Health news

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

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.

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

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.

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...

Get better sleep with these 5 tips from experts

Spending too many nights trying to fall asleep — or worrying there aren’t enough ZZZs in your day? You’re not alone. Nearly one-third of American adults say they don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours a night. Some of the major causes: Stress, anxiety and a culture that experts say is about productivity, not rest. “You need to understand what your body needs and try your hardest to prioritize that and not just see sleep as kind of what’s...

Why retinol serums are great for mature skin — plus derm-approved products to shop

Experts explain how the best retinol serums can benefit your anti-aging skin care routine and how to use them. See top picks from CeraVe, RoC, Kiehl's and more.

Which type of peanut butter is healthiest? Dietitians share the No. 1 trait to look for

Peanut butter comes in many varieties — creamy, chunky, natural, low-fat. Which type of peanut butter is healthiest? Dietitians share their top picks and types to avoid.

11 Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster, According to Experts

Plus ways to speed up hair growth naturally.

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.

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 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.

Scientists Make Breakthrough in Chronic Pain Treatment

The new technology may also help restore movement in paralyzed limbs.

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.

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.

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.

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 »

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.

37 Healthy Snacks To Help You Cut Cravings and Lose Weight

These mini-meals will help you power through the day.

Melatonin Overdose Warning

How the rise of weightlifting is changing women's lives

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

Pfizer Receives FDA Approval for Bleeding Disorder Treatment

The treatment, Beqvez, will be available by prescription to eligible patients this quarter.

15 Great Activities for Better Mental Health

Keeping your brain sharp is vital at every stage of life, but it is particularly critical as you age. You can try many activities and tips to strengthen your mind and keep it nourished. Here are a few ideas to help you on your brain-boosting journey.

Hemlock Poisoning: What to Know

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a highly toxic plant that leads to potentially fatal hemlock poisoning when touched or ingested. Native to Europe and North Africa, this biennial plant in the carrot family is now found throughout the United States and every continent except Antarctica. Hemlock poisoning is life-threatening. Most famously, the a...

What’s the healthiest granola? Dietitians reveal 3 things to look for

Granola is the ultimate grab-and-go snack for fiber and protein. But if you don't choose the healthiest granola, it may be hiding added sugar and calories.

Bird flu cases are likely being missed in dairy workers, experts say

Are cases of bird flu being missed in dairy workers? Experts say it's likely that there are some cases going unreported. Protecting dairy workers should be a top 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

A Caregivers Guide To Dealing With Burnout

Being a caregiver is not an easy job.

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.

Why Did My Period Come Early? 8 Potential Causes, According To Doctors

Plus, when to see a physician.

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.

Rare mutation that causes short stature may shed light on ageing

A rare genetic variant that causes short stature in Laron syndrome may also extend people's lives by protecting them from heart disease

What is biotin? Symptoms of a deficiency and what it does for the body

This story describes the various functions of biotin, the shortcomings of supplementation, and what foods are high are biotin.

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.

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.

Joy Bauer shares healthful hacks for stepping up your salad and sandwich game

Joy Bauer takes your salads and sandwiches to the next level of nutrition with these recipes: chopped salad sandwich, vinaigrette and matzo tuna melt.

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...

Is coffee good for you? How it impacts heart health, brain health, weight loss and mood

Is black coffee good for you? Dietitian explains health impact of drinking coffee on heart, brain and weight loss, caffeine side effects and how much is safe.

20 self-care practices to add to your routine

Looking to work more self-care into your routine? Flip through the slideshow for 20 easy, low-lift ideas for making your life a little more calm, cool, and collected.

COVID-19 booster immunity lasts much longer than primary series alone, study shows

Thinking about getting a spring-time booster shot? A new study coming out of York University's Centre for Disease Modelling in the Faculty of Science shows that immunity after a COVID-19 booster lasts much longer than the primary series alone. These findings are among other—sometimes "unintuitive"—revelations of how factors like age, sex and comorbidities do and don't affect immune response.

Mental imagining of self-harm can increase urge, heighten risk of people harming themselves

Vivid mental images of self-harm can put young people at an increased short-term risk of actually harming themselves, according to new research.

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

Today marks a huge moment.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...