We all know that the cold weather forces us to spend more time indoors…where we’re exposed to more infections transmitted by co-workers, family, and friends. It also means less sunshine. Shortened winter days decrease our vitamin D3 levels, which weakens our immune system’s ability to fight off germs.
But there’s an even bigger reason why colds and flus spike in the winter.… Read More
Alan Thicke kept himself in great shape.
The 6-foot-2 star of “Growing Pains” was a lifelong athlete. He played college football at Western University in his native Canada. And Thicke loved to play hockey. Throughout his life he played pickup games whenever he could.
For years, he played every Tuesday and Thursday at a rink in Burbank, Calif. That’s where he suffered a fatal heart attack yesterday at age 69.… Read More
Can what you post on Facebook reveal how long you will live? A new study says yes.
For years, research has shown that people with more friends and strong social ties live longer.
A 20-year Harvard study found that the social support and sense of community people get from belonging to a church reduces death rates by a third.
… Read MoreYou don’t need harsh chemicals to have whiter teeth.
We all want a dazzling Hollywood smile. But as we age, our once-bright tooth enamel turns duller.
Coffee and red wine can take a toll. Some medications, like antihistamines and blood pressure drugs, also cause teeth to lose their luster.
… Read MoreCan a simple smell test reveal if you’ll get Alzheimer’s?
Scientists believe that the brain changes behind Alzheimer’s disease start at least 10 years before memory problems set in. But right now there is no easy-to-administer diagnostic test to detect early signs of the brain-wasting illness.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston say they may have discovered a noninvasive way to predict if you’ll get Alzheimer’s.… Read More
If you’re carrying extra weight, it’s better to have “love handles” than a “spare tire.”
That’s the take-home message of a new study that shows belly fat is worse for your heart than flab elsewhere.1 A lot worse.
Researchers collected data on 1,106 men and women whose average age was 45. Scientists measured subcutaneous adipose fat. This is fat just under the skin.… Read More