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Lifestyle & Trends - Health & Wellness

TV tip-overs a hazard for young children

TV tip-overs a hazard for young children Many homes have new TVs decorating the living room, bedroom, den and even the kitchen. These TVs often feature the latest wide, flat screens, which give viewers great definition and clarity. But while they provide a beautiful viewing experience, flat screen TVs are top-heavy on a narrow base, and they can easily be pulled off an entertainment center or other piece of furniture.

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Salty snacks reduce stress

Salty snacks reduce stress Stress affects everyone and can cause problems at work, home and with health. Researchers have found that stress is a leading cause of illness, affecting as much as 20 percent of the population. Economic factors, such as a recession, have also been shown to significantly increase population-wide stress levels.

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Three home improvement tips to help you breathe easier

Three home improvement tips to help you breathe easier A survey by Angie's List revealed Americans spend more than $300 billion annually on remodeling projects. Yet these endeavors typically focus solely on a home's aesthetics while ignoring one important consideration: Is your home healthy?

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COPD and women [Infographic]

Programming your child's health - 5 nutrition tips for baby's future health

Programming your child Studies show that what a woman eats just before and during pregnancy will impact the health of her child for the rest of his or her life. It's an area of research called fetal programming. Here are some nutritional tips for mothers to help support their children's future health.

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Baby boomers and age-related eye disease

Baby boomers and age-related eye disease As the population continues to age at an unprecedented rate, the concern about age-related eye disease comes more into focus.

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Celebrate the dairy days of summer by keeping products cool and fresh

Celebrate the dairy days of summer by keeping products cool and fresh From scoops of cold, creamy ice cream to melted cheese atop juicy grilled burgers, dairy and summer menus go together like sweet corn and butter. But nothing spoils the summer fun like spoiled milk, which is why it's important to know how to store your dairy products - especially in the hotter months.

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Finding inspiration in basketball

Finding inspiration in basketball If you love March basketball, here's how to use the time and energy you spent on choosing a winning bracket to live your own hoop dreams.

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Reinvent dinner in minutes with common pantry staples

Reinvent dinner in minutes with common pantry staples Busy families face the dinnertime challenge every day. Not only do they need to find a nutritious meal the entire family will enjoy, but they need to do so in a limited amount of time. With a few tricks, it's easy to get out of the dinner rut and score big with tasty, wholesome meals that use pantry staples in creative ways.

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Do you really know who is providing your medical care?

Do you really know who is providing your medical care? Whether you're being treated for a minor injury or undergoing major surgery, it's likely you'll encounter not just one, but a team of health care professionals. While having multiple professionals working to provide you with the highest quality and safest care eases some fear, it also can cause confusion. When undergoing a surgery or procedure, it is important to truly know and understand who is providing your care.

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A 'not-so-rare' story in the journey of a rare disease diagnosis

A Cushing's disease is a rare but serious, debilitating endocrine disorder caused by the presence of a non-cancerous pituitary tumor in the brain which ultimately leads to excess cortisol in the body. Here's what you should know about Cushing's disease.

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Hepatitis C a top health concern for baby boomers [Infographic]

Knowing your health heritage: the familial link of diseases

Knowing your health heritage: the familial link of diseases Family members can have many things in common, including physical characteristics and personality traits. While some traits are obvious, like having red hair or blue eyes, some shared traits are not as obvious, such as the risk for developing a common medical condition, like high cholesterol, or a rare disease.

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Address your skin's needs through a holistic approach to facial skincare

Address your skin Many women cite a number of external factors that can trigger sensitive skin flare-ups, including harsh ingredients, weather and makeup. What they may not know is that lifestyle choices can also influence the health and appearance of their skin. Follow these top tips from the experts to get flawless skin.

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How your diet can help save your vision [Infographic]

Ask the Pharmacist: Controlling asthma during allergy season

Ask the Pharmacist: Controlling asthma during allergy season The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and pollen counts are soaring ... and that means millions of Americans are dealing with the sneezing and wheezing that comes with seasonal allergies. While allergies are sometimes considered an uncomfortable nuisance, for the 25 million Americans with asthma, seasonal allergies can trigger serious attacks that if not managed properly could lead to a visit to the ER. Follow these tips.

