Health & Balance News & Features
- Is Your Doctor ‘Blue Zones’ Certified?
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Blue Zones will soon offer a new clinical certification to physicians and health professionals.
- A Healthy Lifestyle Can Add Years to Life, Despite 'Bad' Genes
May 9, 2024 — Turn around those bad family genes with four lifestyle changes.
- How Your Future Self Can Make You Healthier Right Now
March 29, 2024 — Connecting with your future self can benefit you today, research shows. Here are two science-backed ways to do just that.
- Toxic Positivity: When ‘Good Vibes Only’ Goes Too Far
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.
- Playing with Dogs Helps People Concentrate and Relax, Study Says
March 14, 2024 — The study found that walking a dog relaxes people; brushing the dog improves concentration; and playing with the pooch does both.
- Why Immersion in Very Cold or Hot Water Can Be So Healthy
March 13, 2024 — Cold plunges, hot tubs, face dunking – trendy water activities may be very good for you. We ask experts why.
- Just Breathe: Mindfulness Can Beat Tech Stress at Work
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.
- Eating for Confidence: What to Know
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.
- Weight and Diabetes: Understanding the Link
The link between obesity and type 2 diabetes is strong. Learn what complications to watch out for and how your social connections can help.
- Cultural Considerations in Health Care
Your racial/ethnic group may raise your risk to develop certain diseases. Here’s how to talk to your doctor about your health care.
- Nature vs. Nurture: How Much Do Genes Matter When It Comes to Health?
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.
- How to Gather Your Family Health History
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.
- Weight Goals: How Your Circles Help
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.
- Getting Active: It's a Team Effort
Social support is key when it comes to exercise. Here, one woman describes how she and her partner add activity to their everyday life.
- Sleep Hygiene: It Starts at Home
Getting good sleep is important for your health. Learn how you can build healthy sleeping habits for you and your loved ones.
- The Psychology of Habits That Stick
Setting goals for new habits is fun, but making them stick can be much harder. Read more to learn the science behind creating habits.
- What Women Should Know About Cardiovascular Tests
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.
- Mammogram: Know the Facts
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.
- Easing Your Concerns About Colonoscopy
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.
- Dry January: A Month With No Alcohol?
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?
- Gratitude: How to Practice It, Benefits
Building a gratitude practice can be a rewarding daily habit. Learn how to do it and what the benefits are.
- Using Marijuana May Boost Empathy Skills, Study Suggests
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.
- DIY Wellness Retreat: A Treat for Your Mind and Body at Home
September 8, 2023 — Experts share their best tips for creating a meaningful self-care experience at home.
- Why Helping Others Improves Your Health
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.
- How Clean Is Your House?
If the words "clean house" are always on your to-do list, here's help.
- Cleaning Hit List: What to Disinfect
Use this list to help keep key areas in your home disinfected as well as clean. It could help you avoid catching a cold or getting the flu.
- How to Create a Greener, Cleaner, Healthier Home
New techniques and products make it easier than ever to make cleaning your home good for both your health and the environment.
- Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What's the Difference?
Cleaning can reduce the number of germs around you, but sometimes you need to take extra steps to disinfect. Here’s why – and how.
- Socially Isolated, Lonely People More Likely to Die Early, Study Says
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.
- Surgeon General Warns of ‘Loneliness and Isolation’ Epidemic
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.
- Positive Beliefs About Aging are Good for Memory Recovery
April 13, 2023 — Positive beliefs about aging give older people a 30% better chance of recovering normal thinking after experiencing mild memory loss.
- More Time Outdoors May Mean Less Need for Medications
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: Ways to Set Good Ones and Ditch the Bad
Habits are what can turn your goal or resolution into reality. Find out how to make good ones and break bad habits – for keeps.
- How to Make Your Staycation Feel Like a Getaway
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.
- How to Respond to Someone’s Guilt Trip
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.
- Did Your Doctor Fat-Shame You? Was It Weight Bias?
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.
- Psychology of a Song: What Makes These Grammy-Nominated Tracks Tick?
Ahead of this year’s awards, we explore why five of this year’s nominees might strike an emotional chord.
- Adult Sibling Rivalry: How to Make Peace
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.
- Psychology Tips for New Year's Resolutions
Are you making New Year's resolutions? Find out what helps you set goals and make habits that you can stick with.
- Can Music Help You Study?
Learn the benefits of music and how it can help with studying.
- Hidden Reasons Why You Procrastinate
Do you often find yourself procrastinating? Learn more about why you do this.
- Candles: Health Benefits, Risks, and Safety Tips
Are candles bad for you? Learn more about the benefits, chemical risks, and best types of candles.
- Why Realistic Thinking Is Better Than Optimistic Thinking
Learn about why thinking realistically is better than simple optimism.
- Financial Matters if You Are Getting Divorced
Learn helpful tips for protecting your finances during a divorce.
- Anxious About Climate Change?
Learn how to relieve anxiety about climate change.
- Is Retail Therapy for Real?
Does shopping boost your mood? Learn why and what to be aware of.
- Basic Self-Defense Moves
Knowing basic self-defense moves is a great way to keep yourself safe. Learn tips for escaping an attack using self-defense techniques.
- How Daydreaming Can Be Good For You
Learn about how helpful daydreaming can be.
- Why Subtracting Instead of Adding May Be Better for Your Health
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.