Medical

The Surprising Health Benefits of Cherries—and the Best Ones to Eat

Stock up on these fruits this summer.

How the rise of weightlifting is changing women's lives

From improved mental health to enhanced confidence, women are reaping the benefits of weightlifting.

Melatonin Overdose Warning

How Taking a GLP-1 and Tracking Led to a 130-Pound Weight Loss That Transformed This Woman’s Health

Lose It! member Laurie discusses how she transformed her body and shifted her mindset after losing 130 pounds using two essential tools: tracking her food and utilizing a prescription weight-loss medication to control her diabetes.

How Often Should You Cut Your Hair, According To Experts

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say! Jack’s Hair Design haircut

6 questions older adults should ask their doctor about memory

The Alzheimer's Association says a lot of things can interfere with normal memory function, but it's important to learn what's going on.

A Surge of Wartime Brain Injuries Is Changing Lives—and Offering Lessons

Mental-health problems often follow brain injuries. U.S. doctors are helping their Ukrainian counterparts, and learning from them.

How many calories and carbs are in a banana? The 'a-peeling' dietary info you need.

An apple a day is said to keep the doctor away, but what about a banana? Here are some nutritional facts about the "a-peeling" fruit.

20 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds with the Fewest Medical Problems

Choose wisely. A healthy dog breed can prevent heartache and save you a lot of money over the years. The post 20 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds with the Fewest Medical Problems appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Does the Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Psoriasis Help Manage Symptoms?

Medically reviewed by Karina Tolentino, RD Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when an overactive immune system inflames the body and speeds up the growth of skin cells. The cells pile up on the skin’s surface, forming plaques or scales that can itch, burn, or sting. Because inflammation is an underlying cause of psoriasis, an ant...

Less burnout for doctors, better clinical trials, among the benefits of AI in health care

Artificial intelligence has traditionally been used to make healthcare safer and better. Now generative AI is making efficency a priority.

25 Foods That Offer Even More Iron Than Beef

No red meat? No problem! You may pump iron in the gym, but the kind you get through food is even more important for your health. The mineral transports oxygen throughout your body, helps form red blood cells, and supports your metabolism. “Too little iron in your diet and you may be feeling cold, tired, and sluggish,” says Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Ideally, women should aim for 18 milligrams (mg) per day, while men only need 8 mg, says Prest. The best way to get enough is through diet—and yes, it’s true that red meat is an excellent source. Just one 3-ounce serving of lean ground beef packs 2.2 mg of it, per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). But what if you want to steer clear of steak? While research shows that red meat provides important nutrients (including iron, muscle-building amino acids, vitamin B12, and zinc), it might also increase your risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease and even certain types of cancer. Meanwhile, studies show that plant-based diets may do the opposite and lower your risk of health problems down the road. Luckily, you can find iron beyond a Quarter Pounder with cheese—but you’ll need to eat more of the mineral if you’re completely vegan or vegetarian. That’s because there are two types of iron: heme and nonheme. Meat, seafood, and poultry contain both forms, while plant-based or fortified foods contain only nonheme. This can be an issue if you’re strictly plant-based, since your body has an easier time absorbing the iron in animal products, according to the National Institutes of Health. (Quick tip: Pairing plant-based sources of iron with vitamin C-rich foods can boost absorption.) The fix: “Vegetarians and vegans should consume around 1.8 times the recommended daily value,” says Sharon Palmer, R.D.N., author of The Plant-Powered Diet. For women ages 19 to 50, that works out to about 32 mg of iron per day. The 25 delicious foods on this list, which pack more iron than a serving of beef, can help you hit your daily mark.

The Healthiest Way To Prepare Chicken

Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LND Chicken is a rich source of protein and essential nutrients like magnesium, selenium, and iron that many diets lack. Evidence suggests that including lean, unprocessed chicken such as chicken breast may support weight management and reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease. However, ho...

