Is it a cold or the flu? Here's how to tell
"My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have the flu or is it just because I'm stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine, too?" Millions of Americans will be asking themselves these and more questions this fall and winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

Your health care: Know your rights to receive best care
Not knowing what your health care rights are, whether you're insured or not, could be a matter of life or death. It's essential to understand what your rights are in order to obtain the best health care possible, especially in an emergency situation.

High-energy foods to help kids get through the school day
School days are no longer just 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students have hectic schedules that add physically- and mentally-draining hours to their routines. Whether it is the swim team, a school play or a tough academic assignment, many parents face the problem of providing their children with enough energy to tackle daily activities. Here are some nutritional tips for giving your busy student an all-natural burst of energy.

Turkeys gobble and sleigh bells ring - can you hear the sounds of the holidays?
Holiday music, noisy families feasting, and a hearty "ho, ho, ho" - the sounds of the holidays are as much a part of the spirit of the season as turkey dinners, twinkling lights and brightly wrapped gifts. But what do you do if you - or a loved one - can't hear the sounds of the holidays as well as you would like to?

Pregnant women need to prioritize flu protection this flu season
Pregnant women have a lot on their to-do list, but rarely does it seem that flu protection is part of their prenatal health plan. This year, the flu presents an added threat to pregnant women and their newborns because of the new H1N1 (swine) flu virus. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and women's health experts have identified pregnant women as a priority group for seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccination.

Medicare open enrollment: time to make sure you're in the right plan
Of the more than 45 million people relying on Medicare for health care coverage, many may be paying for a plan that doesn't meet their needs or is too expensive. However, Medicare annual enrollment, which starts Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31, offers anyone with Medicare the opportunity to switch plans so that they're getting the most from their coverage.

Parents pull out all the stops to keep their babies healthy this winter
Keeping their families healthy is top of mind with parents these days - and they are taking all precautionary measures to keep their babies out of the doctor offices during the H1N1 flu season.

How lawyers can help women fighting breast cancer
When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, many of her most important questions can't be answered by a doctor. What if my insurance won't cover a new treatment? Do I risk losing my benefits if I am not working full time? Will my boss let me take time off for treatment?

Guide for keeping kids healthy in school
With children in school, parents face another season of fighting cold and flu germs. In an average year, children catch six to 10 colds. In families with children who are in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Here are some must-know tips from Feder to combat illness for school children.

Tips to save your home and life in case of fire
Every year more than 500,000 fires occur in homes across the nation. To help protect your home and your loved ones, the experts have come up with the following easy-to-follow tips that could make all the difference.

Dried fruit and prune juice add flavor and depth to holiday stuffing
Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, one thing's for sure - no holiday meal is complete without it. Sometimes savory, often sweet, but always delicious, stuffing is one of the most anticipated dishes on the holiday table. Here are some exciting secret ingredients.

Looking for added health benefits at the dinner table? Take a global approach
The United States is a country on the cutting edge of medical research. But often, when looking out for overall good health, it's smart to take cues from other cultures for ways to stay healthy and feel our best. Here are some ideas.

Must-have information about heart failure medications
Over the past several years advances in medications have made a big impact on the quality of life for heart failure patients. These medicines can help stabilize heart function, relieve symptoms and keep patients out of the hospital. But for prescriptions to be effective, patients must be proactive in understanding their medications and talk with their doctors about how the medicines affect their health.

Immunity secret: balance is the key
Now more than ever, Americans are taking personal responsibility for their health by practicing preventative health care, and one of the most proactive ways to stay healthy is by maintaining a healthy immune system. But did you know that your immune system functions optimally when it is balanced? That's right, balanced. Research shows that balancing - not just boosting or suppressing - is key to a strong immune system.

Volunteering can be powerful 'medicine'
Some research suggests volunteering can have a positive effect on overall health and well-being - and may help improve your disease. Many Americans who suffer from chronic conditions can get involved with volunteering to stay active.

