Health

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

Plus, when to see a physician.

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.

11 Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster, According to Experts

Plus ways to speed up hair growth naturally.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 »

What Happens When You’ve Been on Ozempic for 20 Years?

The long-term effects of GLP-1 drugs are unknown.

Is cranberry juice good for you? What experts want you to know

Here's what diet experts want you to know about the nutritional information for cranberry juice — and which kinds of juices are best for you.

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.

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.

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

What dog owners should know about leptospirosis

Emmanuelle Butty, med.vet., DACVIM (SAIM), assistant clinical professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, sometimes treats dogs with leptospirosis, an infection that can lead to kidney failure and even death.

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.

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...

37 Healthy Snacks To Help You Cut Cravings and Lose Weight

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

15 Screen Time Tips for a Healthier Digital Life

Our daily digital routines impact our overall well-being, and in today’s world, where digital devices are a necessary part of our lives, it’s crucial to be mindful of how much we use them. Screens are often present with us from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, and this digital existence can significantly influence our physical and mental health. By incorporating these habits into our daily digital routine, we can substantially improve our well-being.

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.

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

Today marks a huge moment.

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.

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.

Family travel 5: Breathe deep and sink into wellness at these resorts

Subdue the stresses of a modern world by including spa and wellness options in your family vacation planning. Here are five ideas to consider. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa (North Male Atoll, Maldives) Wellness gurus consider healing tents a haven for transformation. And as such idyllic sanctuaries go, The Island Spa, part of the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, ...

4 Benefits of Black Garlic

Not as Strong an Odor as Regular Garlic

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.

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.

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.

Pfizer Receives FDA Approval for Bleeding Disorder Treatment

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

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.

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.

Diabetes drug shows promise for the treatment of acute heart failure

A multicenter study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy in Nashville has identified a potential new treatment for acute heart failure, a leading cause of hospitalization and death.

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 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...

Why are we so ill? The working-age health crisis

The number of under 65s struggling with poor health is rising - and it's a threat to the economy.

Blackheads Basics: How to Treat and Prevent Them

Image Source: Getty / Yuuurin Flatter than a pimple and not remotely as pleasing to pop, blackheads are a common facial scourge that seem to plague even the most meticulously cared for complexions (as you may have discovered if you've woken up with one on your face).

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

10 Ways To Lose Weight In Your Face And Reduce Swelling, According To Experts

Plus, when to see a doctor if you notice weight gain or puffiness in your face that you can't figure out.

How to get rid of hiccups. Your guide to what hiccups are and if they can be deadly.

Get rid of hiccups by breathing in a paper bag, drinking cold water, holding your breath or even having someone scare you. Can they be deadly, though?

The 20 foods that have the most vitamin C

We all know some of the obvious sources of this antioxidant, but some foods are surprisingly high in vitamin C, while others might surprise you just by appearing on this list at all.

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.

Scientists Make Breakthrough in Chronic Pain Treatment

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