The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following habits to improve one’s sleep hygiene: be consistent with bed times; make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and kept at a comfortable temperature; remove electronic devices from the bedroom; avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before going to bed; and get some…

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal cramps and pain and even bloody diarrhea. A study that compared the diet of 384 UC patients and 665 age-matched adults without a history of UC found that a higher intake of vegetables and vitamins A and C is associated with about a…

Columbia University offers these tips to reduce one’s risk for being a victim of crime: pay attention to your surroundings; limit time spent on phone calls in public places; if you suspect someone is following you, find an open store or public space and call the police; and keep electronic devices in an inside pocket.…

Eczema is a group of skin conditions that causes red, itchy rashes that affects up to 20% of infants and about 3% of adults and children. To help prevent an eczema flare-up, WebMD recommends the following: moisturize your skin frequently, avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity, avoid sweating or getting too hot, manage stress,…

Tinea cruris, otherwise known as jock itch, is a fungal infection that can cause a red and itchy rash in warm and moist areas of the body, such as the groin. To prevent jock itch, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: keep your groin area dry after exercise or showering; wear clean clothes that don’t…

A study that included 188 children, aged 11 to 17, found that those who shared a bed with a pet were more likely to report high subjective sleep quality. Sleep Health, May 2021

Spring often means runny noses and itchy, watery eyes for seasonal allergy sufferers. To help minimize the effect of airborne allergens, University of North Carolina Health advises the following: monitor pollen counts, avoid being outdoors, change your HVAC filters and get an air purifier, and talk to your healthcare provider if you need a more…

Constant burning and itching between the toes are a sure sign of athlete’s foot. To avoid this common fungal infection, keep your feet dry, wash your feet daily, wear shower shoes or flip flops, and use foot powder, when appropriate. PIH Health, April 2021

Following an analysis of data concerning nearly 8,000 adults, researchers report that sleeping six or fewer hours a night in middle age is associated with a 30% increased risk for dementia in old age. The findings suggest that screening for sleep issues in middle age may aid in the prevention of dementia later in life.…

Among a group of 132 asthma patients with insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels, researchers found that improving vitamin D status via supplementation also led to improvements in asthma symptoms and lung function. Tanaffos, December 2020