| Gardening tips to avoid injury and discomfort | 2012-02-15 |
| Gardening is very healthy, both physically and mentally. In addition to providing exercise, gardening delivers health benefits in the fresh foods you eat and in the calming presence of flowers in your environment. Here are some tips to get the most out of gardening's health benefits. |
| Resolved to quit smoking? Tips for saving on smoking cessation products | 2012-02-09 |
| Although smoking is often touted as an expensive habit, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to aid in quitting smoking can seem like an expensive purchase as well. The reluctance to spend money on smoking cessation products leads many smokers to try to do it "cold turkey" - the most popular method for quitting smoking, but also one that frequently leads to relapse. However, the use of NRT products to quit smoking can almost triple a smoker's chances of success. |
| The many benefits of bird watching | 2012-02-08 |
| Bird watching is quickly becoming one of America's most popular hobbies and has fans spanning all age ranges, from the young to old. Whether it is the health benefits to people, the increased care for birds, or the scientific observations that occur during time spent watching birds, this hobby certainly creates positive paybacks to all involved. |
| Understanding and managing opioid dependence - a caregiver's perspective | 2012-02-07 |
| Caring for someone who lives with drug dependence can take an emotional toll. In many cases, the caregiver shoulders the burden of drug addiction as much, if not more so, than the user. |
| AMD awareness focuses on protecting and enhancing vision | 2012-02-07 |
| While many people take their vision for granted, those with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) certainly do not. AMD Awareness is important because the condition deteriorates central vision, affecting everything from seeing faces clearly to literally having a large "blind spot" in the center of your vision, yet many people are unfamiliar with AMD. |
| What four factors influence the severity of allergy season? | 2012-02-06 |
| While many people rejoice when the weather gets warmer, it's not always a pleasant time for everyone. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies know to expect difficulties around this time of year, but the severity of allergy season can vary. Here are some of the conditions that can affect pollen counts. |
| Health care trends: looking for value without sacrificing quality | 2012-02-06 |
| If there is one thing that the recent health care debate made clear, it is that Americans are unwilling to trade quality for economy when it comes to their health. But with the growing shortage of primary care physicians in the United States and an aging population, one trend born in underserved areas of the country may have the ability to cut costs without sacrificing quality: the use of non-physician professionals, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, in primary care facilities. |
| How to protect your heart and increase your energy levels | 2012-02-02 |
| One of the secrets to enjoying life while aging is to take care of your heart. Heart health is important for Americans to discuss with their doctors, as heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States. In addition to following a good diet and exercise program, taking an antioxidant supplement like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also a good practice to help maintain a healthy heart. |
| Five must-have fitness tools | 2012-02-02 |
| Everyone wants to look and feel great, and selecting the right workout gear can make all the difference when pursuing a life of health and fitness. The five tools below are designed to help individuals achieve their wellness goals, whether kick starting a new workout regime or taking a current routine to the next level. |
| Home improvement for your health | 2012-02-01 |
| When considering home improvements, people tend to choose projects that will improve the value of their home. While this is important for a healthy bottom line, investing in the health of those living inside the home also is a value-added improvement. Having the right fitness equipment and resources at home can turn the best intentions to work up a sweat into a successfully completed workout. |
| Best options for beating the bugs of cold and flu season | 2012-02-01 |
| Cold and flu season is now in full swing and staying healthy this time of year can be a challenge. For those suffering, identifying the type of illness - cold, flu, sinus infection, etc. - and finding the right over-the-counter medications are key in helping to alleviate symptoms. |
| Are little urine leaks a big problem? How to talk to your doctor | 2012-01-31 |
| Your friend tells you a funny joke, and then it happens. You start pedaling during your spinning class, and it happens again. You hear water running and oops, you know you will also be wet. You might feel frustrated and embarrassed, but you are not alone. In fact, these types of urine leaks are quite common. Up to 50 percent of all women have occasional urine leaks and up to 10 percent have them frequently, according to the MedlinePlus Encyclopedia. Here's what you need to know. |
