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Focus on Health
- Enjoying Nature May Give Your Brain a Break
  We live in a hectic world. The constant demands of technology and life's many responsibilities can become overwhelming. Looking for a much-needed reprieve? Visit Mother Nature. Ongoing research suggests that the natural world may benefit your brain.
- No Time for Exercise? An Active Lifestyle May Be the Solution
  Life can certainly be hectic. So much so, that many of us can't seem to fit in exercise. As a result, we're missing out on some valuable health benefits, such as a stronger heart. Fortunately, recent research suggests simply moving more every day may be the solution.
- Say 'No' to Foodborne Illness
  You probably wouldn't consider a fresh spinach salad bad for your health. After all, spinach is packed with nutrients like fiber and potassium. But a recent government report found that such leafy green vegetables are the most common culprits of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. Don't toss out that salad just yet, though. You can do a lot to prevent food poisoning.
- 4 Nutrients for a Healthy Colon
  Mom's chicken soup, cheese tamales, bread pudding - we all have our favorite foods. Unfortunately, what we like to eat isn't always good for our bodies. Consider colorectal cancer. Certain risk factors for the disease, such as being older than age 50 or having a family history, you can't avoid. But you may be able to keep your colon healthy by eating better. Try adding these four nutrients to your favorites list.
- Women and Heart Disease: Sometimes a Difficult Diagnosis
  Heart disease trumps all other diseases, including cancer, as the number one cause of death for American women. Partly, that's because women may suffer from less recognized heart attack symptoms. The condition may also affect a woman's body differently, making it harder to diagnose. Read on to learn more about the dangers of heart disease.
Breast Health
- Younger Women Need to Be Vigilant About Breast Cancer
  As you grow older, your chance of developing breast cancer increases. In fact, two-thirds of cases occur in women ages 55 and older. Still, younger women can develop the disease. And a recent study found that more of them-particularly those younger than 40-are being diagnosed with breast cancer that has spread throughout the body.
- PTSD Not Uncommon After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
  A traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or a severe car accident, can trigger feelings of anxiety and distress-maybe even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). So, too, can a breast cancer diagnosis. Recent research shows that approximately 25 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer may suffer from PTSD. Learning good coping strategies can help you deal with such life-altering news.
- Breast Cancer May Be More Deadly for Some Women
  Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. Women of all ages, races, and ethnicities - men, too - can develop it. For some women, though - in particular, African-Americans - breast cancer can be more deadly. Many factors play a role in this disparity. Fortunately, by being proactive about breast health, women can help protect themselves from this disease.
- A Mammogram Is Still Important
  Over the last decade, more Americans have been dismissing cancer screenings, including mammograms. Why? Experts suspect this drop may partly be because of the confusion surrounding screening guidelines. Despite this uncertainty, mammograms remain a valuable tool in fighting breast cancer.
- Fighting Breast Cancer: The Latest Treatment Techniques
  Women diagnosed with breast cancer today have more treatment options available to them than ever before. And scientists continue to make advancements. Coupled with better screening tests that help with diagnosis, newer treatments have helped to reduce the risk of dying from this disease over the last 30-plus years. Below are some of the latest ways doctors are bringing the fight to breast cancer.
- Strong Social Ties May Help Women Survive Cancer
  Learning you have breast cancer can be overwhelming. Many women face hard decisions about their care. A new study indicates that having a strong social network may help women better cope with a breast cancer diagnosis. In particular, it may boost their odds of survival.
- Patient Service Helps Spot Cancer Early
  Early diagnosis is crucial in fighting breast cancer. It often leads to faster treatment and a better chance of survival. That's where a service called "patient navigation" may fit in. A recent study shows this service may shorten the time to diagnosis.
- Mammography Pluses Top Any Harms
  For older women, the benefits of getting a mammogram every two years outweigh potential harms, researchers say.
- Study Suggests Change in Radiation Guidelines in Older Women
  An older woman who has radiation therapy after a lumpectomy may lower her need for a mastectomy later on, a new study says. Yet current guidelines recommend that older breast cancer patients not have radiation.
- Do Larger Infants Raise Breast Cancer Risk?
  Women who give birth to large infants may be 2.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer than women who give birth to the smallest babies.
- Radiation Treatment in Childhood Boosts Breast Cancer Risk
  Girls who get radiation therapy to the chest to treat cancer are at higher risk for breast cancer by the time they turn 50, a new study says.