Discover the great taste of whole grains
For many, finding a simple way to get good nutrition without sacrificing taste can be a challenge - a daily dilemma between flavorful foods and products that promote a wholesome diet. Great solutions can easily be found thanks to the introduction of new better-for-you foods and beverages that are surprisingly delicious.

New solutions for staying young and healthy
As we grow older, we look forward to the changes that life brings -- retirement, grandchildren, financial security and travel. Other changes that we might not accept so readily are the aches, pains and mental slowdowns that leave us longing for the good old days of our youth.

Families can protect themselves from rising medical costs
All the attention on health care reform and soaring costs leaves many wondering how they will face health challenges in the future. While the debate rages on in Washington, there are steps individuals and families can take right now to help protect themselves against spending a fortune on medical costs. With seven of 2008's top 10 most expensive conditions (the majority of which are chronic) known to occur because of obesity, it's no secret that being at an unhealthy weight increases the costs of health care.

Show your holiday hospitality with a sleep-friendly guest room
With so much going on this season, the one thing you shouldn't have to worry about is your guest room. You want to feel confident that your company will have a comfortable and pleasant stay at your house.

Expecting? You may experience changes in vision
A growing belly, nausea, food cravings and heightened sensitivity to smells are obvious symptoms of pregnancy. But many women don't realize their vision can change as well.

Have a good hair day every day - without paying the price
Having a good hair day could mean spending money on salon appointments and several products to look as good as you did when you left the salon. But dermatologists say having healthy, beautiful hair doesn't have to break the bank.

Open wide - Is there a link between mouth health and overall well-being?
Did you know there are more bacteria in one person's mouth than there are people on earth? For people with severe gum disease, new science suggests that these bacteria may be linked to other serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease or pneumonia.

How to face food fears during the holidays
If you're trying to maintain a healthy relationship with food, the holiday season presents special challenges. Here are expert tips on how to maintain your balance and keep food in perspective.

How you can change the future of breast cancer
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. Whether you've been affected by it personally, or one of your friends and family has been diagnosed, it seems everyone has a story to share due to the prevalence of this disease. There is hope.

Planning for healthy aging
In just two short years, the first wave of baby boomers will turn 65. For some, this milestone birthday may signal retirement; for others it may not. For all boomers, it should mean an increased focus on health care. Baby boomers can take steps now to help ensure many more healthy years.

What's lurking in your lunch? Tips for packing safer lunches
You do everything you can think of to ensure your kids eat a healthful lunch. But do you also consider the safety of the food you pack in their lunch bags each day? Here's some expert advice on packing safe lunches.

Tips for staying safe through the holiday season
The best way to face down winter and all its challenges is to think ahead and be prepared. A few simple solutions will make winter much safer - and more enjoyable - for you and any guests you might invite over.

Americans earn failing grade on diabetes
It's a disease so common it strikes every 20 seconds, yet Americans earn a failing grade when it comes to basic knowledge about diabetes, according to a recent Harris Interactive survey conducted on behalf of the American Diabetes Association.

Moms, do something tasty and healthful - eat a pear
With the kids back in school and the holidays a heartbeat away, this is a busy time for mothers everywhere. While you're busy taking care of the family and work, you might forget to take care of yourself. But this busy fall season, there's an easy and delicious way to do something good for your health - eat a pear.

Teach your kids to express healthy emotions this holiday season
Most parents will agree that a child's emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. Kids who learn to communicate feelings have a better sense of self awareness. This benefits their relationships with parents and with their peers. How can you teach your child to manage both positive and negative moods in an emotionally intelligent manner? Here are some ideas for ways to get your kids to express what they are feeling in a healthy way.

Wondering about nutritional supplements? How to choose
Few people, including you, actually get all the nutrients they need from the food they eat - hence the major market for nutritional supplements. But how do you sift through the plethora of information out there to choose the right supplement from the thousands on the market? Here are some things to consider when evaluating a supplement.

Time-saving tips for an enjoyable holiday
The holiday season is a time to spend with friends and family, but is very often characterized by the need for a lot of multi-tasking. Smooth out your to-do list and make the most out of the holidays this year.

