health
Nothing to lose sleep over
Not getting enough good sleep — or rapid eye movement sleep — can affect the mind and body’s ability to react appropriately to outside factors. Creating the perfect sleep environment is the first step toward ensuring a good night of sleep.
Healthy foods for improving vision
When considering food that is best for improving eyesight, many people would probably guess carrots. Though carrots are healthy for vision, spinach and other dark, leafy greens are healthiest. Find out about other important nutrients for improving vision.
Dealing with heavy menstrual cycle
Women who experience heavy monthly periods should discuss their symptoms with a health-care professional.
Misconceptions about laser hair removal
Laser hair removal may be less painful and less expensive than people assume.
Northwestern offers advice about allergies
Nearly 50 million Americans now face the start of spring allergy season. Those who suffer from allergies are familiar with the nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy and watery eyes that accompany change in seasons. While it’s impossible to avoid all allergens, Northwestern Medicine experts urge preparation and recognizing allergy triggers to minimize symptoms this spring.
Over-diagnosis of reflux in infants leads to needless medication
Medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, are some of the most widely used medications in children less than 1 year old. But in a new study, researchers from the University of Michigan and the University of Missouri concluded that physicians often label common symptoms in infants, such as crying and spitting up, as disease. Frequent use of the GERD label can lead to overuse of medication, according to a recent study published online in the journal Pediatrics.
Recognition for those with advanced breast cancer
Count Us, Know Us, Join Us is a campaign created to amplify the voice of people living with advanced breast cancer.
Dealing with heavy menstrual cycle
Women who experience heavy monthly periods should discuss their symptoms with a health-care professional.
Revealing misconceptions about laser hair removal
Laser hair removal may be less painful and less expensive than people assume.
Healthy foods for improving vision
When considering food that is best for improving eyesight, many people would probably guess carrots. Though carrots are healthy for vision, spinach and other dark, leafy greens are healthiest. Find out about other important nutrients for improving vision.
America’s new love: Water
NEW YORK (AP) — It wasn’t too long ago that America had a love affair with soda. Now, an old flame has the country’s heart. As New York City grapples with the legality of a ban on the sale of large cups of soda and …
3 tricks for a happy hospital stay
Hospital stays can be scary, but they don’t have to be. A stay in the hospital can be stressful, whether it’s an emergency visit, a birth of a child or a planned surgery. But there are a number of things patients and their relatives or friends can do in order to make stays in the hospital more comfortable.
Research shows drunks may still be paying attention
It's no excuse to "have one for the road," but University of Illinois at Chicago researchers have found that subjects who were legally drunk were able to detect minor changes in their field of vision more quickly than sober subjects.
Poll: Americans want more support for breast-feeding
More than 60 percent of Americans believe workplaces, hospitals and other public spaces are key to making breast-feeding easier for moms, according to a recent poll by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The survey of 1,300 people found strong support for the idea that everyone — not only mothers — can help ensure that babies get the breast milk they need to thrive.
Leafy greens most likely source of food poisoning: study
Every nutritionist tells us to eat our vegetables, but a new study confirms that one of the most common sources of food-borne illness are leafy greens like lettuce and spinach.
Energy drinks cause more ER visits, survey finds
A new survey suggests the number of people seeking emergency treatment after consuming energy drinks has doubled nationwide during the past four years, the same period in which the supercharged drink industry has surged in popularity. From 2007 to 2011, the government estimates the number of emergency room visits involving the neon-labeled beverages shot up from about 10,000 to more than 20,000.
Dekalb therapist: 5 tips to keep Parkinson's patients moving
Physical therapy, the right equipment and an understanding of limitations can help Parkinson's patients and their caregivers. An upcoming class at Valley West offers several tips to make life easier.
Drink less diet soda, more coffee to reduce risk of depression, study says
New research suggests that drinking sweetened beverages, especially diet drinks, is associated with an increased risk of depression in adults while drinking coffee was tied to a slightly lower risk. People who drank more than four cans or cups per day of soda were 30 percent more likely to develop depression than those who drank no soda. People who drank four cups of coffee per day were about 10 percent less likely to develop depression than those who drank no coffee.
Obesity poll: Americans reject policies that force healthier food choices
Americans blame too much screen time and cheap fast food for fueling the nation’s fat epidemic, a poll finds, but they’re split on how much the government should do to help. Most draw the line at policies that would try to force healthier eating by limiting food choices, according to the poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Too embarrassed to go to the gym? Chain offers judgment-free environment
Downsize Fitness in Chicago is an exclusive health club, evocative of the nation’s trendiest gyms. But there’s a strict requirement to join: You must be 50 pounds or more overweight. The chain wants its members to feel comfortable while exercising, so there are no mirrors inside and the windows are fogged. Even the equipment is designed for heavier people.
3 tips for losing weight in 2013
Millions of Americans resolve to lose weight and eat healthfully at the beginning of each year, but resolutions are notoriously broken. Registered dietitians weigh in on why resolutions fail and how to best set yourself up for success in 2013.
Tips to help quit smoking
It’s a new year, good time to clear the air; do so by quitting the smoking habit. To help, suggestions include developing a plan, consulting a doctor, seeking support and even using a Nicotrol inhaler.
Three good tips for a healthy 2013
Among some of the suggestions for a healthier year in 2013 are pursuing a specific diet, exercising with a buddy, and planning ahead.
Eat right, exercise to increase energy
Those looking to increase their energy level this year should consider some familiar advice: eat right and exercise. That means snacking smart with such items as peanuts, sunflower seeds and dried fruits.
Lower cholesterol to avoid atherosclerosis
Adults need to consider lowering their cholesterol to avoid developing atherosclerosis, a progressive disease where plaque builds up in the arteries slowly over time.
Focus on healthy lifestyle in 2013
Those looking to commit to New Year’s resolutions should focus on a few key areas to commit to a healthier lifestyle for 2013.