July 1-7, 2014 - Original Health Articles

Although being overweight significantly increases your risk of developing diabetes, it’s not the only risk factor. In fact, many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight. Meanwhile, most overweight individuals never develop the condition, according to the American Diabetes Association.

If the warm weather means sneezing and watery eyes, you may want to pay attention to the pollen counts on news and weather reports. That’s because there’s a very good chance that your allergic symptoms are directly related to the pollen in the air.

It’s never too soon to start taking care of your health. But while this concept often seems natural for women, many men ignore their health concerns until they suddenly find themselves dealing with a serious illness that might have been prevented—or at least better managed—if it had been addressed sooner.

Looking for natural remedies for your aches and pains? Whether you suffer from headaches, backaches, joint inflammation, or overall soreness, there are plenty of ways to ease your discomfort without resorting to drugs. The following methods may provide pain relief for patients suffering from everything from injuries to arthritis to migraines: Hot and Cold Compresses It sounds old-fashioned, but applying a hot and/or cold compress can be very effective.

Does your diet affect your risk of developing asthma, or how severely it affects you? New research in Switzerland suggests that the consumption of dietary fiber may well influence the course of this common condition. The Experts Explore In a recent study underwritten by the Swiss National Science Foundation, some mice were fed a diet containing a hefty amount of fiber, while others ate a very low-fiber diet.

When the temperature starts climbing, the clothes come off and everybody shows more skin. What can you do to protect your skin during the hot summer months? We’ve got ten head-to-toe tips to help you take care of your body’s largest vital organ: Wear sunscreen.

The 4th of July is the ultimate American picnic, featuring some of the country’s favorite party foods. Unfortunately, some of these dishes are downright unhealthy. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. With QualityHealth’s four-station party plan, you’ll be able to identify the best and avoid the rest.

The need for constant vigilance to make sure you don't have an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), rounds of doctor's visits, dietary constraints, medical costs—it's easy to see why a person with diabetes can become depressed. And if you have a complication, the risk can be even higher.

Almost everyone experiences heartburn once in a while. But for some people, the burning and related discomfort after eating is a regular occurrence. But there’s good news: Certain natural spices may help douse the fire. What Is Heartburn? Heartburn,...

The heady, sun-drenched days of summer make it tempting to head to the beach, the pool, or the park as often as you can. To get the most out of your time outdoors this summer, it’s important to know how to avoid some common summer health risks. Here are eight tips from a variety of experts to help you keep your cool and stay healthy all summer long: Drink up.

People who have diabetes have to monitor what they eat to maintain healthy blood glucose (sugar) levels and keep their risk of diabetes-related complications low. To stay healthy, try to avoid these foods as much as possible: 1. Foods High in Fats and Sugar Ingredients such as saturated and trans fats and sugar can wreak havoc with your health: Saturated fats increase diabetes patients' already higher-than-average risk of heart disease by raising blood cholesterol levels.

Heavy drinking can take a toll on your health, but abstaining from alcohol—even in the short term—may give your body a fresh start, as a small research study recently demonstrated when 10 healthy staff members at New Scientist, a London-based magazine, put themselves to the test by taking a five-week break from alcohol.

Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration—eye conditions that can cause vision loss—affect more than 22 million Americans over the age of 40, and many more are at risk. But regularly consuming foods with lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin...

Coffee, wine, and age can do a number on your pearly whites, leaving them dingy, yellow, and stained. Advertisers claim that teeth whitening, which the American Dental Association (ADA) describes as any process that makes teeth appear whiter, will improve the look of your teeth and smile.

The phrase Doing what you love doesn't have to apply to your career. Whether or not you love your job, you have the freedom to choose how you spend your free time. Make it matter with an activity that you enjoy, and reap the health benefits of less stress—and a more relaxed mind and body.

Here’s some news you won’t want to take sitting down: People who sit for long periods of time may be at higher risk for a range of chronic health problems, according to new research. "Over the last 10 years or so, there has been a blossoming interest in sedentary behavior [sitting or limited movement] as a potentially independent influence on health and disease," explains Richard R.

It’s 3 p.m. and you’ve got a bad case of the munchies. Lunch is over but dinner is still hours away and you find yourself eyeing the office vending machine, craving something to get you through the rest of the workday. Before you push the button for something fattening, salty, or sugary, consider how that choice could affect your health: Eating unhealthy food may give you a temporary boost, but you’ll feel lousy, and be hungry again in no time.