Biting your nails is unsanitary and can damage the skin around the nail increase the risk of infection, and harm teeth. To stop nail biting, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: avoid factors that trigger nail biting; take steps to manage stress and anxiety; keep your nails neatly trimmed; occupy your hands or mouth, such…

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that without early treatment, sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. To protect yourself from sepsis, the agency recommends the following: talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent…

Questionnaires completed by 9,299 seniors revealed that those with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain were more likely to be socially isolated than their peers without MSK pain. British Journal of Pain, May 2019

Bleeding gums can be a sign of many conditions, from plaque buildup to gum disease. To treat bleeding gums, MedlinePlus recommends the following: visit your dentist every six months; follow your dentist’s homecare instructions; brush and floss your teeth twice daily; avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol; and follow a balanced, healthy diet. MedlinePlus, April…

An analysis of data concerning over 350,000 adults over a 13-year time period revealed that current smokers are up to 81% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than never smokers. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, May 2019

Endometriosis is a potentially painful condition that occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. According to the Office on Women’s Health, while there is no cure for endometriosis, there are several treatments that can minimize symptoms such as birth control medication, hormonal therapy, herbs/supplements, acupuncture, and even chiropractic care. Office on Women’s Health,…

Following a stroke, individuals who continue to smoke cigarettes are nearly twice as likely to experience a recurrent stroke as those who have never smoked. However, those who quit smoking can slash that risk by nearly 60%. Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2019

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas, which can be deadly. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 150 people in the United States die each year from CO poisoning. The commission goes on to recommend that consumers do the following: have annual heating system inspections, never use portable generators…

A simple at-home stool test may soon be a reliable way to screen for colon cancer. An analysis of over 30 studies, which looked at the effectiveness of fecal immunochemical tests, found that a one-time screen caught up to 91% of colon cancers among those at average risk for the disease. The finding offers more…

To lower one’s salt intake, the Food and Drug Administration offers these tips: eat more fresh fruits and vegetables; eat foods that are rich in potassium, such as leafy green veggies and bananas; season food with herbs and spices, instead of salt; opt for unsalted snacks; and read food labels to help select foods low…