Children with special needs face uncertain financial future
Many parents may be putting their children with disabilities at risk without even knowing it. Because families are so overwhelmed with the daily demands of childcare, they fail to plan for the financial future of their children. But many companies have developed programs and expertise to address this issue.

Foods that add up to smart back-to-school snacking
As parents start stocking up on school supplies, they also are reloading their kitchen cabinets and pantries with healthy foods for their children's snacks and lunches. Indeed, along with pencils, paper and scissors, snack foods are a big part of back-to-school shopping lists.

Salt central to a healthy Mediterranean diet
In the diet craze that has captured our attention over the last four decades, the one plan that stands out from the rest is the Mediterranean Diet. Since the Mediterranean embraces more than 20 countries, each with its own cuisine, the diet is really a fusion of the many foods consumed by the nations bordering the sea.

Students share hope, help for breaking the cycle of self-destructive behavior
Whether they cut, restrict food intake or purge, young people who harm themselves can recover their health and happiness with support from friends and relatives.

Blueberries add flavorful flair to salads
A colorful side salad can round out a meal. A bountiful salad can be the meal! Any time of year, salads are a great way to get your fruits and vegetables and, with a little creativity, you can make great-tasting salads your family will enjoy every day.

Clean, dry hands are your best defense this flu season
Your best defense against swine flu and other viruses this flu season may well be the humble paper hand towel. Damp hands spread 1,000 times more germs than dry hands. It is therefore as important to dry your hands as it is to wash them carefully with soap and warm water. When away from home, a single-use paper towel ensures that hands can be completely dried and are virtually germ-free.

Business or leisure, driving or flying - travel safely naturally
Weekend getaways, shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent, according to the Bureau of Transportation. Taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment, but enhance your entire experience.

Top tips for a healthy, happy dog
No matter how many canine companions you have or what their ages are, every day is a new opportunity to make their lives happier and healthier. Keep a few simple tips in mind and you're sure to get four paws up.

Simple tips for promoting breast cancer awareness in your own life
Breast cancer is a prolific disease with an estimated 192,370 new cases diagnosed this year in women and 1,910 new cases diagnosed in men, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Inoculate your home for winter wellness
You scheduled flu shots for the entire family and stocked the cabinets with plenty of vitamin C and chicken soup. But what have you done to ensure the health of your actual home this winter?

Visiting a senior? Keep the flu germs at bay
Schools with only a third of the students sitting in chairs, offices sending out notices to employees asking anyone with a fever or cough to please stay home, and hand sanitizer stations popping up everywhere; the signs are very visible this year that flu season has arrived.

Soccer star moms line up against seasonal flu
Seasonal flu will face new opponents this year. Soccer legends and moms Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain are teaming up with Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) to make seasonal flu vaccination a higher priority.

How healthy is your brain?
What are the secrets to maintaining a healthy brain? According to a first-of-its-kind index, it may depend on where you live. If you live in the District of Columbia, you can consider yourself among the healthiest brains in America, according to the first comprehensive state-by-state measure of the nation's brain health.

Four easy 'sanity savers' for moms on the go
Whether it be to the grocery store, the doctor's office or a play date at the park, moms today are constantly on the go. Juggling the ever-changing needs of a child while out and about can be challenging, stressful and sometimes expensive. Here are some quick and easy "sanity savers" to help keep both mom and child happy while out and about.

Riding escalators: A holiday safety reminder
With autumn in full swing, families have already begun their holiday planning. While some will fight the long lines for holiday shopping sales, others will brave airport security and cross-country flights to be with loved ones.

New Year's resolution: slim down that fat cat or dog
To his owners, Moby, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, was a very healthy, spry dog, so when his veterinarian told them that beneath his thick, reddish-brown coat he had a weight problem, they were a bit shocked.

