Are little urine leaks a big problem? How to talk to your doctor

Your friend tells you a funny joke, and then it happens. You start pedaling during your spinning class, and it happens again. You hear water running and oops, you know you will also be wet. You might feel frustrated and embarrassed, but you are not alone. In fact, these types of urine leaks are quite common. Up to 50 percent of all women have occasional urine leaks and up to 10 percent have them frequently, according to the MedlinePlus Encyclopedia. Here's what you need to know. Read More

Best options for beating the bugs of cold and flu season

Cold and flu season is now in full swing and staying healthy this time of year can be a challenge. For those suffering, identifying the type of illness - cold, flu, sinus infection, etc. - and finding the right over-the-counter medications are key in helping to alleviate symptoms. Read More

The rewards of a career as an occupational therapist

What do pediatrics, geriatrics and cardiology have in common? Patients in these three very different branches of medicine can benefit from occupational therapy. An occupational therapist (OT) helps people with disabling conditions to recover or develop daily living skills, such as dressing, cooking and eating. An OT's right-hand man, or woman, is the occupational therapy assistant (OTA). This versatile occupation is proving to be a rewarding career choice for many who are returning to school to heighten employment prospects. Read More

What you don't know about eyeglasses could affect your vision

For most people, selecting eyeglass frames is the highlight of the eye appointment and the lenses are seen as pieces of plastic or glass that don't involve a lot of buyer choice. But on the contrary, the best eyeglass lenses today are as hi-tech as any smartphone, and the visual difference between adequate lenses and great lenses can be as pronounced as the difference between a standard TV and your new HDTV. Once you've experienced the latter, you'll never want to watch TV the old way again. Read More

How to increase your body's HGH level naturally

If you're a sports fan, you're probably familiar with the term human growth hormone - HGH for short. While you may have become familiar with HGH as a performance-enhancing substance that's banned in competitive sports, human growth hormone is actually something that your body produces naturally. Read More

Disability: What you don't know can hurt you

The average adult rushes off each weekday morning to work or school, focused on the busy day ahead. No one ever thinks that one day, suddenly, his or her life will be changed forever by a sudden, unexpected disability. Read More

Early colon cancer detection means earlier treatment - what are the treatment options?

Colon cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in the United States because it frequently catches people unaware, according to the National Cancer Institute. But half of the colon-cancer deaths each year could be avoided if every adult older than 50 is screened. Read More

How to protect your greatest asset - your home - from subterranean termites

When it comes to protecting your home's value, you have no control over some of the factors that influence real estate values, like nearby retail development or the job market in your area. You can, however, take control over one major factor in your home's value, its health and the health of your neighborhood - termites. Read More

Registered nurses encouraged to pursue bachelor's degrees

As many industries scaled back and cut resources in the last year, health care continued to grow, adding an average of 26,000 jobs per month, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. This trend is likely to continue as technological innovations and new regulations prompt additional oversight within the health care setting. Read More

Keeping informed and educated about your health

Understanding and spreading knowledge about the risks of type 2 diabetes

Knowing your risk for developing type 2 diabetes is the first step in preventing or delaying the disease. Read More

Why surgical technology is a growing career in health care

Today's health care industry offers a wider variety of positions than ever before. This is in part due to the expanding health care needs of about 78 million aging baby boomers. Surgical technology can be a rewarding career choice for those looking to enter the health care arena. Here's what you need to know. Read More

Save money and help the environment by checking on your water quality

Nearly 90 percent of American homes have hard water - water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium, according to The U.S. Geological Survey. If your shampoo and soap don't lather up like they should, if you see scaling on your pipes and showerheads or if you have nasty brown rings in your sinks and toilets, your water is probably hard. To know exactly how hard, and what to do about it, you should have your water diagnosed by a water quality professional. Read More

Boomers: Big-impact health activities you can do in 15 minutes or less

The American baby boomer generation isn't content sitting still - they live full lives working, traveling and pursuing their favorite hobbies. Age is only a number for this determined group whose population is pushing an estimated 78 million. If you are one of the many active baby boomers, you understand your health is a priority, but that doesn't mean you want to spend long hours each day making sure you stay well. Luckily some of the best things you can do for yourself only take a matter of minutes each day. Read More

