Ticks and lyme disease: 4 tricks to prevent tick bites

Each year, around 300,000 people get diagnosed with Lyme disease in the U.S. Most of these cases are concentrated in the Northeast and upper Midwest areas of the country. It all starts with a tick bite. Just one small bite can cause fatigue, headaches, fever, sweats, chills, muscle and joint pain, sleep trouble and memory issues. Many of the symptoms of Lyme overlap with other diseases, so getting the right diagnosis can be tricky. The best way to stop Lyme is prevention. We need to get ahead of the tick bite.

Have you heard of breadfruit? A tropical superfood packing tons of health benefits

There is a fruit so rich in nutrients, it very well could end hunger in tropical regions of the world. And the crazy part? You probably haven’t heard of it! It’s called breadfruit. Cultivated and enjoyed in the South Pacific for over 3,000 years, explorers brought breadfruit to the Caribbean islands in the 1700s, allowing breadfruit to continue to spread in tropical regions.

A natural pain reliever after a tooth extraction

Often, dentists send their patients home with pain medicine after a procedure. You may have been given ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. But what you may not know is that ibuprofen carries risks, including ulcers, gastritis, kidney problems and high blood pressure. Most of these side effects won’t occur with just one dose, but you may consume enough ibuprofen over the course of your entire recovery to be cause for concern.

An alcohol-cancer link more people should know about

A drink after work, drinks with friends, drinks at yet another wedding -- it’s safe to say that there’s always an occasion to lift your glass. You know all about drinking responsibly, and you’d never dream of getting behind the wheel when you’re buzzed. But have you ever thought about the long-term consequences those drinks may have on your health?

Don’t let your beauty regimen damage your skin: Watch out for this ingredient

Looking for beauty products to even out your skin tone and provide a more youthful complexion? Be sure to check the labels before you buy! The FDA warns that certain products that are marketed as skin-lighteners and anti-aging treatments actually contain the metal mercury. People with mercury levels above what the body can tolerate can experience fatigue, numbness, nerve damage, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and high blood pressure.

A new option for reducing anxiety and depression - probiotics!

Anxiety disorders and depression are among the most common mental health conditions in the U.S., with anxiety affecting 18 percent of the adult population and depression affecting an estimated 1 in 10 U.S. adults. These conditions take a toll both now and in the future. In fact, some scientists have noticed anxiety and depression cause shorter telomeres in DNA -- a telltale sign of a shorter lifespan. So, what to do?

How much time do you spend on your phone daily? The average American spends nearly 11 hours of screen time

How often do you think you spend each day consuming media? Between your radio, TV, personal computer and devices, it may be more than you think! If you are like most Americans, you’re looking at 10 hours and 39 minutes of screen time, a recent Nielsen report shows. And because Nielsen collects data on media consumption only, that’s not even including the time you spend doing other things on your phone like taking photos or texting.

Why red meat eaters may be at risk for kidney failure

If you love your steaks and BBQ pulled porks, you may want to cut back on how much you have. A recent study from Singapore suggests that eating red meat (mostly pork, in this case) may boost your risk for kidney failure, especially if you eat a lot of it. The more you eat, the greater the risks, researchers found.

The importance of getting healthy sleep

Poor sleep quality and sleeping too long can cause inflammation in your body, according to a new study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry. Inflammation is a hot topic these days, and for good reason! It has been shown to be connected to a wide variety of health concerns, illnesses and diseases.

Why fish eaters may be less likely to suffer a heart attack

Being proactive today may save you tomorrow -- especially when it comes to protecting your heart! Did you know 1.5 million heart attacks occur in the U.S. each year, with half a million deaths? With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the U.S., heart attacks are unfortunately all too common. One way you can reduce your risk? Eat more fish, a recent study says.

How to form healthy habits and stop feeling guilty about slacking off

Do you suffer from health guilt? It’s that uneasy pit in your stomach when the latest headlines say your bad habits are setting you up for all kinds of diseases. Or when your oh-so-healthy friend posts yet another photo of her dramatic weight loss. Or when you “Netflix and chill” instead of going to the gym, again. You feel bad and think, “I should do something about this.” But hey, life gets in the way. We’ve all been there! An interesting NPR article calls out all this health guilt.

Try this to reverse prediabetes and avoid getting diabetes

You’ve been putting on some weight lately. It’s nothing crazy; it’s just a little bit each year. You know that it probably has something to do with your diet, or maybe that soda habit. Besides dusting off the old basement treadmill in January, you aren’t big on “working out,” though you know you probably should. You are out of breath much quicker these days so you make a mental note to self to try to walk more. Otherwise, you feel reasonably healthy, maybe a little high blood pressure or cholesterol.