How Time of Day Affects Mood and Productivity
A study of nearly 50,000 adults in the United Kingdom has found that, in general, things really do seem better in the morning. Participants reported less depression and anxiety and more happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose in the early hours of the day.The findings match what Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, sees in her...
Flu Levels Are High or Very High Across Much of the U.S.
Flu is currently sweeping through the United States, making many Americans miserable with sneezing, congestion, cough, body aches, and fever.The latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 44 states are experiencing high or very high levels of influenza. The federal health agency estimates that, so far this season, there have been at...
Why Does My Belly Button Smell? Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Belly button odor is more common than some realize, and it can result from basic hygiene issues as well as more serious infections.1. Poor HygieneWashing with soap and water helps remove dirt, oils, and sweat from your skin. But without regular cleansing, these substances can build up in the navel, potentially leading to a musty odor.This is especially true...
Period Cramps? 10 Ways to Treat Menstrual Pain at Home
Can You Heal Menstrual Cramps With Home Remedies?Most of the time, menstrual cramps can be treated at home. For extremely painful cramps, you should consult your physician.Medical interventions you may need for your anti-cramping arsenal include prescription pain relievers, which have a higher potency than you can buy in the store; birth control in the form of pills, patches,...
21 Healthy High-Protein Snacks to Help You Power Through the Day
3. NutsWhether you’re a fan of peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pistachios, whole nuts are a healthy, high-protein snack choice. Plus, nuts are high in fiber, which also keeps you feeling full longer. High-fiber foods tend to take longer to eat and fill you up with fewer calories than low-fiber foods.While nuts are chock-full of heart-healthy fats, it’s still...
Recipe Conversions and MS: Bridging Understanding Through Translation
Around the winter holidays, I pull out recipes that I make only at this time of the year. Usually, unless I’m testing them for a publication, I give recipes a pass. But at this time of year, I want my gingerbread to taste like it did last year, the year before, and that first time I had it as...
Even Mild Headaches Can Raise Suicide Risk
People diagnosed with headaches may be more likely to attempt or complete suicide, a new study has found.The association between suicide and headache was robust across four types of headache: migraine, tension-type headache, post-traumatic headache, and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (which includes cluster headache), says lead author Holly Elser, MD, PhD, a neurology resident at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia.Although previous research...
Juice Cleanses Can Lead to Inflammation, Study Finds
People often turn to juice cleanses as a way to “detox” after weeks or months of unhealthy eating, or as a quick way to lose weight. But a small new study shows that consuming only liquids made from fresh-pressed fruits and vegetables — even for just three days — can trigger negative shifts in gut and oral bacteria that...
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
You or your partner might think your snoring is normal — and it may be — but it could also be a sign of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea, a disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep or that causes breathing to become very shallow during sleep, according...
Alcohol and Depression: What’s the Link?
The exact cause of this relationship isn’t entirely known. Some experts believe certain people may be genetically prone to both depression and alcohol use disorder. Environmental or social factors, such as drinking to cope with stress or depressive symptoms, may also play a role.The link between the two is complex and multifaceted.Depression Raises the Risk of Alcohol Use Disorder...
