Kidneys, eyes, ears, and more: Why do we have a spare?
admin One of the many underappreciated things about the human body is that it has a lot of excess capacity. That is, our organs have more reserve than most of us…
Health News
Talking to children about tragedies and scary headlines in the news
The news these days is overwhelming in its awfulness. Acts of terrorism, wars, and heated conflicts constantly erupt throughout the world. Climate change looms, contributing to wildfires and flooding. Incomprehensible…
Produce prescriptions may promote better heart health
It’s no secret that the typical American diet isn’t very healthy. Only about one in 10 American adults eats the recommended daily amount of fruit (1-1/2 to 2 cups) or…
Rare and often aggressive, Merkel cell cancer is best caught early
First, some good news: Merkel cell cancer is exceptionally uncommon. Roughly 1,600 cases occur in the US annually. But this rare skin cancer sometimes goes unnoticed initially. That’s worrisome because…
Which skin creams are most effective for eczema?
Quelling the discomfort of atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, can be a daily quest. This inflamed, itchy skin condition can interfere with sleeping, socializing, and many other…
Wondering what your lymph nodes have done for you lately?
Here’s a question you may not have been asked lately: what do you know about lymph nodes? If your answer is “not much,” you’re not alone. But even as our…
Navigating middle school is tough: How parents can help
Middle school can be challenging for many students. It’s tougher academically than elementary school, with more work and higher expectations. Even just changing classes — which for most students starts…
Is online gambling harming you?
Online gambling — all those websites and apps that offer casino games, sports betting, poker, fantasy sports, and lotteries — can be exciting and entertaining. It’s an estimated $9.5 billion…
Fall shots: Who’s most vulnerable to RSV, COVID, and the flu?
The fall calendar doesn’t just warn us of impending cold temperatures: It also points toward seasonal upticks in cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID, and influenza. These respiratory viruses…
Got immunity? Thank your thymus
Quick, point to your thymus gland. If you pointed to the front of your upper chest, well done! The thymus gland sits just behind the upper part of the breastbone,…