Health

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.

Melatonin Overdose Warning

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.

Are you losing your hair? A dermatologist breaks down some FAQs.

If you’ve noticed your strands falling out of your head more than normal, you may be experiencing a form of hair loss.

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.

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.

A Caregivers Guide To Dealing With Burnout

Being a caregiver is not an easy job.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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?

10 healthy snacks for pregnancy

Help meet your need for essential pregnancy nutrients with our top 10 list of snacks for moms-to-be.

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.

How the rise of weightlifting is changing women's lives

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

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.

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.

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.

15 Ways To Be Prepared For The Next Pandemic

According to Fortune, it’s possible that the world could experience another pandemic. Public health officials around the globe even have a list of pathogens they’re keeping an eye on. Knowing that another pandemic is possible and could theoretically happen at any time, it’s wise to be prepared. Here are 15 ways to be more prepared for the next pandemic than the world was for the

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...

What’s the scoop on protein powder? Nutrition experts share 3 things to know about the popular supplement

Protein powder is convenient but depending on your health and lifestyle, it may not be as nutritious as you think.

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

Today marks a huge moment.

Measles spreading in community as cases rise

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

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.

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.

11 Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster, According to Experts

Plus ways to speed up hair growth naturally.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

The Pros and Cons of a High-Protein Diet

This is how much you should be eating—and how much is too much, according to dietitians.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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...

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...

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 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 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.

9 Natural Remedies for Soothing Anxiety Without Medication

These tried-and-true tips will help you relieve anxiety naturally.

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.

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.

Nearly 200 people sick in norovirus outbreaks on Princess, Royal Caribbean ships

Nearly 200 people got sick in norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International ships.

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.