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Topic: Health Topics

Should you take statins for high cholesterol?

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If you have high cholesterol or an elevated risk of developing heart disease, your doctor may prescribe a statin. These life-saving medications can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and are often the most reliable way to treat high LDL (or bad) cholesterol. As with any drug, statins may have side effects, including headaches, nausea, and muscle aches, but for the vast majority of high-risk patients, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Postpartum depression: What to do when the baby blues don’t go away

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Becoming a mother is an exciting transition that changes you in unexpected ways and gives you a new perspective on life. It’s a time of joy, but many new moms experience intense mood swings after giving birth. One minute you feel happy, only to break down crying the next. The baby blues are a normal part of early motherhood and usually go away within a few weeks of your delivery. But if your symptoms persist and begin to affect your quality of life, you may have postpartum depression.

How to soothe a sore throat: Home remedies that actually work

When you have a sore throat, you may experience mild discomfort or a burning sensation when you swallow or talk, and the back of your throat may feel irritated or scratchy. Sore throats can be caused by anything from allergies and the common cold to bacterial infections like strep throat and other conditions. In many cases, simple home remedies can help ease your pain.

Can healthy habits reduce your risk of depression?

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Many factors play a role in the risk of developing depression. Although we can’t change our genetics, making healthy lifestyle choices can have a positive effect on both our physical and mental well-being. In fact, lifestyle may play a more significant role than genetic risk factors for depression. Researchers have identified seven healthy lifestyle habits that can help protect your long-term mental health and well-being.

Fibromyalgia: A practical guide to treating pain, fatigue, and brain fog

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the muscles and joints throughout the body. While researchers don’t know what causes fibromyalgia, it’s a real health condition that affects at least four million adults in the United States. There is no test to diagnose it—and no cure—but your doctor can help you find treatments to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

7 relaxation techniques to reduce stress

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Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Over time, chronic stress can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, weaken your immune system, and harm both your physical and mental health. While you may be tempted to binge-watch TV or scroll through social media on your phone at the end of a long day, staring at a screen does little to reduce the damaging effects of stress on your mind and body. Practicing relaxation techniques is a much healthier and more effective way to reduce stress.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Symptoms of IBS, foods to avoid, and treatment options

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects 25 to 45 million people in the U.S. IBS can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, cramps, excessive gas, and bloating. It can also change how often you have a bowel movement and the appearance of your stool. Fortunately, if you suffer from IBS, you can often manage your symptoms through dietary and lifestyle changes.

Acupuncture: What it is, how it works, and who can benefit from the treatment

Acupuncture is a form of medicine that originated in China and has been practiced for thousands of years. The procedure first came to the United States in the early 1970s, and its popularity has been growing ever since. Still, there are a lot of misconceptions about acupuncture, and many people in the West wonder if acupuncture is based in science or if it really works. Here are some answers to the most common questions about acupuncture.

Long COVID: How to protect yourself from the long-term effects of COVID-19

Most people who get COVID-19 recover completely within a few days to several weeks. However, about one in 20 people infected with COVID-19 experience long-term symptoms that can last up to 18 months or even years after the initial infection. Anyone who was infected with the virus that causes the disease can continue to experience symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and brain fog. In fact, millions of so-called COVID long-haulers suffer from the condition.