Currently, 2.7 million Americans live with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. The American Heart Association lists the following risk factors for AFib: advanced age, high blood pressure, heart disease, drinking alcohol, family history, and sleep apnea. American…

Among a group of 2,300 early stage breast cancer patients, those who most closely adhered to advice regarding eating a healthier diet and becoming more physically active were more likely to survive the disease. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 2018

Fever is generally not a concern, but some cases do require medical attention. The Nemours Foundation recommends that you seek immediate care if your child shows the following behaviors or symptoms: won’t stop crying; exhibits extreme irritability or fussiness; has trouble waking up; develops a rash or purple spots that look like bruises; has blue…

Unhealthy gums are often swollen, red, and painful. Triggers for swollen gums usually include poor dental care, malnutrition, poorly fitted dentures, or side effects of a medication. To prevent swollen gums, the National Library of Medicine recommends the following: consume a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; skip foods that…

Frequent hand washing is an excellent way to prevent illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that you should always wash your hands in the following instances: before, during, and after preparing food; before eating food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning…

Ear wax is naturally produced in the ear canal. Over time, it gradually travels to the opening of the ear, where it falls out or is removed when bathing. For some individuals, ear wax can build up in the ear, impairing hearing and requiring removal by a healthcare provider. According to the Nemours Foundation, here…

Vitamin D is vital for strong bones and a healthy immune system. The Arthritis Foundation offers the following suggestions for boosting one’s vitamin D levels: get direct sunlight without sunscreen for just 10 to 15 minutes every other day; eat 3 ounces of a fish rich in vitamin D, such as salmon or Atlantic mackerel,…

As if there were not already enough reasons to stop smoking or never start in the first place, new research indicates that smokers with diabetes have an elevated risk for foot ulcers and more severe foot ulcers should they occur. Journal of Diabetes Investigation, October 2018

Following a review of data from 27 published studies, researchers conclude that women who take a calcium supplement during their pregnancy may have a reduced risk for pre-eclampsia and preterm birth, particularly if they also consume a low-calcium diet. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, October 2018

If you touch or even get near poison ivy, you can develop an itchy, blistering rash within 72 hours. Though the rash usually goes away after a short time, some people can have serious reactions that require a trip to the doctor. To help manage a poison ivy rash, the American Academy of Dermatology offers…