Keep kids injury free while playing their favorite sports this summer

Summer vacation gives children a break from schoolwork, but for many, their participation in sports will continue in warm weather months. Parents, coaches and players need to keep injury prevention in mind to ensure sports stay safe and fun throughout the summer. Read More

Help smokers keep resolutions and stay on track to quit - simple tips and tools

On average, it takes a smoker up to nine attempts to quit before they're able to do so successfully. Every relapse begins with smaller lapses - so quitters shouldn't stop trying. Here are some tips to help. Read More

How to make sure your indoor air is healthy

As soon as the temperatures warm up, you open up the doors and windows and let the "fresh" air in. Many people go on a cleaning spree, vacuuming, dusting and getting rid of all the dust bunnies hiding under furniture. With a fresh, clean house, you assume you'll be breathing much easier. Think again. Here's what every homeowner should know. Read More

Allergies or a cold? Decode your symptoms

When the weather warms up, it's hard to tell what is causing your sneezing, coughing and runny nose symptoms. The question is - when you sneeze, are you suffering from allergies, or experiencing the symptoms of a cold or the flu? Read More

Spring to it: Cleaning tips for creating a healthy home environment

Allergens lurk inside and outside your home, causing more than 40 million Americans with allergies to cough, sneeze and have itchy eyes all year long, especially in springtime. And, for 25 million Americans with asthma it can be even more problematic. You'd assume cleaning your home would help reduce these allergy triggers, but if you're not cleaning the right way, you could actually be making the problem worse. Read More

Feeling thirsty? You may want to talk to your doctor about that

Back pain, headaches and difficulty sleeping are common symptoms many people discuss with their doctors during routine checkups. Yet one symptom many patients overlook is dryness, especially dry mouth. If you think dry mouth isn't serious enough to mention to your doctor, think again. Read More

Health care trends: looking for value without sacrificing quality

If there is one thing that the recent health care debate made clear, it is that Americans are unwilling to trade quality for economy when it comes to their health. But with the growing shortage of primary care physicians in the United States and an aging population, one trend born in underserved areas of the country may have the ability to cut costs without sacrificing quality: the use of non-physician professionals, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, in primary care facilities. Read More

AMD awareness focuses on protecting and enhancing vision

While many people take their vision for granted, those with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) certainly do not. AMD Awareness is important because the condition deteriorates central vision, affecting everything from seeing faces clearly to literally having a large "blind spot" in the center of your vision, yet many people are unfamiliar with AMD. Read More

Baby boomers: Don't let your world fall silent

The number of Americans struggling with hearing loss increases by the day. Hearing aids from a generation ago carry the stigmas of being clunky, uncomfortable and ineffective. And many image-conscious Americans ignore their hearing loss because acknowledging it brings negative attention and a perceived weakness. But hearing aid manufacturers have made significant strides in enhancing the natural performance, look and size of the latest hearing aids. Read More

Compromise: A parent's greatest ally in getting kids to eat right

What do you do if your child will only drink chocolate milk and prefers her veggies with salt or cheese sauce? Make the most of it and compromise gracefully, nutrition experts say. Read More

The insomnia wakeup call: Sleep deprivation is a serious health risk

It's 3:30 a.m. and you've just rolled over in bed for what seems like the 500th time. As you watch the minutes on the clock tick by, all you can think about is how tired you are going to be tomorrow. While the cause of your insomnia may vary night to night, the outcome is still the same: you're not asleep. You're also not alone. Read More

Create a safer retreat for backyard summer fun

Swimming is the most popular summer activity and if you have a pool or spa, your backyard just may be this summer's most popular retreat for friends, neighbors and all the children that come with them. Adding as many water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safer and fun experience this summer. Read More

You can help provide comfort to hospitalized children and families

Each year in the United States, millions of American children are hospitalized and must face the challenges of overcoming illness while staying in unfamiliar hospital environments. The physical and emotional toll can be extensive for children whose illnesses require a long hospitalization, as well as for their families whose only wish is for their child to be healthy. You can bring comfort to these families during difficult times. Here are some ideas for how you can make a difference. Read More

What four factors influence the severity of allergy season?