Think pink on the job and raise awareness of breast cancer
One out of every eight will receive a breast cancer diagnosis during her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. Every woman diagnosed is someone's mother, aunt, best friend, neighbor or coworker. Every day is a great day to step up and fight this deadly, yet treatable, disease, but an especially good time is during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Flu bug not the only health concern for students this year
The H1N1 flu virus may be the newest concern this season, but it's not the only health threat for children at school worthy of serious attention. Threats like cockroaches, stinging insects and other types of common pests like rodents are very real, affecting classrooms, cafeterias and school grounds across the country. Controlling pests like these is a daily challenge for school systems at all levels, and to do it effectively, they need access to the right tools to fight, prevent and eliminate these persistent problems.

Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease?
There are many things that can put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Some of these things you have the power to change - if you smoke or exercise - and some you don't - your age or family history. Either way, you should know how all of these things can add to your chances for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Tips to reduce the sodium in your diet without losing the taste
Heart failure, high blood pressure and many other common health conditions all have one thing in common - reducing the amount of sodium in your diet. But the problem is that salt is everywhere in foods, even if you personally don't add it to anything served. There are ways to reduce this ingredient so you can follow your doctor's orders.

How to minimize winter's impact on your arthritis pain
Coping with arthritis can be even more challenging when the weather turns cold, making joints feel even more stiff and painful. Here are some tips for staying active and managing your arthritis this winter.

Protect yourself from the H1N1 virus this flu season
(ARA) - While the words "swine flu" and "pandemic flu" are enough to scare adults and children, experts from Everest College's nursing programs explain what H1N1 is, and offer some advice for how to protect yourself and your children from it.

Good health keeps your pet smiling pretty
Our pets tend to eat the same way we do, which means - unfortunately - more cats and dogs suffer from unbalanced diets, obesity, food allergies and other health problems related to nutrition. You can keep your playful dog in excellent shape and your cute and cuddly kitty lean and trim with some helpful nutrition tips.

Efficient and safe holiday entertaining
Preparing for a holiday gathering at your home, amid the hustle and bustle of the season, doesn't have to be daunting. Start by getting organized. Give your kitchen a fresh look and improve efficiency with a few quick, cost-effective updates.

Finding relationship refuge with a good night's sleep
The hectic pace of day-to-day life shows few signs of slowing; however, the peaceful sanctuary couples are seeking may be closer than they think - in their own bedrooms. Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep.

Help for Alzheimer's sufferers
Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's, and as many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. This progressive, irreversible neurological disorder has no cure, but the earlier someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the sooner he or she can receive the treatment they need.

Chemicals in schools: Is safety part of the equation?
When it comes to school safety and student health, our kids deserve the best protection possible. These days, schools have programs related to everything from gun violence to obesity prevention; but how safe are our nation's schools when it comes to protecting kids from dangerous chemicals?

Essential tips for keeping your mind sharp
Most people focus on the physical changes that happen as you age - muscles don't bounce back the way they used to, hair becomes gray, and skin begins to wrinkle. But we often pass over one area that really deserves our attention: the brain. Not only can a healthy and active brain help you ward off disease, it can also help you live a more satisfying life.

Millions of Americans have a sleep debt to repay - Do you?
You're paying down your credit cards and making smart decisions about your home and auto loans. But are you overlooking the most important kind of "debt," a debt that you owe yourself to pay off in order to maintain good health? This is one kind of debt that will have a huge impact on your life if ignored, but is easy to pay off with minimal effort.

Breathe easy with simple tips for improving indoor air quality
Keeping the air in your home as pollutant free as possible can help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms. Indoor pollutants can make the air inside your home more irritating than outdoor air. Here are a few simple tips for improving indoor air quality.

How healthy are your children's eyes?
For children, eyes are the windows to learning, playing and growing. That's why children's eye health is just as important as an adult's eye health. As a parent, do you really know how healthy your child's eyes are?

With multiple strains this year, don't be confused about flu prevention
With the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 virus and the presence of annual seasonal flu, health experts are concerned that this flu season could be more confusing than ever for families. Recent studies point to misunderstandings about what families should do to help prevent the spread of these viruses.