- Moving Toward a Blood Test for Breast Cancer
  Researchers are looking closer at a blood test that assesses changes in a certain gene's DNA. The test may one day be able to predict who's at risk for breast cancer years before it develops.
Diabetes Health
- For Diabetes: Go Mediterranean
  Eating a nutritious diet is important when you have diabetes. Putting certain foods on your plate-such as fruits and vegetables, beans, and whole grains-can help you better control blood sugar levels. Enter the Mediterranean diet. It's been shown to boost heart health. And now, research finds it may be useful in managing diabetes, too.
- Diabetes and Depression: A Troubling Connection
  How you feel physically can certainly influence how you feel mentally - and vice-versa. A prime example of that connection is diabetes and depression. Ongoing research suggests that people with either health condition are at higher risk of developing the other. By themselves, diabetes and depression can be hard to deal with. Together, they can seriously affect your overall health.
- Diabetes Prevention: It’s All in the Family
  Every family passes something down - your grandmother's wedding band, Uncle Joe's lucky tackle box, an older brother's clothes. Did you know you can even pass down a tendency to develop diabetes? Family history is one of the leading risk factors for this serious disease. And it isn't all in the genes. Lifestyle plays a decisive role, too.
- 3 Potential New Tactics for Preventing Diabetes
  If you like to follow the latest trends, here's one you should skip: More Americans are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This serious disease already affects nearly 26 million people in the U.S. Fortunately, you can do a lot to protect yourself. Proven tactics include regular exercise and a healthy diet. Recent research also points to three other possible ways to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity Epidemic Drives Dramatic Rise in Diabetes
  More and more Americans are becoming obese. A wider waist increases their risk for heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. A new government report found this obesity epidemic is also tied to another troubling health trend. It's spurring a spike in type 2 diabetes.
- Eat More Legumes for Better Diabetes Control
  If you have type 2 diabetes, you probably already know that you need to keep a close eye on what you eat. Certain foods can affect how well you manage your condition. A recent study suggests people with diabetes should try adding more legumes to their diet. Researchers found that eating more of them may lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
- Hispanics and Type 2 Diabetes Risk
  As an ethnic group, Hispanic/Latino Americans are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found one reason: Hispanic/Latino Americans are more likely to store fat in their pancreas but less able to produce more insulin to compensate for this extra fat.
- Many People with Type 2 Diabetes Are in Pain
  Nearly half of people with type 2 diabetes say they live with acute and chronic pain, and about a quarter have nerve damage, fatigue, and depression. A new study suggests that palliative care should be a normal part of diabetes management.
- Weighing the Benefits of New Diabetes Technology
  Newfangled devices make it easier than ever to monitor blood sugar, but an analysis of more than 30 studies suggests that newer isn't necessarily better in terms of blood sugar control.
- Diabetes Prevention: Aggressively Treat Prediabetes
  About 70 percent of people with prediabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes. But researchers say that making lifestyle changes and/or taking medication can do a lot to stop that progression.
- Deaths from Diabetes Make Sharp Drop
  Fewer Americans with diabetes are dying from heart disease and stroke, according to a new government report. The lower death rates are the result of healthier lifestyles and better disease management.
- New Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Guidelines Issued
  New guidelines on treating type 2 diabetes emphasize a patient-centered approach and say that treatment often requires a personalized, multi-pronged therapy. The guidelines also lower the target for A1C from 7 to between 6 and 6.5.
- Good Skin Care Essential if You Have Diabetes
  As your body's largest organ, your skin is a master multitasker. It keeps fluids in, preventing dehydration. It regulates body temperature. It senses external stimuli, such as pain. It produces vitamin D from sunlight. And perhaps its most important task: It protects the body from infection. No doubt, keeping your skin healthy is important, especially if you have diabetes.
For Your Child
- Family Focus: Less Sodium for All
  Your child probably loves pizza. And how about hot dogs, lunch meat, or cheese? In addition to being many children's favorites, these foods are high in sodium. They contribute to a startling fact: Many children eat as much sodium as adults in the U.S. That's setting the table for serious concerns about children's future heart health.
- Children Can Suffer ACL Injuries, Too
  Parents of young athletes may expect the occasional bruise, scrape, or pulled muscle. But an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may seem a more likely concern for a professional running back or a slam-dunking hoop star. Yet millions of children every year suffer serious sports injuries, including torn ACLs.