While many people rejoice when the weather gets warmer, it's not always a pleasant time for everyone. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies know to expect difficulties around this time of year, but the severity of allergy season can vary. Here are some of the conditions that can affect pollen counts. Read More

Your body naturally produces HGH - what are the benefits?

Human growth hormone - HGH for short - might have a negative, or at least unnatural connotation to most. When you hear HGH in the news, it's most often talked about as injections, in many cases used to boost athletic performance. But did you know that HGH is actually a hormone the body produces naturally? Read More

Ten steps to conquering heart disease

Heart disease claims the lives of 600,000 Americans each year, and another 12.7 million suffer from heart attacks, yet 80 percent of all heart disease is preventable. Here are some tips for reducing your risk. Read More

Lose weight for the wedding, but say 'I do' to a healthy lifestyle

Every bride wants to look great when the big day comes, but how many brides commit to fitting into her wedding dress on their 10th anniversary? Do you want to look good for a day, or feel good for the rest of your life? While considering vows, include a commitment to live healthfully ever after. Read More

A parent's guide to foot health for athletic kids

Olympic athletes won't be the only ones competing hard in summer sports - so will your kids. No matter what their sport or whether they play competitively or just for fun, they will have one important thing in common: They'll need their feet to be pain-free if they're going to play their best and prevent injuries. Read More

Lesser-known health care careers are very rewarding

Have you looked at career possibilities in health care lately? Many positions in the medical arena involve operating room (OR) procedures or patient care. Others require totally different skill sets, such as positions in pharmaceuticals or hospital administration. One unique and rewarding career option involves biomedical equipment technology. Read More

Consuming more fatty acids may reduce symptoms of dry eye

Dry eye is a condition where tears lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, which is necessary to maintain good eye health and clear vision. Tears not only wash away dust, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea and help defend against eye infections by removing bacteria. Several new studies have confirmed the correlation between fatty acids and an improvement in dry eye syndrome. Read More

Home improvement for your health

When considering home improvements, people tend to choose projects that will improve the value of their home. While this is important for a healthy bottom line, investing in the health of those living inside the home also is a value-added improvement. Having the right fitness equipment and resources at home can turn the best intentions to work up a sweat into a successfully completed workout. Read More

What experts say about managing or preventing diabetes

Although genetics, environmental factors and obesity all play a role, the root cause of diabetes is essentially unknown. What experts do know is that certain people are more at risk for diabetes, and personal health goals, regular screenings and guidance from health professionals can help you manage or prevent the disease. Read More

A caregiver's guide to understanding and managing opioid dependence

Five things you should know about hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a silent epidemic in America. Millions of Americans have chronic hepatitis C, which is caused through infection with the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer. As many as 75 percent of people who are living with hepatitis C don't know they are infected. Many myths prevail about this often-hidden disease. Here are the five things you need to know about hepatitis C. Read More

Bone health critical issue for men with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a serious issue for men, with one in six diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. However, it is especially important for African-American men, who have a one in five chance of being diagnosed, which is the highest incident rate than any other group in the U.S. A recent survey of 90 men showed that men with prostate cancer aren't thinking about a potentially serious health concern that nearly all patients with advanced disease will experience - bone problems. Read More

Protect workplace information to keep businesses, customers safe

What many people don't realize is that when they don't protect their company's confidential information at work, they're not just putting their employer, clients and customers at risk - they're endangering themselves and their co-workers too. Read More

Keeping on top of your child's asthma care during allergy season

Say 'opa' to a better you with a Mediterranean-flavored lifestyle

For many, adopting a healthier lifestyle can be a huge challenge, especially with everyone's unique body shape, personalities and likes and dislikes. A program that works for one person, may not work for you. The good news is many healthy activities found in a Mediterranean lifestyle can help you say "opa" - a Greek exclamation of joy -- to a better you. Read More

