Health

Obese workers in Europe far more likely to take time off sick, study finds

Obese workers in Europe far more likely to take time off sick, study finds - Researchers warn of ‘massive’ economic consequences of obesity

Rise of drug-resistant superbugs could make Covid pandemic look ‘minor’, expert warns

The Covid-19 pandemic will “look minor” compared with what humanity faces from the growing number of superbugs resistant to current drugs, Prof Dame Sally Davies, England’s former chief medical officer, has warned. Davies, who is now the UK’s special envoy on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), lost her goddaughter two years ago to an infection that could not be treated. She paints a bleak picture of what could happen if the world fails to tackle...

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.

ADHD Can Carry into Adulthood, and Could Lead to Depression and Anxiety

Learn why attention deficit hyperactivity disorder starts in childhood, but some people don't outgrow it.

Dietitians Share Their Top Tips for Losing Water Weight Safely and Quickly

Follow these easy tips to lose those extra pounds holding you down.

Uremia: Kidney Toxicity and Treatment

The Result of Progressive Kidney Failure

The best snacks for the Mediterranean diet: 9 heathy, tasty ideas

Mediterranean diet snacks meet the oft-recommended eating plans' standards and taste food. RDs shared their top recommendations. The post The best snacks for the Mediterranean diet: 9 heathy, tasty ideas appeared first on The Manual.

Sinus Arrhythmia: What’s Normal vs. Irregular

Medically reviewed by Christopher Lee, MD Sinus arrhythmia is a variation in the heart's sinus rhythm, usually caused by changes in a person's breathing cycle. It's a common finding, especially in children and young adults, and its presence often declines with age. Less commonly, sinus arrhythmia may indicate an underlying medical problem, like hea...

NHS offers life-saving drug for stiff heart condition

The once a day pill Tafamidis is now available on the NHS in England.

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 Best Yogurts for Your Health, Ranked

Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LND Yogurt is full of probiotics and rich in calcium—a mineral many Americans don’t consume enough of. Depending on which type of yogurt you pick, yogurt is also a good source of protein. This makes yogurt great for gut, bone, immune, and muscular health. Most yogurt is full of nutritional benefits, and it's a ...

Women Are Not Getting Enough Exercise — and It's Harming Their Mental Health

When regularly exercising, women reported feeling more happy, energetic, and confident, according to the global Move Her Mind report

12 Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF, Tested By Dermatologists And Editors

A tried-and-tested list from editors and derms themselves.

10 Healthiest States in the U.S.

Characteristics like lower mortality and lower obesity drive better population health in this group of states.

I've been a psychologist for over 20 years: Here's how I manage stress

Allison Chase is a practicing psychologist with over 20 years of experience in her profession, but she experiences stress, too. Here's how she manages it.

The key to solving ‘sick note culture’? Make young people professional again

When I received my first job offer, a lady from “personnel” sat me down and explained the terms of my new employment contract. I was under no illusions about my side of the bargain. In return for a salary, I was required to undertake certain tasks and comply with protocols, including working prescribed hours in a specific office. It all seemed reas...

20 Foods Most People Think Are Healthy, But They Aren’t

8 of the most important health stories this week, in case you missed them

With a new week beckoning, check out some of the top recent stories in Health that you may have missed, or have been meaning to check out — here are 8 key developments.

Wish you were more flexible? Experts share 7 simple tips that'll help.

When we think of the word “flexible,” we may think about a yogi twisting themselves into a pretzel knot, or that one friend who can drop into a split at a moment’s notice thanks to their past gymnastics experience. Yet flexibility isn’t something reserved for a special group of people, or something you can only achieve when you’re young — it’s some...

Constipation and Back Pain—How the Two Are Connected

Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD Constipation is an extremely common condition that can affect anyone. About 16% of all adults in the United States live with constipation, and it becomes more common as people age. It is typically temporary, but it can cause discomfort such as back pain. In general, constipation means that food is moving too ...

Alcohol And Health - How Much Is Too Much?

To drink or not to drink, that is ... actually not the question most healthy adults should be asking. There is, after all, general agreement that binge drinking and heavy drinking are bad for your health and life more generally. And few alcohol experts argue that abstaining from alcohol is bad for you. But there are very mixed messages, based on imperfect studies, about the health risks — or benefits — of moderate drinking. Public health guidance is veering toward temperance, but with some important caveats. So is it better to tipple or teetotal? Here's what you should know.

Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MD Many factors can contribute to hair loss, including genetics, childbirth, and certain diseases. Hair loss can result from a lack of nutrient-rich foods, restrictive eating, sudden weight loss, low-calorie intakes, and obesity—all of which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Excessive intake of certain vitami...

A healthy workforce needs more connection, not more apps

As workplace health and wellness programs multiply, overwhelmed employees need help connecting the dots. The cost of healthcare is reaching a breaking point. The average employer’s healthcare spending is expected to rise by 8.5% this year, well above inflation—and that doesn’t even include the costs associated with health-related absenteeism and lost productivity, estimated on their own to be north of $575 billion annually.

Understanding Cannabinoids and Their Medical Uses

Medically reviewed by Erika Prouty, PharmD Cannabis is a term used to describe all products derived from a specific type of cannabis plant that consists of more than 500 chemicals. The two main types of cannabis are indica and sativa. Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals or compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. This includes tetrahydrocann...

