Health Tips Line

HPV vaccination programs significantly reduce  human papillomavirus infections and precancerous cervical lesions, a new global review finds. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2YkQH0r HPV vaccination programs significantly reduce  human papillomavirus infections and precancerous cervical lesions, a new global review finds.

Parents reported their kids had less pain when they interacted with the robot. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2ZYz8Ea Parents reported their kids had less pain when they interacted with the robot.

The effectiveness of last season's vaccine was the second lowest since 2011. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2FyXht5 The effectiveness of last season's vaccine was the second lowest since 2011.

About 4.1 million units of the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper were recalled in April after being linked to at least 10 deaths from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2KL9bnX About 4.1 million units of the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper were recalled in April after being linked to at least 10 deaths

The FDA has recalled certain Medtronic MiniMed insulin pumps because there’s a risk of them being hacked, the agency said. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2X8a7oa The FDA has recalled certain Medtronic MiniMed insulin pumps because there’s a risk of them being hacked, the agency said.

Hospital employees honor a late co-worker -- a nurse who'd worked in health care for 39 years -- who donated her organs. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2RJ7isv Hospital employees honor a late co-worker -- a nurse who'd worked in health care for 39 years -- who donated her organs.

Jony Ive, former chief design officer at Apple, says that we’re using our phones too much. This might come as a surprise, being that Ives has a clear financial incentive for wanting people to have their faces permanently buried in his product. But at the New Yorker Techfest conference, when David Remnick, editor-in-chief of the magazine, asked Ive to assess the iPhone’s impact on the world, Ives replied, “Like any tool, you can see there’s wonderful use and then there’s misuse.” When Remnick asked Ives to define misuse and he answered, “ Perhaps, constant use .” Ive is not exaggerating when he says constant use. Some studies show that the average person spends 3.3 hours a day on their phone , checking it every 10 minutes for social media updates, messages, and more. Ive doesn’t think we should be using our phones so much, and it turns out that the late Steve Jobs, the father of the iPhone, would probably feel the same way. In an analysis of Jobs’ 2007 introduction of the iPhone to

Saying something is “as secure as Fort Knox” implies way stronger protection than you might have realized. As home to about half of the U.S. gold reserves, Fort Knox has been called the most secure vault on the planet. You won’t be able to get too close to the United States Bullion Depository (the proper name of Fort Knox) because it’s surrounded by a steel fence. Even the building itself is hardcore, made of concrete-lined granite and reinforced by steel to help it withstand attacks, according to the U.S. Treasury . The U.S. Treasury says Fort Knox is “equipped with the latest and most modern protective devices.” It hasn’t confirmed exactly what those devices are, but rumor has it the vault grounds are surrounded by land mines and electric fences; machine guns go off when a laser is triggered, and a radar keeps watch over the area. The Treasury doesn’t hide anything about the guards outside, though. There’s one guard box at each of the building’s four corners, plus sentry boxes by

They  can  handle the truth When it comes to your health, staying informed is key. In their own words, here are 16 medical tips that doctors and nurses of Reddit  believe everyone would be better off knowing: “Nurse here. If you’re an alcoholic that’s admitted to the hospital, don’t lie about how much you drink. There are drugs we can give you to take the edge off of withdrawals. It’s safer for you and safer for us. We’re not judging you; we have safety in mind.” “Just don’t lie to us,” adds another medical professional. “We don’t judge you…Remember always, we’ve seen something far, far worse.” The post Doctors and Nurses Reveal the Medical Facts Everyone Should Know appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2FD86KO

The teenage years are when most adolescents suffer from acne flare-ups and cystic pimples. Lucky for me, I had clear, porcelain, glowing skin. I never even used skincare products! Yep, not a drop—true story. I remember how lucky I felt to not have to suffer the emotional stress and embarrassment of having a face covered in craters, redness, hyperpigmentation, and dry flakey skin… until it happened to me. Around the time I went to college, I started noticing small breakouts along my jawline and had no idea why. I wasn’t doing anything different than I had been doing my whole life. And ironically, the better care I took of my skin, the more acne I got. I was embarrassed and depressed. Naturally, I ran to the local pharmacy and purchased cult-favorite skin care products , including  Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser paired with Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 , which resulted in nothing. Nada. If anything, my skin looked and felt worse. That’s when I got serious and made an ap