- Energy Drinks: Not a Good Choice for Children
  They're labeled with compelling names, such as Monster Energy and Rockstar. X-Game athletes sport their brands on jackets and hats. Energy drinks exude an ethos that attracts many children and young adults. Although these beverages may be considered cool, they're not a healthy choice for your child.
- Give Your Child an Academic Boost—Exercise!
  Keeping your child active may not always be easy. Children may be more interested in video games, YouTube videos, or the latest episode of American Idol. But regular physical activity can help curb childhood obesity, an epidemic that affects more than 12 million U.S. kids. Urging your child to move more has other benefits, too. It may even improve academic performance.
- Preventing Teen Dating Abuse
  The teen years can be an exciting and anxious time for your child - and you. One of the more nerve-wracking moments may be your child's dating. It's natural for a parent to worry. You want to keep your child safe. Knowing about the dangers of teen dating violence can help you prevent it and, if needed, identify such abuse.
- Flame Retardants May Affect Kids’ Development
  The family's well-worn couch. Grandpa's favorite old chair. Of all the things parents may worry about, these items probably don't make the list. But according to a new study, maybe they should, particularly if they contain flame retardants. Furniture, carpet, electronics, and other products that are made with such chemicals may increase a child's risk for developmental problems. Exposure to them may lead to a lower IQ, inattention, and coordination troubles.
- More Youths Abuse Painkillers
  Talking with your child about drug abuse is important. It helps to keep him or her healthy. But did you know you should cover prescription painkillers in that chat? A new study points to why.
- U.S. Kids’ Diet Too Salty for Their Health
  The average child or teen in the U.S. consumes nearly 3,400 mg of sodium each day - or more than 1,000 mg above the recommended maximum. Some researchers say that high salt intake is what's driving an increase in high blood pressure among kids.
- Many Kids in Cars Still Not Restrained Properly
  A new study found that despite AAP guidelines on car safety, few youngsters are placed in the proper safety seats after age 1, and that many over age 6 sit in the front passenger seat.
- FDA Bans Chemical from Infant Bottles and Cups
  The FDA has officially banned bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and sippy cups, which should help ease parents' worries about the controversial chemical.
- Lasting Effects of Parents' Squabbles
  Kindergarteners whose parents fight with each other frequently and harshly are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and behavior issues by middle school, a new study says.
- Beware: Toddlers Toting Pacifier or Bottle
  Children just learning to walk (or run) can sustain an injury if they fall with a pacifier, bottle, or sippy cup in hand. According to a nationwide survey, most injuries are cuts to the mouth.
Heart Care
- Job Burnout May Be Hard on Your Heart
  A lengthy to-do list, a fast-approaching deadline, conflict with a colleague-many people struggle with such on-the-job stressors. When constant and overwhelming, this stress can lead to job burnout. Like other forms of stress, job burnout may affect your health, even raising your risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).
- The Heart Benefit of Berries
  The sweet strawberry, the perfect bite-sized blueberry, the luscious raspberry-these palate-pleasing fruits are bursting with flavor. And something more: They contain anthocyanin-a potential heart-protecting chemical. It could be the reason why eating berries may be good for your heart, even helping to prevent a heart attack.
- 4 Heart-Related Conditions You Can Work to Prevent
  Here's a heart-stuttering statistic: Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from heart disease. Many of those deaths could be prevented. How? Start with being better informed about what it takes to keep your heart healthy. Below are four common heart-related conditions and tips on preventing them.
- A Healthy Diet Still One of the Best Defenses Against Heart Attack
  Suffering a heart attack is often a life-changing event. For a survivor, it may mean a lifestyle overhaul, such as exercising more and eating better. These changes can be hard to make - but are often crucial. People who have a heart attack are at a higher risk for having another one. A heart-healthy diet may be one of the best defenses against such a recurrence.
- Statins May Lower Cancer Risk, Too
  If you have high cholesterol, chances are your doctor has prescribed you a type of medication called a statin. By lowering cholesterol, these pills help prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. Some research suggests statins may also play a surprising role in preventing another major health condition. They may lower your risk for cancer.
- Some Signs of Aging Linked to an Unhealthy Heart
  The old adage "You should never judge a book by its cover" may not hold up when it comes to your heart. Researchers recently reported that people with certain physical features related to aging, such as a receding hairline, may have unhealthier hearts.