Educational programs empower patients with lung diseases

Complications associated with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF) account for millions of emergency room visits each year. Many of these complications occur because the diseases are not being properly managed, which many - including several advocacy groups -- believe may be related to a lack of understanding and knowledge on behalf of the patient. For this reason, patient education has become increasingly important in managing lung diseases. Read More

National Infant Immunization Week reminds parents of the importance of vaccination

Did you know that April 21 kicks off National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)? NIIW is an annual observance supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and can be a good reminder to parents about the importance of protecting their children under the age of 2 from vaccine-preventable diseases. Read More

Unscrambling the myths behind eggs and cholesterol

When it comes to eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart health, what you think you know may be a bit scrambled. Concerns over dietary cholesterol and its impact on heart disease keeps many people from eating eggs, despite their nutritional benefits. However, more than 40 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy an egg every day without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease. Read More

Elevate the traditional wedding with contemporary flair

If long-standing wedding traditions seem a little confining and out of date for your modern nuptial celebration, you're not alone. Lifestyles are trending toward practical and tasteful simplification. An easy-going elegance and a balance of formality and fun is now the norm. So you might ask, "How can creative couples introduce more contemporary options to their celebrations yet still craft a memorable, classy wedding?" Read More

When is nonprescription cold medicine not enough?

Do you have a cold that just won't go away? The aisle at your local drugstore is overflowing with different cold medicines, and choosing the right one feels like a gamble with your wallet taking the hit at every purchase. Here are some helpful tips to help you get better quick. Read More

What NASCAR can teach you about making marriage work

Modern married life can definitely be like a NASCAR race. Read More

Prenatal surgery promises brighter future for babies with spina bifida

For expectant parents, the 18-week ultrasound marks an exciting milestone. For most, it is the first time they get to see their child, they can learn the sex of the baby and the doctor makes sure development is progressing normally. Mike and Katherine Mulligan of Cincinnati, Ohio, went for their first ultrasound in September 2000, and like most parents-to-be, expected to hear only good news. Instead, their dreams were dashed when they learned their unborn baby had spina bifida. But there was hope. Read More

Step into summer with tips for family fun in the sun

Summer days do not have to be lazy. Children may be used to action-packed schedules in school, but by stepping up their planning, families can enjoy outdoor activities that are engaging and help keep children active. Whether camping or simply exploring the park down the street, it's important to plan ahead for summer fun, especially when it comes to sun protection. Read More

Is your showerhead making you sick?

Hand sanitizer, flu shots and regular exercise are just some of the ways Americans build their immunity to protect themselves from harmful bacteria and illness. But many may be missing a simple step for preventing health problems. Showerheads are moist, warm, and dark, and those that spray hard water are especially ripe for bacterial growth. Read More

Weight loss requires a multifaceted approach

Whenever someone loses a lot of weight, we often want to know, "What's your secret?" But anyone who's been able to shed a lot of pounds will likely tell you that there is no one secret to losing weight. Read More

Flat-screen dangers: The summer safety risk and what parents should know

For many families, summer vacation means children will spend more hours at home than they do during the school year. Extra time at home may expose children to unexpected risks from surprising sources - such as an unstable television. Read More

Heart disease: first signs different, but threat similar for men and women

While heart disease continues to receive a lot of attention, certain myths surrounding the disease persist. A couple of the most common myths are that heart disease is more common in men than women, and that the first signs of a heart attack are the same for both men and women. Read More

Professionals find passion, paychecks in sports business industry

Decades ago, the sports industry was a combination of talented athletes and mom and pop business owners. But now, in an economic time when many industries are hurting, sports business is one that is thriving and growing. Read More

Bid adieu to achoo: finding relief from summer allergies

For many, summer signifies the budding of flowers and longer days filled with warm sunshine. But for one in five people, summer also means allergies are in full swing. Whether you're affected year-round or during a specific season, learning how to manage allergy symptoms can be vital to restoring your comfort and quality of life. Read More

