As we get older, it’s natural to pay closer attention to our health. Many adults over 50 hear claims that vitamin B12 can boost energy, sharpen memory, and help them feel younger. But do most people actually need a B12 supplement? The answer is simpler than many advertisements suggest: most older adults get enough vitamin B12 from food and do not need extra supplementation unless they have a diagnosed deficiency. Why Vitamin B12 Matters Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient th

If you've noticed more flakes on your shoulders, itching along your hairline, or irritation that seems to come and go, you're not alone. Dandruff affects millions of adults and can occur at any age, including later in life. While dandruff isn't a serious medical condition, it can be frustrating, embarrassing, and uncomfortable. The good news is that understanding what's causing it can help you manage it effectively and keep your scalp healthy. What Exactly Is Dandruff? Dandru

Bathing Too Often Showering every day may be a habit, but unless you’re grimy or sweaty, you may not need to bathe more than a few times a week. Washing removes healthy oil and bacteria from your skin, so bathing too often could cause dry, itchy skin and allow bad bacteria to enter through cracked skin. When you expose your body to normal dirt and bacteria, it actually helps strengthen your immune system. Plus, showering too often wastes water. Still, make sure you are washin

Take Care No matter what you've heard or how badly you want relief, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before trying any home remedy. This is even more important if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, because some can affect how drugs work. And keep in mind that many don’t have any research to back them up. Peppermint Mint has been used for hundreds of years as a health remedy. Peppermint oil might help with irritable bowel syndrome -- a long-term conditio

Over 62 million Americans — roughly 1 in 5 people — may be exposed to potentially dangerous levels of nitrates in their tap water, a new report has shown. A compound of nitrogen and oxygen found naturally in air, water, soil and plants, nitrates become a health risk when rainfall causes nitrogen-rich fertilizers used in agriculture to leach into groundwater, streams and rivers and end up in public water systems miles downstream. Invisible, tasteless and odorless, nitrates at

Fact: Refrigerate Leftovers Within 2 Hours The bacteria that cause food poisoning grow quickly at room temperature. To make sure it’s safe, put food in the fridge or freezer in the 2 hours after it’s cooked or taken off a heat source, such as a warming tray. If it’s hot outside (above 90 F), do this within 1 hour. One in 3 people admit to eating pizza left out overnight. If those slices have been sitting out for hours, throw them away. Myth: Cool Hot Foods Before Refrigeratin

Recommendations about the best materials for kitchen tools seem to change constantly. It can be hard to keep track of whether products like silicone utensils are safe, or if you should toss and replace them. For expert advice on how to stock your kitchen, we consulted an environmental toxicologist. What Are Silicone Kitchen Tools? Silicone kitchen tools like spatulas, whisks, baking mats, cupcake pans and tongs are made from food-grade silicone, a rubbery material derived fro

Sometimes, you look at a mole and think, “ That doesn’t look quite right .” Don’t ignore those suspicions. There’s a chance that what you’re seeing may be a sign of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. So, how can you tell if you might have a cancerous mole? There are definite hints visible to the naked eye. Dermatologist Christine Poblete-Lopez, MD, explains how to spot potential trouble. How can you tell if a mole might be cancerous? Moles aren’t unusual. In fact, mos

Sleep is key for overall health and wellbeing—and research suggests that sleeping in cooler temperatures around 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit may support your health even more. From getting better quality sleep to improving your mood, here are some of the potential benefits of sleeping in a cold room. 1. Your Sleep Quality May Improve Because research suggests that many people get less sleep as the temperatures rise, sleeping in a cold room may help you get more, better quality

Spring is just around the corner, which means you should already be taking your usual seasonal allergy medicines, experts say. If you feel like your seasonal allergy symptoms are getting worse every year, you're not imaging it. Compared to 1970, pollen season starts 20 days earlier, concentration is 21% higher, and the pollen that's out there is even more potent, NBC News medical contributor Dr. Natalie Azar explained on a March 11, 2026, segment on TODAY. Those changes are

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing response, but when it becomes chronic, it can raise the risk of several long-term health conditions. 1. Water Drinking more water throughout the day is an effective way to stay hydrated and flush toxins from your system. Dehydration can increase systemic inflammation and lead to several health problems. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. If you’re bored with plain water, consider adding sliced fruit, such as

One of the most bothersome things about being sick or having seasonal allergies is that it makes your nose stuffy and blocked. This makes breathing in through your nostrils frustrating – if not altogether impossible. But even when you aren’t sick, perhaps you’ve noticed that when you take a deep breath, only one of your nostrils seems to be allowing the air in. Before you panic and wonder if you’re coming down with something, what you’re experiencing is actually a normal bodi

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing process. During injury or infection, the body releases chemicals to help protect it and fight off any harmful organisms. This can cause redness, warmth and swelling. Some foods, like sugar, can also cause inflammation in the body. But this is not acute inflammation, like the type you’d get with an injury, which comes and goes quite quickly. It’s chronic. And chronic low-grade inflammation can increase your risk of serious hea

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