Health/Wellness

Fall allergies or falling prey to chronic asthma or COPD? Twenty-two million Americans, many of whom are children, suffer from the frightening acute attacks and long-term disabilities of chronic asthma. Millions more adults face the increasing burdens and life-altering effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Managing these conditions effectively means truly understanding when and how to use the necessary medications.

Adding in, not just cutting out, is key to better eating habits When you think of eating right, does your mind immediately turn to what you should cut out of your diet? The list of things you might consider giving up can be long and daunting. As important as it might be to cut out some foods, don’t overlook the importance of the things you should add in, such as quality ingredients, appealing flavors and textures, and satisfying portions.

Four numbers you need to know for good health When it comes to health by the numbers, you probably already know to keep an eye on your cholesterol level, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. But are you aware of another medical marker that directly impacts these others?

Going gluten free may not be enough to manage celiac disease If you suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, joint pain, skin rash, mouth sores or tingling in the legs and feet, you may be one of the approximately 1 percent of Americans who are diagnosed with celiac disease. For those who are diagnosed with celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet is currently the only option available when seeking symptomatic relief. While the growing availability of gluten-free products available in stores may make it easier to manage these symptoms, is a gluten-free diet enough to make symptoms go away?

Allergies are one gift you don’t want to share during the holidays The holidays are a time when the decorations come out of storage, a live tree is brought inside adorned with lights and tinsel, and holiday scents fill the air. While this sounds like a warm and homey-style holiday, it can also cause watery eyes, runny noses and sneezes. Read on to learn how you can bypass these problems and enjoy a festive holiday season.

Alzheimer’s caregivers: Tips to take care of yourself, too Taking care of an ill loved one is never easy, but for the 15 million Americans who provide care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the emotional and financial toll of caregiving can be overwhelming. Caregivers should keep in mind that helping themselves stay well is also helping the people for whom they’re caring. If you’re taking care of a loved one with AD, here are some ways you can help both yourself and the person in your care.

How a whole-house humidifier helps keep your home healthy and comfortable this winter Dry, winter air causes numerous problems that can adversely affect the health and comfort of your family. Many of these issues materialize indoors, where countless people suffer from dry noses, cracked, itchy skin and sore throats. These health and comfort issues arise because the relative humidity (RH) of cold, outdoor air drops significantly when brought into your home and heated, resulting in dry and potentially damaging indoor air. Here’s how a whole-house humidifier can help.

Ask the pharmacist: Expert advice for navigating Medicare Part D enrollment If you’re confused about health care reform and Medicare, you’re not alone. Medicare Part D open enrollment is underway and thousands of Americans are looking for answers. Whether you are preparing to enroll into a Medicare Part D plan or you’re helping a family member or friend, here are some expert tips to simplify the process.

Avoid the flu this season: Tips for keeping your employees and business healthy Each year the flu results in 75 million days of work absences and 200 million days of diminished productivity for businesses nationwide. Cumulatively, the flu costs businesses an estimated $6.2 billion in lost productivity each year, with small businesses proving to be no exception. To keep your staff healthy and business booming, here are some tips to avoid catching the flu this season.

Woman with rare disease overcomes adversity one mountain at a time For most of her life, 44-year-old Tanya Howell was considered unreliable. She missed many days of work, even lost jobs and would frequently cancel on her friends and family at the last minute. She was particularly devastated when she needed to cancel on group outings, because she loves exploring and conquering the outdoors. The reason for her “flakiness,” a term many of Tanya’s friends used to describe her, was because she was suffering from unexplained, debilitating swelling attacks that would come on quickly and cause swelling in different parts of her body at any given time.

Move over carrots: other key nutrients for healthy vision Popeye trumps Bugs Bunny – at least for your eyes. An overwhelming majority of Americans identify carrots as the best food to eat to ensure healthy eyes but far fewer know that spinach can help support their vision too, according to a new survey. Move over carrots and beta-carotene, there are other foods and nutrients that appeal to eye health.

Enjoy special holiday meals that have great nutrition The most wonderful time of the year always means great tasting food! From family gatherings to holiday parties, sweet treats and delicious meals are everywhere during the holidays, but that shouldn’t prevent you from eating healthy. Whether it is a side dish, gingerbread cookies or turkey, you can still enjoy the best holiday meals while keeping your health in mind.

