The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list the following signs of heat stroke: body temperature higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion; a fast, strong pulse; and loss of consciousness. If you think you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke, call…

Most foodborne illnesses can be prevented by washing hands with warm water and soap after dealing with raw foods, using two or more cutting boards to help prevent cross contamination, cleaning items with hot water and soap that are used to prepare meat, never drinking out of the carton, reheating food at 165 degrees Fahrenheit…

Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can contribute to the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays, screen out 75% to 90% of visible light, have lenses that are perfectly matched in color,…

The American Dental Association notes that individuals can reduce their risk for bad breath by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using a toothbrush or scraper to clean your tongue, using mouthwash when needed, keeping saliva flowing with chewy foods, cleaning dentures regularly, not smoking, and making regular dental visits. American Dental Association, July 2019

Severe thunderstorms can cause great damage to property, topple trees, and cause flooding. During severe thunderstorms, the National Weather Service urges people to do the following: stay updated with a local news station or NOAA Weather Radio; stay away from windows and large open rooms; do not take shelter under a tree or within a…

Taking a daily walk has been linked to several positive health benefits. The results of a new study suggest that adults who take daily walks have better pain tolerance than those who do not. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, June 2019

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) believes that teaching children how to care for a pet is an invaluable experience that can help kids develop much needed social skills and help them learn how to treat others nicely. The AACAP offers the following guidelines and advice to parents and guardians: children under…

National and local parks provide opportunities to see wild animals, and these situations come with risks and responsibilities, as wild animals can be dangerous and unpredictable. The National Park Service urges park-goers to follow these guidelines: observe wildlife from a distance, do not feed wild animals, keep children in sight at all times, store food…

Heart block, also known as atrioventricular block, occurs when electrical signals between the chambers of the heart are disrupted. This is often felt as a skipped beat and can result in the need for a pacemaker. An analysis of data concerning more than 6,000 people, aged 30 and older, showed that every 10 millimeter increase…

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a collection of symptoms that usually does not exhibit visible signs of damage or disease in the digestive tract, and individuals who have family members with IBS are at a greater risk of developing the condition themselves, as are individuals with high stress levels and those who have experienced a…