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Igniting the conversation about rare diseases

Each year, people across the world are invited to join together to raise awareness about rare diseases. Unlike more common conditions such as diabetes and breast cancer, many of these diseases, as well as the people affected by them, are not recognized by their own awareness initiatives throughout the year.

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To comfort a cold or flu, home remedies make a world of difference

To comfort a cold or flu, home remedies make a world of difference For generations, families have passed down home-spun remedies that can help loved ones feel that even during those sniffles and sneezes, they're cared for. Having a bowl of grandma's famous soup or your aunt's special healing concoction can help your body heal and set your mind at ease. Recently, a group of Latina mom bloggers shared their families' home remedies that bring comfort to loved ones.

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Iron matters for patients with chronic kidney disease

Iron matters for patients with chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem in the United States, impacting more than 25 million Americans, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Kidneys perform many important functions in the body, including regulating and controlling the production of red blood cells. When kidneys are not fully functioning, the production of red blood cells can decline and cause anemia in many CKD patients.

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Paula Deen encourages you to take a walk in her footsteps and start seeing diabetes in a new light

Paula Deen encourages you to take a walk in her footsteps and start seeing diabetes in a new light Paula Deen and her sons, Bobby and Jamie are helping adults find simple ways to manage everyday challenges associated with type 2 diabetes.

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Simple ways to reduce excess sugar in your diet this summer

Simple ways to reduce excess sugar in your diet this summer Warm weather offers many sweet delights, from trips to the beach and more free time, to seasonal foods and soirees with family and friends. Unfortunately, many of the foods we commonly associate with spring and summer are high in added sugars. Hidden sugar in summer foods can make it a challenge to regulate calories and stay on track with your health goals.

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Why a normal Pap test may not mean you are cancer-free

Why a normal Pap test may not mean you are cancer-free Many women know that getting a Pap test regularly from their health care provider is a good way to check for signs of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women worldwide. What they might not know is that a "normal" Pap result does not necessarily mean they are cancer-free.

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Food for thought: Cutting back on salt may cause you to eat more

Food for thought: Cutting back on salt may cause you to eat more Our bodies naturally crave salt, a necessary nutrient, and research shows that we gravitate to the amount we need for our bodies to function properly. Salt deficiency has been linked to a host of health concerns, including insulin resistance, increased risk of heart attacks and reduced cognition. But what if eating less salt also increases your weight by making you eat more?

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Preventing medication fraud and abuse starts at home

Preventing medication fraud and abuse starts at home Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions across the United States. More than 6 million Americans abuse prescription drugs and much of the abuse begins at home, according to a national survey on drug use and health. In fact, more than 70 percent of those who illegally use prescription pain relievers obtained them through friends or family, including surreptitiously raiding the home medicine cabinet. However, a recent study revealed that only 19 percent of parents are concerned about the misuse of narcotic pain medicines in their own families, showing that many do not recognize the severity of the problem.

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Lou Gehrig's Disease stalks military veterans

Lou Gehrig Many U.S. military veterans like retired Air Force Technical Sergeant David Masters of Omaha, Neb. have bravely fought for their country only to return home to wage another battle against Lou Gehrig's Disease. No one knows why, but veterans are twice as likely to develop this fatal disease clinically known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

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When ordinary distraction is something more: diagnosing ADHD

When ordinary distraction is something more: diagnosing ADHD What parent hasn't had to call a child's name more than once to get his attention? Or wondered how she can still be "bouncing off the walls" at the end of a long, tiring day. Moments of intense activity or occasional inattention are typical kid behavior, but for some children the problem is extreme and impairing. How can parents tell if their child's energy or distraction is ordinary or something more?

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Preparation and technology can help you weather the storm

Preparation and technology can help you weather the storm The last few years have brought record destruction from natural disasters. Technology can help you prepare for the unknown. Whether it's building an emergency plan or securing your important documents, a little planning can make it easier to recover from a disaster. And fortunately, today, abundant technology tools are available to help you do just that.

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Leading a well-balanced lifestyle [Infographic]

Survival tips for every Alzheimer's disease family caregiver

Every 68 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 5.4 million Americans currently have the disease, and nearly 15 million others are providing care. Often the equivalent of a full-time job, 80 percent of at-home care for people with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia is provided by unpaid family caregivers.

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Scratching the right itch: Does your pet have seasonal allergies?

