13 Proven Health Benefits of Walnuts

To say that walnuts are a nutritious food is a bit of an understatement. Walnuts provide healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals — and that’s just the beginning of how they may support your health. In fact, there’s so much interest in this one nut that for the past 50 years, scientists and industry experts…

Computer use in midlife may prevent cognitive decline

Researchers found that using a computer, playing games, and participating in social activities may reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment. Our brains go through changes as we get older, and some people may experience issues with memory, thinking, or judgment. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage between age-related cognitive decline and dementia —…

What Is PANDAS Syndrome?

Strep throat is a normal part of childhood. Some kids get it again and again, and a simple round of antibiotics usually clears it up. But for a small number of children, the infection triggers strange behavior changes known as PANDAS syndrome: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. With PANDAS, your child may seem to turn into a different…

Air Pollution Bad News for Your Blood Pressure

In yet another finding that shows air pollution is bad for more than just your lungs, a new study suggests long-term exposure could raise your risk of high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome.     Metabolic syndrome includes a number of health conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In this study,…

Infections, Especially UTIs, May Trigger Strokes

A urinary tract infection might be more than just a painful nuisance for some, with new research suggesting it could raise the risk of stroke in vulnerable people. The study of over 190,000 stroke patients found that the risk of suffering a stroke was heightened in the weeks and months following any infection that required a trip…

CDC: Polio-like Illness in Kids May Be On Its Way

The “season” for a polio-like illness that mainly strikes children is about to begin, so public health officials sent out an early warning to doctors on Tuesday.  The largest recorded outbreak of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) occurred last year, with the illness debilitating 233 people in 41 states across the nation, according to the U.S.…