Help your teen put their best smile forward
For the 21st century teen, a great smile isn't just for school photos, it's an everyday accessory that's seen on their Facebook and MySpace pages, during IM sessions, on cell phones and more. It's no wonder today's tweens and teens want to put their best smile forward. So as a parent, how can you help?

Home security means swine flu prevention too
The statistics are startling, the symptoms are unpleasant and the illness can be deadly. So what's the average person to do when it comes to preventing swine flu? Start at home.

Is your memory lapse normal aging or something more?
For most people older than 50, "senior moments" (occasional memory lapses) are a normal part of aging. However, sometimes memory problems can be signs of something more serious. How do you know what is normal and when you should talk to your doctor?

Replacing household products can keep you safe
While people take all manner of precautions to ensure the safety and health of their families, some household products may need more attention and maintenance to keep loved ones and the home environment as safe as possible. A recent study shows that many Americans are unknowingly at risk of illness, injury or worse due to living with and using products that have not been properly maintained or replaced.

How to dodge or deal with winter aches and pains
Whether you suffer from chronic ailments like arthritis or fibromyalgia, or simply experience the aches, pains and stiffness associated with past injuries or with aging, winter's cold and dampness can exacerbate these problems. Here is some simple advice to minimize winter's impact on chronic pain and avoid new pains from injuries.

A veterinarian's top 10 tips for keeping pets healthy in winter
Jack Frost is nipping at your pet's nose. Winter is here again, and cold weather can be uncomfortable and dangerous to your pet.

How to make your New Year's resolution last
Failed New Year's resolutions are a dime a dozen. That promise to go to the gym every day dwindles to three days a week, then two days a week, before falling into "whenever I can make it" territory. Diet and weight loss resolutions are among the most common, year after year, which says a lot about what kind of results people are getting from the promises they make to themselves.

Keeping diabetes in check between doctor visits
Americans are taking a closer look at their own personal health and assessing changes they can make, as the topic of health care remains front and center. More and more, people are paying attention to the cost of prevention and care for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as they have a high risk for health complications.

Hearing helper? Help loved ones deal with hearing loss - the right way
Does someone you love often ask you to repeat what you're saying? If so, you may not be doing your loved one a favor by repeating what you just said. Here's how you can help.

Food: Your best route to better health
Americans are giving a clear indication that one way they can improve their health and reduce the risk of disease is through food.

Recipe makeover: make family favorites healthier
Many favorite comfort foods are chock-full of fat and calories. But a few simple tweaks can transform familiar favorites into delicious and nutritious meals your family will ask for time and time again.

Treat early and effectively: combating multiple sclerosis for the long haul
Every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a common theme for these patients is the fact that they will never forget that moment. While MS is a chronic and disabling disease of the central nervous system, many people with MS continue with their normal daily lives -- working, spending time with friends and family and enjoying activities. For many, the key is to treat MS early and effectively in an effort to disrupt the disease and not their lives.

Active lifestyle requires active approach to eye health
You stretch before your workout, stay hydrated throughout and follow safe cool-down steps afterward. But while you're enjoying your active lifestyle, are you doing enough to take care of two of your most valuable physical assets - your eyes?

Americans overlooking health benefits at open enrollment
Americans have been hearing more about health care and health insurance these days than ever. But, when it comes to understanding their own health benefits, many may be missing opportunities to take advantage of their options and even save money throughout the year. This is especially true at open enrollment - typically the only chance for millions of Americans who receive benefits through an employer to make changes to their health benefits plans for the coming year.

It's time to 'Stop Diabetes'
November is American Diabetes Month, a time to recognize the deadly disease that nearly 24 million children and adults live with today.

How to help your newborn 'sleep like a baby'
Whoever coined the phrase "sleeping like a baby" probably never had the frustrating task of trying to get an infant to fall - and stay - asleep. Most parents know good rest is as vital as good nutrition for the health of their newborns - even if they can only dream about getting a good night's sleep themselves.

