Health in a Heartbeat

You wouldn’t expect kids to have high blood pressure — that’s usually a problem that comes with being an adult. But high blood pressure in children is becoming increasingly common, so much so that the American Academy of Pediatrics recently revised their hypertension screening and treatment guidelines for physicians. The group set new standards for […]

It’s probably no surprise that spending time at the beach is thought to be good for your mind, body and soul. Now there is scientific evidence to support the notion. A study published in the journal Health & Place found those who live close to the coast enjoy better physical and mental health than those […]

Most people know they should eat vegetables to stay healthy, but many fail to do so. A new report suggests people might be enticed into eating more veggies if there is a little zest — in the name, not the dish. Previous studies suggest people think food labeled as “healthy” doesn’t taste as good as […]

It is well-known that too much sitting, especially for long periods of time, can be bad for your health. Excess sitting has been linked to heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity. New research suggests that combining short periods of exercise with one longer session might reduce triglycerides — fatty acids that can harden and block […]

Whether you’re going on vacation, or traveling for business, there is always a risk of developing pesky back or leg pain during long hours sitting in a car or a plane. Staying seated for too long can cause pressure to build in the blood vessels in your lower legs, which can lead to soreness. The […]

Tanning beds could be added to the list of activities with age restrictions… like the use of alcohol, tobacco and firearms… if the Food and Drug Administration acts on the concerns of a growing number of parents and experts who cite their link to cancer. Indoor tanning is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. In 2013, […]

If you’ve ever undergone a major surgery, you may know the anxiety and stress that follows. In fact, experts say it’s quite common for patients to experience bouts of depression after a major operation. Heart surgery, brain surgery, gastric bypass and hysterectomy are just a few of the procedures that have high postoperative depression rates. […]

Once in a great while, a set of smelly socks proves to be a powerful scientific tool in fighting disease. Of course, it also helps to have a wind tunnel and 200 sets of identical and nonidentical twins handy. In the scientists’ bull’s-eye: The pesky, disease-carrying mosquito. Scientific American reports British researchers have launched a […]

Out of sight, out of mind. The adage might hold true when it comes to your smartphone. A recent study suggests that when your phone is within reach or sight, it is hard to concentrate on the task at hand. A team from the University of Texas at Austin gauged cognitive skills among a group […]

People have long credited endorphins, released during exercise, for the pleasant feeling of the so-called runner’s high. But scientists know that endorphin molecules can’t cross the blood-brain barrier. It turns out something a little more closely associated with a couch and a bunch of snacks may be responsible for exercise-induced euphoria: endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system […]

Can drastically cutting back on calories really help you turn back the clock? Research suggests the benefits of fasting may be more than a smaller waistline; they could include a longer lifespan. Fasting is tough for many people because, well, dieting is difficult. Realizing this, scientists have been looking for more realistic approaches to lifelong […]

Perhaps you’ve heard that an aspirin a day can help keep the doctor away. If so, you may wish to reconsider. A new study published in the British Medical Journal reports that using some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin-rivals ibuprofen and naproxen, can increase the risk of heart attack, sometimes in as little as a […]

For older adults who are severely overweight, just the thought of exercise can seem like a bridge too far. But a study has found even a modest amount of exercise can improve their ability to perform common daily tasks and remain independent. The study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers shows moderate-intensity exercise can […]

Many people who are stressed at work find it impossible to leave their frustrations at their front door. This can lead to tension at home, which means more stress, and the vicious cycle rolls on, getting worse each miserable day. Researchers say there is a solution so easy you probably learned it in kindergarten. Taking […]

Studies and anecdotal evidence have long shown that having a bystander willing and able to help in a medical emergency can save lives in the crucial moments before trained medical personnel can arrive. New data on long-term outcomes for people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting show there are a number of […]