Scratching the right itch: Does your pet have seasonal allergies? Humans may sneeze and sniffle when trees and flowers start to bud in the spring, but many pet owners wouldn't know if their pet was suffering from treatable allergy symptoms, which are likely to occur at the same time of year.

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Turn over a new leaf this season with a home energy makeover

Turn over a new leaf this season with a home energy makeover As the seasons change, turn over a new leaf and give your home an energy makeover. You can improve your home's comfort while helping the environment by making your home more energy efficient.

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The impact of rare diseases on patients and caregivers in the United States [Infographic]

Brooke Burke-Charvet takes on a challenge for allergy relief

Brooke Burke-Charvet takes on a challenge for allergy relief For many, spring's warmer weather is welcomed with spending more time outside. But for allergy sufferers, the season can mean facing symptoms that make them look and feel bad.

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Guidance to help parents keep kids smoke-free

Guidance to help parents keep kids smoke-free Children often learn by example. They grow up watching Mom and Dad's behaviors, learning at a very early age how to mimic their elders. In school, the examples shown by peers help to develop children, both academically and socially.

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Zapping top myths about laser hair removal

Zapping top myths about laser hair removal For people considering laser hair removal for the summer, there's good news - now is the perfect time to start. Easily hidden under typical cool weather clothing like bulky sweaters and leggings, skin is shielded from the sun and thus in perfect condition for hair removal. However, many men and women are on the fence when it comes to investing in long term hair removal due to several common misconceptions.

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Rare Disease Day 2013: Maintaining bone health in people with multiple myeloma

In honor of the sixth annual Rare Disease Day, celebrated on Feb. 28, it is important to drive awareness about some rare cancers that are many times undiagnosed until the cancer has already spread. One particular cancer, multiple myeloma, often goes undiagnosed until the disease has spread to the bone.

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Simple steps to a healthier heart

Simple steps to a healthier heart For millions of Americans, the battle against heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions goes on year-round. The steps to achieve better heart health can be simple. Experts agree that heart disease can be both preventable and controllable with the appropriate lifestyle changes.

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Improving family connections with better hearing

Improving family connections with better hearing Does this sound familiar? You tell your spouse all about the aggravating thing that happened at work today. He or she seems to be nodding in agreement, until you ask what you should do about the situation. Your spouse's response? "Um - could you repeat that?"

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Keep your office healthy to prevent a flu outbreak

Keep your office healthy to prevent a flu outbreak A flu outbreak in your workforce can cause problems in several different areas of your business. The best flu prevention is encouraging and educating workers on how to be proactive at fending off the flu virus. By making sure your employees do the best they can to stay in good health and flu free, you can keep your business running smoothly and efficiently.

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Experience an extraordinary life with diabetes

Experience an extraordinary life with diabetes According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 10 Americans is living with diabetes and one in three adults could have diabetes by 2050. While every case requires an individual treatment plan, with the right attitude and management, people living with diabetes have an opportunity to overcome the challenges they face.

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Nursing home admissions avoided with simplified prescription packaging

Nursing home admissions avoided with simplified prescription packaging Numerous factors impact a senior's ability to live independently, such as health and memory problems, mobility issues, and care coordination concerns. Often overlooked is the fact that one quarter of all nursing home admissions are the result of poor medication adherence.

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Free birth control gives women more choice

Free birth control gives women more choice Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as "Obama Care," an estimated 47 million women are gaining access to all FDA-approved methods of birth control free of charge. This new law provides access to birth control methods that may have been too expensive for many women with private health insurance plans before the ACA provisions took effect last year. The result is that these women will now have more options to choose from as they decide what method works best for them.

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How to host a healthier happy hour

How to host a healthier happy hour Going out with co-workers or friends after work is a great way to relax, but when you host a happy hour at home, you have full control over the guest list, atmosphere, music and, most importantly, the menu. Use these simple tips to entertain your friends, and your home may just become the new happy hour hot spot.

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Add years to your pet's life with expert tips

Add years to your pet Few things in life are as special as the unconditional love and loyalty a pet provides. With 78.2 million owned dogs and 86.4 million owned cats in the United States, according to The Humane Society, it's obvious Americans enjoy having pets. What might not be so apparent is how best to care for them. When it comes to making sure your pet stays healthy and lives as long as possible, what steps can you take?