The high cost of saving money by delaying health treatment
If you delay medical treatment for a health problem that you feel isn't bad enough to justify the cost and time lost from work right now, you could be doing more to sink yourself financially than anything the economy may throw at you.

More daily activity can make you healthier
What are you doing right now? Like many Americans, are you sitting completely still in front of your computer, almost in a catatonic state? No matter if you work in an office, or are an at-home mom with children in school, most likely there are many minutes of your day when you don't move your body enough.

Discover the latest skincare technologies in a surprising place
It's a common misconception that high-quality, high-tech skincare products are only found at pricey department stores. With the current economic shift and shoppers becoming increasingly more Internet savvy, many skincare products are being introduced at the drugstore with advanced technologies for a fraction of the cost of their prestige counterparts.

Tooth sensitivity and dry mouth should not be ignored
The flare-up of pain as you sip from your coffee cup might raise your eyebrow for just a moment, but then the pain disappears and you forget about it. Across the aisle, your coworker is filling his water bottle for the third time this morning, trying to keep his mouth wet enough to talk on the phone. These two oral health conditions might not bother a person enough to schedule an appointment with a dentist, but ignoring them could lead to much more serious issues.

Help your kids learn healthy habits for life
Teaching kids healthy habits can be tough. From learning how to apply sunscreen to knowing how often to bathe, kids need help from mom and dad on caring for their bodies - including their skin, hair and nails.

Nutrients, fats, sugars and more - it's all on the food label
To determine the freshness of a fruit or vegetable, a person might squeeze, smell or even sneak a taste at the grocery store. However, when it comes to packaged foods, many Americans find it difficult to evaluate the quality and nutritional value of food items sold in cans, plastic containers and paper boxes.

Living with ALS can be easier
While a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is extremely frightening for patients, there is ongoing research, new technology and medications to help make life easier.

Rekindle the spark: Relationship rescue for your partner and your car
No doubt about it, the economic downturn has definitely put a strain on most Americans' pocketbooks, but according to a new survey, it is also having an affect on Americans' personal relationships, changing how they keep them fresh and healthy.

Cats found to offer support to breast cancer patients
Women facing breast cancer report that their cats rank among the most important of the many loyal, loving and understanding supporters they rely on to help them through their treatment. In fact, cats rank alongside parents and siblings as an important source of daily support, according to a recent survey.

Tips for a fun and safe holiday party
If you're thinking about hosting a holiday party this season, don't forget to take some time to make it as safe as possible.

Art therapy: healing the mind, body and soul
Through creating and reflecting on art, art therapy gives people the opportunity to cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences in a creative, stress-free environment.

Turn down the stress, crank up the joy
While there is no definitive quick fix for the stress most of us experience at the holidays, we can start by reining in expectations and keeping things simple. For instance, instead of letting holiday gift-giving make you fret and break your budget, why not craft some fragrant, low-cost, guilt-free gifts that nurture body and soul? Gifts from the heart, made with your hands, are much more meaningful to both the recipient and the giver.

COPD patients: It's important to stay active
A diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often results in a patient feeling helpless and depressed about not being able to maintain a normal, active lifestyle. However, with a chronic lung disease like COPD, it's particularly important, and tremendously beneficial, for patients to exercise and stay active.

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar inspires fellow patients with chronic myeloid leukemia to take charge of their disease
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for his unblockable signature "skyhook" shot, was diagnosed late last year with a rare type of blood cancer known as Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML). Now, he is partnering with Novartis Oncology and has a message for fellow patients with Ph+ CML - work closely with your doctors and take all the necessary steps to actively manage your disease for the best possible outcomes.

Diabetes on the rise among Hispanics
Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in Hispanic populations in the United States, according to 2008 statistics from the National Institutes of Health.

Learn the language of your health insurance plan
How well do you understand your prescription health care plan? What everyone should know about their plan and how it affects their future.

Warm weather relaxing or playing in the snow? Tips for planning your winter travels
The winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway, and you don't have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations.

Human tissue and evolving medicine save lives
Amidst the constantly changing world of medicine, innovative research from some of the world's leading surgeons is finding new ways to use donated human tissue to treat a host of medical conditions.