Seven effective habits to prevent hearing loss

Hearing loss is common, but the perception that hearing loss is only caused by aging is incorrect. More than 36 million American have hearing loss. Changing lifestyle habits, and treating a variety of health conditions can help to prevent hearing loss. Read More

Nationwide diabetes education events create awareness, promote healthy living

Whether you are at risk for, have been recently diagnosed or are living with diabetes, it is essential to make sure you have the information necessary to manage your disease. It can also be overwhelming caring for someone with diabetes. Read More

Living green and eating clean

The trend of protecting the environment continues to gain momentum, and people everywhere are adopting more eco-friendly lifestyles. Within this movement, a growing number are taking a look at their diets and seeing how eating more natural foods can improve their health while minimizing the impact on the environment. Read More

From scrape to scar and beyond: tips to minimize scarring

Taking control of your cancer diagnosis

Do you know the signs of a healthy thyroid?

When all systems in your body are working well and you're feeling great, you tend to take your health for granted. However, taking your health for granted may cost you if you are not proactive about maintaining wellness. Your health should be considered an invaluable asset that makes a difference in every aspect of your life, from your work to the activities you enjoy to your self-esteem. When taking your good health for granted, you might not think that one tiny gland could throw off all of those things, but it really can. Read More

Gardening tips to avoid injury and discomfort

Gardening is very healthy, both physically and mentally. In addition to providing exercise, gardening delivers health benefits in the fresh foods you eat and in the calming presence of flowers in your environment. Here are some tips to get the most out of gardening's health benefits. Read More

Boomers: Living comfortably at home in style

As the years pass, Americans in the baby boomer generation are changing the definition of how they want to live comfortably during their later years. Boomers are opting to continue living where they're already secure and happy - right at home. Read More

How to prevent accidental medication poisoning in children

Every day in the United States, about 165 kids - or roughly four busloads of children - are seen in emergency rooms for accidental medication poisonings. Medications are the leading cause of accidental child poisoning deaths today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Read More

How to protect your heart and increase your energy levels

One of the secrets to enjoying life while aging is to take care of your heart. Heart health is important for Americans to discuss with their doctors, as heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States. In addition to following a good diet and exercise program, taking an antioxidant supplement like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also a good practice to help maintain a healthy heart. Read More

Fuel your summer activities with smart foods that keep you going

As the sun stays in the sky longer and temperatures warm up, being more active is simply second-nature. Getting outdoors gives a new vitality to any exercise routine, whether you're kicking off training for your first 5K or maintaining a program you've enjoyed for years. Read More

Keeping snacks light

Hunger pangs between breakfast, lunch and dinner can strike even those with the most nutritious meal regimens. In fact, snacking recently has become popular; 97 percent of Americans snack daily, up from 71 percent four decades ago, according to a new study from the Journal of Nutrition. Read More

Start early when talking with children about staying smoke free

Sometimes negative influences and unhealthy choices keep children from growing up to their healthiest potential. Choosing to smoke is one of these unhealthy decisions. So how do you help protect your children from these influences and encourage them to make healthy choices? Read More

Simple diagnosis, treatment and prescriptions now a click away

Consumer access to medical information is also easier than ever. Since the first medical websites emerged in the late 1990s, people have flocked to them in skyrocketing numbers. Today, an estimated 80 percent of Americans go online to search for health information. Still, most health sites, while informative, can't diagnose or treat you. A new breed of "online clinics" connects customers directly with experienced practitioners who can treat them safely - and very conveniently - wherever they are. Read More

Spring cleaning plans? Tips from the pros help you get the best clean

Warm weather has arrived and Americans are planning to shake out the rugs and wash the windows for the unofficial tradition of spring cleaning ... or are they? Read More

The buzz on battling flying, stinging summer bugs

Summer picnic season is upon us, and that means it is time to grab the sunglasses, cooler and sunscreen, and head outdoors. But people are not the only ones who want to enjoy the warm weather. Flying, stinging insects like bees and wasps are abuzz, and make their presence known when collecting pollen and nectar as the weather warms. Read More

