Health & Balance News & Features

Toxic positivity is when you insist on hyping the positive to an unrealistic and even damaging extent. And you might not even know you’re doing it.

March 14, 2024 — The study found that walking a dog relaxes people; brushing the dog improves concentration; and playing with the pooch does both.

March 13, 2024 — Cold plunges, hot tubs, face dunking – trendy water activities may be very good for you. We ask experts why.

March 8, 2024 — Preventing that burned out feeling is possible, experts say, by practicing mindfulness — an age-old approach focused on being aware of your feelings in the moment, without judgment or interpretation.

February 1, 2024 — Confidence can be built in many ways -- working out, practicing self-care, being kinder to yourself -- and new research shows that what you eat might have an impact. Specific nutrients can boost feelings of self-esteem by feeding your brain and subsequently affecting your emotions in a positive way.

The link between obesity and type 2 diabetes is strong. Learn what complications to watch out for and how your social connections can help.

Your racial/ethnic group may raise your risk to develop certain diseases. Here’s how to talk to your doctor about your health care.

Your genes may play a role in your health, but they aren’t your destiny. There’s a lot you can do to stay healthy and keep problems at bay.

Your family health history doesn’t need to be a mystery. Here’s how to collect the details you need and put them to good use to protect your health.

Research shows that you can lose weight more successfully if you enlist the help of family and friends. Here’s why support is so key.

Social support is key when it comes to exercise. Here, one woman describes how she and her partner add activity to their everyday life.

Getting good sleep is important for your health. Learn how you can build healthy sleeping habits for you and your loved ones.

Setting goals for new habits is fun, but making them stick can be much harder. Read more to learn the science behind creating habits.

As a woman in the U.S., it’s crucial to know your chances of heart disease and stroke. Get the facts on screening and the importance of family history.

No one looks forward to a mammogram. But knowing what to expect and having the support of loved ones can help make the process a little less overwhelming.

Colonoscopy isn’t as scary as it sounds. Learn how one woman uses her experience to help loved ones take this important test and safeguard their health.

Millions both in the U.K. and across the pond in the U.S. have vowed to skip alcohol for January 2024. What are the benefits?

Building a gratitude practice can be a rewarding daily habit. Learn how to do it and what the benefits are.

November 9, 2023 — Marijuana is often linked to poor mental health, but a new study shows that it may improve users’ empathy, which is the ability to understand or share the feelings of another person.

September 8, 2023 — Experts share their best tips for creating a meaningful self-care experience at home.

August 7, 2023 — Giving to others isn't just generous – it's healthy and linked to longer life. Here's what's going on in your body when you help someone.

If the words "clean house" are always on your to-do list, here's help.

It’s key to know which items in your home you need to disinfect regularly. Learn what they are and how to keep them germ-free.

“Going green” is good for your health and for the planet. Here’s how to bring the ideas to your home cleaning routine.

Cleaning can reduce the number of germs around you, but sometimes you need to take extra steps to disinfect. Here’s why – and how.

June 20, 2023 — Social isolation increased the risk of early death by 32%, and loneliness increased the risk of death by 14%, according to a study published Monday.

May 2, 2023 — The United States is facing a public health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of social connection, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, said Tuesday in issuing an advisory report.

April 13, 2023 — Positive beliefs about aging give older people a 30% better chance of recovering normal thinking after experiencing mild memory loss.

February 6, 2023 — Urban dwellers who frequently visit green spaces, such as parks and community gardens, have a lower use of some commonly prescribed medications.

Habits are what can turn your goal or resolution into reality. Find out how to make good ones and break bad habits – for keeps.

Your next staycation shouldn’t be just time to catch up on errands. Here’s how to make sure it feels like a true break.

What do you say when you’re the target of someone’s guilt trip? And what do you tell yourself about it? Read expert advice.

Many people have felt judged for being overweight. The fat phobia, weight bias, or weight stigma that other people subject them to can be harmful. Read experts’ advice.

Ahead of this year’s awards, we explore why five of this year’s nominees might strike an emotional chord.

Sibling rivalries come down to how kids perceive they’re treated by parents. An imbalance causes strain even as adults. Empathy can help you make amends.

Are you making New Year's resolutions? Find out what helps you set goals and make habits that you can stick with.

Learn the benefits of music and how it can help with studying.

Do you often find yourself procrastinating? Learn more about why you do this.

Are candles bad for you? Learn more about the benefits, chemical risks, and best types of candles.

Learn about why thinking realistically is better than simple optimism.

Learn helpful tips for protecting your finances during a divorce.

Learn how to relieve anxiety about climate change.

Does shopping boost your mood? Learn why and what to be aware of.

Knowing basic self-defense moves is a great way to keep yourself safe. Learn tips for escaping an attack using self-defense techniques.

Learn about how helpful daydreaming can be.

Subtracting instead of adding is better for your health. Read on to discover why it’s essential to reduce in some aspects of your life to improve your overall health.

Plastics are everywhere. They can break apart so much that you can’t even see them. Learn about how to avoid plastics and plastic pollution.

Learn what's helpful and not helpful when you feel overwhelmed or helpless.

Have you ever seen someone being harassed? Learn more about what to do if you find yourself in that situation.