More at-home health tests are now available. How to know what’s right for you
The doctor is in — the mailbox, that is. You can now do self-administered tests for everything from thyroid function to HIV in the privacy of your own home — and that list continues to grow, as the Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first at-home cervical cancer test. While the tests can make […]
Pet allergies: How to help treat scratching, licking and biting
About five years ago, Gail Friedman noticed her Parson Russell Terrier was constantly licking his paws and seemed super uncomfortable. “The poor dog. I would put baby socks on his feet so that he wouldn’t lick them or bite at them,” said Friedman, of Oak Brook, Illinois. “I was constantly changing the socks, washing his […]
Too busy to get fit? Here’s how to work exercise into your packed schedule
You’re too busy to exercise, right? Your job consumes all your time. You’re strapped by professional and family demands. As you get more and more responsibility, your free time shrinks. Well, these blockers don’t have to be an excuse. Making time simply calls for creativity and a broader understanding of how to get in daily […]
Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here’s how to cope with in-flight anxiety
NEW YORK (AP) — Adelynn Campbell’s last plane trip ended with a panic attack that she got through largely with the help of a kind flight attendant. That was last year — before 67 people died in January when an American Airlines jet collided with a helicopter over Washington, D.C., in the deadliest U.S. air […]
Allergy season: How to check pollen levels and alleviate symptoms
ATLANTA (AP) — Allergy season can be miserable for tens of millions of Americans when trees, grass, and other pollens cause runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing. Where you live, what you’re allergic to and your lifestyle can make a big difference when it comes to the severity of your allergies. Experts say climate […]
How to help your teenager get enough sleep — and how much they need
Navigating bedtime with a teenager is, in many homes, a nightly battle with a constant refrain: Get off your phone! Go to bed! Research shows that today’s teenagers are more sleep-deprived than ever before. Adolescents need between eight and 10 hours of sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But nearly 80% […]
How to deal with the grief of losing a pet
PARIS (AP) — Even months later, the pain of losing a pet can still hit without warning. The trigger might be noticing — again, for the umpteenth time — how empty the house feels since your cat died, without the pitter-patter of padded paws. Or stumbling across the leash of the dog you lost and […]
How to overcome lack of motivation and create an exercise routine
You know you should develop a regular exercise routine, but you lack motivation. Promises to yourself are quickly broken, and you never establish enough of the workout habit to experience any rewards. Exercising as you age is important. It’s not only good for physical health to help prevent falls or enable you to do basic […]
How to relax and embrace a less-than-perfect holiday by doing less
NEW YORK (AP) — We all know the stressors: Social obligations. Family discord. Political rifts. Financial stress. And the desire to stay cheery and big-hearted throughout. So here’s a reminder about how to banish your inner perfectionist and truly enjoy the holiday season: “It really helps to let go of some of the ‘shoulds’,” says […]
How to avoid the worst of jet lag and maximize your travel
LONDON (AP) — It’s the bane of many travelers: jet lag. Nobody wants to lose out because they’re too tired to enjoy the delights of their vacation spot. Here are some tips on how to handle jet lag, wherever you might end up. What is jet lag? Scientists define jet lag as the effect on […]