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Health and Wellness Blog

12 superfoods for a healthy diet

While no single food offers all the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy and prevent diseases, superfoods are nutrient-rich natural foods that can promote a healthier lifestyle. Some superfoods are associated with heart health, while others can help improve your immune system, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, or prevent cancer. If you’re looking for foods with exceptional nutrient density that may deliver health benefits, here are a dozen superfoods to add to your grocery list.

Should you take statins for high cholesterol?

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.

12 ways to exercise without going to the gym

Physical activity is good for your body and mind, but it’s hard to find time to exercise when you’re busy. And not everyone likes to go to the gym. As a result, less than a quarter of U.S. adults get the exercise they need. If you’re trying to be more active, it’s time to change the way you think about what qualifies as exercise. Here are some tips to help you get fit without setting foot on a treadmill or picking up a dumbbell.

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

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?

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.

Processed foods to avoid for your health

No one expects you to eat a healthy diet 100 percent of the time, but ultra-processed foods like fried chicken, potato chips, and pastries can cause spikes in your blood-sugar levels and lead to weight gain and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While these foods appeal to our eyes and taste good, they offer little nutritional value. Incorporating more nutritious, wholesome foods into your meals can help you feel more energetic throughout the day and lower your risk for chronic diseases.

Recommended vaccines for children from birth through age six

A child’s immune system is exposed to numerous germs every day. While babies are born with antibodies that offer protection against some diseases, the protection is temporary. Vaccines given from birth to age six help protect kids from viruses and bacteria that cause serious diseases. Many of these diseases are uncommon in the United States because vaccines are doing their job. During well-child visits, talk to your pediatrician about the recommended immunizations for children.

How much exercise do you need to stay healthy?

Regular physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle. However, only about one in five adults in the U.S. gets enough exercise to be healthy. Being inactive and sitting too much raises your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The good news is that even small amounts of physical activity can help improve your health. Whether you’re looking to reduce your risks of chronic medical conditions or improve your quality of life, making regular physical activity part of your lifestyle can help you achieve your health goals.

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.