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Age-related complications of iron overload in NTDT syndromes [Infographic]

Bringing home baby: When to call the doctor

Bringing home baby: When to call the doctor Most new parents are anxious when their infant has a fever, or is fussy, stuffy and simply not acting right. But how do you decide to call the pediatrician or to wait - especially in the middle of the night?

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Ask the Pharmacist: Poison prevention starts at home

Ask the Pharmacist: Poison prevention starts at home It's a serious problem with a simple solution. Nearly 1 million children under the age of 5 are exposed to potentially poisonous medicines and household chemicals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no better time than now to learn more about preventing accidental and unintentional poisonings.

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Five unexpected ways to get your kids to eat veggies - and like them

Five unexpected ways to get your kids to eat veggies - and like them Peas, carrots, broccoli and spinach ... some kids love vegetables, but many do not. We know that veggies provide nourishment, especially for growing children, but getting your kids to eat healthier can be a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of creative ways to increase the amount of veggies in your kids' diets. Here are five tips to get the little ones in your life to eat - and even enjoy - their vegetables.

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Flu by numbers [Infographic]

Staying at the top of your game

Staying at the top of your game We feel our best when we do our best. At the top of our game is where we all want to be. This is as true in the workplace as it is on the basketball court. But to stay at the top of your game at work and in life, you need to stay primed - ready for that next big play. It requires staying alert; keeping your skills sharp; and hearing your best. That's right - hearing your best. Listening is one of the top skills employers look for in those being promoted.

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Ask the pharmacist: How to avoid medication misfortune during a natural disaster

Ask the pharmacist: How to avoid medication misfortune during a natural disaster Whether it's plywood, bottled water or generators, Americans gather the necessary supplies and seek the appropriate shelter if confronted by the wrath of Mother Nature. Regardless of the disaster - hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires - lives can be turned upside-down in an instant. Some of the most commonly overlooked items, as people stock up for emergencies, are prescription medications. In some cases, not having access to necessary medication can itself be a life-threatening situation.

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Expecting dinner guests? Tips for managing different diets

Expecting dinner guests? Tips for managing different diets With food allergies and gluten intolerance on the rise, it takes more than seating flexibility and a vegetarian option to host a successful dinner party these days. Hosts today need to be able to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, from providing kosher foods to gluten and nut-free items.

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Make laundry safety a priority this summer - and always

Make laundry safety a priority this summer - and always Sunnier skies and summertime fun are just around the corner, and with them comes plenty of outdoor activities like longs days at the playground, sporting events and barbecues. With so many options, the last thing most people want to think about is household responsibilities … but all that outdoor fun can add up to a lot of laundry.

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Nurses lead revolution toward improved health care delivery

Nurses lead revolution toward improved health care delivery The health care industry has evolved since a series of sweeping legislative reforms began to take effect in 2010. New policies and regulations, millions of new patients and the introduction of advanced technology have added pressure to an already complex system. As this transformation continues, health care leaders are keeping an eye on how the system is functioning to ensure these changes fuel improved health care delivery.

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Affected by diabetes? Important facts and developments you should know

Affected by diabetes? Important facts and developments you should know A disease so prevalent that it is labeled an epidemic in America, diabetes affects nearly 26 million children and adults, according to the American Diabetes Association. As this number grows, so does the urgency of finding a cure. Staying informed is an important part of managing a diabetes diagnosis. Here are some of the top myths and misconceptions about diabetes.

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Diet rich in nutrients promotes a lifetime of healthy vision

Diet rich in nutrients promotes a lifetime of healthy vision From dry eye to age-related eye diseases, research shows that nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining the health of our eyes. Caring for eyes includes looking carefully at what you eat.

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New technologies offering hope for those with tinnitus - or ringing in the ears

New technologies offering hope for those with tinnitus - or ringing in the ears If you experience a constant ringing in your ears that's bothersome at best and debilitating at worst, you are far from alone. Tinnitus affects roughly one in five Americans and about 16 million people have serious tinnitus that requires medical attention. It's also the most common disability for military veterans, since it can be caused by extended exposure to loud noise.

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Organ donation: gift of a second chance at life

Organ donation: gift of a second chance at life In 2012, there were more than 115,000 people in the U.S. awaiting an organ transplant - enough to overflow the country's largest football stadium. Each year, more than 28,000 Americans receive a donated organ, but sadly, more than 6,500 people die each year waiting for an organ. It is, however, a problem with a solution - one that depends a lot on education and selflessness. Are you registered as an organ donor? Here is what you need to know.

