Intimate relationships depend on couples’ mental health and emotional well-being. When these two closely intertwined aspects of life are not aligned, it can impact a person’s ability to develop and maintain a healthy relationship. If you or your partner currently struggle with mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, intimacy can help. A strong bond … Read more
Doesn’t everyone feel clean, calm and refreshed after a long, leisurely bath or a steamy shower? There’s a way you can reap those benefits without ever taking off your clothes or getting wet. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries coined the term Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “forest bathing,” in the 1980s, but … Read more
A lack of social connection has major effects on Americans’ mental and physical health. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., released an advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in 2023, sounding the alarm that our relationships are as important to our health as physical activity, diet and sleep. The report underscores that being lonely … Read more
The cardiovascular benefits, the endorphin rush, the sense of freedom, the competitive opportunities … devoted runners love the feeling they get from hitting the pavement or trail and letting their own two feet carry them away. But is it possible to run too much? Maybe. Changing your regular running routine every now and then doesn’t … Read more
It’s easy enough to start a new exercise program. Sticking with it is the hard part. Happily, the electronic age has presented us with some surprising forms of support. From step counters and fitness trackers to online workouts and apps of all sorts, getting in shape has gone digital. Wearable fitness devices are exactly what … Read more
Protein is the building block that keeps your body running strong. Together with fats and carbohydrates, this powerful macronutrient plays an essential role in fueling your metabolism; supporting bone, tissue and cell production; and strengthening your immune system to help ward off pesky illnesses. In addition, protein also contributes to building muscle mass and supplies … Read more
Thanks to the convenience and flexibility they offer, virtual telehealth appointments were trending well before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020. In some cases, though, an in-person office visit with your healthcare provider may still be the best way to go. What is telehealth? Telehealth, or telemedicine, relies on modern technologies to access, manage and … Read more
It’s a childhood vaccination rite of passage, and adults need to keep up to date with a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. But how much do you really know about this potentially serious disease, and why is it so important to protect yourself against it? What is tetanus? Also known as lockjaw, tetanus is … Read more
The gurgling tummy. The sudden nausea. The repeated trips to the bathroom. Could be a viral stomach bug, but often, gastrointestinal symptoms like these can be chalked up to something you ate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, foodborne illnesses affect 48 million Americans each year. Without proper food safety measures … Read more
Everyone feels misunderstood from time to time. A certain degree of puberty-related moodiness is part of the typical adolescent journey, but how do you know when typical teen angst is turning into something more serious? It’s easy to blame mental health issues on raging hormones, but school stress, peer pressure and societal factors often come … Read more