- Moderate Drinking Linked to Heart Rhythm Problem
  When it comes to your heart, you can do a lot to keep it healthy. For instance, you can stop smoking and exercise more. Past research has also shown that an occasional drink may boost heart health. But older people with cardiovascular disease or diabetes may want to reconsider how much they drink. A recent study found that even moderate drinking for these people may raise their risk for atrial fibrillation.
- Pain Relievers May Raise Risk for 2nd Heart Attack
  Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers after a heart attack may raise your risk for a second heart attack, even several years afterward, a new study says.
- New Strategy May Find Heart Attacks Quickly
  Millions of Americans end up in the ER each year with chest pain, and doctors need to know as soon as possible if that chest pain means a heart attack. A common blood test may be able to provide a definitive answer within an hour.
- Medication Mix-ups Common in Heart Patients
  Half of people in the hospital for a heart attack or heart failure make a mistake with their medications within a month of going home. This is true even among people who get counseling and guidance from a pharmacist.
- Hormone Combo in Contraception Boosts Heart Risk
  Women who use birth control products that contain a combination of estrogen and progestin may double their risk for heart attack and stroke.
- Larger Waist Size Boosts Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death
  People with a "spare tire" around their middle are at increased odds for sudden cardiac death, especially if they are obese.
- How Safe Is Your Home?
  A home should be a haven-a place where you rest and enjoy time with family-a place of safety and security. But that isn't always the case.
- Bone Health Isn’t Just a Woman’s Concern
  Many men may rank heart disease as a top health concern. Focused on their hearts, they may ignore or not realize how important bone health is, too. Osteoporosis-a disease that weakens and greatly increases the risk for bone fracture-affects almost 9 million men in the U.S. Even though the condition is more common in women, it may be more harmful in men.
- Easing Your Concerns About a Prostate Exam
  Visiting your doctor may not always be the most pleasant experience, especially if you need to have a digital rectal exam, or DRE. Like the Pap test for women, a DRE makes many men feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Knowing more about this common procedure can ease your concerns and help you prepare for your first - or subsequent - DRE.
- A Healthy Heart Can Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
  Since the commercial success of drugs such as Viagra and Cialis, more men feel comfortable talking with their doctors about erectile dysfunction (ED). That's particularly good news for their hearts. Research has shown that ED may be a harbinger of future heart problems.
- Defeat the Pattern of Male-Pattern Baldness
  Hair loss is a topic most men don't want to discuss. Yet it affects more than two-thirds of them by age 35. Nearly 85 percent of men will have thinning hair by age 50.
- Gene Raises Risk for Pancreatitis in Men Who Drink
  Genetics can play a role in whether you develop certain diseases. Think heart disease. Your risk for this condition is higher if you have a family history of it. A new study suggests that genetics may also up the risk for chronic pancreatitis in some men. Those who have a specific gene face a higher risk for this disorder, particularly if they drink a lot.
- More Eye Injuries Seen with Robotic Prostate Surgery
  More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Newer treatment options are improving care. But they have risks, too. A recent study found that men who have a type of surgery called robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy may have a higher risk for eye injuries.
- Fried Meat May Boost Prostate Cancer Risk
  How a man cooks his dinner may affect his risk for prostate cancer. Pan-frying red meat at high temperatures creates cancer-causing chemicals, something that doesn't happen when meat is broiled or grilled.
- Calcium and Vitamin D Risky for Prostate Cancer
  Even though men using hormone treatment for prostate cancer are at risk for osteoporosis, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may boost their risk for heart disease and aggressive prostate cancer.
- PSA Test May Help Some Men
  An expert panel says that men with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should talk with their doctor about getting a PSA test for prostate cancer. This recommendation comes in response to a federal group's recent advice against PSA screening.
- Treating Sleep Apnea May Help Men’s Sex Life
  Younger men who have sleep apnea often also have erectile dysfunction. But researchers say that treating the sleep disorder has a side benefit: It may boost sexual performance.
- Older Men at Higher Risk for Melanoma
  Most men still think that sun exposure is good for their health and don't bother with UV protection. But that behavior puts them at risk for melanoma as they grow older.
Men's Health
- How Safe Is Your Home?
  A home should be a haven-a place where you rest and enjoy time with family-a place of safety and security. But that isn't always the case.