Support your bones this World Osteoporosis Day In the U.S., nearly half of all women older than 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture. And while osteoporosis may seem like a disease that only affects people later in life, early prevention is key to better bone health. In fact, bone mass attained early in life may be the most important determinant to bone health when you get older.

Outside the pill bottle: 5 simple, drug-free ways to reduce lower back pain Pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the main reasons Americans miss work. For example, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time, according to the American Chiropractic Association, with experts estimating that as many as 80 percent of Americans will experience a back problem at some point in their lives. When dealing with back pain, think outside the pill bottle and discover five drug-free ways to feel better now.

Tips for safer home medication storage and consumption Allergy season is behind us and before flu season strikes, now is the time for consumers to clean out their medicine cabinet and brush up on medication consumption and storage tips. A recent data brief from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that almost 50 percent of Americans take at least one prescription drug per month.

Life with advanced breast cancer: a daughter’s perspective Cate Edwards, daughter of Elizabeth Edwards, became part of the cancer community in 2004 when her mother was first diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. Shocked and defiant, Edwards and her mother assembled the best team of healthcare providers and confronted the cancer with grace, courage and perseverance.

NASCAR driver drives to stop diabetes Ryan Reed, 20, of Bakersfield, Calif., is chasing his dream to become a top NASCAR driver. He’s racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series events this year as a development driver for one of the top names in the sport, all while taking care of his type 1 diabetes.

Simple ways baby boomers can boost heart health It’s rare to find a person who hasn’t been affected by heart disease in some way. As the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease – and how to avoid it – should be top of mind, especially for baby boomers. Beyond scary statistics, heart health is about being able to live life to the fullest for as long as possible.

How to use the holiday spirit to talk to loved ones about hearing loss Families may struggle with how to help their loved ones cope with hearing loss. Talking about the problem is the first step toward treating hearing loss, but families may be unsure how to begin the conversation. The holidays, however, present the perfect opportunity to discuss a family member’s hearing loss in a supportive, positive atmosphere.

To reduce Lyme disease risks, keep tick-carrying deer out of your yard Colder weather’s arrival means homeowners across the country brace themselves for the battle against bold, foraging deer. But with recent reports that Lyme disease – transmitted by ticks that live on deer – is even more prevalent than health officials once thought, keeping deer away from your backyard is not just a cosmetic or financial issue any more. Your success at deterring deer could directly affect your family’s health.

Dispelling 5 common myths about depression There are more than 19 million adults in the United States living with depression and many more people could be suffering but are unaware that what they are feeling is depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This common and treatable illness affects people from all walks of life and can significantly interfere with a person’s behavior, physical health and interaction with others. The more you know about depression, the more likely you are to be able to help yourself or help others.

The psychology of seasons: Caring for your mental health When seasons change, moods can change with them. The long, dark and cold months can give people a serious case of cabin fever. Some people may even suffer from seasonal depression. Here’s what you need to know about this serious condition.

Tips to help your baby sleep through the night If you’re a new parent, the idea of a full night’s sleep probably seems like just a dream. Your world is full of late-night feeds, diaper changes and snuggles in the rocking chair. If this sounds like you, you can take some comfort in knowing you aren’t the only one out there dealing with sleepless nights.

Don’t give up on skin during the colder months ahead During the fall, when temperatures drop, skincare steps that were crucial during the hot summer months can often be overlooked because skin isn’t as exposed. Instead of waiting until skin is uncomfortably dry and itchy, make sure you’re moisturizing every day so skin stays soft, smooth and supple. And with all of the gatherings and parties that happen through fall and winter, you want to feel feel comfortable and confident in whatever you wear – whether it’s a short cocktail dress or a sleeveless top.

Avoiding footwear fumbles when exercising or playing sports No one disputes that exercise provides a host of health benefits, from helping control weight to improving cardiovascular functions. But exercising in the wrong footwear can cause more harm than good, especially since foot health is integral to overall well-being.

Safety checklist: a new and expecting mom’s best friend Whether you’re expecting or already have a baby, now is a great time to make sure you’re fully prepared when it comes to safety. It’s important to take the time to re-evaluate your home and daily routines to ensure that you’re doing all you can to provide a safe haven for your little ones.