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Living with chronic pain? Find the right help

Living with chronic pain? Find the right help When a person is in pain, he or she will seek options to attempt to reduce the pain or make it go away entirely. For minor pains like headaches, muscle aches and small wounds, often over-the-counter drugs can help reduce the suffering. But people with chronic pain may have to search for other solutions. A pain physician, like an anesthesiologist, is a patient's best solution provider for treating chronic pain conditions.

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What parents need to know about concussions

What parents need to know about concussions Parents of young athletes know that along with the many benefits of participating in sports, there comes a certain amount of injury risk. And while most would agree that the benefits of being active and involved in athletics outweigh those risks, it's important to make sure your child gets proper treatment if an injury occurs. As more evidence surfaces about long-term health challenges related to concussions, it's especially crucial that parents bring themselves up to speed on the proper procedures for caring for an athlete who experiences a concussion.

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Pregnancy can be a beautiful thing

Pregnancy can be a beautiful thing The big news that a baby is on the way is a time for celebration, excitement and planning. Many couples choose to keep this information quiet for the first couple of months, so they can celebrate the upcoming change in their life together. But sometimes, morning sickness for the mom-to-be can let the news out of the bag earlier than intended.

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Creating the perfect sleep environment this spring

Creating the perfect sleep environment this spring Everyone, including moms and doctors, can agree that a good night of sleep is necessary for good health, high energy, and an individual's overall well-being. Not getting enough good sleep - or rapid eye movement sleep - can affect the mind and body's ability to react appropriately to outside factors, the National Sleep Foundation reports.

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Dining outdoors? Tips for keeping food safe and delicious

Dining outdoors? Tips for keeping food safe and delicious Al fresco dining is one of the great pleasures of warm weather. Whether you're hosting a neighborhood barbecue or an intimate dinner party on your deck, outdoor dining is a great way to savor good food, company and the great outdoors. To ensure your meals are safe and enjoyable, it's important to know how to prepare, transport and store food for outdoor eating.

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How to breathe easier in your own home this spring

How to breathe easier in your own home this spring With spring on the horizon, airborne allergens and pollutants can cause much grief to homeowners who suffer from breathing problems such as asthma and seasonal allergies. With the potential for increased irritation, allergy sufferers typically seek long-term, consistent relief any way they can.

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Rethink what you drink [Infographic]

Melanoma facts [Infographic]

Nearly 1 in 10 Americans lives with a rare disease

Nearly 1 in 10 Americans lives with a rare disease Did you know that the same number of people die each year from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, as breast cancer? And yet IPF, a rare and debilitating disease that causes permanent scarring of the lungs, is still relatively unknown.

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What every parent needs to know about keeping kids safe around medicine

What every parent needs to know about keeping kids safe around medicine Every year more than 67,000 children are treated in an emergency room for accidental medicine poisoning. That's one child every eight minutes. Even more surprising is that in 86 percent of serious cases seen in emergency rooms, the child got into medicine belonging to an adult.

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Summer sandals: Pairing what we want with what we need

Summer sandals: Pairing what we want with what we need While stylish for men and women, you may be surprised to learn wearing most flip-flops can hurt or even injure your feet. The flip-flop, an icon of summer, has for decades been the easy choice for warm weather and weekends on the go; however, it isn't always the most supportive or healthy choice. Though we've clearly learned to pair our summer wardrobes with wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen to protect our skin, we still tend to neglect our feet - an important part of our body that can contribute to serious health problems down the road if injured or broken down.

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Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis Far too often, people make the mistake of assuming that lung cancer only affects people who smoke, but the disease can affect anyone. In fact, approximately 10 percent of patients with lung cancer have never smoked and approximately 50 percent of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients have already quit smoking.

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One size doesn't fit all in reproductive health

One size doesn Every woman knows that in the world of fashion, there's no such thing as "one size fits all." Yet for decades, American women have seemingly accepted the "one size fits all" approach when it comes to dealing with reproductive health issues. This one-size approach has meant that each year, thousands of women undergo hysterectomies that they may not need.