- Bone Health Isn’t Just a Woman’s Concern
  Many men may rank heart disease as a top health concern. Focused on their hearts, they may ignore or not realize how important bone health is, too. Osteoporosis-a disease that weakens and greatly increases the risk for bone fracture-affects almost 9 million men in the U.S. Even though the condition is more common in women, it may be more harmful in men.
- Easing Your Concerns About a Prostate Exam
  Visiting your doctor may not always be the most pleasant experience, especially if you need to have a digital rectal exam, or DRE. Like the Pap test for women, a DRE makes many men feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Knowing more about this common procedure can ease your concerns and help you prepare for your first - or subsequent - DRE.
- A Healthy Heart Can Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
  Since the commercial success of drugs such as Viagra and Cialis, more men feel comfortable talking with their doctors about erectile dysfunction (ED). That's particularly good news for their hearts. Research has shown that ED may be a harbinger of future heart problems.
- Defeat the Pattern of Male-Pattern Baldness
  Hair loss is a topic most men don't want to discuss. Yet it affects more than two-thirds of them by age 35. Nearly 85 percent of men will have thinning hair by age 50.
- Gene Raises Risk for Pancreatitis in Men Who Drink
  Genetics can play a role in whether you develop certain diseases. Think heart disease. Your risk for this condition is higher if you have a family history of it. A new study suggests that genetics may also up the risk for chronic pancreatitis in some men. Those who have a specific gene face a higher risk for this disorder, particularly if they drink a lot.
- More Eye Injuries Seen with Robotic Prostate Surgery
  More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Newer treatment options are improving care. But they have risks, too. A recent study found that men who have a type of surgery called robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy may have a higher risk for eye injuries.
- Fried Meat May Boost Prostate Cancer Risk
  How a man cooks his dinner may affect his risk for prostate cancer. Pan-frying red meat at high temperatures creates cancer-causing chemicals, something that doesn't happen when meat is broiled or grilled.
- Calcium and Vitamin D Risky for Prostate Cancer
  Even though men using hormone treatment for prostate cancer are at risk for osteoporosis, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may boost their risk for heart disease and aggressive prostate cancer.
- PSA Test May Help Some Men
  An expert panel says that men with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should talk with their doctor about getting a PSA test for prostate cancer. This recommendation comes in response to a federal group's recent advice against PSA screening.
- Treating Sleep Apnea May Help Men’s Sex Life
  Younger men who have sleep apnea often also have erectile dysfunction. But researchers say that treating the sleep disorder has a side benefit: It may boost sexual performance.
- Older Men at Higher Risk for Melanoma
  Most men still think that sun exposure is good for their health and don't bother with UV protection. But that behavior puts them at risk for melanoma as they grow older.
Mind and Body
- Do Ultrasonic Bug Repellent Devices Work?
  Many people detest bugs, especially when they find them in their homes. Keeping bugs at bay may prompt you to try just about anything-maybe even ultrasonic bug repellent devices. But do they work? Simple steps to prevent insects indoors in the first place may be far more effective.
- Are Multivitamins Worth the Cost?
  A pill packed with lots of nutrients-a multivitamin-may seem like the perfect shortcut to healthy living. Chances are, though, you're already getting all the vitamins and minerals you need from the foods you eat. So unless you have a nutritional deficiency, multivitamins may not provide much health benefit.
- The Total-Body Toll of Obesity
  Many Americans realize that obesity is more than a cosmetic concern. A recent poll found that 78 percent knew that obesity can raise the risk for heart disease. Seventy percent recognized a link with diabetes. But what about high blood pressure? Cancer? Arthritis? When asked about obesity’s effects on the body, fewer people mentioned such consequences.
- E-Cigarettes: A Safer Source of Nicotine?
  Anyone who has tried to quit smoking knows it can entail herculean efforts. Withdrawal symptoms from nicotine and constant cravings for a cigarette cause many smokers to quit on quitting. Some smokers may be tempted to try electronic cigarettes - or e-cigarettes. They may sound like a healthier option. But these devices may be no safer than traditional cigarettes.
- Protecting Older Family Members from Financial Abuse
  It can be hard to discuss money matters with older family members. Many of us may prefer to avoid such a sticky subject entirely. This reluctance can make it easy to overlook a potentially serious problem: financial abuse. It's a type of elder abuse, which affects more than 5 million older adults each year. And experts believe it's becoming more common.
- Americans Need to Learn More about Antibiotics
  Do antibiotics cure the common cold? If you answered yes, you've got good company in being wrong. A recent poll found that many Americans don't know enough about antibiotics and their proper use.