| Centenarians can leave a lasting legacy by donating DNA to science | 2012-01-30 |
| Living to 100 years old is a remarkable feat in itself, but now 100 centenarians will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that could radically change medical care for generations to come. |
| Move over apples: For some patients, an aspirin-a-day may keep the doctor away | 2012-01-27 |
| The statistics are staggering: As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular (or heart) disease accounts for more than 2,200 deaths per day, or one every 39 seconds. Adults should know how they can avoid becoming a statistic of heart disease. For many, knowing the leading risk factors and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle will go a long way. |
| Fighting the five most common foot woes | 2012-01-25 |
| From eating healthier foods to getting an adequate amount of sleep and exercise, we're a very health-aware society. So why is it that many Americans routinely overlook one of the cornerstones of good health? Here are the five most common types of foot problems and their causes. |
| Keeping on top of your child's asthma care during allergy season | 2012-01-24 |
| For many with seasonal allergies, the start of spring means itchy eyes and a runny nose, but for the almost 25 million Americans suffering with asthma, the season can be much more threatening. |
| How to protect your greatest asset - your home - from subterranean termites | 2012-01-24 |
| When it comes to protecting your home's value, you have no control over some of the factors that influence real estate values, like nearby retail development or the job market in your area. You can, however, take control over one major factor in your home's value, its health and the health of your neighborhood - termites. |
| When is nonprescription cold medicine not enough? | 2012-01-23 |
| Do you have a cold that just won't go away? The aisle at your local drugstore is overflowing with different cold medicines, and choosing the right one feels like a gamble with your wallet taking the hit at every purchase. Here are some helpful tips to help you get better quick. |
| Your New Year's resolution might be even more important than you think | 2012-01-17 |
| Every January, many Americans make New Year's resolutions, many of them to improve their health in the new year. We change our diets, start exercising and make our annual doctors' appointments for physical check-ups. As you work toward a healthier you in 2012, here are some helpful tips to aid your discussion with your doctor. |
| Baby boomers: Don't forget to care for your eyes as you age | 2012-01-11 |
| According to a recent survey by the Ocular Nutrition Society, almost as many baby boomers say they worry about losing their vision as they do about having heart disease or cancer. Yet, more than half of the survey respondents ages 45-65 said they don't typically have a recommended annual eye exam, and even fewer are aware of important nutrients that play a key role in eye health. |
| How to snack smart in 2012 | 2011-12-28 |
| Snacks - they can either be your worst dieting enemy or your new weight-loss best friend. The difference is all in the choices you make. This year, make it your resolution to learn how to snack smarter. To help, here are some tips to develop a healthier relationship with snacking. |
| Don't let sore feet trip up your travel plans | 2011-12-22 |
| Whether you travel for business or pleasure, whether you fly, drive or take a train, there's one other mode of transportation you'll almost certainly use on your trip: your feet. If you're planning a trip, take a few steps to ease the wear and tear on your foot muscles and joints. |
| Health story of the year: Salt vindicated | 2011-12-22 |
| In 2011, half a dozen medical studies showed the health benefits of salt or revealed the significant risks of low-sodium diets, providing vindication for this essential nutrient and the people who love it. |
| Bed bug battles: How to keep the pests out of your home | 2011-12-13 |
| The conflict between humans and insect pests has raged for centuries, but few battles boast the sheer make-your-skin-crawl ick factor as the war between people and bed bugs. The good news is that home and apartment owners are not without defenses in the battle against bed bugs. While the tenacious bugs have resiliency on their side, humans have modern technology and awareness in their favor. |
| Meningococcal meningitis cases peak in winter months; help protect your children by getting them vaccinated today | 2011-12-12 |
| School nurses are urging parents to vaccinate their preteens and teens against meningococcal disease, a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and take a child's life in just a single day. Cases of meningococcal disease begin to peak during the late-winter and early-spring months, so now is a perfect time to be sure children have been vaccinated. |
