Knowing how to use nasal spray properly can be the difference between breathing easily and struggling against sniffles. “Technique is very important with nose sprays,” explains allergist Mark Aronica, MD. “Sometimes, patients tell me their spray isn’t working. But when we improve their technique, it really helps.” Dr. Aronica shares his tips for using these treatments. Steps to properly use a nasal spray Whether it’s a prescription medication or an over-the-counter decongesta

Swelling occurs whenever the organs, skin, or other parts of your body enlarge. It’s typically the result of inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Swelling can occur internally, or it can affect your outer skin and muscles. A range of conditions can cause swelling. Insect bites, illnesses, and injuries often result in external swelling. Internal swelling is often a side effect of a medication or the result of organ dysfunction or serious injury. You should seek immediate medica

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

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

There’s good news for the 86 million Americans with high cholesterol. A new study from researchers at the University of Oxford found that statins, a group of cholesterol-lowering medications, do not cause the majority of side effects listed on their packaging, such as weight gain, nausea, and fatigue. “This finding has huge public health implications,” said Michael D. Shapiro, DO, MCR, director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health, who was not

Some things in life feel unavoidable: death, taxes and … brushing your teeth. Yet for all the “practice” you get caring for your pearly whites — ideally, you’re brushing twice a day and flossing daily, year in and year out — you’d think you’d be a pro at it by now. But the health data tell a different story. Tooth decay, which includes cavities or caries, is the most common noncommunicable disease around the globe, a statistic that holds true even in the United States. That,

As cold and flu season ramps up and holiday travel begins, many people reach for vitamin C supplements to help prevent getting sick on the road. It’s a common belief that a mega-dose of vitamin C will shield you from the germs circulating at airports, train stations and packed holiday gatherings. But here’s the truth that might surprise frequent fliers: Vitamin C supplements won’t actually give your immune system a major boost, research shows . As a registered dietitian, I

Why is a cold so hard to treat? “The common cold is not just one illness — it’s a whole mess of different infections that cause the same symptoms. Even if we cure or prevent one, it’s not going to stop the rest,” says Jack O’Horo, M.D., M.P.H., a Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist. Unfortunately, nothing can cure the common cold. That includes antibiotics, which treat illnesses caused by bacteria. But some nonprescription drugs can temporarily ease your symptoms. Here’

Essential oils and diffusers have become popular tools for creating a calming home environment — and for good reason. These concentrated plant extracts can help lift your mood, support relaxation, and even promote better sleep. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which oils to try, how to use them safely, and what to watch for if you share your home with pets. Let’s break it down so you can enjoy the benefits with confidence. What are essential oils? E

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

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

Eating a healthy diet is the ultimate path to optimal nutrition. For those who may fall short on critical nutrients, multivitamins and multivitamin-mineral supplements (MVMs) provide a means to fill in the gaps. Nearly one-third of Americans include MVMs in their wellness routine. Multivitamin/mineral supplements are dietary supplements that contain combinations of vitamins, minerals or both, with each nutrient helping to meet a dietary need. Available in various forms—such a

Vitamin C supplements are safe for most people, but excessive use or megadosing can lead to several adverse effects. While rare, serious side effects of vitamin C can occur, particularly when taken in large quantities over an extended period. 1. Kidney Stones High doses of vitamin C can increase oxalate levels in the urine. Oxalate is a substance that can bind with calcium to form kidney stones . When the body metabolizes excess vitamin C, it may convert some of it into oxal

The mineral magnesium is important for controlling blood-sugar and blood pressure levels. You get some of the micronutrient every time you eat foods, such as beans, nuts, seeds and dark chocolate. But magnesium is a sensitive little mineral. It can be depleted when food is processed — that means your body might not get enough especially if you eat a lot of processed foods. Magnesium supplements could help increase your body’s stores of magnesium and might also help reduce mus

A mutated version of the flu virus is causing issues around the world. And the U.S. could be next. The new flu variant is a version of influenza A H3N2, and it’s been dubbed “subclade K.” This mutated strain has already caused a surge of infections overseas. Flu information in the U.S. has been scarce due to the government shutdown, making it hard to know about the activity of this strain—or any form of the flu—in the country right now. There are reports of this strain of th

Magnesium plays a vital role in keeping your body functioning at its best. From supporting strong bones to maintaining a healthy heart, magnesium is a powerhouse nutrient often overlooked in daily diets. Including magnesium in the diet may boost bone strength, support heart health and improve mental well-being. It offers comprehensive benefits for overall wellness. Let’s dive into the health benefits of magnesium and see how getting enough may improve your overall health. Wha

An eyelid twitch or contraction is a repetitive and involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. Eyelid twitches typically occur in unpredictable periods lasting between a few seconds and hours. Chronic twitching could last for a few days or weeks. Most twitches are painless, harmless, and will resolve without medical intervention. In rare cases, eyelid spasms may be an early warning sign of a chronic movement disorder, especially if other facial tics or uncontrollable movements

Every year, about 29 million adults in the U.S. — or 1 out of 8 — are diagnosed with a sinus infection, also called sinusitis. An estimated one-fifth of all prescribed antibiotics are intended to treat sinusitis. Your sinuses are four pairs of air-filled interconnected cavities located between your eyes and nose. What goes on inside them — a microscopic battle between infection- and inflammation-causing antigens and the body’s defense forces — can have a serious impact on you

Many individuals are delaying investigations into potential cancer symptoms, a new survey suggests, often due to difficulties securing GP appointments or underestimating the seriousness of their health concerns. Research by Cancer Research UK, polling 6,844 individuals across the UK via YouGov, found that 53 per cent anticipated trouble booking a GP slot, 47 per cent actually encountered issues, 44 per cent assumed symptoms were not serious, and 43 per cent believed they coul

Germy Faucet Handles Dirty hands are always touching kitchen and bathroom faucet handles -- and cold and flu viruses may hitch a ride. Plus, those areas are hotspots for yeast, mold, and bacteria like salmonella and E. coli . Wipe down faucet handles daily with disinfectant spray or wipes. Tainted Toothbrush Holders One study found these can be one of the germiest spots in your home. As a general rule, put them in the dishwasher or hand-wash them with hot, soapy water once or