- Too Much Sitting Can Harm Your Health
  If you spend a lot of time sitting every day, you may be harming your health, even if you exercise. A recent review of 18 studies with nearly 800,000 participants found a link between sedentary living and overall health.
- Shoppers Who Read Food Labels Are Slimmer
  If you read food labels while you shop for groceries, you may have taken an important step toward maintainging a healthy weight. A new study found that people - especially women - who check food labels at the supermarket are thinner than people who don't.
- Why Some People Get Cold Feet
  Folk wisdom links cold hands and feet with a warm heart. But that wisdom also refers to the natural process in which the body slows or reduces circulation to the hands and feet in order to boost blood flow and warmth for the internal organs in response to cold conditions.
- Cancer Risk Higher with Mental Illness
  People who have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder appear to have more than a two-fold higher risk for cancer.
- Large Jump in Imaging Scans Since 1996
  Many more imaging scans are done these days, greatly boosting the amount of radiation that patients receive and raising questions about overuse of these imaging methods, a new analysis concludes.
- Asthma Cases on the Upswing
  Asthma continues to be a major health problem in the U.S., with the rate of new asthma cases increasing by almost 15 percent between 2001 and 2010, the CDC says in a new report.
Women's Health
- Considering Birth Control? Know Your Options
  Women today have more birth control options than ever before. The condom, the pill, the patch-to name just a few. In fact, more than three-quarters of sexually active women in the U.S. have tried at least three different methods of contraception. Knowing more about your options can help you choose the best one for you.
- Java and Pregnancy: An OK Combo?
  Finding out you are pregnant may prompt you to make some lifestyle changes, particularly in your diet. You may decide to eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer high-fat foods. Another change you may want to consider: cutting back on coffee. A recent study suggests that too much coffee and other sources of caffeine may lower your baby's birth weight, possibly leading to serious health problems.
- Binge Drinking: A Woman’s Health Concern
  Many women drink alcohol - whether it's to celebrate a special event or maybe to relax with friends. An occasional drink usually isn't a concern. Moderate amounts of alcohol may even protect against coronary heart disease. More excessive drinking, though - like binge drinking - can lead to serious health problems.
- More Women Face Mental Illness
  You may pay more attention to your physical health than how you feel mentally. Like any physical ailment, though, conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse can tax your body. More than 45 million Americans struggle with a mental health problem, and many of them are women. Knowing more about mental illness, including the warning signs, can help keep your body - and mind - healthy.
- Beyond Bone Health: The Power of Vitamin D
  A simple glass of milk can do a lot for your health. Thanks to the "Got Milk" campaign, many women know that it packs a healthy punch of calcium and vitamin D - two nutrients critical for strong bones. But did you know vitamin D may be beneficial beyond bone health? Ongoing research suggests it may have some truly potent powers.
- Respiratory Symptoms Wax and Wane with Period
  You're likely familiar with the changes your body goes through each menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels rise as your body prepares for ovulation. Then they fall before your period. This flux in hormones can trigger fatigue, breast tenderness, and other symptoms. A new study suggests these hormonal changes may also affect breathing problems like coughing or shortness of breath. The findings may be especially helpful for women with asthma.
- Menopause Boosts Belly Fat, Study Says
  A commonly held belief is that weight gain during menopause is inevitable. New research suggests otherwise. A recent review of available data on this life change found that menopause doesn't cause weight gain. But it may move fat to your middle.
- Early Menopause Affects Heart Disease Risk
  Women who go through menopause before age 46 may double their risk for heart disease and stroke, new research says.
- Working Moms Say They Are Healthier
  Working full time seems to boost both mental and physical health for women who are mothers, compared with women who stay at home or work part time.
- Mixed Reviews on Alcohol Use by Women
  Alcohol can be both a benefit and a danger to women, according to two recent studies. The key seems to be in knowing when it's appropriate to drink and how much alcohol is considered safe.
- Panel Nixes Supplements for Bone Health
  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says that older women should not take low doses of calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent fractures. The panel is still weighing what to recommend on higher supplement doses.
- Healthy Vaginal Bacteria Unique to Each Woman
  A healthy vagina depends on the right balance of microorganisms - but new research has found that this balance differs from woman to woman. This may help tailor treatment for vaginal infections.

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1701 Oak Park Boulevard
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 494-3000
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