The emergency room is a busy place around the Fourth of July. According to the newly released 2018 Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) Fireworks Annual Report , a whopping 62 percent of the estimated annual 9,100 estimated fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency rooms happened during the height of the Fourth of July season, from June 22 to July 22. One of the safest ways to enjoy fireworks is to watch the pros do them—find the best fireworks shows in your state. The old saying, “if you play with fire, you get burned,” certainly rings true for the 44 percent of burn injuries emergency rooms saw during the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Burn injuries were most commonly seen on the hands, fingers, and arms. Burn injuries on hands and fingers often result from getting burned while lighting a firework or holding a lit firework. One such incident included in the CPSC report is about a 13-year-old boy who ignited a smoke bomb while holding it in his hands. The smoke b

There’s nothing quite like taking the first cold sip of soda after opening a bottle. But have your taste buds ever noticed the slight flavor difference between drinking the same soda out of an aluminum can versus a plastic bottle or a glass bottle? They’re not all the same and there is actually a scientific reason for that—just like this explanation of  what happens to your body one hour after drinking a can of soda . Soda companies claim that the recipe of their drinks doesn’t change depending on the way they package it. But what does change is the material of the package, and that can alter the taste—and while it’s not by much, some people can detect a slight difference. Plastic is much more CO2-permeable than glass and aluminum, meaning that the carbon dioxide, or fizz, will leak out of a plastic bottle much faster than a glass bottle or can. Have you ever noticed that the liter of coke sitting on top of your fridge doesn’t taste that great after a few weeks, even if it hasn’t be

Load up on non-starchy veggies Face it, if you want to lose weight over the long haul, your best bet is to make sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes.But sometimes life comes at you fast and you need a fast solution. One smart lifestyle change is to eat plenty of veggies—especially for someone looking to lose weight. Vegetables are nutrient-packed and provide plenty of filling fiber with hardly any calories. Plus, non-starchy veggies have a high water content, so they hydrate you while filling you up—the perfect combination for weight loss. Shedding those pounds means shedding old habits, check out  the nine simple changes this woman made to lose 45 pounds and keep them off . Starchy veggies (like potatoes) and processed whole grains (like whole-wheat bread) are foods I’d normally recommend eating in moderation, since they provide plenty of nutrients, fiber, and healthy carbs. However, high-carb foods aren’t your best friend when you’re looking to drop water weight. Essentially, w

I’ve spent my life in a weird relationship with money. I always worked hard and made more money than most people my age. But money still stressed me out. I felt like I never had enough, and I always felt like I had nothing to show for my hard work in regards to savings. After stumbling upon Briana Firestone, founder of The School of Betty, a platform that empowers women to create better relationships with their money, time, and energy, I found myself inspired to do a no-spend month. The result? I saved more than $1,000. It was like finding money in my winter coat pocket after a long summer. But not only that, I realized that I was using spending like a crutch, much like an emotional eater would use food (I’m an emotional eater too, so life is really a lot of fun!). Here are 5 things I eliminated and how I monitored my expenses more closely. “The most eye-opening thing a no-spending challenge can do for you and your finances is shed light onto the emotions and the behaviors you have ar

A few things we know about eggs: they are great for breakfast, you can cook them tons of different ways, and they can sometimes be tricky to crack. One topic of debate, however, is why brown chicken eggs usually cost more than white ones. According to Sharman Hickman, the director of community outreach and education for Hickman’s Family Farms , it’s first important to know why chickens have various egg colors. Genetics—not nutrition—determine the eggshell color and thus their price, Hickman explains. The chicken breed and their genetics decide whether or not hens possess pigment genes, the natural chemical during the egg laying process that coats the egg and results in a colored shell,  says  Jesse LaFlamme , CEO of Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs.  Although all eggs start out white in color , shell color can range from white to brown and even blue in some rare breeds, Hickman adds. A n interesting trick to know what color egg a specific breed of hen lays is to look at the color of thei