25 Things To Keep In Mind When Quitting Smoking

Embarking on the journey to quit smoking can be a daunting task, but it's undoubtedly worth it for your health and well-being. Smoking is a habit packed with harmful chemicals that pose serious risks to your health, including various cancers and cardiovascular issues. However, with determination and the right mindset, you can overcome this addiction and improve your quality of life. Whether you're just starting your quit journey or already well on your way, these 25 Things To Keep In Mind When Quitting Smoking will provide you with valuable insights and tips to support your efforts and stay on track towards a smoke-free life.

Pumping Iron Is Key for Healthy Aging. Here's How to Start

As we age, we start to lose muscle and bone density. Weight lifting can help offset that.

15 Subtle Signs of Health Issues People Living Alone Often Ignore

Living on your own comes with its perks: freedom, autonomy, and the pleasure of having the remote control all to yourself. But amid the hustle of solo life, it’s easy to ignore the whispers of your body signaling for attention. Here’s a rundown of 15 subtle signs of health issues that those living alone often … 15 Subtle Signs of Health Issues People Living Alone Often Ignore Read More »

How often should you walk your dog? Best practices for keeping your pup healthy.

All dogs need to go for walks. How often you should take your dog on a walk depends on several factors, including breed and age.

What Are the Healthiest Types of Mushrooms?

Medically reviewed by Kierra Brown, RD Mushrooms, which are botanically classified as fungi, are rich in health-promoting compounds such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fiber, and antioxidants. Studies show that regularly eating mushrooms can improve the quality of your diet, protect against heart disease, support immune health, and even extend...

Weight Loss And Diabetes Drugs Like Ozempic And Mounjaro Could Treat Sleep Apnea And Parkinson’s Too—Here Are Other Conditions Scientists Are Looking At

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Wegovy are being explored for treating an array of conditions including sleep apnea, kidney disease, addiction, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Dementia risk can be heightened by addiction to sweet substance, study finds

Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of conditions related to cognitive decline

3 Types of Fish Skin You Can Eat—Plus Types to Avoid, According to Dietitians

Stop tossing the skin, it can be packed with nutrients!

40 years after discovery of HIV, another huge breakthrough is within our grasp

Today marks a huge moment.

A hematoma is more than just a big bruise. Here's when they can be concerning.

Bruises and hematomas are similar in that both can occur as a result of a blow, bump, fall or other injury. But there are some distinctions.

Why and How to Do a Scalp Detox

Medically reviewed by Marisa Garshick, MD If your scalp is frequently dry and itchy, you might wonder if a scalp detox might help. Scalp detoxing treatments come in different forms, but most aim to nourish your scalp and remove buildup, including from hair care products, debris, and dead skin cells. A scalp detox is not a medical treatment, and the...

11 Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster, According to Experts

Plus ways to speed up hair growth naturally.

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Chia Seeds Regularly

Chia seeds are good for you, but is it OK to eat them every day?

How to keep your kidneys healthy, and how to spot when things are going wrong

Healthy kidneys are vital to your well-being. As well as getting rid of waste from your body in your pee, they also have a role in controlling blood pressure, keeping your blood count high and keeping your bones healthy. To keep your kidneys healthy there are several things you can do to help yourself.

Here's How and When to Weigh Yourself for the Most Accurate Measurements

If you're tracking your weight, you want to make sure that your measurements are consistent.

Newly discovered genetic variant that causes Parkinson’s disease clarifies why the condition develops and how to halt it

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder that progresses relentlessly. It gradually impairs a person’s ability to function until they ultimately become immobile and often develop dementia. In the U.S. alone, over a million people are afflicted with Parkinson’s, and new cases and overall numbers are steadily increasing. There is currently no treatment to slow or halt Parkinson’s disease. Available drugs don’t slow disease...

18 Health Myths That Doctors Say We Should Stop Believing

There are so many conflicting schools of thought on health and well-being that it can be hard to know what to believe. If you’re wondering how much you’ve been told about healthcare is false, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled 18 health myths that doctors wish you’d stop believing.

