الخميس، 30 يونيو 2016
Jobs With the Highest Suicide Rates
Farmers, fishermen and foresters have more than 5 times the average odds, CDC says
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Clinics Selling Unapproved Stem Cell 'Therapies'
Study identifies hot spots around the country
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This Woman Protected a Stray Bunny From Her Dogs in the Cutest Way Possible
“While weeding, I saw something scamper under a tomato plant. We have two dogs, Mollie and Millie, so I placed this bundle of cuteness out of harm’s way while I fetched her two siblings,” says Brook Burling of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. “After moving the whole family to a safer spot, I found and patched the hole in the fence.”
MORE: These National Geographic Photos of Baby Animals and Their Mamas Will Warm Your Heart
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FDA Says 'No' to Eating Raw Cookie Dough
Illness-inducing germs such as E. coli can lurk in uncooked flour, agency warns
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This Disorder Significantly Boosts Heart Risks
Untreated, the condition also makes arteries age decades faster, study reports
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Allergists: Daily Bath OK for Kids With Eczema
The key is immediately following tub time with moisturizer
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Bitter Melon Health Benefits: Can Bitter Melon Help Treat Diabetes?
In tropical areas from China, Asia, and Africa to the Caribbean and South America, bitter melon is both a food and a medicine. Unripe, its fruit resembles a warty, green cucumber that gradually turns orange with bright red edible seeds as it matures. Despite an exceedingly bitter taste, the fruits and sometimes the leaves are widely used in a variety of ethnic dishes. Bitter melon is a major constituent of the Okinawan diet and, some say, is key to the renowned longevity of the Japanese island people. Modern research has largely focused on its potential for treating diabetes.
How Bitter Melon Works
Although the human evidence is not yet strong, laboratory studies show that bitter melon has a hypoglycemic (blood glucose-lowering) action, and helps to control insulin levels. The constituents thought to be responsible for this action are charantin, plus alkaloids and peptides that mimic insulin. They may also trigger the production of a protein that encourages glucose uptake in the body.
In addition, charantin appears to stimulate the growth of pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys beta cells; in other types of diabetes the functioning of beta cells is impaired.
Laboratory studies support other traditional uses of bitter melon, suggesting that different constituents have antiviral and antibacterial properties that might help to treat disorders including salmonella and E. coli infections, herpes and HIV viruses, malaria, and parasitic worms. An extract of bitter melon proteins is claimed to inhibit prostate tumor growth and a number of in vitro studies suggest it may have potential for combating other cancers and leukemia.
How to Use Bitter Melon
Traditionally bitter melon is taken as a fresh juice, decoction, or tincture. Concentrated fruit, seed, and whole herb extracts are also available as tablets, capsules, or powders. Follow label instructions or take as professionally prescribed.
Safety First
Take care if taking bitter melon with blood glucose–lowering medications as it can enhance their effect. It has a weak uterine stimulant activity so must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Bitter melon should not be taken by people with glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) deficiency (a genetic condition most common in people from the Mediterranean and Middle East) due to a risk of hemolytic anemia.
Where to Find Bitter Melon
The fresh fruit is available in some supermarkets and Asian stores. Bitter melon supplements are available in health food stores or from a qualified herbalist.
Get More Natural Remedies Doctors Approve!
The book Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies offers effective ways to treat more than 85 health conditions and evaluates the most commonly used alternative therapies and supplements. Learn more and buy Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies here.
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7 Pieces of Life Advice Geniuses Tell Their Kids
These brilliant men and women have revolutionized science, medicine, and our understanding of the cosmos. But what do they tell their kids before bedtime?
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Men Face Greater Risk of Cardiac Arrest: Study
Heart disease tends to develop earlier than it does in women, researchers say
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New Drug Shows Promise for Rare Blood Cancers
Organ damage improved in 60 percent of patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis
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Dogs May Spot Low Blood Sugar in Diabetics: Study
Dogs May Spot Low Blood Sugar in Diabetics: Study
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Zika Brain Damage May Occur Without Microcephaly
Study suggests microcephaly birth defect isn't always present; cases may be underreported
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This May Help Protect Men Against Diabetes
Too much, too little lowered body's ability to break down sugar, but that was not the case for women
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How to Clean Jewelry at Home: 12 Household Items That Work Miracles
You don't need fancy jewelry cleaner to get your silver to sparkle, your gold to gleam, and your gemstones to shine. Try these everyday items, most of which you probably already have in the house.