Frozen herbs: One year “Herbs can go off very quickly, so prior to that happening, chop them up finely, put them in an ice cube tray, and add either water or olive oil,” advises Nikki Sharp, author of  Meal Prep Your Way to Weight Loss and host of the podcast #Adulting . “Then, when you’re ready to use the herb, pop it out and you can heat the olive oil up in a pan while sautéing your cilantro, for example. Alternatively, add mint and water then throw into smoothies.” This method allows herbs to last for up to a year, Sharp says. By changing your storage habits, you can also save these  11 foods you’re probably preserving wrong . The post 15 Supermarket Foods That Legitimately Last for Years appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2IZk9le

Working the drive-through is no picnic Fast food workers get a bad rap for being lazy. All they have to do is take orders, give change, and hand people their food, right? Wrong. On these Reddit threads , current and former fast-food workers revealed the weirdest things they’ve seen while working a drive-through window, from the confusing to the downright creepy. You’ll also went to check out the 7 dirty secrets restaurant staff won’t tell you. The post 13 Drive-Through Workers Spill the Craziest Things They’ve Seen at Work appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2PzTNcg

How can you tell if something’s contagious? If you’re not sure what condition someone has and you’re not a medical professional, you probably won’t be able to tell. Visible symptoms for contagious and non-contagious diseases can seem identical, and the mode of transmission depends on the particular disease. “There is not a single relationship between the cause of an infection and its contagiousness, as there are bacterial diseases that are contagious and others that are not,” explains Amesh Adalja, MD, an infectious disease physician and Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security , adding that the same is true for the world’s smorgasbord of viruses. And then there are the conditions caused by a malfunctioning immune system or environmental factors. The bottom line: It’s never a bad idea to take safety precautions. “Overall,” says Dr. Adalja, “being vaccinated and frequent handwashing are good practices regardless.” Check out these 14 diseases you can prevent just

To wear or not to wear—that is, your socks to bed. The controversy over whether or not we’re supposed to wear socks to bed has been debated for years. Fortunately, we have an answer. Sure, those Christmas socks aren’t the most stylish, but keeping your feet warm at night has been proven to actually makes a difference in your sleeping patterns. According to sleep.org, “heating cold feet causes vasodilation—dilation of the blood vessels—which may tell the brain that it is bedtime. After the blood vessels open in the hands and feet, heat is redistributed throughout the body to prepare for sleep.” In other words, keeping your feet warm in bed helps you have less restless nights. Pair that with one of these little changes that will help you sleep better in one day , and you’ll be snoozing in no time! Sleeping with socks on also results in falling asleep at a quicker rate. In case you’re not convinced, a  study published in the International Weekly Journal of Science  found hitting the ha

Medicine Don’t keep your medicine in your medicine cabinet. We’re not just saying that to be ironic. Medicines and vitamins should be stored at a room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping them in a moisture-filled room, like your bathroom, can make them less potent or cause them to go bad before their expiration date, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine . The post 11 Things You Shouldn’t Store in Your Bathroom appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2CQziXe

Adults and children are igniting their own fireworks, but the “oohs” and “aahs” quickly turned to agony and a trip to the emergency room for some. According to the 2018 Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) fireworks report, firecrackers were the number one cause of injuries, accounting for 19 percent of the estimated 9,100 fireworks-related, emergency department-treated injuries during the one month (June 22 to July 22) Fourth of July festivities. Young males, aged 5 to 15, were injured the most by firecrackers, accounting for 500 of the estimated 1,000 firecracker injuries. Hands and fingers were the body parts affected the most when illegal firecrackers were used and injuries affecting the eyes were seen the most from smaller firecrackers. All fireworks, including firecrackers, are potentially dangerous when they are not handled or used safely. Lighting a firecracker while holding it is a big no-no. When it explodes at a close range, the hands, fingers, and the face are in dir

No danger too small Before we explore the topic of fireworks, you should know what exactly falls under the “fireworks” label. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says fireworks include shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets, sparklers, firecrackers (50 milligrams or less of powder), and novelty items, such as snakes, ground spinners, fountains, and party poppers. What’s in those fireworks is one of the fascinating facts about fireworks you never knew . More than an Band-Aid The stats don’t lie: Fireworks have fuses that need to be ignited, and when there is fire involved there is an inherent danger. Not surprising, burns were the most frequent injury reported in emergency rooms, accounting for 44 percent of the estimated injuries in the newly released 2018 CPSC Fireworks Report ; contusions and lacerations followed at 28 percent. When you light or hold a firework in your hand, that puts hands and fingers in the direct line of fire. Not surprisin

The study investigated the association between long-term exposure to air pollution, how far people lived from green spaces and major roads, and the development of high blood pressure and some components of metabolic syndrome. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2ZM5f9U The study investigated the association between long-term exposure to air pollution, how far people lived from green spaces and major roads, and the development of high blood pressure and some components of metabolic syndrome.

