You’re coughing, you’ve got a fever, and your chest feels clogged with mucus. Do you have bronchitis or pneumonia? Both are lung infections with similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell the difference. The big difference between these two conditions — and you might not be able to feel it — is which part of the respiratory system is affected. Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs. Pneumonia affects the air sacs, called alveoli, where oxygen

After a trip, a long day with family or the occasional late night, it’s common to feel tired or a bit sluggish. But fatigue — constant exhaustion, tiredness, and a lack of physical and mental energy — often needs more than just a good night’s sleep to resolve. Often, fatigue is seen as an inevitable part of aging — but this shouldn’t be the case, according to Chris Aakre, M.D., a fatigue specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Fatigue at any age is not normal. The

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term, chronic medical condition. It develops mostly in adults but is becoming more common in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Several factors contribute to type 2 diabetes, including overweight and obesity. Type 2 diabetes can lead to life threatening complications, but with treatment, you can manage the condition or cause it to go into remission. Read on for more information about managing diabetes for b

Parmesan Lactose intolerant? Give parmesan a try. In just 1 (grated) ounce, this low-lactose choice delivers 8 grams of protein, 119 calories, and only 3 carbs, without causing tummy trouble. Plus, it’s high in calcium and phosphorus, nutrients that help build bone. Goat Cheese It’s often easier to digest than cheese made from cow’s milk because it has different proteins that don’t irritate your digestive system. It also has a higher percentage of medium-chain fatty acids, wh

1. Your Genes Metabolism is how your body changes food into energy. If your body is slow at burning calories while you rest or sleep, you probably got that from your parents, through your genes. What you can do: Since you can’t change your genes, focus on your habits. One of the best ways to pep up your metabolism is to get more exercise. Look for ways to sneak more activity into your day. 2. Hormones Hormones impact appetite, metabolism, and even where your body stores fat.

Financial stress may damage your heart as much as well-known risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking, according to a recent study. People who face chronic financial strain often experience anxiety, loneliness, or depression, and this type of stress can accelerate cardiac aging and put their heart health at risk. How Financial Stress Affects Heart Health The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings , analyzed data from 280,323 adults. Researchers found that many s

Eye puffiness, medically termed periorbital edema, may result from harmless factors like sleep deprivation or too much sodium intake, but can also indicate health issues such as diabetes or thyroid problems. Don't ignore it if it persists—consult a specialist to ensure your vision and health aren’t at risk. Symptoms of Swollen Eyes Periorbital edema refers to the temporary swelling of tissues around the eyes ("peri" meaning around and " orbital" referring to the eyeball) due

Eat less, move more, don’t smoke. You know these heart-smart rules, well, by heart. Even so, cardiovascular disease remains America’s biggest killer, and the risk increases as you get older. But whatever your age, it’s never too late to protect your ticker. “80% of heart disease is actually preventable,” says Martha Gulati, M.D., former president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. The key? Taking action now. These simple tips will help you get started. Heart t

Weighted vests add resistance to everyday movement, helping turn activities like walking or bodyweight exercises into a more challenging workout. But like any fitness tool, they’re not for everyone, and they should be used carefully. Let’s break down what weighted vests are, their potential benefits, and what to consider before trying one. What is a weighted vest? A weighted vest is exactly what it sounds like: a vest worn over your clothing that contains evenly distributed w

You don’t have to cut the morning caffeine drip to protect your brain against dementia in the future. New research shows that daily coffee or tea –– and yes, the caffeinated kind –– is associated with better cognitive health in the long term. Those who enjoyed two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea a day saw the biggest impact, according to the study published Monday in JAMA. Coffee drinkers in midlife had about an 18% lower chance of developing dementia later

Your kidneys do more work to keep you healthy than you can imagine. These bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, are crucial in maintaining your overall well-being. Yet, many people overlook the importance of kidney health until problems occur. According to recent statistics from the CDC, over 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease, many without knowing it. Millions more are at risk due to unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits. In this article

Celebrity trainer and best-selling author Jorge Cruise isn’t shy when it comes to talking belly fat — and how he, 40 pounds overweight years ago, carried a lot of it. “Belly fat robs us of confidence at any age,” says Cruise, who is now 54. “But more than that, our waistline is our lifeline, particularly as we get older. You can have hip fat, butt fat and arm fat, and still be relatively healthy. But if you have belly fat, it will crush your health.” What is belly fat? B

Thought much about B vitamins lately? If not, maybe you should. There are eight varieties of B vitamins. And between them, they support  brain health , heart health, DNA development and energy regulation. Plus, they’ve been found to  prevent migraines , ward off recurrence of some skin cancers, and even possibly slow the progression of a devastating neurodegenerative disease. Some people believe “the B stands for ‘boring,’ ” says Mark Moyad, M.D., director of preventive and a

Following last week’s launch of TrumpRx, a federal government-based prescription drug platform, doctors are speaking about its potential benefits for consumers — and also its limitations. The platform, which can be accessed at TrumpRx.gov, allows patients to access "large discounts on many of the most popular and highest-priced medicines in the country," according to the statement on The White House website. The goal is for consumers to get the lowest available pricing among

After years of backing the legalization of marijuana in the U.S., The New York Times changed course in an editorial published Tuesday. In the piece, entitled "It’s Time for America to Admit That It Has a Marijuana Problem," the editorial board stated that the U.S. "has recently gone too far in accepting and even promoting its use." This is a stark departure from the publication’s longtime support of making marijuana mainstream. In a 2014 editorial, the Times argued the federa