A full moon may spell extra danger for motorcyclists, a new study suggests. Momentary distractions are a common cause of crashes. Because a full moon can be a major distraction and occurs about 12 times a year, researchers decided to investigate whether full moons might be linked to more motorcyclists’ deaths. “Glancing at the full…  read on >

Buying new clothes for an upcoming holiday trip may top your to-do list, but packing the right medications can mean addressing health needs with ease rather than scrambling to find an all-night drugstore in a strange city. Prescription medications are the top priority, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bring enough…  read on >

Hypothermia — abnormally low body temperature — is an ever-present danger during winter. It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. The U.S. National Weather Service says warning signs of the dangerous condition include: Confusion. Shivering. Difficulty speaking. Fatigue. Stiff muscles. Source: HealthDay

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), common in the winter months, is a type of depression triggered by decreased exposure to daylight. Symptoms of SAD include feeling down, irritable, lacking energy, sleeping a lot or having cravings FOR sweet or starchy foods. The National Sleep Foundation suggests how to help manage SAD: Expose yourself to more daylight.…  read on >

If you don’t have to drive while it’s snowing, don’t. But if you must be on the road, the National Weather Service suggests: Slow down. Roads may be slippery, even if they do not look wet. Clean all snow and ice off your car before starting a trip. Let someone know where you are going…  read on >

One in 25 U.S. drivers reports having fallen asleep while driving during the past month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The first step to prevention is recognizing the symptoms of driving drowsy, the agency says, offering this list of warning signs: Yawning or blinking a lot. Having difficulty remembering the past…  read on >

Fall yardwork can stir up allergies, but there are ways to reduce the risk of flare-ups, an ear, nose and throat specialist says. “Know your triggers and avoid those triggers,” said Dr. Do-Yeon Cho, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “First, find out if you’re allergic to any seasonal…  read on >

Long-distance travel is worrisome enough. But add a child to the mix, and stress levels can only rise. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how to make traveling with a child easier: Adjust your child’s sleep schedule a few days before departure to minimize jet lag. Once you arrive, encourage the child to play outside…  read on >

Motorcycle crashes are far costlier than car accidents, both in lives lost and in medical expenses, a new study shows. Canadian researchers found that the death rate from motorcycle crashes was five times greater than from car crashes, and the rate of severe injury was 10 times greater. That came with a six times greater…  read on >

Taking a family vacation is a great way to have quality time, but going on a trip that each family member will enjoy takes some planning. Consider choices for an activity-oriented trip. Besides health benefits, vacations make great memories when everyone participates. Start by getting the whole family involved. Show photos of possible destinations to…  read on >  read on >