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When I Moved to a 480-Square-Foot “Tiny House,” I Followed These 8 Rules for Decluttering
You don’t need to dramatically downsize your house to want to get rid of unnecessary stuff in it. Here are decluttering tips that can simplify your life no matter how big or small your home is.
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Epilepsy Medications: Finding the Right Drug to Control Seizures
In the past 15 years, the number of epilepsy drugs available has more than doubled. Learn how to find the right epilepsy medication for controlling your seizures.
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Reassessing the Annual Pelvic Exam
Independent panel of U.S. experts finds 'insufficient' evidence of worth
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10 Tips for Throwing a Bridal Shower that Looks Expensive
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10 Brilliant Ways Cupcake Liners Can Make Your Life Better
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Artificial Sweeteners: Good or Bad?
- Click the link or visit Authority Nutrition to read the article now.
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13 Secrets Debt Collectors Won’t Tell You
What you need to know about the sneaky way debt collectors do their job.
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9 Ways to Stop the Incredible Damage of Negative Self Talk
You’ve heard it before—you’re your own worst critic. Here’s how to silence that nagging voice in your head.
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12 Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids That Will Make You Feel So Much Better
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7 Science-Backed Tips to Stop Your Strongest Food Cravings
How your smartphone can quiet your stomach.
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الأربعاء، 29 يونيو 2016
Testosterone Rx May Boost Older Men's Sex Lives
Gel hormone treatment led to improved libido and sexual function, study finds
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Stem Cells Deemed Safe for ALS Patients
But further research needed to see if injections into spine would provide any benefit, researchers say
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Biden Issues Challenge to Speed Cancer Discoveries
Vice President Joe Biden challenged American researchers Wednesday to cram 10 years of work against cancer into 5 years by boosting clinical trials, enlisting big data, and making life-saving drugs cheaper.
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Can You Reverse Hearing Loss?
Many types of hearing loss are reversible. Is yours? WebMD explains.
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9 Style Tips to Steal from Princess Diana
These timeless looks are fit for a princess.
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Mosquito Repellents -- What Works?
There are no shortages of candles, sprays, and oils to keep mosquitoes away. But WebMD asks which ones really work?
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Surgery for sleep apnea
What are your surgical options for sleep apnea? WebMD explains.
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Warning: You Will Want to Adopt an Orphaned Baby Squirrel After Reading This
My husband, Shawn, and I enjoy seeing life through the eyes of our five children. It’s amazing to watch as they discover their world.
While we were outdoors last summer enjoying the sunshine, our oldest daughter, Kaytlin, called me to the porch. Beneath the steps was a baby red squirrel.
We watched it from a distance, not wanting to disturb it or scare off its mother. But after a long wait—and looking all around our property for traces of a nest or a mother—we realized the tiny squirrel was likely an orphan.
Shaking terribly, he was frail, thin, and hungry. We tried to find an expert to help, but the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website showed that there were no wildlife rehabilitators in our county. After some quick research, we concluded that the best way to give the squirrel a fighting chance was to care for him ourselves. So a trip to the local Tractor Supply store for puppy formula and supplies was in order.
More extensive research taught us how much to feed him, how to estimate his age, how and when to wean him, and that we should release him as soon as he could survive on his own.
Our daughters and I shared rotations of feeding “Squirt.” Kaytlin took on the most responsibility. She taught him to eat from a syringe, and she woke in the night for his feeds.
To our relief, Squirt soon began to thrive. Within a few weeks he became more alert and active. He would chatter for his next meal, playfully crawl around on the girls, and curl up on them for a nap. It wasn’t long before he was weaned onto solid food and reintroduced to the wild.
His first few visits to the great outdoors were comical. Just like a child, he would play in the grass some and then run back to Kaytlin for safety. Soon she had him climbing trees and finding nest material.