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Giving back to family caregivers: Tips to help those who sacrifice for others

Giving back to family caregivers: Tips to help those who sacrifice for others No one knows exactly what life will bring, but we all know that there will be joys and there will be challenges. Sometimes, life gives you a combination - as millions of average Americans who are family caregivers can attest. Providing dedicated care to a loved one is a generous way to live one's life, but it can also brings difficulties, stress and isolation. That's why giving back to those unsung heroes - caregivers - who give so much can make a world of difference to them, and the people they help.

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Flip-flop fans: Hard, cold facts about your favorite hot weather footwear

Flip-flop fans: Hard, cold facts about your favorite hot weather footwear No matter how much you adore your flip-flops, they shouldn't be all-occasion footwear. Sometimes, they can lead to sore feet or even severe injury. The secret to safely enjoying flip-flops through summer is two-fold. First, find the right style, and second, know when to wear flip-flops and when to wear something else.

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Five things to do before sending your child to camp wearing hearing aids

Five things to do before sending your child to camp wearing hearing aids Summer is approaching and many parents will be sending their children off to camp. If your child wears hearing aids and is set to attend a summer camp for kids of all abilities, there are five things you can do to help your child get the most from his or her summer camp experience.

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What is weighing us down? [Infographic]

Good sleep is essential to leading a healthy life

It's no secret that getting a good night's sleep has tremendous health benefits such as improved learning and productivity, protection against serious illnesses, more energy and a better mood. But what you may not know is that not getting enough sleep can have a destructive impact on health, work and overall quality of life.

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Help your pet shed unhealthy weight

Help your pet shed unhealthy weight Are you killing your pet with kindness? We're not talking about the compassion that motivates us to vaccinate our pets, or keep them warm in cold weather. Kindness that can be harmful to pets comes in the form of an overabundance of food and treats. The all-too-common result is a pet that becomes overweight or even obese. If your pet needs to lose a pound or two, here are some helpful tips.

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Take a stand on gout [Infographic]

The skinny on lighter fare for summer

The skinny on lighter fare for summer It's possible to enjoy light summer dining without sacrificing taste, variety or fun - all the good things we associate with warm weather eating. Here are ideas for better-for-you versions of some summer favorites.

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Rare diseases: Increasing awareness for better patient outcomes

Getting a diagnosis of any cancer can be frightening, but for those diagnosed with a rare cancer, the emotional toll can be much worse. For some of these patients, the journey to a correct diagnosis may take years, and once they receive an accurate diagnosis, it can be extremely difficult for these patients to find accurate information on their disease. One of the first things patients do is research everything they can about their illness, including connecting with someone who is also living with the disease, and learning their options for disease management and treatment.

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Science fiction is now science fact: There's hope for aging eyes with macular degeneration

Science fiction is now science fact: There Imagine what it's like to slowly lose your vision over time - until one day you no longer can read, see the faces of loved ones or participate in your favorite hobbies. Severe vision loss is a reality for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease of the retina that affects more than 9.1 million people in the United States. But now there's hope, and although it may seem like science fiction, it's reality.

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Simple ways older drivers can save money on auto insurance

Simple ways older drivers can save money on auto insurance Insurance companies aren't charging you higher premiums because you're in an over-50 age group. You may be paying too much because you haven't done anything to lower the cost of your premiums.

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Eye-opening facts and myths about eye health [Infographic]

Tips to protect your pet - and your home - from fleas and ticks

Tips to protect your pet - and your home - from fleas and ticks Fleas and ticks are on every pet owner's radar when warm weather flourishes. This is the season when both pets and people are itching to get outside, but without proper protection, four-legged friends can end up itching even more. However, if fleas and ticks take hold, and an infestation starts, this seasonal concern can turn into a year-round headache. That's why many veterinarians advocate parasite prevention all year long.

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Health watch: Superbug infections putting more at risk

Health watch: Superbug infections putting more at risk As new medical breakthroughs emerge, the role of antibiotics has also evolved and helped patients dealing with anything from ear infections to serious lung infections like pneumonia. However, antibiotics are not foolproof. Bacteria, when exposed to antibiotic drugs, can learn how to resist them. These resistant bacteria are known as superbugs, which are harder for antibiotics to kill. Here's what you need to know.

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What to do when your drinking becomes a problem

What to do when your drinking becomes a problem There's no denying that drinking is a widely accepted element of social life in America. Cocktail parties, evenings out, formal functions, and even a drink or two with dinner are customary practices. However, alcohol abuse is a major problem in this country and, on a different level, many "social drinkers" probably don't even know that they have a drinking problem. So how much alcohol is too much?