Great tasting plum juice as effective as fiber supplements in aiding digestive health, study shows
Most people know that fiber aids in digestion and general health, but many are unsure what foods are high in fiber to add to their diet, or they dislike the taste of chalky fiber supplements. Plums are clinically proven to help regulate digestion through providing a natural boost of fiber, potassium and magnesium.

Diabetic patients can prevent nerve pain
A common complication of diabetes is the development of nerve damage, also known as diabetic nerve pain. This damage affects the nerves that allow patients to feel sensations such as numbness and debilitating pain - also called neuropathy. But there are non-prescription treatments that can help.

Wholesome cooking at home
We all want to eat a nutritious diet that helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and manage cholesterol levels. The same holds true for diabetics; in fact, many of the guidelines for a balanced diabetic diet are useful for anyone who wants to stick to a healthful diet.

Beat economy-induced stress with massage therapists' secrets
Whatever its source, prolonged stress can have serious health consequences. Take these tips from massage professionals to help relieve your stress.

Get the most out of your health care benefits
In these tough economic times, everyone is looking to save more. While you may have already found ways to save on everyday household expenses, you may be overlooking important tools from your employer that can go a long way in helping you save and pay for health care needs.

Gift ideas for the fitness fans on your list
What do you get the fitness fans on your holiday shopping list? Candy and fruitcake probably aren't good gifts, since they're likely watching their diets. Clothing is difficult, since getting the style and size right can be tricky. Exercise-related gifts might be the perfect solution, and fortunately there are plenty of ways you can tie your gift giving into a fitness fan's lifestyle.

How to keep your body and mind strong as you age
Sore muscles, joint pain and mental slowdowns might seem inevitable as you grow older. But what if degeneration wasn't a part of the aging process? Staying active is key for a healthy lifestyle, but what else can you do for your body as it ages?

Take control of your health care; make an advance care plan
Later in life or when faced with a serious illness, we face a variety of health issues and might not be able to care for ourselves like we want. Making an advance care plan can ease worries for you and your family about what might happen to you if you are unable to make decisions about your own care.

Tips for living younger for longer
Americans will try anything to keep themselves feeling young - mind, body and spirit. From vitamin supplements, organic diets, to hiring personal trainers - the desire to live younger for longer continues to be a growing fixation and billion dollar business.

Tips to tackle the allergens hiding in your house
If sneezing, sniffling and coughing are frequent sounds in your house, don't worry, you're not alone in trying to find ways to stop them. An estimated 50 million people suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies in the United States, costing Americans nearly seven billion dollars annually, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). But removing the allergens from your house can have you feeling a lot better.

What to expect when you're getting older
The signs of aging aren't always as obvious as a few more wrinkles and grey hairs. The body naturally changes as you get older, but what exactly can you expect and how do you make sure you're aging in a healthy way?

You say you want a resolution . . . here's one for healthier food habits
All the gravy has been ladled. The cookies have crumbled. The red and green candies are on the clearance rack. That can only mean one thing: people all over the country are resolving to eat better, if not less often. The start of the New Year - and with it, a new decade - means that consumers are focusing on their resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle for themselves, their loved ones, and, for that matter, the planet.

5 top diet dilemmas solved
If you're trying to lose weight, it's likely that you've heard or read about foods and behaviors that will derail your diet efforts. Whether it's a chat with your friend or a blog on the Web, dieters face dilemmas about what are the best and worst choices when trying to cut calories and trim the waist. Instead of listening to gossip, take the advice of a registered dietician who can help you solve the five top diet dilemmas.

Protect your family from PC-related injury
Fall likely means you'll be putting in more hours at the office in front of a desktop, and your kids will deal with mountains of homework by firing up their laptops. That extra computer time could add up to some painful injuries for computer users of all ages. Here are some tips for healthful computer use.

Can a new face advance your career?
With unemployment at an all-time high, it is becoming a necessity for Americans to put their best face forward. More of us are turning to less costly, non-invasive cosmetic "touch ups" to look competent and feel confident, whether in the workplace, or pounding the pavement.