One day in the trees, he met up with a family of gray squirrels that was none too happy about his visit. They scolded and swatted at him, and he quickly learned some social skills. For several days he played all day in the trees surrounding our house but came down at bedtime.
And then one night, he didn’t. The rain pounded hard, and our girls fretted. But when the sun rose, there was Squirt, begging for a bite to eat. And that remained the pattern for a few weeks.
Squirt became well known in our neighborhood, and visitors knew to be on the lookout when they stopped by. But mostly he played in the trees, chattering away to anyone who happened to cross his path and occasionally swiping snacks from our toddler boys.
The experience was entertaining and heartwarming for our family. In the wild and somewhat silly moments of raising an orphaned baby squirrel, our children learned to value and appreciate life.
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Progress Against Heart Deaths Starting to Wane
Obesity, diabetes epidemics may be to blame, doctors say
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FDA Asks How Safe Is That Hand Sanitizer?
Agency wants proof the products kill bacteria and are harmless over time
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Benefits of Butterbur: The Herb That Soothes Headaches and Allergies
This traditional herbal remedy is nicknamed “bog rhubarb,” because it grows in damp, marshy areas. It was once used in Europe to treat the plague; today, it is used for seasonal allergies (such as hay fever), colds and flu, and asthma, as well as providing effective relief for migraines.
How Butterbur Works
Butterbur has natural antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and mildly analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. It works by decreasing the secretion of histamine and leukotrienes by the immune cells, which are the main chemicals that the body releases during an allergic reaction to what it perceives as an invader such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. Butterbur is considered to be as effective as commonly available over-the-counter antihistamines for treating and controlling seasonal allergies such as hay fever. It acts to both mediate the allergic reaction and fight the inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, thereby alleviating allergy symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat, runny eyes, blocked ears, and sneezing, but without causing drowsiness. The active compounds it contains, called petasins, stop the inflammation associated with hay fever and may improve the efficacy of conventional inhalant preventive medications for asthma. Although evidence for the effectiveness of butterbur on allergies is small, many natural therapists and herbalists have found it useful for their patients.
Taken daily as a preventive, butterbur extract can bring relief to migraine sufferers, with clinical trials showing that it reduced the frequency, duration and intensity of migraine episodes. In one study published in Neurology, butterbur extract was found to be significantly more effective in reducing the frequency of migraines than placebo. It may also assist in relieving joint pain and menstrual cramps.
How to Use Butterbur
Butterbur is available in tablet or capsule form. Look for a product containing a standardized extract of petasins. Some manufacturers combine butterbur with other antiallergenic and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as rosmarinic acid, nettle, quercetin or vitamin C, in formulas to prevent hay fever. Dosage depends on the potency of the product chosen. Follow label instructions or take as professionally prescribed. It is beneficial both as a treatment and a preventive for hay fever or seasonal allergies; if taking as a preventive, begin treatment around four to six weeks prior to the time when your symptoms usually first appear.
Safety First
Butterbur has not been widely tested during pregnancy or breastfeeding and so it is best avoided or used only under medical supervision during these periods. In rare instances, it may cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, rashes, itchy eyes or skin, or drowsiness. Note that the wild plant contains compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that are toxic. However, standardized extracts used in herbal medicine are purified and often labelled “PA free.”
Where to Find Butterbur
Butterbur is available in health food stores or from a qualified herbalist.
Get More Natural Remedies Doctors Approve!
The book Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies offers effective ways to treat more than 85 health conditions and evaluates the most commonly used alternative therapies and supplements. Learn more and buy Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies here.
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Can You Reverse Hearing Loss?
Many types of hearing loss are reversible. Is yours? WebMD explains.
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11 Creative Outdoor Date Ideas to Use This Summer
Enjoy the summer weather with your partner by taking date night outside.
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20 Words You Should Never Use in a Cover Letter
Here's how to avoid landing your cover letter in the trash—or worse.
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13 Flag-Shaped Recipes You’ll Want to Serve This Fourth of July
Celebrate American pride on the Fourth of July with these patriotic cookies, cakes, salads, pies, and more recipes decked out in the stars and stripes.