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The truth about losing weight: Separating facts from fiction (and magic pills)

The truth about losing weight: Separating facts from fiction (and magic pills) Losing weight can dramatically improve your emotional and physical health, but it's often a slow process. Millions of American adults use dietary supplements to lose weight, choosing a range of products that claim to decrease appetite, block fat absorption or increase metabolism. But with hundreds of products on the market, how do you determine which one to choose?

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Diabetic nerve pain is different than a muscle ache or sprained ankle

Diabetic nerve pain is different than a muscle ache or sprained ankle One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a form of nerve damage. More than one in five people with diabetes experiences painful DPN, also known as diabetic nerve pain, as a direct result of this nerve damage. But despite its prevalence, there are many people who go untreated and do not realize the pain they are feeling is related to their diabetes.

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Laser spine surgery helps seniors find relief from lumbar spinal stenosis

Laser spine surgery helps seniors find relief from lumbar spinal stenosis Do you have lower back pain or burning pain or numbness in your legs? Are these symptoms slightly relieved by leaning forward or sitting, but made worse by standing up straight or walking? You may have lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a common condition. Here's what you need to know and how minimally invasive surgery can help.

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Helping the brain use alternative fuel may ease symptoms of Alzheimer's

Helping the brain use alternative fuel may ease symptoms of Alzheimer Whether a patient faces a simple health problem, such as a head cold, or one as complex as Alzheimer's disease, relieving the symptoms is often as important as resolving the issue itself. Yet for the more than 5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer's, treating the symptoms is even more vital.

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Gluten-free meals with 'wow' factor, from breakfast to dinner

Gluten-free meals with As awareness of gluten-free diets continues to grow, more people are searching for ways to make their menus delicious, creative and varied while still staying gluten-free. In the past, forgoing gluten was challenging at best and frustrating at worst, due to a lack of available ingredients and products. But that was then. Now, whether it's gluten intolerance or a goal of healthier eating that drives your meal plans, you can indulge and enjoy great meals from breakfast to dinner (and everything in between).

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Facts matter when your health is at stake

Facts matter when your health is at stake Learning that you have a disease or medical condition can be overwhelming. You need to learn more about your condition. You may get advice from all directions. In the end, you want to understand your treatment options so that you can discuss your choices with your health care provider. But how do you know what information to trust?

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Baby boomers and driving vision - maintaining safety and independence

Baby boomers and driving vision - maintaining safety and independence It is estimated that by 2030, nearly one in five adults will be 65 and older, and nearly double the 40 million today by 2050. This will lead to a significant increase in older adults driving vehicles for both necessity and pleasure. Unfortunately vision, cognitive skills and motor functions decline as we age. Here's what you need to know to keep your vision health in top shape, particularly while on the road driving.

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Massage tips to help ease your over-active muscles

Massage tips to help ease your over-active muscles Now that summer has arrived, you are beginning to engage in more outdoor activities, including running, hiking, biking and recreational sports. After being less active during the winter and spring, however, you may experience aches and pain in muscles, and massage therapy can help to alleviate discomfort naturally. Here are some tips for achieving a great massage therapy experience.

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National Infant Immunization Week: a reminder of the importance of vaccination for children

National Infant Immunization Week: a reminder of the importance of vaccination for children Immunizations have had an enormous impact in helping to improve the health of children in the United States, according the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While vaccination has helped to reduce many childhood diseases, some of these diseases still exist and could reappear if vaccination coverage wanes.

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Step carefully this summer: Prevent common foot cancers

Step carefully this summer: Prevent common foot cancers Common cancers have a high level of awareness among Americans - and rightly so. Prevalent cancers like breast, colon or prostate affect a large number of people, and it's important to be aware of preventive and diagnostic measures. But cancer can also strike in an area of the body many people don't think about - the feet.

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May is International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Month [Infographic]

Rare Disease Day is February 28 [Infographic]

Millions of Americans will join others around the world this month in observing Rare Disease Day (February 28).

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Cleaning the right way to remove allergens

Cleaning the right way to remove allergens When you're done with your regular cleaning routine, you may assume you've eliminated any allergy triggers that were lurking in your home. But the truth is, if you don't clean the right way, you might be making the problem worse.

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