School lunch fuels success for spring sports

Springtime packs a punch for students. Between tests, papers, school trips, extracurricular performances and jobs, finding the energy for spring's after-school sports is often a challenge. Time and energy are at a premium. Eating well can help ease the crush. What makes a good lunch? Here are some tasty and healthy suggestions. Read More

Girlfriends banding together to conquer a common health issue

Nearly everything we'll ever need to know about being a girl, we'll learn from other girlfriends who've "been there, done that" before us. Even when things are medical, even when we love our OBGYNs, sometimes we're embarrassed or don't want to waste their time with things not involving making babies. That may explain why more than 7 million women suffer from heavy cycles, but go years without getting the help they need. Read More

How to build muscle in your body with the help of a popular supplement

If you're into weightlifting or follow sports on even a superficial level, you've probably heard of creatine. A supplement that's exploded in popularity over the past 20 years, creatine is often used by professional athletes and casual weightlifters alike, in hopes it will enhance their performance and help build muscle. Read More

Four-time gold medalist Janet Evans has the 'heart' for an Olympic Games comeback

A four-time gold medalist embarking on her fourth Olympic Games at age 40 - that's the name of the game for Janet Evans. She is committed to following her heart - and also taking care of it - to make sure it's strong enough to take on competitors half her age. Evans offers tips for better heart health. Read More

Tips to keep feet healthy and in-step with summer fun

In summer, your feet may be exposed to risks that don't occur in winter. Here's some expert advice on how to keep feet health this summer. Read More

The best treatment for eczema can depend on the person and severity of the condition

If you think you might have eczema, the best first step is to see a health care professional. Since the skin condition comes in a variety of forms and can be accompanied by other conditions such as hay fever or asthma, the best treatment will depend on your situation. Read More

Ways you can make a difference in the lives of domestic abuse victims

Everyone deserves to share a loving home with their family, but for many women and children, home is not the safest place to be. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in four women will experience domestic violence, and nearly 1.3 million women are victims of domestic abuse each year. In addition, more than 41 percent of our nation's homeless population is comprised of women and families. It's a difficult topic to discuss, and that makes many people hesitant to have a conversation about it. However, you can take action to help victims of domestic abuse and homelessness, and make a real difference in their lives. Here are a few ideas of how you can help. Read More

Conquer childhood obesity with tips for healthy family living

Today, health professionals encourage parents of even very young children to actively confront the childhood obesity epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention find that obesity rates for children ages 2 to 5 have more than doubled over the past 30 years, and The White House Task Force on Obesity reports that more than half of obese children became obese by their second birthday. Read More

Nip seasonal allergies in the bud

When everything comes up roses, so do spring allergies. Forty million Americans suffer from outdoor and indoor allergies in the United States, making it one of the country's most common, yet overlooked health conditions. In fact, allergies are the fifth-leading chronic disease in the U.S. for all ages. Read More

Four tips to help prepare for pregnancy from mom expert Rosie Pope

Once you and your partner have made the big decision to start expanding your family, whether in the next few months or years, thinking about how to prepare can be a little overwhelming. Don't worry! Some simple steps and an optimistic attitude can help pave the way for a healthy pregnancy. Read More

Early warm temps bring early allergy symptoms

Spring-like temperatures arrived early this year, and with them came early allergy symptoms for many: itchy throats and eyes, stuffy noses, sneezing, teary eyes and more. These developments come on the heels of the fourth warmest winter since record keeping began, according to the U.S. National Climatic Data Center. Read More

How food safety knowledge can affect your health

Whether you're feeding yourself or feeding your family, it's important to know that the food you're eating is safe and nutritious. But perceptions about finding a balance between those two essential factors have become muddled in recent years. While there is an increased effort to promote the consumption of healthy foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, there are also conflicting messages about their safety. Read More

