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

Not Reading Directions Some wipes, like the kind made with benzalkonium chloride, are only approved to kill bacteria. They might not work as well on viruses. Wipes with “disinfectant” on the label should kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) keeps a list of approved disinfectants on its website. Check the product’s label for the EPA registration number. Drying Surfaces Too Fast They should stay visibly wet for a little while. The amount o

Obstructive sleep apnea may exhibit some surprising signs and symptoms. While it’s often associated with older adult males carrying extra weight, it can actually affect anyone, depending on the shape of their jaw and airway. Consider some of these alternative signs and whether the underlying cause might be due to untreated sleep apnea. 1. Depression Sleep apnea can impact mood, often contributing to depression. Common signs include persistent sadness, low energy, poor concent

Avocados These pear-shaped fruits (yep, they’re fruits!) are packed with potassium. Your body needs potassium to manage its sodium levels, which in turn controls the amount of water you hang onto. The better that system works, the less bloat you’ll have. Bananas Bananas deliver a potassium punch. One study showed that women who ate a banana before each meal bloated less than those who didn’t. Experts think that’s because they deliver certain gut bacteria that help calm gas pr

While outdoor air pollution certainly poses a concern, it might be easy to forget that the quality of the air you breathe at home may be just as important. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor pollutant levels be 100 times higher than outdoor air pollutants. Higher levels could lead to health effects, including allergic reactions, asthma, heart disease, and possibly cancer. Unexplained respiratory symptoms could offer a clue that it may be time to

A slight tickle in your throat, body aches, and a sudden fever could be some of the first signs that you’re coming down with the flu. The influenza virus (or flu for short) affects between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population each year. It’s crucial that you recognize the symptoms early so you can start taking care of yourself. It’s especially critical for young children, older adults, pregnant people, or people with conditions that affect their respiratory or immune sys

Feeling off but not spiking a fever? That doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have the flu, COVID or other common illnesses that circulate this time of year. Many of the early warning signs of common infections appear differently in older adults — and some of the symptoms can be surprising.   Much of it has to do with the weakening of the immune system with age, a process known as immunosenescence. This decline blunts the typical response to fighting off infection and the sy

Changes in daylight hours and cooler temperatures contribute to various body changes in autumn. If you notice mood changes, energy dips, or generally feeling "off" in the transition from summer to fall, you're not alone. 1. Your Mood Changes Many people experience mood changes as the weather cools and the days become shorter. Less physical activity could be to blame, but other factors may also be at play: Low vitamin D levels: Vitamin D comes primarily from sun exposure. Vit

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and greener lawns. But for more than 81 million Americans with seasonal allergies, it can also mean itchy throats, watery eyes, and nonstop sneezing. And allergy season is getting longer. Due to shifts in the climate, experts say it now starts 20 days earlier and lasts 10 days longer than it did 30 years ago—with pollen levels rising more than 20%. If you or a loved one are affected, knowing what’s behind those symptoms—and how

Infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” are on the rise in the U.S.—meaning that it is important to be aware of the risks, causes and how to slow the spread. The surge comes as part of what the World Health Organization (WHO) has dubbed “one of the top global public health and development threats”: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. Antimicrobials include antibio

Artery Damage Your arteries should be sturdy, springy, and smooth to move blood easily from your heart and lungs to your organs and other tissues. High blood pressure, or HBP, pushes too hard on your artery walls. This damages the inside and causes fat, or “plaque,” to collect. That plaque makes your arteries more stiff and narrow, so they can’t do their job as well.  Aneurysm It’s when pressure pushes out a section of an artery wall and weakens it. If it breaks, it can bleed

Sick Day Solutions When you're sick with the flu, stomach bug, or even a common cold, what you eat can make all the difference between spending another day in bed and waking up refreshed. The key is eating meals that are comforting physically and emotionally — plus getting a little nourishment. That’s why we asked 10 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) which foods they turn to when they’re under the weather. Shockingly, chicken noodle soup isn’t on the list! Smoothies

What Over-the-Counter Drugs Affect the Liver? Many people rely on OTC medications for relief from pain, cold symptoms, and other ailments, but some of these drugs can harm your liver. Painkillers like acetaminophen , and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or over long periods. Even supplements like kava and green tea extract can be risky. The liver processes these substances, and excessive use can lead to liver toxicity, inf

Lime wedges look fabulous perched on the rims of your favorite beverage, but they’re so much more than a simple garnish. Limes are also packed with health-enhancing phytonutrients. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, shares six stellar reasons to include limes and lime juice in your diet. Why are limes good for you? The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients in limes offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. They can also help fight cellular

Irritable Bowel Syndrome This condition causes pain in your belly area and changes in bathroom habits that last at least 3 months. Your...

You know high cholesterol is not a good thing. But just how dangerous it can be was driven home in  a 2019 study  in the  Journal of the...

Just because we brush our teeth every day — twice a day, actually — doesn't mean we always get it right. But brushing more effectively...

It happens every fall. When ragweed blooms, so do allergies. The sneezing starts. The eyes itch and the nose runs. Seasonal allergies can...

Eating a lot of fruits or vegetables with higher levels of pesticides may raise the levels of dozens of pesticides in your urine,...

Blowing your nose to oblivion without dislodging any of the snot clogging it is the physiological equivalent of screaming into the void:...

Addressing insomnia isn’t just a fight against tomorrow’s midafternoon fatigue –– it could help protect against brain aging in the...

Our relationship with sugar can be a tough one. We know that it’s not good to have too much of it. But we also know our bodies and our...

We all know that brushing our teeth is important. However, it's easy to make mistakes during one's dental hygiene routine. In fact,...

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....

Air purifiers clean the air in a room by drawing in the air, trapping the airborne pollutants within it, and then pushing filtered, clean...

Perky Passionate. Powerful. How much do those words describe you? In a 2025 meta-analysis, 3 out of 5 adults over 60 described themselves...

Not everyone needs a magnesium supplement—most people can meet their needs through food. But if you do take one, be aware of the...

Your diet affects how you feel and how well your body functions. While a nutrient-dense, well-rounded diet supports your immune system, a...

Balance Problems Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) cause your body to overreact and, in some cases, attack itself. In multiple...

It’s no secret that as we age, sleep becomes a little more elusive. We tend to wake up earlier in the morning and wake up more often in...

Fun in the sun plays a key role in an overall healthy lifestyle. But with more Americans being diagnosed with skin cancer each year than...

Whether you have a chronic condition or a short-term illness, doctors often turn first to prescribing medication. This could be an...

Dr. Anna Wolfson says she sees dangerous misuse of the allergy medication diphenhydramine in her clinic every day. “If someone has an...

Supplement Safety It seems like these products should be harmless. After all, you use herbs all the time when you’re cooking. But some...

Natural antibiotics such as medical honey and echinacea may help to fight bacterial infection because they contain antimicrobial...