Medical news

Orangutan observed treating wound using medicinal plant in world first

CNN’s Kim Brunhuber speaks with Dr. Isabelle Laumer, from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, about her work with orangutan research

Kombucha gets a lot of hype in health circles, but what are the tea's benefits?

More research is needed to definitively say whether or not kombucha is good for you – but some vulnerable groups should avoid it.

Debunking COVID-19 myths

Don't fall for these popular myths about preventing or treating COVID-19.

This woman has ALS. So did 22 of her relatives. What she wants you to know.

A new medication is offering some ALS patients more hope than ever. It's actually slowing the disease down in some people like Jessica Morris.

Financial stress is making us mentally and physically ill. Here’s how to cope

The latest research on the connection between money and the mind finds our finances even take a toll on our physical health. It’s a vicious cycle.

Patients with female doctors have a lower risk of death or serious complications, research shows

Multiple studies have shown that having a female doctor could lower one's risk of death or major health issues after a surgery or hospitalization.

Do You Need Medication If You Have High Blood Pressure but No Symptoms?

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Key Takeaways High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as a silent killer because of its lack of symptoms.Most people who have high blood pressure are unaware.Even if you don’t have symptoms, high blood pressure can damage organs and lead to heart attack or stroke. How do you approach a condition you may not know y...

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.

Weight loss drug semaglutide shows promise in preventing heart disease

Studies began to demonstrate its ability to aid in weight loss and improve the overall health of patients, including those without diabetes.

5 Best Ways to Lose Weight If You Have Hypothyroidism, According to Dietitians

It’s not in your head: hypothyroidism can make weight loss more difficult.

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.

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.

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

'Food becomes a source of dopamine.'

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...

Americans would rather live a shorter life in good health than a longer life with health issues, new poll finds

U.S. adults said they'd rather live a shorter life in good health than a longer life with health issues, according to a new poll.

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.

11 Practical Ways To Lose Stomach Fat And Strengthen Your Core, According To RDs

Crunches aren't the answer.

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.

What You Should Know About Erythritol, According to Experts

This sugar substitute offers some health benefits but also some side effects.

An imbalance of two healthy fats affects your early death risk, study finds

Having an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 has been linked with a higher risk of premature death, according to a new study.

Major Study Finds 15 Factors Linked to Early Dementia Risk

While dementia is much more common in older adults, hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with young-onset dementia (YOD) each year – and an extensive study sheds some considerable light on why. Most previous research in this area has looked at genetics passed down through generations, but here, the team was able to identify 15 different lifestyle and health factors that are associated with YOD risk. "This is the largest and most robust...

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

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.

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.

19 Lifestyle Habits that Make Europeans Healthier Than Americans

Europeans often enjoy better physical and mental health than Americans, and it’s not all down to genetics—lifestyle is a big part of it. In this article, we’ll explore 19 common European lifestyle habits that really make a difference to their overall health.

4 Places To Retire That Are Better Than Florida — and Way Cheaper

Florida has long been considered one of the most ideal places to retire. Read Next: Retirement 2024: These Are the 10 Worst Places To Retire in North Carolina Find Out: Owe Money to the IRS? Most...

How Ozempic could save millions of lives (and not because of weight loss)

Could semaglutide drugs be the new statins?

30 Activities to Avoid After 75: The Golden Years

We all have loved ones that have hit this magical milestone. Or maybe you've reached 75 yourself! 75 and older can be a wonderful chapter to life, but some things no longer make sense to do.

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.

Stretches for lower back pain can help ease discomfort. Here's 5 to try

One's lower back muscles can be a more difficult area to stretch effectively, especially for anyone struggling with lower back pain.

Living in a Racially Segregated Neighborhood Linked to a Shorter Lifespan

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer New research finds that Black people living in racially segregated neighborhoods are likely to have a shorter life expectancy than White people who live in non-segregated neighborhoods.The study found that these neighborhoods had a life expectancy of 75; the average for neighborhoods with low racial segregation was 79....

Study dispels myth that purebred dogs are more prone to health problems

It's a common belief that purebred dogs are more prone to disease than mixed-breed dogs, but a new study led by researchers at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) has busted this myth.

I left the US and moved to Northern Ireland and I'm the healthiest I've ever been. I lost weight, my grocery bills were cut in half, and the people seem happier here

Bridget Sweeney left the US for Northern Ireland and says her mental and physical health have never been better.

8 foods to eat before bed for a better night’s sleep

List of fruits with the most health benefits: These 8 are expert recommended

Any fruit is going to yield health benefits like fiber, vitamins and minerals. This list of eight fruits includes stand-out options for your diet.

The do’s and don’ts of the Mediterranean diet (plus food lists and recipes)

What does the Mediterranean diet consist of? Are there anti-inflammatory foods and recipes on the Mediterranean? What are Mediterranean diet guidelines? Is the Mediterranean diet an anti-inflammatory diet?

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.

14 Warning Signs Your Pet May Be Sick (and What to Do)

Some symptoms are more serious than others. Experts explain the difference.

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 ...

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Medically reviewed by Kayla Girgen, RD Cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum) are moderately hot chili peppers that belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade plant family. Cayenne peppers have a hot and spicy flavor and are commonly used in recipes like curries, soups, and meat dishes. These peppers are high in protective nutrients and plant compounds that...

Climbing stairs has lots of health benefits. Here are 3 ways to make the most of it.

It may not seem like it when you're living in a fourth-floor walk-up apartment, or have to take the stairs because the elevator at work is down, but all that stair climbing comes with a lot of benefits. For starters, it good for your heart health. “We know just changing the grade or slope — the equivalent of walking up stairs — provides a greater s...

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...

Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints—usually in your hands, wrists, knees, feet, and ankles. Symptoms of RA can vary depending on the stage of the condition. In the early stages, symptoms can come and go. As the condition progresses, sym...

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)

I Did a 25 Day Water Fast. I Lost 20lbs and My Skin Cleared Up

This fast was completely transformational for me.

Virginia Creeper Rash: Everything You Need to Know

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a climbing woody vine that can be high-climbing or trail on the floor. It can be used as an ornamental climbing vine or ground cover. This plant is considered a nuisance because it is a hearty grower that can appear where it is not wanted. Being exposed to the leaves of Virginia creeper can cause a ...

US states where people live the longest

It's tick season: What types live in your area and how to keep them under control

Ticks come out this time of year but you can control them and keep ticks off you and your pets with some simple steps.

'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."

Herd immunity and COVID-19: What you need to know

Get the facts about coronavirus and herd immunity.