Dupixent (dupilumab) is given by injection every two weeks. It was approved to treat patients with nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis -- defined as a prolonged inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity, the FDA said. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2Nhtb3r Dupixent (dupilumab) is given by injection every two weeks. It was approved to treat patients with nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis -- defined as a prolonged inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity, the FDA said.

The study found that the risk of suffering a stroke was heightened in the weeks and months after any infection that required a trip to the hospital. But urinary tract infections (UTIs) showed the strongest link. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2YhiMWx The study found that the risk of suffering a stroke was heightened in the weeks and months after any infection that required a trip to the hospital. But urinary tract infections (UTIs) showed the strongest link.

The commission says two boys were injured using the broken end of one of the recalled products. One of the boys lost a hand in the explosion. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2ISvwOc The commission says two boys were injured using the broken end of one of the recalled products. One of the boys lost a hand in the explosion.

Suicide deaths among black females aged 13 to 19 rose 182% between 2001 and 2017, while the rate among black teen males rose 60% during that same period. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2NkMtVC Suicide deaths among black females aged 13 to 19 rose 182% between 2001 and 2017, while the rate among black teen males rose 60% during that same period.

Researchers from the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine in Orlando found that high levels of propionic acid (PPA) -- used in processed foods to extend shelf life -- change nervous system development in the fetal brain from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2KEBAvL Researchers from the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine in Orlando found that high levels of propionic acid (PPA) -- used in processed foods to extend shelf life -- change nervous system development in the fetal brain

What the study team couldn't determine was exactly why your sleep type -- early bird or night owl -- could affect your risk of breast cancer. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/31RXSQ9 What the study team couldn't determine was exactly why your sleep type -- early bird or night owl -- could affect your risk of breast cancer.

The results revealed that participants between 18 and 65 who had family members with Alzheimer's scored lower than those who did not. That included even young adults in their 20s. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2RE6ntk The results revealed that participants between 18 and 65 who had family members with Alzheimer's scored lower than those who did not. That included even young adults in their 20s.

Experts believe the change in doctor guidelines from recommending annual pelvic exams to only "when indicated by medical history or symptoms" played a role in the decline. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2YeUBbf Experts believe the change in doctor guidelines from recommending annual pelvic exams to only "when indicated by medical history or symptoms" played a role in the decline.

Under federal law, the minimum age to buy tobacco products is 18. California and 15 other states, however, have raised that age to 21 or passed measures that will set it to 21 by 2021. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/31V9bXL Under federal law, the minimum age to buy tobacco products is 18. California and 15 other states, however, have raised that age to 21 or passed measures that will set it to 21 by 2021.

Free trial offer! (Just pay forever) How it works:  You see an Internet offer for a free one-month trial of some amazing product—often a teeth whitener or a weight-loss program. All you pay is $5.95 for shipping and handling. What’s really going on:  Buried in fine print, often in a color that washes into the background, are terms that obligate you to pay $79 to $99 a month in fees, forever. The big picture:  “These guys are really shrewd,” says Christine Durst, an Internet fraud expert who has consulted for the FBI and the FTC. “They know that most people don’t read all the fine print before clicking on ‘I agree,’ and even people who glance at it just look for numbers. So the companies spell out the numbers, with no dollar signs; anything that has to do with money or a time frame gets washed into the text.” That’s exactly what you’ll see in the terms for Xtreme Cleanse, a weight-loss pill that ends up costing “seventy-nine dollars ninety-five cents plus five dollars and ninety-fiv

