Health screenings help diagnose diseases and chronic (long-term) conditions. Early diagnosis can improve prognosis, increase treatment options, and reduce risks in later stages of a condition. A healthcare provider can determine which screenings you need. General Health Screenings All adults need general health screenings to determine their risk for chronic conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension). These screenings are usually quick and covered

Fear vs. Phobia Fear protects you from danger. Phobias have little to do with danger. More than 19 million Americans have a phobia -- an intense, irrational fear when they face a certain situation, activity, or object. With a phobia, you may know your anxiety and fear are not warranted, but you can't help the feelings. And they can be so intense they virtually paralyze you. See what makes some people afraid in the slides ahead. The Three Kinds of Phobia Hundreds of different

If Toenails Could Talk Whether you’re washing your hands or admiring a manicure, you spend a lot more time looking at your fingernails than your toenails. Maybe it’s time to focus on your feet more often (and not just during sandal season). Toenail color changes -- from a big blue spot to a thin brown line -- could signal health problems. Here’s what you need to know.  Black Toenail: Common Causes If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technica

Don’t Wait: Lose Weight For every 10 pounds of extra body weight you carry, there’s an added 50 pounds of pressure on your hips and knees. If your joints are feeling the strain, find a weight that works best for you and talk to your doctor about the best ways to slim down. Depending on what's causing your hip pain, losing extra pounds may help and make it easier to move around. Take a Load Off Your weight isn’t only about body fat: Your hips also absorb the weight of everythi

Craving sugar may mean your body (and brain) is signaling that something deeper is off. From stress and sleep debt to diet imbalances, understanding why those cravings hit can help you take back control. 1. Conditioning By repeating everyday habits, you condition your brain and body to expect it and respond to it. If you regularly fuel yourself with foods high in added sugar, you might eat sugar on autopilot. Consider the types of foods that make up your diet. Have you become

Many people try to urinate "just in case" before heading out the door or sitting down to watch a movie. While that's fine occasionally, doing it too often can reduce your bladder capacity, making you pee more often. How Often Should You Pee? It's normal to pee five or six times a day. After we eat, the body removes nutrients from food and leaves behind waste in our bloodstreams. “The kidneys filter the blood to remove impurities, maintain homeostasis, and make sure electroly

Olive oil has long been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, but its appeal extends far beyond flavor. It has many health benefits that are backed by decades of research. Studies link regular olive oil consumption to a wide range of benefits, from a lower risk of heart attack and stroke to improved erectile function. Why olive oil is healthy Though olive oil’s benefits are often attributed to its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, Mayo Clinic cardiologist Stephen L. Kopecky, M

Think back to last January. Did you resolve to eat healthier, exercise more, or spend less? If so, you’re in good company. According to a YouGov poll, those three goals are among the top five most common New Year’s resolutions, along with focusing on self-care (sleep more or stress less) and reading more. Another quality those resolutions share is they’re all vague. This could be the reason 92% of people who set New Year’s goals never actually achieve them, according to resea

If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite beer fits into a healthy lifestyle , a good place to start is with the nutrition label. The best-selling beers in America are generally light, straightforward brews, far lower in calories and carbs than many craft or specialty varieties. To make things simple, we crunched the numbers for some of the biggest beer brands. To make it simple, we’ve ranked some of the biggest beer brands from lowest to highest calories, with key nutrition

Some condiments contain unhealthy ingredients like artificial additives and high amounts of added salt and sugar. Healthy condiments are low in added sugar and pack nutritious ingredients like protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Here are 10 healthy condiments that are both tasty and nutritious. 1. Pesto Traditional pesto is a sauce made with fresh basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pesto is a good source of zinc — a mineral essential for immune health, w

Modern society makes getting healthy harder than ever. People are busy trying to balance work, family and other responsibilities. As a result, their health goals are often put on hold. That said, being healthy does not have to be difficult. Here are some simple ways to get healthier with minimal effort. Quick and easy changes to make to your diet Swap refined carbs for whole, unprocessed carbs Refined carbs are commonly known as simple carbs or “empty” carbs. They are rigoro

If your goal is to lose weight, snacking can be your ally. But not all snacks are equal. Well-balanced snacks can provide nutrients you need, reduce your appetite and curb overeating at your next meal. At EatingWell , we believe all snacks, even the ones some consider “bad,” can fit into a healthy eating pattern. What’s more, many of these snacks we've chosen to highlight are actually good for you, especially if you’re working to lose weight. While you may be tempted to bani

If you’re trying to lose weight, you may be resigned to spending hours in the kitchen chopping, simmering and prepping elaborate meals from scratch. This can feel daunting and unrealistic, especially when your schedule is already overflowing. But here’s an encouraging truth: convenience foods like canned soups can be a practical and nourishing option for those pursuing weight loss. When chosen thoughtfully, these affordable, ready-to-eat meals can be a nourishing and satisfyi

President Donald Trump told our new Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to “go wild” on health. Backing up Kennedy, Trump issued an executive order to create a special commission, chaired by Kennedy himself, to investigate, report, and recommend strategies to combat chronic disease. Importantly, the health of American children is the primary focus of this ambitious effort.    Kennedy’s task is enormous, and perhaps providential. In a major

Americans grappling with affordability just got a helpful boost from the Trump administration, which on Friday announced a new push to reduce health care costs.  The move helps patients get health care prices upfront rather than astronomically high surprise bills later. The new Transparency in Coverage (TiC) proposed rule will improve data structure, reduce unnecessary file size and increase usability. This will make transparency easier to analyze and more accessible to emplo