20 ways to take better care of your mental health

Flip through the slideshow for 20 easy ways to take better care of your mental health. From exploring a meditation practice to working on your sleep habits, these small steps could make a huge difference in how you feel.

US health giant Kaiser hit by data breach — millions of customers informed they could be at risk

Kaiser shared sensitive data with third parties by mistake and is now informing all affected users.

At this national park in Hawaiʻi, a natural paradise and a medical purgatory

Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the north side of Molokaʻi was the site of forced isolation for patients with leprosy.

Measles spreading in community as cases rise

People are warned to look out for early symptoms like a high temperature, cough and red eyes.

How much water is too much water? Doctor weighs in

From ibuprofen to melatonin and even water, there is a line between how much your body needs and how much is too much. NBC News medical contributor Dr. Natalie Azar joins TODAY with limits to know.

17 Things You Should Start Doing at 50 to Feel Better at 80

Whatever you have planned for your later years, you want to be in good enough shape to enjoy it—both mentally and physically. While you may be in your fifties, neither your brain nor your body are too old to learn and appreciate new tricks. In this article, we’ll delve into 17 things you should start doing now in order to feel better as you get older.

20 tips for decreasing your caffeine intake

Whether you want to quit entirely or cut back some, these 20 tips will make decreasing caffeine intake more manageable.

A Caregivers Guide To Dealing With Burnout

Being a caregiver is not an easy job.

More than 150 people in this state exposed to measles, health officials say

Health officials in West Virginia said Friday more than 150 people were exposed to measles after a case was identified earlier this week.

Since losing her mom to heart disease at 53, health and fitness are her priorities

Sarah Steinsiek grew up in small-town Arkansas watching her mother, Ruthie Hare, join all sorts of fitness groups. Naturally slim, Ruthie especially loved aerobics and calisthenics. She had another motivation, too. She knew it would help ward off the heart disease that had plagued nearly every member of her family. Yet there was one healthy step she couldn't take. Ruthie kept smoking ...

The Best Time to Exercise to Lose Weight, According to Certified Trainers

Fitness experts reveal how exercise timing can impact your metabolism and support healthy weight loss goals.

The top 5 books these mental health experts say will help you combat burnout at work and build healthy habits

What to read when you're feeling overwhelmed at work.

20 Things Everyone in Their 20s Should Know About Fitness

These are the things I wish I’d known when I was figuring out what a healthy routine looks and feels like.

Alcohol-Protective Genes Linked to Other Health Conditions, Scientists Discover

Genes that offer protection against excessive drinking – and the health issues related directly to it – are also linked to other health conditions such as heart disease and mental health, a new study shows. The international team of researchers behind the study ran a detailed analysis on more than 3.2 million DNA records, looking at specific changes in genetic code called single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs. Variants (or alleles) of these...

Why do mosquito bites itch? Some people get them more than others. Here's why.

Did you know mosquitos bite some people more than others? Here's what attract them to you and why mosquito bites are so painful and itchy.

20 ways to make your sleep better

Flip through the slideshow for 20 ways to make your sleep better, from switching up your PJs to investing in a white noise machine and more.

Man whose life was threatened by tick-borne illness has warning for neighbors: 'This is a risk that's present'

"I mean, it was scary." Man whose life was threatened by tick-borne illness has warning for neighbors: 'This is a risk that's present' first appeared on The Cool Down.

What is hiker's rash? And is it serious?

Hiker’s rash presents as a cluster of red bumps that typically appear on the lower legs after hiking

18 Homemade Remedies That Actually Work

It’s easy to dismiss homemade remedies as poor, ineffective substitutes for pharmaceutical products. But you may be surprised to learn that science says many of these DIY solutions are highly effective. This list reveals 18 homemade remedies that actually work.

What are the healthiest types of beans?

Need to add some more protein and fiber to your diet? Here are 5 nutritious bean options to try