Scientists Reveal How Autism Develops in Kids

The researchers hope that these findings will help in the development of more effective drugs to manage the symptoms of autism.

Americans need more exercise—and should be able to tap FSA and HSA funds to pay for gyms, studios, and sports leagues

The PHIT Act aims to expand families' access to physical activity programs and equipment—for youth and adults alike.

Health risks of using cannabis are higher in adolescents than in adults, study finds

Using cannabis on a regular basis may be significantly more dangerous for adolescents than adults, with adolescents showing higher levels of cannabis use disorder and reporting greater negative impacts on daily functioning than adults, in a new study led by the University of Bath in the UK.

19 Habits That Aren’t Good for Your Health in the Long Run

Good health is a long-term pursuit and you have to work at it every day of your life. Certain things might seem harmless at the moment, but their impact accumulates in the long run. This article looks at 19 habits that can negatively affect your health with time.

Eating one type of fruit regularly could reduce diabetes risk in women, study suggests: 'Incredibly healthy'

A new study found a correlation between avocado consumption and reduced diabetes risk in Mexican adults. Several dietitians weigh in on the fruit's nutritional benefits.

Internet access linked to higher wellbeing, study finds

The Oxford study comes as concern about the impact of internet use prompts laws in many countries.

Orangutan believed to be first animal seen using medicinal plant as treatment

An orangutan in Indonesia was observed using leaves of a medicinal plant to treat a wound on his face. The discovery adds to growing research that animals may self-medicate.

15 Best Niacinamide Serums & Creams for Glowing Skin

Get in, we're on our way to faded dark spots and more even tone.

Health officials warn Californians of risks of fake Botox. Here's what to look for

Fake versions of Botox have popped up in California, raising alarm among officials who warn that counterfeit product can lead to slurred speech and breathing issues.

20 Lifestyle Changes Everyone Should Make After Turning 60

Turning 60 is a big milestone in anyone’s life and it’s a time when we should look into making our lives as healthy as possible. For some, this may mean fewer changes are needed compared to others. Here are 20 lifestyle changes everyone should make after turning 60.

'At 9 Months Postpartum, I Committed To The Workout Program Bodi To Overhaul My Health'

"I'm now 42 and have stuck with it for over 10 years."

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.

Dementia cases are on the rise — avoid these 12 risks to keep your brain healthy

As the global population of older adults grows, cases of dementia are also on the rise. Here's how you can start protecting your brain.

So, you've lost weight using Wegovy. Does that mean you can stop taking it?

Millions of Americans who have used new obesity drugs like Wegovy to lose weight and improve health are wondering what happens if they stop taking them. Experts say the medications were designed and tested to be taken indefinitely to treat the disease of obesity. (AP Video: Mary Conlon)

The county where people live the longest in Kentucky, based on data

Stacker compiled a list of counties with above average life expectancy in Kentucky using data from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

New study identifies factor capable of reducing people's need for mental health services: 'The threshold for good mental health'

The research team collected anonymous data on psychiatric care visits grouped by ZIP codes. New study identifies factor capable of reducing people's need for mental health services: 'The threshold for good mental health' first appeared on The Cool Down.

Calcium-Rich Foods That Are Just as Good as a Glass of Milk

Eating a wide variety of foods can help you get enough of this essential mineral.

Why am I lonely? Lack of social connections hurts Americans' mental health.

Loneliness has soared in America, and with rising political polarization and social-media-driven isolation, it appears the crisis will get worse.

18 Foods That Help You Fall and Stay Asleep

Adequate sleep is good for your physical and mental health. Falling asleep can be hard for some people and others may find difficulty staying asleep for long. A good diet can help you get enough rest. This article looks at 18 foods that you may incorporate into your diet for better sleep.

A little-understood sleep disorder affects millions and has clear links to dementia – 4 questions answered

A little-known and poorly understood sleep disorder that occurs during the rapid eye movement, or REM, stage of sleep has been garnering attention for its role in foreshadowing neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The disorder, known as REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD in the medical field, affects around 1% of the general population worldwide and about 2% of adults over 65. The...

5 Jicama Benefits That’ll Have You Adding This Veggie to Your Grocery List ASAP

Jicama is crunchy, slightly sweet, and full of beneficial nutrients.

Binge-eating ruined my life — then I received a life-changing diagnosis

'Food becomes a source of dopamine.'

15 Things Seniors Can Do to Stay Sharp in Their Wiser Years

Though we should consider ourselves fortunate to live longer, aging takes a toll on the body and psyche. However, growing old doesn’t have to mean giving up on feeling vibrant and healthy. There are proven methods to extend life and quality of living, too. The secret is incorporating habits that support physical and mental health. This will allow you to enjoy a longer, more fulfilling life. Let’s explore how you can embrace aging gracefully while continuing to thrive.

Ask a doc: 'Is it dangerous to crack my neck or back?'

Cracking your back or neck might provide quick relief and a satisfying popping noise — but is it a safe practice? Medical professionals share the risks of the habit.

Warning over 'flu-like symptoms' after chilled food issued with urgent recall

The bacteria can cause food poisoning, and although illness is usually mild, it can cause serious complications such as meningitis.

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.