| Deck the halls ... carefully please | 2011-12-12 |
| Each year, 420 home fires occur during the holiday season, claiming the lives of 21 people and injuring 43, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Protection 1, the nation's second-largest security provider, is offering 12 tips for a safer holiday to help reduce the chance of becoming a holiday fire casualty. |
| Spring's greatest showcase: the Centennial National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. | 2011-12-12 |
| There's nothing more beautiful than the coming of spring after a long winter. As grass grows green and the air warms, nature puts on a spectacular show that manages to impress year after year. Nowhere is spring's beauty more vibrantly on display than at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration in Washington, D.C. This year marks a storied and once-in-a-lifetime event, the 100 year anniversary of the arrival of Japanese flowering cherry trees in D.C.'s West Potomac Park. |
| Holiday cooking that doesn't expand the waistline | 2011-12-09 |
| So many of us look forward to holiday meals only to dread the after effects. We feel regretful, remorseful and rotund. But we don't have to. Getting your holiday fill does not have to mean switching out the skinny jeans for sweats. And it can be as easy as a little ingredient swap in the kitchen. |
| Hope and help for people living with little-known movement disorder | 2011-12-08 |
| Stock prices, the weather and your teenager's taste in music - many things in our lives are beyond our control. But our bodies and the movements we make are under our control - right? Not for the estimated million-plus Americans who suffer from focal dystonias - disorders characterized by abnormal, sustained muscle contractions that cause twisting, repetitive movements and abnormal postures. |
| When hearing aids aren't enough, cochlear implants can help | 2011-12-07 |
| Straining to hear each day, even when using powerful advanced hearing aids? Feeling frustrated and sometimes even exhausted from listening? Whether it happens suddenly or gradually over time, hearing loss can affect physical and emotional health. Being unable to hear impacts one's ability to socialize with friends, communicate with co-workers, and can force people to become more reliant on family members to constantly interpret for them. |
| When your period signals a problem and when to see your gynecologist | 2011-12-07 |
| When you think of the most common reasons women visit their gynecologist, annual physicals, pregnancy and mammograms come to mind. The little-known truth is heavy periods are the No. 1 reason women see their doctor. More than 10 million American women deal with periods that come in tsunami-like waves. |
| Three ways to a sustainably healthy New Year | 2011-12-07 |
| New Year's Day will spur many people to resolve follow to healthier lifestyles in 2012, but how many will carry through with their pledges? The journey to better health is not as daunting as it may seem. Slight adjustments to your eating, sleeping and exercise habits can have a dramatic impact on your overall health. Focus on improving these three aspects, and you'll be well on your way to a healthier you. |
| Help protect your home from rodents this winter | 2011-12-06 |
| The cold temperatures are settling in for the winter months, and if you're not careful, rodents can also settle into your home. Your house - especially your kitchen - offers everything rats and mice are looking for: food, water and warmth. |
| Confused about generic drugs? You're not alone | 2011-12-05 |
| With the recent announcement that Lipitor, the blockbuster cholesterol reducing pill, lost its patent, millions of people will gain access to the generic version of the medication - at a significantly reduced cost. Its recent availability as a generic drug, however, is the cause for confusion among patients, according to a new study by Treato, a social media search company that analyzes health-related discussions across the Internet. |
| Fighting arthritis? Exercise tips for all ability levels | 2011-12-02 |
| Regular exercise offers two important benefits for those with osteoarthritis. No matter your ability level, you can engage in meaningful, beneficial activity to help fight arthritis pain and symptoms. |
| Flu season alert: Protect yourself, and others, from germs | 2011-12-01 |
| Germs: If we could see them, it would be much easier to avoid catching the flu or a cold. However, since germs are invisible to the naked eye, we look for different forms of protection, especially during flu season when risk of a specific illness runs high. |
| Five must-make health-related New Year's resolutions | 2011-11-29 |