Turn video games into family time Video gaming has taken a beating over the years from parents, educators and experts on health and social interaction. However, the gaming industry has addressed some of gaming’s negative stigma with good educational, physical and socially interactive games that benefit children and adults. Gaming allows players to tap into their best qualities: motivation, optimism, collaboration and resiliency against failure.

Technology to keep families connected and protected this season It’s the time of year when family schedules change and their daily routines reset. From coordinating calendars to handling additional demands such as homework and extracurricular activities, it can be a challenging, if not daunting, time for even the most organized family.

Decoding your digestive health A family feast for the record books, too much tailgating, a stressful day at the office, an allergic flare-up or just a change in your routine – no matter the cause, you’ve likely had to cope with digestive health issues at some point. For some, they’re an occasional occurrence. For many, they’re a regular or even daily disruption that can be uncomfortable, bothersome and embarrassing.

Iron matters for every body Fatigue. Dizziness. Irritability. Millions in the United States are experiencing these symptoms, but few know they may be the signs of a condition called iron deficiency anemia (IDA). IDA is most common among women of childbearing age and in those with special conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or gastrointestinal disorders that can cause bleeding.

When mixing medication and food can be deadly More than one-third of adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Yet many of those treated for these conditions don’t realize they are putting themselves at risk by not understanding the basics about their medications.

Five tips to help prevent medical identity theft Every fall, many people review their employer health care options during “open enrollment.” As you start to focus on your health care decisions, you may also want to consider the safety of information you routinely provide, such as your address, Social Security number and insurance provider. With new private and public health insurance exchanges becoming available, you may face a greater risk for medical identity theft.

I spy with my little eye: nutrients kids need for healthy vision The struggle at the dinner table between parents and their picky eaters isn’t uncommon. Add in a food jag, when children fixate on a particular food and don’t want to eat anything else, and the struggle turns to worry – “Is my child getting enough nutrients in his or her diet?”

The most powerful weapon against prostate cancer: a woman’s involvement Whether it’s scheduling a checkup for a husband, driving Grandpa to a doctor’s appointment or making sure a teenage son eats something other than junk food, women often act as guardians of the health of their male loved ones. Women seem naturally cast in the role of caregivers, and it’s not unusual for a woman to know more about men’s health issues – such as heart health – than the males in her life do. When it comes to prostate cancer, women’s knowledge and involvement can be life-saving for their loved ones.

Do you know your ABC’s about RSV? Alexis Tkachuk, a healthy 34-year-old, was overjoyed when she became pregnant with her first child. After 32 weeks of an uncomplicated pregnancy, Alexis’ doctor cleared her for travel, and she and her husband decided to enjoy a relaxing trip. During the flight, however, Alexis began feeling discomfort, and upon checking into a local hospital, discovered she was in labor – eight weeks early! Only four pushes later, Alexis gave birth to her four-pound baby boy, Jack.

Maintaining masculinity when living with prostate cancer side effects One out of every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The good news is when caught early, it is very treatable. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is almost 100 percent because many men receive an early diagnosis.

Fibroids and polyps: What women should know about a common health problem Women might be surprised to know that most of them will develop fibroids or polyps as a health issue sometime in their lives. In fact, studies show that 70 percent of white women and 80 percent of African-American women will develop fibroids by the time they are 50. Although these growths are among one of the most common health problems a woman can face, few know what they are, what the symptoms can be, and what treatments are available to them.

Stop the spread of cold and flu viruses this school year A new school year is starting and as many parents know, kids are likely to bring home more than their homework at some point. Many catch cold and flu viruses from their classmates, which can then spread to other family members at home. When kids are sick, they miss out on valuable learning experiences and social interactions in the classroom.

Five ways to fight fall allergies Autumn is a season filled with crisp air, falling leaves, pumpkin carving and, of course, hay fever symptoms. Here are tips to help allergy sufferers fight fall symptoms.

See your diabetes in a new light this tailgating season Tailgates are often synonymous with calorie-packed, high-fat foods that can make it challenging for people with type 2 diabetes to stay on-track with managing their condition. But, even if you have type 2 diabetes, there’s no reason to sit on the tailgating sidelines this season.

Six reasons to switch Medicare plans for 2014 Each year, Medicare open enrollment brings with it changes that can affect nearly 50 million people. This is when Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to change their Medicare plans for the coming year to better match their needs and potentially save on health care costs. This includes anyone using original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans.