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Antidepressant No Help to Heart Failure Patients
Depression in these cases may be caused by biological changes from the disease itself, researcher says
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DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): A Detailed Review
- Click the link or visit Authority Nutrition to read the article now.
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8 Secrets Aestheticians Won’t Tell You for Free
Lucky for your skin, they’re revealing them now.
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Get Your Best Bikini Wax: 6 Steps to Take Before and After Your Appointment
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28 Little Things You Can Do Right Now to Make Your Marriage Happier
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10 Signs You Have Incredible Empathy
It's more than just being sensitive.
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10 Mind-Blowing Hacks for 10 Beauty Products You Use All the Time
Get double duty from the beauty products you already own.
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الثلاثاء، 28 يونيو 2016
When was asbestos banned in the U.S.?
Asbestos is a hazardous material. Is there anyone reading this blog who does not appreciate that? We doubt it. The product does have a reputation for being a fine fire retardant, but research has shown it also is a major cause of deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. With all the information now available one might wonder why the threat of exposure remains. You would think that asbestos use would be banned.
The fact is that more than 50 countries around the world have banned asbestos. The U.S. is not one of them. The mining of asbestos doesn't happen anymore, but it is still imported into the country. As recently as 2007, a research project discovered asbestos as an ingredient in window glazing compound, roof patching material, wall spackle and a toy fingerprint kit made in China.
Recent action in Washington, however, leaves anti-asbestos activists hopeful that perhaps the U.S. is on the verge of a change. President Obama signed the Toxic Substances Control Act into law this week. One of the things the measure does is give the Environmental Protection Agency a bit more bite than bark when it comes to regulating dangerous chemicals.
A leader of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization says asbestos should be one of the first the EPA puts on its list of materials subject to prioritization for evaluation.
The EPA attempted to ban asbestos long ago, but a court struck down the effort in 1991. In the course of the debate that led up to the passage of the TSCA, lawmakers pointed to that decision as one of the reasons the law is needed.
Whether a ban is issued or not, the threat of exposure to asbestos remains. Victims of that exposure should be consulting experienced legal counsel to learn about their rights.
Source: Mesothelioma.com, "When was Asbestos Banned in the U.S.? It Still Isn't!," Gary Cohn, May 31, 2016
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Ikea Recalls Dressers Due to Tip-Over Danger
Ikea Recalls Dressers Due to Tip-Over Danger
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'Hacking' a Diabetes Cure?
At least 85 people and counting are managing their type 1 diabetes with an artificial pancreas system they built themselves.
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Pat Summitt's Death And Early Alzheimer's
Legendary coach's final role: fighting the brain disease
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This Photo of a Two-Year-Old Feeding Kittens From a Tiny Milk Bottle Is Proof That Love Is Innate
Alexis might be only 2 here, but she has a grown-up, almost parental look of caring as she cuddles Blacky the kitten, peering into his eyes to make sure everything is OK. Her mother, Tanya Hanson of Amery, Wisconsin, shared this lovely snapshot of little Alexis holding a pet bottle, ready to feed these warm fluffballs that love her so much.
MORE: 12 Endangered Baby Animals Making a Comeback
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Success in Mice Shows Zika Vaccine 'Feasible'
Two candidates provided protection after just one shot; clinical trials planned for later this year
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Benefits of Calendula: An Ancient Skin Soother With Science on Its Side
Named for its almost year-round flowering from the Latin calendae, meaning the first day of the month, calendula has been used since ancient times to treat wounds and inflamed skin conditions. It is a member of the marigold family, but should not be confused with another popular genus, Tagetes, which is not medicinal. Herbal and cosmetic products are made from Calendula officinalis. The herb is easy to grow and the yellow edible flowers can add a colorful touch to salads.
How Calendula Works:
Although calendula has been used traditionally to treat stomach upsets, ulcers, and menstrual problems, scientific research has centered on its wound-healing properties. The dried petals—the parts used—contain high levels of flavonoids, including lutein and beta carotene, which are antioxidants that help protect against infection and cell damage caused by free radicals.
