Sleep well — and reduce your risk of dementia and death Although it has been known for some time that individuals with dementia frequently have poor, fragmented sleep, two new studies suggest that if you don’t get enough sleep in midlife, you are at increased risk for dementia later in life. The post Sleep well — and reduce your risk of dementia and death appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

Happy trails: Take a hike, now After too much time spent indoors (and probably less active than is healthy), getting outside and taking a hike is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying nature. But before you hit the trail, make sure you’re well prepared. The post Happy trails: Take a hike, now appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens: What we do — and don’t — know Every day, more and more adults are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, helping us build toward herd immunity. But what about children and teens? What is the status of research on the vaccines in these groups, and when might vaccines be available for them? The post COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens: What we do — and don’t — know appeared…

Sickle cell disease in newborns and children: What families should know and do Millions of people around the world have sickle cell disease, a genetic condition that can cause pain and damage to organs or tissues, and can make children more susceptible to other health problems. In the US, most cases are diagnosed through screening in newborns. Getting connected to the proper care early in a child’s life can help prevent co…

Is IBD an underrecognized health problem in minority groups? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a treatable condition once considered a disease that largely affects people who are white, although in recent years it has been diagnosed more often in other racial and ethnic groups, in the US and around the world. Recognizing this condition early can make a difference in care and quality of life. The post Is…

5 inflammation-fighting food swaps Inflammation can be a beneficial sign that the body’s immune system is fighting an infection, but it can also linger over time, damaging the body. There is evidence that eating a diet heavy in foods that promote inflammation can increase the risk for certain health problems, and also that a healthy diet can reduce inflammation. The post 5 inflam…

Colon Cancer in People Under 45 Colorectal cancer is on the rise among people younger than 50. Mark Lewis, MD talks about why, what signs to watch for, and what you can do to reduce your odds.

A Tiny Patch May Someday Measure Your Critical Health Needs New technology that tracks markers in your “interstitial fluid” – fluid found under your skin – could be as good as a blood test, no doctor’s visit or needle stab required.

Eating for a Healthy Weight: Q&A With Carolyn Newberry, MD In this WebMD webinar, viewers asked Carolyn Newberry, MD, about how to create a healthy diet for weight management.

How Can Ulcerative Colitis Affect Your Cholesterol? What to Know UC patients not only have to deal with treating and managing gastrointestinal problems related to their IBD – they’re also at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Here’s what to know.

Making Medicine from ‘Carrot Dust’: The Chefs and Scientists Cooking Up New Ways to Feed Us The Drexel University Food Lab blends hands-on culinary arts with rigorous research science in an effort to heal a broken food system, one innovative product at a time.

Injuries From Fireworks Rising: Stay Safe on July Fourth Fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2021, and fireworks-related injuries have increased since 2006 by an estimated 274 per year.

Cells from Cadaver Pancreas May Help Treat Type 1 Diabetes One product, from cadaver donors, has just been approved by the FDA. The other, made from stem cells, is showing promise in a clinical trial.

Creative Ways to Connect to Someone With Alzheimer’s Creativity may help you form a relationship with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Learn how creative care can help you reconnect to someone who has memory loss.