Surgery insight: What happens while you’re under anesthesia? Preparing for surgery can create anxiety for some patients. It is not uncommon for patients to be particularly nervous about undergoing anesthesia. Have you ever wondered what happens during surgery and anesthesia? You’re not alone. Knowing you will receive the highest quality and safest medical care throughout your surgery can help ease any worries or concerns.

Know how to keep young athletes playing safe and strong Playing sports is great for kids. It teaches them the importance of teamwork, helps them stay physically active and creates positive habits that last a lifetime. An injury, however, can sideline young athletes for the season – or longer. Communities, coaches, parents and athletes adopt four key strategies to help reduce sports-related injuries.

Thwarting the safety threats that can lurk in kids’ lunch boxes When it comes to back-to-school safety, you cover the basics vigilantly, such as teaching kids to avoid strangers, buckling them in the car and providing appropriate safety gear when they play sports. But have you considered taking as much care when it comes to packing lunch boxes?

Life after stroke: Advice for physical and emotional recovery Did you know a stroke occurs every 40 seconds on average? About 795,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year, according to the American Stroke Association. If you or a loved one has survived a stroke, recovery depends largely on the severity of the brain damage. With love, support and patience, the journey toward a new normal can begin.

Indoor air quality: What you can’t see can hurt you The Environmental Protection Agency has named indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental risks to public health citing research that indoor air may be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside. With Americans spending 90 percent of their time indoors, purifying indoor air is paramount to keeping families healthy – especially those with family members suffering from asthma and allergies.

Impact of the Affordable Care Act on your income taxes The most significant implications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as “Obamacare,” are just around the corner. In addition to having wide-ranging effects on health insurance in 2014 and 2015, the legislation also impacts income taxes.

Afterschool nutrition and activities improve educational success While healthy activities and proper nutrition benefit physical health, they also impact mental health and children’s success in school. A nourished body means a nourished mind, and several studies show children who don’t get the proper nutrition can experience difficulties focusing, socializing and learning in the classroom.

Essential tools for parents to navigate teen health issues Parents of teenagers face a delicate balancing act between taking care of their teens and allowing them freedom to make their own decisions. However, when it comes to handling health issues, parents need to remain in the driver’s seat.

Be aware of food allergies when bringing treats to school As the school year gets underway, parents, teachers and school staff need to keep in mind children who have food-related allergies, both in the classroom and in the school building. Food is a very important part of the school day – from snacks and treats to the lunch served, but children with food allergies could face extreme consequences if they come in contact with certain foods.

Germaphobes 101: Expert tips to stay healthy Before you know it, the chilly weather will be here and so will the dreaded cold and flu season. While even the most avid germaphobes can’t control every germ from reaching their family, you can take extra precautions to keep a healthy home this year. Follow these expert tips to get rid of germs – once and for all.

New Resource Introduced for Families Living with ADHD Many families relish summer, weekends and holidays as opportunities to reconnect with each other through vacations, special events and relaxed schedules. But changes in schedule and travel can often be disruptive for children and make it difficult to get back in the swing of things for school, particularly children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who typically need routine and structure.

Risk of concussion increases with school sports and activities During the school year, more students ride bikes and participate in sports such as football, hockey and soccer. Events such as a bike accident, quick fall or collision with another student during athletic practice resulting in a concussion could cause serious consequences both during the school year and later on in life.

Smartphone apps make it easier to manage type 2 diabetes The amount of effort it takes for people with diabetes to pick the right foods and track everything they eat is a common source of frustration. Many people simply give up on actively making food choices or logging their meals despite the potential health risks. In the past two years, a growing number of people have been turning to smartphone apps to help simplify the process.

Top 5 super foods with a powerful health impact The term appears on headlines and is splashed on food labels everywhere -“super foods” get people talking. But what really is a super food, and how do you cut through confusion to find the foods that truly have a powerful impact on your health and wellness? Consider this insight from the experts.

Ask the Pharmacist: Caregivers, take care Approximately 42 million Americans provide unpaid care to an ill or disabled adult and new research shows the stress associated with this responsibility can have a negative effect on a person’s health.

The fat disease dilemma One-third of all American adults have one particular disease. That’s more than 35 percent of the entire U.S. adult population. What makes this number so shocking is that we’re not talking about heart disease, cancer or diabetes. We’re talking about obesity and the question – is it really a disease?

