed from the list on their labels. Some had hidden ingredients that might actually harm health, researchers said. Bodybuilding and weight-loss supplements, in particular, tended to contain ingredients not listed…  read on >

A little bit of stress can motivate you, but too much might cause an anxiety disorder that can prevent you from living your life to the fullest. If you feel anxious on a daily basis, try making changes to your lifestyle to manage anxiety on your own. Exercise regularly to release the body’s endorphins, natural…  read on >

As if severe hot flashes alone weren’t enough of a problem for menopausal women, a new study finds these symptoms may also be tied to a greater risk for sleep apnea and related heart issues. The study included nearly 1,700 middle-aged women, about 25 percent of whom were at intermediate or high risk for obstructive…  read on >

If your taste buds lean toward spicy, you might be doing your heart a favor, new research suggests. Spicy foods may increase salt sensitivity, thereby dampening the desire to consume heart-harming salty food, researchers in China say. “High salt intake increases blood pressure and contributes to cardiovascular disease,” said study author Dr. Zhiming Zhu. “Thus,…  read on >