Vitamin B12 is one of those nutrients you may not think much about—until you don't get enough of it. For older adults, paying attention to B12 can be especially important because the body may have more difficulty absorbing the vitamin from food as we get older. B12 supports several basic functions that help keep you healthy. It plays a role in making red blood cells, maintaining healthy nerve cells, producing DNA, and helping the body use nutrients from food. Why B12 Matters

Turning 50 and beyond can be an exciting new chapter. Many adults are traveling more, spending time with family, starting new hobbies, and staying active in ways they may not have had time for earlier in life. But staying energized and strong may require a little more attention than it did decades ago. Along with regular movement, quality sleep, and nutritious meals, some people explore supplements to help fill nutritional gaps and support their active lifestyle. The key is k

As we spend more time gardening, hiking, or caring for our yards in retirement, the chances of brushing against poison ivy can increase. If you've ever wondered whether you can "catch" poison ivy from a spouse, grandchild, or friend, the answer is reassuring: the rash itself is not contagious. The Real Cause of a Poison Ivy Rash Poison ivy contains an oily substance called urushiol. When this oil touches your skin, it can trigger an allergic reaction that causes itching, red

As we get older, it's natural to pay closer attention to nutrition. One vitamin that often comes up in conversations about healthy aging is vitamin B12. You may have seen it promoted as a way to boost energy, sharpen memory, or improve mood. But does everyone over 50 really need a B12 supplement? The answer isn't the same for everyone. While vitamin B12 is essential for good health, many people can get enough from their diet, while others may need extra help because their bod

For many people, the day doesn't truly begin until that first cup of coffee. But if you're over 50 and taking one or more prescription medications—as many Americans are—that daily brew may affect how well some medicines work. The good news? In most cases, you don't have to give up coffee. Knowing which medications can interact with caffeine and when to enjoy your favorite cup can help you get the most benefit from your treatment while avoiding unwanted side effects. Pain Reli

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