| Losing weight is one of the most commonly made New Year's resolutions, but it's definitely not the only health resolution you should consider making for 2012. Addressing other health issues, like your hearing health and psychological well-being, can make equally compelling New Year's resolutions. Consider adding these ideas to your list. |
| New year, new you: Great tips for healthy skin, hair and nails in 2012 | 2011-11-29 |
| The new year is a great time to make some resolutions to keep your skin, hair and nails healthy. Here are tips to keep you healthy looking from head to toe. |
| Tips for safely clearing your driveway of snow | 2011-11-22 |
| Winter will again deliver a wallop of heavy snow. Shoveling sends more than 11,000 adults and children to the hospital each year. Here are tips on how to clear your driveway safely. |
| Three simple steps to maximize any fitness routine | 2011-11-22 |
| Your health is always a priority, and making sure you exercise regularly is your goal. Because life is busy, you want to get the most out of any time you dedicate to getting in shape. So how can you maximize your efforts? |
| Take control of your arthritis pain | 2011-11-21 |
| Arthritis affects the lives of nearly one in five American adults and limits the lives of countless citizens each year. In fact, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, and yet only 11 percent of those with arthritis participate in widely available, low-cost self-management workshops that help people manage symptoms, increase activity, and maintain independence. |
| Choosing the right Medicare plan: Look beyond premiums | 2011-11-21 |
| Each year, millions of seniors are able to enroll into a new Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP), and the vast number of available options can make this a daunting task. Choosing a Medicare prescription plan can seem confusing, so the more you know, the easier it will be to find one that makes the most sense for you. |
| Overactive bladder? What you should know if you always 'gotta go' | 2011-11-21 |
| Do you constantly feel like you "gotta go"? When you leave the house, do you always look where the nearest bathroom is, just in case? Bladder control problems are more common than you might think. Having an Overactive Bladder can affect your quality of life, and 16 percent of the adult population, or about 33 million people, have this condition, according to the Journal of Urology. If you have bladder control issues, don't let embarrassment stand in the way of finding a solution.
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| Winter weather especially harsh for those with diabetes | 2011-11-21 |
| More than 26 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. If you or a loved one have the disease, it's important to remain vigilant against complications year-round, and especially during the winter when feet are exposed to cold and remain covered up for extended periods. |
| American Hardwoods offer a breath of fresh air | 2011-11-18 |
| Flooring, cabinetry, and millwork made from American hardwoods are as much a part of the American Dream as a white picket fence. The beauty, architectural detail and overall inviting warmth they offer are often what make a house a home. Hardwoods also help improve the air quality in the places you spend your time. |
| Tips for fun, safe winter frolics with Fido | 2011-11-17 |
| Even the best behaved-dog can temporarily forget his manners when faced with the many distractions of going on a walk. When the ground is covered with snow and ice, Fido's momentary lapse can mean a nasty fall for you. Properly equipping yourself - and taking some safety precautions - can help ensure you stay on your feet, and that your walk remains enjoyable for both you and your best friend. |
| Tell diabetes 'not me' this winter and holiday season | 2011-11-17 |
| Each winter, the cold weather and holiday festivities can bring special challenges to the nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes - and the 79 million with prediabetes who are at grave risk of developing it. With the season fast approaching, experts caution people with diabetes and prediabetes to take extra care to avoid cold-related illnesses, stay physically active and maintain a proper diet during holiday gatherings and the long winter months. |
| New faith-based awareness program promotes bone health among African Americans, Community disproportionately affected by multiple myeloma | 2011-11-16 |
| Each year, as the winter months approach, people begin to think of ways to protect themselves against slips and falls due to inclement weather conditions. For the elderly, and more specifically, African Americans with multiple myeloma, this should be a year-round concern in an effort to maintain their bone health. |
| Waking up to the serious problem of sleep apnea | 2011-11-15 |
| Many people struggling to get a restful night's sleep are unaware that a serious health problem may be keeping them up. Sleep apnea, which affects 18 million Americans, is a disorder which causes breathing to repeatedly pause during sleep. Sleep apnea lowers a person's blood oxygen level and results in a fragmented sleep pattern - making for a potentially dangerous health situation. |