Laboratory and animal research has shown that calendula flower components have a marked anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, and heal wounds by helping new blood vessels and new tissue to form. In patients with leg ulcers treated with either a calendula ointment or saline solution dressings, calendula helped ulcers heal much faster.
French researchers rated topical calendula “highly effective” for preventing dermatitis in women who had received radiation therapy for breast cancer.
How to Use Calendula:
There are many available creams, ointments, lotions, oils and more. Follow label instructions; or make your own soothing salve. Place dried flowers in a jar and fill with olive oil. Infuse for a few weeks, shaking the jar regularly. Strain the oil, then add beeswax—about 2 ounces to a cup of oil—and then heat until the beeswax melts. Add a few drops of essential oil fragrance, if desired, plus a little vitamin E, then store in a bottle or jar. You can also use an infusion of the flowers as a tea, a healing gargle or mouthwash, or in a compress to soothe wounds. Steep 1-2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) of petals in boiling water for 10–15 minutes and then strain.
Safety First
Calendula is considered very safe but be careful if you are taking sedatives, blood pressure or diabetes medications as it could enhance their effects.
Where to Find Calendula
Calendula products can be bought in health food stores, pharmacies or from a qualified herbalist.
Get More Natural Remedies Doctors Approve!
The book Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies offers effective ways to treat more than 85 health conditions and evaluates the most commonly used alternative therapies and supplements. Learn more and buy Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies here.
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Diabetes Complications: Know the Symptoms
Take note of these red flags and learn what to do.
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Are You In Diabetes Denial?
5 steps to accept and manage your condition.
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10 Brilliant Tricks for Using an Ice Cream Scoop to Make Your Life Better
That kitchen tool isn’t limited to doling out frozen treats.
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Summer Travel Smarts for Diabetes
What to pack and how to prep for your trip.
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Spice Up Your Grill With Global Flavors
A healthy take on tastes from around the world.
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Choose Fruit Wisely When You Have Diabetes
Even natural sweetness can bump up your blood sugar.
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Your Well-Timed Diabetes Workout
Find the time of day that works best with your lifestyle.
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22 Favorite Iced Tea Recipes You Will Guzzle This Summer
Relax with a tall, refreshing glass of iced tea this summer. Try one of these homemade recipes for sweet tea, raspberry tea, mint tea, and more.
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Ask the Expert: Summer Heat and Diabetes Control
Heat, especially extreme heat, is hard for anyone to tolerate. It’s especially hard on people with diabetes.
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Old Drug Boosts Brain's Memory Centers
But more research needed before recommending methylene blue to those with memory loss, scientist says
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Programs to Spot Painkiller Abuse Work
Study found monitoring program in Maine was only used by 56 percent of pharmacists
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9 Signs You’re on the Wrong Birth Control
Just like bras and tampons, birth control is not one size fits all. Here's how to make sure you're using the best birth control option for your body.
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Donated Blood Won't Transmit Alzheimer's
Swedish study of nearly 1.5 million patients finds no increased risk when blood came from affected people
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7 Foolproof Tricks for Wearing White This Summer
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Do Ab Exercises Help You Burn Belly Fat?
- Click the link or visit Authority Nutrition to read the article now.
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9 Signs You Should Think About Seeing a Therapist
Therapy can be life-changing. Here's how to tell if might benefit you.
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Summer Food Safety: 8 Rules to Avoid Nasty Food Poisoning
Approximately one in six Americans fall ill due to foodborne illness each year, with the onset of the summer months increasing your risk. Stay safe by following these important rules.
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الاثنين، 27 يونيو 2016
31 Common Acronyms You’d Never Figure Out
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Can Neurofeedback Treat ADHD Symptoms?
A look at neurofeedback as a treatment for kids who have ADHD.
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Blood Pressure Problems During Pregnancy, Heart Trouble Later?
Spotting risk early may help women make healthy lifestyle changes sooner, study author says
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Elderly Patients Get Unnecessary End-of-Life Treatments
Family members may pressure doctors to attempt heroic interventions, researcher says
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Donated Blood Won't Transmit Alzheimer's
Swedish study of nearly 1.5 million patients finds no increased risk when blood came from affected people
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