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TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Are your feet something you think about only when they hurt? Simple steps can protect them from common problems, some of which are hard to get rid of. The first step is to wear shoes, such as water slip-ons, in moist environments like indoor swimming pools and communal showers at the gym. Damp areas allow bacteria and viruses to thrive, and walking barefoot makes you more susceptible to common infections like nail fungus, athlete’s foot and warts. You don’t have to give up style, but skip shoes that don’t feel comfortable from the moment you try them on. Calluses, corns, blisters and irritations can all result from or get worse from shoes that pinch and don’t fit well. It’s a mistake to expect that the shoes will “give” and feel better over time. Choose hosiery with care. That means buying socks and tights...

MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you’re worried that your child may suffer from a mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you have plenty of company. About one in every six American kids has at least one mental health disorder, new research shows. But the study delivered even more troubling news — only half of those children are getting treatment. The researchers also found startling differences in the number of kids being diagnosed and treated between states. For example, the statewide prevalence of kids with at least one diagnosed mental health disorder (including depression, anxiety and ADHD) varied from about 8 percent in Hawaii to 27 percent in Maine. The prevalence of children with a mental health disorder who didn’t get treatment varied from 30 percent in Washington, D.C., to 72 percent in North Carolina, the findings showed. “The purpose of the study...

MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many studies have shown that color affects both mood and behavior. Color can help you go from sad to happy or angry to calm. When it comes to mood, there are four primary colors. Though different shades within each of the four can have different effects, some generalities exist. Red symbolizes power and strength and may even stimulate aggression. Yellow is associated with joy, hope and optimism. As “warm” colors, both red and yellow are thought to increase arousal. Green is emotionally calming and stands for harmony. Blue is the color of intellect, yet is so calming that it can lower blood pressure. As “cool” shades, both blue and green can be relaxing. Much research has found that people living in areas with more green space have better physical and mental health than those with less green space. A European study looked at...

(HealthDay News) — Taking care of a significant wound helps prevent infection and minimize scaring, the Nemours Foundation says.
The foundation suggests how to care for a wound at home:

• Keep the wound covered with a clean dressing until it stops producing fluid.
• Wait an average of four days after surgery before showering. Ask your doctor for a specific time to wait.
• Do not soak in the bathtub or swim until your next doctor visit.
• Don’t let pets get close to a wound.
• Do not pick or scratch a scab.

Copyright © 2018 HealthDay. All Rights Reserved.

(HealthDay News) — Having full knowledge of your family health history is empowering and can be an effective way to stay healthier.
Your doctor may review your family health history in deciding whether you and other family members need certain screening tests, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The CDC suggests how to keep a family health history:

• • Talk to family members to get details about each person’s medical past. Be sure to include information about chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
  • Determine if there is a family history of cancer or stroke.
  • Be aware of your family’s ancestry.
  • Share your history with your doctor and other family members.

Copyright © 2018 HealthDay. All Rights Reserved.

TUESDAY, Feb. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Too little sleep. Not enough exercise. Far too much “screen time.” That is the unhealthy lifestyle of nearly all U.S. high school students, new research finds. The study, of almost 60,000 teenagers nationwide, found that only 5 percent were meeting experts’ recommendations on three critical health habits: sleep; exercise; and time spent gazing at digital media and television. It’s no secret that many teenagers are attached to their cellphones, or stay up late, or spend a lot of time being sedentary. But even researchers were struck by how extensive those issues are among high school students. “Five percent is a really low proportion,” said study leader Gregory Knell, a research fellow at University of Texas School of Public Health, in Dallas. “We were a bit surprised by that.” In general, medical experts say teenagers should get eight to 10 hours of sleep at...

MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — One way to get better medical care and more value for your health care dollars is to find yourself a primary care provider, researchers say. For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 70,000 U.S. adults who took part in a Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Of those, more than 49,000 had a primary care doctor and about 21,000 did not. Adults with primary care were more likely to receive high-value cancer screenings, such as colonoscopy or mammography (78 percent with primary care versus 67 percent without). They also received more diagnostic and preventive tests, such as flu vaccination and blood pressure checks. Patients with primary care were also more likely to receive counseling, especially to help them quit smoking, the investigators found. “If you have a primary care relationship, you have a better experience with care, better access to care, and a...

(HealthDay News) — Lice are typically spread by direct head-to-head contact, and less often can be spread by sharing clothing or belongings such as backpacks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Once head lice fall from a host, they can survive for fewer than a couple of days, the agency adds. The CDC suggests how to control the spread of head lice: Avoid head-to-head contact with an infested person. Do not share hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons or barrettes. Do not share combs, brushes or towels. Disinfect combs and brushes by soaking them for several hours in hot water (at least 130 degrees F). Avoid beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with an infested person. Wash and dry in hot water clothing, bed sheets and other items that an infested person used. Items that are not washable can...

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you’d like to lighten up on carbs without compromising the taste of dishes you love, make cauliflower “rice” your go-to substitute ingredient. Cauliflower is among the healthiest of all vegetables, high in vitamin C, fiber and folate. “Ricing” it simply means pulsing it in a food processor until chunks become the size of rice grains. Then use them for dishes that call for rice, pasta and even potatoes. This recipe is a great substitute for traditional fried rice, and you can customize it with additional low-calorie vegetables of your choice. For a complete meal, toss in cooked shrimp or chicken cubes at the end. Cauliflower Fried Rice 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided 4 carrots, chopped 1 red or yellow onion, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons ginger, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup corn kernels...

(HealthDay News) — When a thin piece of wood, glass or metal gets embedded within the top layers of your skin, you know how annoying and painful a splinter can be.
The U.S. Library of Medicine suggests how to remove a splinter safely:

• • Sterilize a pin or needle by soaking it in rubbing alcohol or by placing the tip in a flame.
  • Wash your hands with soap.
  • Use the pin or needle to gently remove skin over the splinter.
  • Then use the tip of the pin to lift the end of the splinter out.
  • You may need to use tweezers to pull out the splinter after you lift it.

Copyright © 2018 HealthDay. All Rights Reserved.

TUESDAY, Jan. 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — As a giant polar vortex sweeps down over most of the United States, bringing with it temperatures so frigid that frostbite and hypothermia can happen within minutes, doctors have some advice for those who dare to venture outside. The swath of the cold freeze is so wide and deep that roughly 75 percent of Americans living on the U.S. mainland will feel its effects, according to CNN. If you are under the age of 25, “you’ve never felt this cold before,” said CNN meteorologist Tom Sater. Already, two deaths are being blamed on the sub-zero temperatures, one in Minnesota and one in Illinois, CNN reported. And the worst weather is still to come for many. So, how can you protect yourself from the onslaught of Arctic weather? “In the cold weather, it’s important to keep your head, face and nose covered, but most...

TUESDAY, Jan. 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Socializing with friends is great for physical and emotional well-being, but if all of your get-togethers are at restaurants or bars, it can be hard to stick to a healthy eating plan. Try these ideas for having fun without placing the emphasis on food. Both you and your friends will benefit. Turn your brunch group into an arts project. Whether you’re quilting, knitting or crafting, busy hands can’t reach for snacks. If you’d rather look at art than create it, try going to different museums rather than bar-hopping with your friends. Want to get even more physical? Grab a few friends or another couple and sign up for a 5K or 10K race, and hold your own training sessions once or twice a week until the big event. Or choose a charity and do volunteer work as a group on a weekend afternoon....