| What 26 million Americans should know about diabetes and oral health | 2011-11-14 |
| People living with diabetes need to take care of and monitor their health very closely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop serious gum disease as people without diabetes. |
| Earlier diagnosis, better prognosis: increasing awareness for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cancers | 2011-11-09 |
| Though less common than other cancers, neuroendocrine tumors, or NET, are a type of cancer that is increasing. |
| The beautiful truth of aging - 4 steps for a healthy and active mind | 2011-11-07 |
| With age comes the inevitable anxiety of mental decline. A common misconception is brain health is predetermined and can't be changed - it's the "you're stuck with what you got" notion. But experts suggest brain health can be positively influenced throughout different stages in life. |
| The link between chronic disease and hearing loss: Are you at risk? | 2011-11-02 |
| Hearing loss isn't a harmless condition to be ignored. In fact, hearing loss often coexists with other serious health problems. And a growing body of research indicates that there may be a link. Studies show that people with heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression may all have an increased risk of hearing loss. |
| Put your mental health first during the holidays | 2011-11-02 |
| The holiday season is a chance to reconnect with friends, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of gift shopping. For the millions of Americans living with bipolar disorder, the holidays can also be a time to focus on themselves and how to best manage the condition going into the new year. |
| Clinical trials could offer new opportunities to fight ovarian cancer | 2011-11-02 |
| The medical field makes great advances every day, but many persistent problems have yet to be solved. Cancer is among the most challenging issues that medical researchers face, but the resolve to save lives and find a solution is stronger than ever. |
| Five hot fitness tips for cold weather | 2011-10-31 |
| Finding time for exercise during the hectic holiday months can be challenging. For many people, a fitness regime gets tossed out with the wrapping paper. This makes getting back into a consistent exercise routine for the New Year an essential but difficult battle. And during dark winter months, fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures can decrease motivation for even the most dedicated fitness buffs. |
| Managing diabetes: the oral-vision connection | 2011-10-31 |
| Many are aware of serious diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, nerve damage and limb amputation. However, people may not be aware of how diabetes can affect oral and visual health. |
| The ins and outs of worry-free home security | 2011-10-27 |
| As seasons change, homeowners' routines change along with them. Whether it's children coming in and out of the house more frequently between school and activities or service workers helping to get home repairs done before the holidays, you want to ensure safe and controlled access when you're not available. |
| Holiday travel tips: Keep bed bugs out of the fun | 2011-10-27 |
| The holidays are a time for celebration, gift-giving and visiting with family and friends. Travel wisely this winter to ensure that you do not bring any unwanted visitors, such as bed bugs, back home with you. |
| Tips to keep the holidays happy and healthy for asthma and allergy sufferers | 2011-10-26 |
| The holidays can be particularly difficult for millions of allergy sufferers who visit family and friends and welcome guests into their homes. Here are some tips for minimizing allergy and asthma triggers in your home this holiday season. |
| Don't miss a beat | 2011-10-25 |
| Atrial Fibrillation is a common condition in the heart that causes the atria - the upper two chambers of the heart - to beat very fast and irregularly. When this happens, blood isn't pumped through the heart as well as it should be, which makes people with AFib vulnerable to the formation of a blood clot in the atria. |
| U.S. pets getting sicker; decline in vet visits blamed | 2011-10-25 |
| It shouldn't be a surprise that, while veterinary care appointments have been declining, incidents of pet diseases have increased. In particular, totally preventable diseases are on the increase. |
| Distinguishing the difference between fact and fiction this flu season | 2011-10-25 |
| The seasonal flu, which is also known as influenza, is not the same as a head cold, and should not be taken lightly. In fact, the Center for Disease Control estimates that the flu affects anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year, and that approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized each year due to flu-related complications. How can you separate fact from fiction about the flu, and protect yourself and your family? This advice can help. |