Kick start the school year with fun, free ways to keep kids active School days mean long hours studying indoors, exercising students’ brains but not their bodies. While classroom learning is the cornerstone of education, it’s important to remember that physical activity supports overall wellness. Keeping kids moving can even boost brain function, improving their grades along with their muscles.

Stepping out to stop diabetes This year, co-workers, families and friends across the country are making every step count in the fight against diabetes. Your steps can count too.

Does your back-to-school to-do list include vaccination? Back-to-school time for parents of preteens and teens often involves purchasing school supplies, coordinating extracurricular activities, and organizing fall schedules. However, this time is also a good opportunity to talk with your health care professional about vaccines that may be recommended for your preteen or teen.

Simple steps to packing a better school lunch As kids get ready to head back to school, it’s time for parents to break out the lunch boxes and start planning for school lunches. The good news is that packing a healthy, nutritious school lunch – that’s also kid-approved – may be easier than most parents think. Follow these simple steps to packing a better school lunch.

National Health Center Week: Recognizing community health centers that help millions of Americans every year It’s National Health Center Week – a time to reflect on the commitment of health centers across the country to provide access to affordable, high quality, cost-effective services, including those that help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. The services they offer are critical to the more than half of Americans who suffer from one or more chronic diseases every year and chronic diseases continue to be the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. A survey recently released could explain why.

Tips to help kids stay dry and confident through overnight occasions For the estimated 6 million-plus American children who experience bedwetting, sleepovers, sleep-away camp and vacation can trigger embarrassment, not to mention stress and worry for parents. t’s important for parents to find coping strategies, and consistently comfort and reassure their children. Here is some guidance on how parents can handle bedwetting during common overnight occasions.

Making wellness programs work for your wallet and lifestyle Staying well through preventive steps is cheaper, healthier and easier for everyone than waiting until a health condition becomes an issue. From the government to your own employer, many organizations spend millions of dollars every year on wellness programs aimed at supporting individuals’ efforts to stay healthy. These programs can be a great tool if they are easy to use, engaging, and provide reliable, understandable information on wellness.

Putting the fun in run: 3 missteps that can ruin your 5K run More than 6 million Americans participated in 5K races last year and more are expected to join in this year, according to Running USA. Whether it’s for fitness or charity, the first run or the last, a few simple mistakes in preparation can leave those who are doing good feeling pretty bad. To put your best foot forward, avoid these three running faux pas.

Entertaining ideas for going Greek (yogurt) For some who resist making the switch from regular to Greek yogurt, it boils down to taste. But even if you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt’s distinctive flavor, you can still tap the health benefits of this popular dairy product by incorporating Greek yogurt into a variety of recipes.

Low-risk lung cancer screening saves lives Although lung cancer kills more people than breast, colon, pancreatic and prostate cancers combined, the most effective early detection method for lung cancer has not been recognized by the government – until now. Heading into August, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued its long awaited draft recommendation that people considered at high risk for lung cancer get screened for the disease using a low dose CT scan.

Nurses respond to growing diversity in health care Since 2010, legislation outlined in the Affordable Care Act has and will continue to guide the U.S. health care system through a series of changes that will allow it to adapt to innovation, technological advances and the needs of millions of new patients. The industry is rapidly evolving to respond to unprecedented challenges, including the rising demand for patient care.

Foot care advice for new moms and babies Few things in life are as darling as a newborn’s little feet, and most new moms take great joy in counting 10 tiny, perfect toes. But foot health can be a source of anxiety for both new and expectant mothers, who may wonder about the best ways to care for their baby’s feet, and how to cope with changes in their own feet.

Creating a back-to-school checklist for parents of children with diabetes Parents and guardians create many checklists when it comes time to send their kids back to school. These lists include school supplies and clothing to be purchased, setting up schedules for the school year, choosing which fun and exciting extra-curricular activities a child will participate in and establishing a school year routine. Parents and guardians who have a child with diabetes need to create an additional diabetes care checklist to ensure their child’s diabetes needs are met in the school setting and to ensure their child is treated fairly.

New technology provides discreet hearing aid options Despite the fact that many people have hearing loss, they often wait years to get help. Only one in five people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one. Many people still think of hearing aids as the big, bulky models of the past. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, many of today’s top hearing aids reside inside the ear and are invisible to the naked eye.

