Health in a Heartbeat

Everyone occasionally experiences joint pain, but if one or both of your kneecaps hurts frequently, you may have patellofemoral pain syndrome, otherwise known as runner’s knee. Don’t be fooled by the nickname: you don’t have to be a runner to develop this syndrome. It can be caused by other forms of exercise, by a blow […]

Early diagnosis of autism can improve treatment results, and researchers may have found a way to detect the condition earlier. In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis accurately predicted the diagnosis of […]

After a rough night of trying to sleep, you might feel a little groggy and grouchy. No big deal, right? Not necessarily — at least according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania. A regular lack of sleep is linked to numerous health issues, including high blood pressure, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, […]

We live in turbulent times, with each day’s news bringing more reasons to feel worried and angry about things largely out of our control. Much of that stress is brought on by feelings of betrayal by major institutions, including the government and large corporations, according to new research that found 95 percent of those surveyed […]

Do you frequently crave the sweet taste and carbonation of soda? Sugary drinks like soda can be enticing at times, but stop and think before you pop the top on your next can. Research shows consuming too much soda can lead to higher rates of tooth decay, obesity and cardiovascular disease. And don’t look to […]

In the U.S., about 610,000 people die from cardiovascular disease annually. High blood pressure, smoking and obesity are some of the most common risk factors. Scientists have also learned that iron deficiency can increase the risk of heart disease. But new research has shown that iron might also protect against heart problems, inspiring new treatment […]

Looking for a way to slow down the aging process and get fit? Look no further than H-I-I-T, or “hit.” High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, can help your body’s cells make more proteins that create energy while also pumping the brakes on getting older. While all exercise helps, interval training — bursts of intense aerobic […]

Studies have shown a man’s height or weight can affect his risk of getting prostate cancer. New research takes it a step further, suggesting those factors can influence the chances of being diagnosed with an aggressive form of the cancer. A study conducted at Oxford University in England suggests the larger the man, the greater […]

Scientists have found a way to turn the body’s immune system against one of the most common forms of pediatric cancer. A panel of experts has recommended the Food and Drug Administration approve the use of a genetic therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a blood cancer that affects kids and young adults. The therapy involves […]

Can a dusty home make us fat? Maybe so. A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology showed that exposing mice to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in dust around our homes may has a negative effect on their metabolic health, which could result in an increase in body fat. To conduct the study, researchers […]

Dogs are man’s best friend, but they can also be a good health partner for some people. Older dog owners who walked their dog at least once a day got 20 percent more exercise than those without dogs, according to recent findings by researchers in England. Those same dog owners also spent 30 fewer minutes […]

If you cut your calorie intake and exercise regularly, you’re going to lose weight. That’s a no-brainer. But how effective are popular diets that say you can trim your waistline just by altering what you eat, such as taking in fewer carbohydrates, sticking with high-protein meals or eating like a caveman? University of Florida researchers […]

If you wear contact lenses, you’re in good company. Roughly one in seven teens and one in six adults in the U.S. wear contacts — nearly 45 million people. And you’re likely doing it wrong. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found six of seven lens wearers reported at least one […]

Coconut oil has developed a reputation as a superfood in recent years. Health blogs and diet gurus gush over its beneficial qualities, and those who follow the Paleo lifestyle praise its plant-based origins. People have been encouraged to use it in smoothies, as a coffee creamer and as a base for stir-fry meals. Proponents of […]

While a lot of attention is being focused on the passage and implementation of new laws legalizing marijuana for medical use, not much has been shared yet about the effectiveness of the drug for treating certain conditions. Now a new study finds medical marijuana users are reporting better health outcomes than non-users, and those with […]