Staying Healthy Archive

Articles

The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious

Though recently discovered, the endocannabinoid system regulates and controls many of our critical bodily functions. Researchers are investigating the ECS's role in learning and memory and in hunger, hoping that these avenues of research may lead to new drug discoveries.

Can wearing contacts harm your vision?

Millions of people wear contact lenses, and with proper use and care they are very safe. However, sleeping with lenses in that are not specifically intended for extended wear can increase the risk of infection in the eye's cornea.

Vegan and paleo: Pluses and minuses to watch

Strict vegan and paleo eating patterns seem to be at opposite ends of the diet spectrum. Both can offer health benefits, though it's wise to understand the nutritional gaps left by each approach due to excluded food groups and consider five principles that will make any eating plan you choose nutritionally sound.

Supplements to prevent heart disease and cancer not justified

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence for using most vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent heart disease and cancer in most healthy adults.

You don't say? Under eye bags and dark circles

Bags and dark circles under the eyes are caused not by lack of sleep, but by a variety of factors. Treatment options are limited, but some home remedies might help.

What is the best way to remove earwax?

Earwax traps dust and tiny particles and helps prevent objects from reaching the eardrum. As earwax dries, it moves out of the canal naturally, but sometimes it builds up. Commercial ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, baby oil, and mineral oil can help soften hardened wax for easy removal.

What are eye floaters?

Eye floaters occur when the thick, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye form blobs that block incoming light. They might resemble spots, cobwebs, or strings. The sudden appearance of new floaters should prompt a call to your doctor, but most often they become less bothersome over time.

I recently became vegan. Should I be concerned about iron-deficiency anemia?

Vegetarians can ensure they are getting enough iron in their diets by eating iron-rich foods such as beans, tofu, and dark leafy greens.

Top causes of blood clots in the legs and how to avoid them

Blood clots in the legs (deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT) can break loose and travel through the veins to the heart and then to the lungs, causing a dangerous pulmonary embolism. Common triggers for blood clots include being bedridden for long periods; sitting for long periods in a car, plane, or train; or getting too little activity and sitting too much. To avoid blood clots in the legs, it helps to hydrate, get up from sitting every hour or two and stretch the legs, move the legs while lying down, or wear compression stockings.

A vaccine that can prevent shingles

The best way to avoid shingles and long-lasting pain that may result from it is to get the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), given in two doses. The vaccine contains a protein from a dead varicella-zoster virus. The shot is 90% effective and is recommended for adults ages 50 or older, even those who have had shingles before, received an older shingles vaccine called Zostavax, or don’t recall having had chickenpox. People should avoid the vaccine if they currently have shingles, are allergic to components of the vaccine, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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