Breastfeeding moms: Tips for long-term success No one argues the benefits of breastfeeding – 75 percent of babies start out being breastfed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The problem is that six months later, only 16 percent of babies are exclusively breastfed. What’s causing the significant drop off? Here is some insight and tips to help moms and the supportive family.

Breakfast basics every parent should know Most kids don’t want us to remind them that breakfast is the most important meal of the day as they’re running out the door to get to school on time. But they might be interested in hearing that eating a balanced breakfast will make them feel better, inside and out, contributing to better grades, better performance on the field and better nutrition choices throughout their days.

After-school smarts: Go healthy when kids go home The hours between the end of the school day and bedtime are a golden opportunity for parents to help children build healthy and safe habits that will last a lifetime. Here are some simple and free ways to incorporate messages about eating well, staying safe and avoiding injuries while kids complete homework, participate in team sports or recreational activities, and relax with friends.

Tips to improve your indoor air quality You pride yourself on keeping a clean home. The laundry is washed, the dishes are dry and the den where the children built their pillow fort has been restored to sanity. You’ve been vigilant about cleaning up the messes you can see, but what about the messes you can’t? What are you doing to improve the air quality in your home?

The truth about menopause: Debunking the myths for a happier, healthier, more satisfying life Even in today’s information age, myths about menopause and women’s changing bodies abound and can take a huge toll on women. Half of women say their anxiety around menopause is caused by not knowing enough about this life stage and nearly half of menopausal women feel less confident once they start experiencing menopausal symptoms. For women going through this transitional stage of life, debunking myths and finding solutions to help them stand up to the symptoms of menopause can empower and help them lead happier, healthier lives.

Summer: The season of barbeques, baseball and burglaries School is out and summer vacations are in full swing. But while many of us are relaxing, thieves are working overtime. Summer is theft season, at least according to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) statistics that show more home thefts occur in June, July and August than any other month of the year. What families might not realize is that their everyday habits could be making their home more vulnerable to theft.

Nearly 1.5 million baby boomers may suffer from chronic Hepatitis C without even knowing it Between 1999 and 2007, more people died from Hepatitis C related complications than HIV. Despite this, many people live with the Hepatitis C virus for years, without experiencing any symptoms, while it silently causes liver damage. At particular risk is the growing population of baby boomers – adults born between 1945 and 1965. Baby boomers account for over 75 percent of Hepatitis C cases and are five times more likely to be infected than those in other age groups.

Simple tips for a healthier, flavorful summer Summer is here and with it comes endless chances to enjoy all the sights, smells and tastes that this season brings. “Summertime is all about stress-free entertaining and simple meals,” says Rita Held, culinary professional and NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar brand ambassador. “The abundance of fresh produce and warm weather makes eating healthier foods easy.”

Giving your kids the tools for a healthy back-to-school season For moms, family and children are their No. 1 priority. Keeping everyone safe, healthy and happy is a huge part of everyday life. However, each year, parents send their kids back to school knowing they will be exposed to germs, making prevention of sickness a priority. Here are some tips for a healthier back-to-school season.

Medication-free nausea relief for migraine sufferers If you suffer from migraines, you are not alone. Migraines affect 36 million Americans, according to the American Migraine Foundation. The World Health Organization classifies migraines as the 19th leading cause of all years lived with a disability for both males and females.

Stress management tactics for an improved self, inside and out There are moments when stress takes over all aspects of life, both personal and professional. The to-do list feels never ending; there are never enough hours in the day; and the challenges appear insurmountable. Feeling stressed is a normal response to demands encountered on emotional, intellectual and physical levels, and often manifests itself physically in many different ways – especially in the appearance of skin. Positively managing stress is essential to achieving a balanced lifestyle and naturally healthy-looking skin.

Sleeping tips for back-to-school success Did you know the best preparation for back to school is a good night’s sleep? Lack of sleep can affect a child’s performance, attention, learning, behavior and biological functions, experts say. In fact, recent studies show that American students might be falling behind in school due to a lack of shut-eye.

Little hands inspire creative kitchens: How to encourage kids to cook The kitchen is known as the heart of the home, a central place where families gather to relax, work, share stories and most importantly – cook meals together. By teaching your kids how to help in the kitchen from meal prep to cleanup, you’re also helping them understand how to prepare healthy meals and appreciate food for years to come. Here are some easy and fun tips for inspiring your children.