Mistake 1: Using the same rag around the house Why it’s dirty:  Despite spritzing it with a cleaning solution, when you use the same rag in multiple spots around the house, the rag hangs on to the grime from the previous surface and spreads it to whichever surface it touches next. That means bathroom germs get wiped onto kitchen counters, the living room coffee table, and anywhere else that cloth is used, definitely making this one of the ways you’re cleaning your kitchen all wrong . How to fix it:  Use a new wad of paper towel for each surface cleaned, or have a microfiber cleaning cloth designated for each area of your home. Microfiber cleaning cloths can be tossed in the laundry or thoroughly washed after each use to remove gunk or grime. The post 10 Cleaning Mistakes You’re Probably Making That Are Making Your Home Dirtier appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2yGLgA4

The late Anthony Bourdain was world-famous for breaking down barriers to other countries’ cuisines, showing the world why you shouldn’t fear the unfamiliar. He rarely shied away from any crazy food choices (he once ate a still-beating cobra heart in Vietnam), but he did refuse to visit one surprising country. No, Bourdain wasn’t afraid of political turmoil or unsanitary conditions. He was scared of Switzerland. That’s right, Bourdain had a “morbid fear” of a country famous for peace, chocolate, and cheese. “I must have had some terrible childhood experience while watching Sound of Music that I blocked out,” he told Conan O’Brien on Conan . “Even alpine vistas, like snow-capped peaks or Lake Geneva, or cuckoo clocks or those hats with the feathers—even the cheese; it’s scary to me.” Learn 13 more ways Anthony Bourdain changed the way the world eats . Like with any irrational fear, Bourdain couldn’t put his finger on what it was that freaked him out about the Swiss, but yodeling di

The perfect summer drink has existed all along, and the only person that knew about it was Grandma. She’s been sipping on these fragrant vinegar beverages at night while you’ve been missing out. Maybe the reason you dismissed this more-fit-for-summer-than-rosé concoction is its name—the shrub. Don’t let the name put you off, though! Shrubs are the perfect combination of fruity, invigorating, and brightly acidic—just the thing for sipping on the porch or serving at your next barbecue. We think Grandma would appreciate a shrub being served alongside these retro BBQ classics. What is a shrub? The shrub (also known as drinking vinegar) is made of three ingredients you already have at home: sugar, vinegar, and fruit. One of the best things about this beverage is its versatility. You can highlight almost any fruit in a shrub. Stone fruits, berries, and citrus are all great choices for shrubs (melons, however, don’t work as well). How to make it at home Making a shrub syrup (like this del

If you’re a foodie, a chef, a restaurant critic, or a traveler, Anthony Bourdain has been a topic of conversation. If you’re anyone else, he was entertaining, to say the least. The American chef, author, and television personality gave the world a whole lot of quotable material between his books and television shows. He had a job often touted as being what everyone else wants: eating and drinking all over the world—this was the city he said he could live in forever. But what was most intriguing about Anthony Bourdain was his rough-around-the-edges history that gave him a backbone for being, what many would say, a reformed bad boy. His time in the kitchen gave him some valuable insight, but only enough to raise his interest in the unknown. He was the most quotable of chefs, many would say, but also of travelers, of celebrities, or anyone who just has that leg up on really keeping it real. Rest in peace. 1. “To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, o

Creating a great room It’s rare to watch an episode of Fixer Upper without seeing the crew tear down walls to create a huge great room. Sure, it’s trendy and the appeal of having an open and spacious living area is tempting, but you may regret it for reasons you didn’t think about, especially if a large island replaces the family dining table. “While the room may be very large, it doesn’t offer many options: It leaves the family with only one room to relax in, any mess is immediately visible and remains that way until tidied, there is no table where you can relax and enjoy a meal, and sometimes you don’t want to hear whatever the kids are watching on TV,” says Michele Morrison , a realtor in the Greater Bay Area of California. On the other hand, these are the home improvements that will double the value of your home. The post 12 Home Renovations You’re Likely to Regret Later appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2s865PM

When it comes to food, looks aren’t everything Sure, he’s eaten at some of the world’s finest restaurants, where plating is everything (one of his top spots was Per Se in New York—tapioca “sabayon” with oysters and caviar, anyone?), but Anthony Bourdain was no snob when it came to appearance. As he told Food & Wine , “some of the most inherently delicious food has been pickled, butchered, braised, stewed, and/or charred in a way that maximizes flavor, visual appeal be damned.” The post 13 Ways Anthony Bourdain Changed How the World Eats appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2xVRtIE