Understanding asbestos: risk of exposure still exists

Medication-free ways to relieve morning sickness

The moment you've dreamed about has arrived, and the pregnancy test reads "positive." Congratulations! During the first months of your pregnancy you'll probably experience joy, excitement and anticipation - and, unfortunately, morning sickness too. Fortunately, if you're experiencing morning sickness, there are natural, alternative remedies that can help. Read More

Surprising facts you should know about hearing loss

When it comes to our health, many Americans have two realities: what we know and what we think we know. When what we think we know is less than accurate, it can be as harmful to our health as the things we don't know at all. Perceptions about hearing loss are a good example of this phenomenon. Read More

Put kids' dental health on the fast track

When you're a NASCAR driver like Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, nothing makes you smile like a trip to victory lane. Biffle is helping deliver the message to children about healthy habits like brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and making smart food choices. Read More

What you can do to sleep better

If you're like many Americans, you long for more and better sleep. The secret to more restful nights varies for each person, but you can do several things to give yourself the best chance of getting a good night's rest. Read More

Putting the spotlight on rare diseases

For people with a rare and serious disease, the journey to getting an accurate diagnosis and confirming a proper treatment regimen can be arduous. Rare diseases, including some cancers, can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often misleading, misunderstood or misinterpreted. As a result, it can sometimes take years for patients to reach a correct diagnosis and begin the path to proper care. Read More

Baby boomers - More active than ever with no plans of slowing down

Baby boomers are reshaping everyone's view of aging because they are living healthier, more active lifestyles and have no intention of slowing down. Despite their active lifestyles, many baby boomers and non-boomers alike live with bladder control issues - also known as incontinence. Read More

Ten risk factors contributing to strokes

A recent study suggests that 90 percent of strokes are the result of 10 risk factors. Conducted by the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University in Ontario Canada, this study found that those individuals demonstrating one or more risk factors, ranging from hypertension and stress to abdominal obesity and diabetes, are at a greater risk of experiencing a stroke than those who do not. Read More

Fever facts for parents: What you should know when treating your child

With cold and flu season also comes fever season, and across the country, parents will experience anxiety levels that rise in tandem with their children's temperatures. But a child's fever doesn't have to be a scary experience for parents. Here are some things to know about managing a child's fever. Read More

Five must-have fitness tools

Everyone wants to look and feel great, and selecting the right workout gear can make all the difference when pursuing a life of health and fitness. The five tools below are designed to help individuals achieve their wellness goals, whether kick starting a new workout regime or taking a current routine to the next level. Read More

Volunteering: small acts, big change

For many communities across the country, the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. Whether it's working at a local soup kitchen, visiting a nursing home, mentoring youth, or helping to paint a local house in disrepair, there are many ways to get involved. Read More

Food: Where does it come from? Straight answers to consumers' questions

Is the food we're eating healthy long-term? Is the planet able to sustain the amount of food we're producing? Americans are asking questions and thinking more critically when it comes to the food they eat. They want to know where it comes from, how it's grown and produced, and what effects this process has on our health as well as the health of the planet. Read More

Top tasty food trends that can benefit your family's health

A visit to your local grocer provides thousands of food options, and it's likely you've recently noticed an increase in the number of healthier choices, including organic offerings and expanded produce selections. But what are the next big things when it comes to healthy food? Here are some healthy food trends to look for the next time you're at your local grocery store. Read More

Smart snacking that can boost your fitness routine

Eating right and exercising are the two most important elements of a healthy lifestyle. We hear it time and again that these simple principles hold more power than the latest fad diet, and for those who heed the advice, the proof is in the results. However, it's not always easy to figure out what's really good for you in the process of building - or maintaining - a healthy body. Read More

Nurses are amazing: Celebrate one today

When you, or a family member, need medical attention, one of the first people you encounter may be a nurse. Nurses provide constant care throughout the patient journey. From helping patients understand their treatment, through assisting with procedures, to the administration of medicine - the role of nurses is pivotal. Nurses are the critical-thinking, quick-acting, deeply caring professionals at the heart of good patient care. Read More