How to lose a sweet tooth Most of us have been there at some point. You somehow find yourself barefoot in your kitchen at midnight, eating ice cream out of the container. Alternatively, the mid-afternoon energy slump has landed you in front of the vending machine pining for a package of candy. Maybe the kids didn’t exactly have to twist your arm to make brownies last weekend. And, by the way, is that whole sleeve of cookies really gone? How is it that, despite our most valiant efforts, a sugar craving can effortlessly throw a healthy way of life off track? And how do we combat these cravings in an effort to eat better? Get a handle on the basics.

How America’s change-leading generation has redesigned aging America’s baby boomers first came on the scene in 1946. They’ve been turning the world on its head ever since. Known as the country’s greatest generation for leading change, baby boomers make up roughly 29 percent of the United States’ total population – at about 79 million people. Over the years they’ve reinvented almost everything about the way America lives – from the music we listen to, to the cars we drive, to the technology we rely upon, to the way we age.

Remedies for deadly heat: more than just staying hydrated Some parts of the country are experiencing record high temperatures this summer. Las Vegas hit 117 degrees and Phoenix topped the charts at 119 degrees. Salt Lake City also hit the triple digits as did several areas in California. Dry heat or not, residents and visitors were undoubtedly feeling it, and anytime the mercury gets remotely close to these temperatures, staying hydrated is of paramount importance.

Eating out this summer? How kids are now eating healthier at restaurants As many families make their travel and leisure plans this year, they are happily discovering that a growing number of restaurants – in their hometowns and at their vacation destinations – are offering more healthful and great-tasting menu options for children. With consumers growing more interested in better-for-you menu items, restaurants are responding to the demand with offerings that families will enjoy.

Manage your COPD, don’t let your COPD manage your life When you have COPD, every breath can be difficult. Some patients say that it feels like breathing through a cocktail straw. Trouble breathing can impact your ability to do daily activities like gardening, traveling and, eventually, even walking. While there is no cure for COPD, there are a number of treatment options and lifestyle adjustments that can help you better manage your COPD.

How to keep your health up and costs down No matter your age, you can help keep your body healthy and your money out of the health care system by eating right, exercising and avoiding habits that contribute to chronic illness. Having the appropriate insurance may also help your bottom line more than you think. Follow this guide to see if you have what you need at various stages in life.

Celeb worthy on-the-go snacking tips for a healthy new you We’ve all been there; 3 p.m. rolls around and suddenly you need a snack. As children, we thrived on snacks, but as we grow older many of us ignore those in-between-meals hunger pangs. We ignore the signals our stomach sends us in an attempt to be healthy. However, healthy snacking not only boasts the metabolism, but keeps cravings for less healthy foods – like that chocolate cake – at bay.

DIY pet treats: economical, easy and nutritious Many families are struggling to find time to sit down together for a meal these days so it may seem funny that more people are making time to bake treats for their pets. But pets are gaining status in the family hierarchy and pet owners say their pets are an official member of the family that often gets a home-made treat.

Bunion blues: Don’t think you’re immune Think you’re too young, too healthy or too cool to ever suffer from bunions? Think again. Bunions are the most common type of foot woes podiatrists treat every day, and if you’re a woman, you are as much as nine times more likely to get a bunion than any man you know – including your grandfather.

America’s other drug problem: prescriptions not taken America has a serious drug problem, but it’s not the one you might be thinking about. The problem is not illegal drugs or drug abuse, but rather an alarming percentage of Americans who do not take their prescriptions as instructed. Approximately 125,000 deaths per year in the United States can be attributed to medication non-adherence, according to the National Pharmaceutical Council.

Grooming solutions to help men care for their faces The majority of U.S. men believe their appearance is an important factor in their personal and professional success. As a result, men have become increasingly aware of the need to take better care of their faces – as it tells their story and the life they have lived. If this cultural shift is any indication, carefully maintaining your skin – and facial hair – is a huge part of putting your very best face forward.

Checkups aren’t just for babies Parents of infants and young children regularly visit the pediatrician’s office for their child’s checkups. These visits offer an opportunity to learn about keeping your child healthy and to ensure he/she is up-to-date on vaccines. However, when a child reaches the teen years, these annual checkups may fall off the radar.