According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 2 million people each year acquire an infection while in the hospital. And thanks to an overuse of antibiotics, resistant bacterial infections are on the rise....
A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed an increase in deaths from impaired driving crashes during the holiday season. The analysis states “fatalities associated with impaired driving, expressed as number of...
Shoveling snow is no simple chore. Combine frosty temperatures and heavy lifting — a driveway can contain hundreds of pounds of snow — and you have a recipe for injury or worse. Each year,...
When snow and sleet are falling, the best bet is to stay home. But if you absolutely must drive during dangerous conditions, it’s critical to be prepared. Have a mechanic inspect your car in...
The true holiday spirit is love and kindness, not gifts and indulgence. While volunteering is a selfless act, those who annually donate 100–plus hours enjoy enhanced physical and mental health themselves — greater longevity,...
You probably think everyone washes their hands — it’s common sense, right? Surprisingly, just 75% of adult females and 58% of adult males wash their hands appropriately, according to a 2006 study cited by...
The sometimes absentminded rocker–reality star Ozzy Osbourne offers a great reminder: Don’t forget your memory. According to WebMD.com, common causes of memory loss include medications, alcohol, illicit drug use, stress, depression, head injury, infection,...
An annual cocktail of joy and dread, the holiday season exposes us to stressors that can unnerve even the most strong–willed person. The top holiday anxiety triggers, according to the Mayo Clinic, are relationships,...
Hoarding has become a national phenomenon rooted in an inability to organize, make decisions, and let go. Even if you’re not afflicted by an extreme case, chances are you’re clinging to something that’s holding...
Many consumers are avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, which can pose health threats. Fortunately Mother Nature has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to knocking off household germs. Flex your green muscle...
Pumpkin pies baking and chimneys smoking are familiar scents this time of year. But it’s the things you can’t sniff that could be threats to you and your family. Beware of these indoor pollutants...
Planning to take the roads, rails, or skies for a family vacation? Get the latest on how to stay healthy en route: Don’t let germs hitchhiking on aircraft, buses, and trains trip up your...
It’s easy to wag a finger at celebrities when their outbursts are splattered across tabloids. But anyone can be guilty of the occasional rant. Rage–proof your reactions when the heat begins to rise with...
Americans are busier than ever… and it’s taking a toll on health, marriages, and kids. Counter today’s norm by taking control of your life with these tips for reclaiming priceless time: Power down. The...
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and grit your teeth — it’s time for an annual flu shot. A vaccination is considered the best bet for a flu–free winter. Health experts recommend several...
“Our records show you are due for a teeth cleaning.” If you dread that twice–a–year phone call or letter, don’t feel ashamed — an estimated 10%–15% of Americans avoid the dentist’s chair entirely because...
Common sense dictates “safety first” when driving, but we’ve all witnessed the hazards of dangerous motorists; here are some reminders: Avoid distractions. Drivers using cell phones or texting account for more than a quarter...
While nobody wants to visit a doctor, everyone must at some point. Your experience with your practitioner can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery, so know how to make the right...
Assisting others creates a sense of purpose, promotes positivity, and strengthens communities. About 1 in 4 Americans volunteer each year; in a United Health Group survey. Most said their physical health and emotional health...
If you’ve pondered parenting a pup, consider the rewards: Pets can help you cope with physical and mental pain, boost your social interactions, and increase your physical activity. There are many good reasons to...
Smart phones, online gaming, text messages, social networks and the Internet provide information and entertainment instantly. But studies show that continuously being plugged in can cause compulsive behavior. Warning signs of technology addiction include:...
If you’re a golfer, nagging ailments might be mounting. In fact, 60% of golf pros and 40% of amateurs suffer a traumatic injury or overuse injury, according to a study — most often to...
Nobody argues the importance of proper hygiene. But while scouring the home with disinfectants and sterilizing your hands with potent cleansers may kill germs, a certain key ingredient could be harming your health. The...
Everyone struggles with discipline, whether it’s saying no to seconds or hitting the gym instead of crashing on the couch. But without self–discipline you can’t be truly free to live. While that may sound...
This month marks the anniversary of the first moon landing. But the journey started many years before — when President John F. Kennedy declared the goal in 1961. Use today to chart a course...
In light of recent healthcare legislation, many people wonder who will have their back. But when it comes to your health, your strongest advocate is yourself. Take charge of your medical care to keep...
Their fragrance and hue add ambiance, whether it’s a romantic touch, festive flair, or relaxing serenity. But while these decorative flames can stylize a room, scented candles do have drawbacks. Many emit harmful toxins...
Fourth of July just doesn’t seem the same without the traditional dazzle of fireworks. But the sparkly pyrotechnics can be dangerous. If you’re planning to kick off this Independence Day with a bang, don’t...
You don’t have to load up on toxic chemicals to fend off bloodthirsty pests. Natural insect repellents are free of ingredients that can be harmful to humans — and the planet: Citronella oil has...
It’s road–trip season. But before you set out on your summer adventures, make sure your tires will get you there safely. Make sure every driver in your household learns to follow these basic tire...