Help available for people living with diabetes
It's a long drive out to the rural diabetes clinic where she makes her educational presentations, but Janie Burmester knows that the work she's doing can have a huge impact on people's lives. Burmester is one of about 15,000 Certified Diabetes Educators in the United States. CDEs are health professionals, certified by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators, who teach self-management techniques to patients diagnosed with diabetes.

Got a chronic illness? Make yourself a priority and ask for help
Women still spend more time than their male counterparts on caring for families and managing household activities. Because of this, women often put others' needs ahead of their own health and well-being.

How to beat bug infestations in your home
No one likes bugs in the home, but you might be surprised at how much some people actually fear insect infestations. In fact, Americans rank fear of bug infestation third - after fire and natural disaster - on the list of threats to their homes that they most dread, according to a recent survey.

Breaking the barriers on bladder weakness
Women may be known as the more talkative sex, but when it comes to certain sensitive health topics their lips are sealed - even with their closest friends. Nearly 40 percent of women with symptoms of bladder weakness have never discussed the problem with anyone, according to a recent survey.

The ultimate gardening workout
With all the bending, lifting and stretching involved, gardening can be a fun and effective workout - if you know how to make the most of it.

Home, safe home, with some simple updates
Ninety percent of homeowners plan to stay in their homes for as long as their health permits, according to "Kitchen and Bath Business" magazine. And, as the place that you spend a majority of your time, your home can play a big role in your health and happiness.

Easy meals for under $10 get you back into fall routines
With the departure of summer barbecues and the approach of the busy holiday season, more than one family will rethink that familiar question ... "What's for dinner?"

Making comfort food comforting to your waistline
Comfort foods are familiar, simple foods that are usually home-cooked and are often emotionally significant and sometimes related to pleasant associations of childhood. However, when people think of comfort foods, they don't typically think of healthy foods. Comfort foods tend to be high in fat and calories, rather than vitamins and minerals. If you really want to make your recipes healthier, try simple modifications that won't change the end product drastically.

Affordable beauty secrets revealed
In the sea of beauty lotions and potions, how do you know what really works and is worth your hard-earned dollar? It's best to trust the experts who test them all so you know what is fabulous, and what will flounder.

Fruit: The secret weapon in parents' nutritional arsenal
Parents, let's face it -- the average child will never really fall in love with Brussels sprouts, broccoli or cauliflower. But few kids object to fruit, making it easier to help children tap into its wealth of health benefits. Here are some helpful tips for getting your kids to enjoy healthy fruit options.

Save time and start the school day right
Now that the kids are back in school, it means busy mornings for both parents and kids alike. No matter how chaotic the morning routine may be, it's important to have a nutritious breakfast to help start the day off right. A little planning ahead can make mornings (and breakfast) quick and easy.

Eat healthy - even while on the go
Busy schedules and holiday activities can keep you on the run, making it hard to eat healthy at this time of year. There are times when you miss a meal and over-indulge at a later hour, but with a little snack preparation, you can stay on schedule and on track with healthful eating habits.

Farmers should make a skin check a priority
Farming has plenty of challenges, but probably one of the hazards that farmers worry about the least is the danger from working in the sun year-round. As the harvest concludes and winter sets in, farmers should pay attention to the condition of their skin.

Arm yourself against the flu
With kids, husbands, schools, friends, communities and employers depending on moms for so much, it's more important than ever for moms to get vaccinated against seasonal flu this year.

Help stop diabetes, one step at a time
This fall, thousands of people nationwide will walk to help change the future of diabetes. Rain or shine, walkers will join together to stop this disease, which kills thousands of people annually.

Gout growing, but public awareness remains low
It's been called "the disease of kings" because of its association with historical figures like Henry VIII, Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Newton, but gout, a painful and potentially debilitating form of arthritis, is anything but a "historical" condition. In fact, 3 million to 5 million Americans currently suffer from gout, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages.