Experts say it’s not necessarily being out in rainy weather that causes you to catch the flu or a cold during winter months. Getty Images Experts say you may be more likely to get sick during the winter months, but not because of the rain. They say cold weather forces people to be in enclosed spaces longer and increases the risk of infection. They add that viruses tend to...
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More Teens Need Prescription Glasses. Is Excessive Screen Time to Blame?
Experts say smaller screens and an increase in usage is causing a number of eyesight problems for children and young adults. Researchers say the number of children 13 to 16 years old who need glasses has doubled the past 10 years. Experts say the increase in screen time is causing eyesight problems in teens and...
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Everyday foods for better blood pressure
by Len Canter High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a risk factor for stroke, heart disease and other dangerous conditions, but it offers no early warning signs. That’s why it’s so important to have your pressure checked regularly. You can take preventive steps to keep it in line by getting regular exercise and by adding...
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Teabags release ‘billions’ of plastic particles into each cup
By Lois Zoppi, BAReviewed by Kate Anderton, B.Sc. (Editor) The war on plastic is gaining traction worldwide, and a huge number of households are trying to reduce their reliance on plastic. A recent YouGov poll showed that the areas in which people in the UK are trying to reduce their plastic consumption include fresh fruit and vegetables (81 percent), household and cleaning...
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Effects of a Gluten-Free Diet on the Gut Microbiota
By Dr. Maho Yokoyama, Ph.D.Reviewed by Michael Greenwood, M.Sc. Why a Gluten Free Diet? Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, and is comprised of gliadins. For some people, eating foods that contain gluten can cause digestive problems due to gluten-related disorders. Gluten-related disorders can range from mild to severe in symptoms, and include celiac disease...
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FDA expands warning against use of blood pressure drug
Patients taking affected medication should contact their pharmacist or physician. Arutz Sheva Staff The US Food and Drug Adminsitration (FDA) and Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited expanded for the fifth time a warning against using a common blood pressure medication. The medication, Losartan Potassium Tablets USP and Losartan Potassium/hydrochlorothiazide tablets, USP, is being recalled to the consumer level due to detection of trace amounts of...
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As we age, oral health plays increasing role in overall health
All health care professionals need to promote good oral hygiene in the elderly population UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT Oral health is a critical component to overall health for all ages, but according to dental and medical experts from UConn Health, vigilance is especially critical for the elderly. In a review article recently published in the Journal...
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Prepare for a disaster with a family safety plan
by Len Canter, Healthday Reporter From Florida hurricanes to California wildfires, these events are reminders of the need to have a family natural disaster plan in place, no matter where you live. The following steps will help you be prepared for an evacuation due to fire or flooding, whether the source is environmental or starts...
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The toll dental disease can take
by Helene Ragovin, Tufts University In 2007, a 12-year-old boy from Maryland died after an infection from an untreated dental abscess spread to his brain. His mother, homeless and dependent on Medicaid, had been unable to find a dentist to treat her children’s decaying teeth. Mary Otto, a reporter for the Washington Post, wrote about...
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Antidepressants and Weight Changes
By Samuel Mckenzie, BScReviewed by Dr. Mary Cooke, Ph.D. Antidepressants can be an effective treatment option for severe depression. Unfortunately, they can cause various side effects including weight gain. These side effects must be considered by medical professionals before prescribing antidepressants. How is Depression Treated? Treatment for depression usually comes in one of three forms:...