The American Stroke Association notes the following are signs and symptoms of a stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body); sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden vision issues in one or both eyes; sudden difficulty walking or dizziness; loss of balance…

The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following to get a good night of sleep while out of town: avoid making changes to your sleep schedule, don’t eat a heavy dinner, avoid drinking too much alcohol, bring your own pillow, and consider using lavender spray or a white noise machine. National Sleep Foundation, January 2022

Uveitis is an inflammatory condition of the eye that affects around 50 of every 100,000 people each year. A review of data from 16 studies found evidence that poor vitamin D status may be associated with an elevated risk for the condition. Survey of Ophthalmology, March 2022

Questionnaires completed by nearly 2,000 parents revealed that while 73% of children always wear a helmet when downhill skiing or snowboarding, 70% of kids never wear a helmet when sledding, which can also result in a serious head injury. University of Michigan, January 2022

A recent experiment involving 36 preschool-aged children found that increased exposure to screens and other lights before bedtime could significantly reduce melatonin levels, which can hinder a child’s ability to get a restful night’s sleep. Journal of Pineal Research, January 2022

An animal study found that mice on a high-fat diet experienced an increase in immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that can develop into osteoclasts, which increase bone destruction and can lead to tooth loss. Journal of Dental Research, December 2021

For many, winter means shoveling snow. Since this activity can increase one’s risk for back injury and heart attack, Traveler’s Insurance recommends the following: warm up beforehand, push rather than lift, choose your shovel wisely, take frequent breaks, keep up with the snowfall, wear layers, and stay hydrated. Traveler’s Insurance, December 2021

Healthline reports that the following can help reduce the prevalence of obesity in the pediatric population: breastfeed infants, if possible; eat healthy foods as a family; encourage eating slowly and only when hungry; limit unhealthy foods in the house; encourage physical activity; limit screen time; ensure proper sleep habits; and know what children are eating…

New research suggests that older adults with cataracts who undergo cataract surgery are 29% less likely to develop dementia than those who do not have surgery to correct cataracts. JAMA Internal Medicine, December 2021

New research suggests that if children are exposed to advertising that promotes healthy eating, they are more likely to meet daily recommendations for fruit, vegetable, and whole grain intake. Appetite, January 2022