Staying Healthy Archive

Cannabis is legal in a growing number of states for adult recreational or medical use, or both. As access expands, here's what to know about safely purchasing and using cannabis products.

Physical touch has long been linked to the healing process of medicine, but a person's comfort level with this may depend on their feelings and life experiences. Here's why touch matters during medical visits, and how to get the care you need while having your wishes respected.

Even though motorcycles are riskier than other modes of transportation, the number of motorcycles registered in the US has doubled in the past 20 years. A study examined whether large gatherings of bikers would lead to more fatal accidents and an increase in rates of organ donation.

It's normal to accumulate and release gas; in fact, the average person releases two liters of gas per day. Certain foods can increase gas production since they take longer to digest.

Drinking about one cup of prune juice daily may help relieve chronic constipation, according to a 2022 study.

A 2022 poll found that two-thirds of Americans ages 50 to 80 use integrative medicine, but many don't talk to their doctor about it. Respondents used massage, yoga, meditation, and other integrative techniques to address physical and mental health conditions.

A 2022 study found that eating later in the day increases hunger, decreases the number of calories a person burns, and promotes fat storage. Over time, those effects could lead to weight gain.

A 2022 study found that coffee drinkers were less likely to develop irregular heartbeats, cardiovascular disease, heart-related deaths, and deaths from any cause over a 12-year period, compared with people who did not drink coffee.

The new year is a good time for people to take a good look at their medication regimens and consider if they need to make any changes. That could mean talking to a doctor or pharmacist to see if all the drugs in a regimen are still necessary. Or it could mean looking for ways to save money on prescriptions — perhaps using an online pharmacy (which might have cheaper prices) or applying for a drug manufacturer's patient assistance program. Other things to consider are ways to become more organized about taking medications reliably, such as using an automatic pill dispenser.

Listening to health-focused podcasts can help boost a person's knowledge about the latest medical treatments and trends, and how to live a healthy lifestyle or cope with chronic disease. Just make sure the podcasts come from reliable sources. When choosing a health podcast, it's important to seek out credible hosts, such as well-credentialed health professionals or health journalists who present scientific data in a balanced rather than biased manner. People should avoid programs that promote poorly researched or scientifically unfounded diets or treatments.