January 1-7, 2013 - Original Health Articles

A three-year laundry study conducted by scientists from the Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit in Scotland revealed that people who hung up damp clothes to dry inside their homes were releasing excess moisture into the air. In damper and more humid climates, this can encourage mold growth and dust mites.

Consumer Reports tested rice products and found that more than five dozen rice and rice products contained some level of inorganic arsenic—a carcinogen, according to Reuters. "The risks associated with long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic include higher rates of some cancers and heart disease," explains Alison Massey, RD, CDE, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

There are dozens of reasons why going to the gym is the right thing to do, and just as many excuses for why you don't go often enough. One excuse could be that you find the gym or gym members intimidating. Overcome gym intimidation with these tips: Fitness Fashion In a place full of tight-fitting spandex and tummy-baring sports bras, knowing what to wear can be difficult.

If you're not satisfied with certain parts of your body, you may have thought that hundreds of crunches to get six-pack abs or hours of bicep curls to get arms like Michelle Obama's would work. But can it really? Spot reduction is a way of exercising to lose weight in a specific body part or area.

If you were told you'd "grow out of" or "learn to deal with" a childhood condition that impacted your life (but are still dealing with it), it's not too late to make a change. A number of grownups successfully address their "kid stuff" during their 20s, 30s, and well into their later years.

According to the 2009 Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention report, roughly one third of the most common cancers are preventable through diet, physical activity, and weight maintenance. By making healthy lifestyle changes, the report says, Americans could prevent as many as 45 percent of colon cancers and 38 percent of breast cancer cases.

When you're diagnosed with cancer, you want to do everything you can to improve the likelihood you will recover. This includes deciding where to go for treatment and who should treat you. Cancer physicians Specialists, such as oncologists, have completed their residency training in specific areas and fulfilled certain requirements.

Is adding a little padding absolutely necessary during winter? Is winter guaranteed to weigh you down? Not if you follow these eight tips for how to avoid extra pounds during the colder months.    1. Eat more...veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and regular meals.

While we tend to think of cancer as a single illness, it's really many diseases and within specific types of cancer, there are often multiple subtypes. For example, while all breast cancers are due to changes in the DNA of breast tissue, there are several varieties of breast cancer and each generally responds better to a somewhat different treatment program.

It's a tricky situation. On the one hand, you'd rather not have co-workers know about your condition. On the other hand, you potentially could have a severe episode of hypoglycemia at work, and may need help from someone around you. To tell or not to tell? It's a personal decision, experts say.

Want to relieve the stresses of everyday life, add a healthy boost to your physical and emotional wellness, and have fun with your best girlfriends? Healthy girlfriend getaways offer a great way to re-energize, rejuvenate, and reconnect.  Whether you're on a shoestring budget or ready for a big splurge, we've got five fun ideas.