The American Cancer Society offers the following advice for individuals who have received a cancer diagnosis: become informed about your cancer and how you can improve your health; face your fears, but don’t dwell on them; express your feelings to a loved one or counselor; enjoy the present, rather than dwelling on the future or…

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of negative health outcomes, and new research shows it may even affect scarring. In the study, researchers examined 50 patients who had sustained a cut longer than one inch the previous year and found that those with healthy vitamin D levels were less likely to have…

Lawnmower injuries can range from cuts and burns to broken bones and amputations. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand recommends the following to help stay safe when operating a mower: read the mower’s manual before use; make sure to keep the mower in good working order with sharp blades, and make sure the…

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that children who have a positive, healthy relationship with their parents are better able to handle challenges such as family instability, parental stress, or depression. To improve parent-child bonding, the NIH recommends the following: reward and praise your child for good behavior; give your child chores and offer…

Classroom pets, such as Guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, or frogs can be a great learning experience for kids, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that exposure to animals does come with some risk. Because they are still developing their immune system, children are more likely to get sick after handling an…

Loss of bladder control is called urinary incontinence (UI). It is a common condition that becomes more prominent with age. Common causes include weakened and stretched pelvic muscles in women following childbirth; certain medications; being overweight or obese, which increases pressure on the bladder and related muscles; urinary tract infection; vascular disease; and diseases such…

Diabetics who maintain healthy vitamin D levels have a reduced risk for painful peripheral neuropathy. This suggests that strategies to improve vitamin D levels (getting more sun exposure, eating more vitamin D-rich foods, taking a supplement) should be incorporated into the diabetes management process. Diabetes Medicine, August 2018

Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet, as they provide a source of fiber, several B vitamins, and important minerals such as iron, magnesium, and selenium. The Department of Agriculture notes that adding more whole grains to one’s diet can reduce constipation, improve heart health, aid in weight loss, and prevent neural…

The urinary tract is a common site for an infection, especially among women. The National Institutes of Health lists the following warning signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI): pain or burning during urination; fever, tiredness, or shakiness; the urge to urinate often; pressure in the lower belly; urine that smells bad or looks cloudy…

Friction against the skin can lead to blisters on the feet, especially when wearing ill-fitting shoes. To prevent foot blisters, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following: wear socks that wick away moisture, make sure to wear shoes that fit properly, apply soft bandages to protect problem areas, apply powder or petroleum jelly to…