Believe it or not, 49 percent of men in the U.S. admit to not using any sunscreen in the past year, according to a recent study from the Skin Care Foundation. The study also found that men are twice as likely than women to develop and die from melanoma. It’s not exactly brain science – if you don’t protect your skin with sunscreen, you’re taking a risk.

Then again, perhaps men just don’t understand the dangers of…Read full post

You may soon be able to get an AIDS test as easily as a blood pressure check at your nearest Walgreens drugstore.

The CDC announced a $1.2 million program which will offer free rapid HIV test at pharmacies and in-store clinics in 24 cities and rural communities. The tests are already available in seven stores and clinics, with 17 more locations to be determined.

Dr. Kevin Fenton, who oversees the agency’s HIV prevention programs, said in a statement:

“We…Read full post

If you’re not getting your eight glasses of water a day, what are you waiting for? Water is necessary for your body to function properly and effectively (our bodies are made up of 60-75% water!); it helps flush out toxins, regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and aids in digestion and absorption of food.

Among the essential functions of water in our bodies, it also helps rev up the metabolism, curb appetite and keep…Read full post

Should you or shouldn’t you? Some health and fitness professionals insist that you should never eat before bed if you don’t want it going straight to your hips, while others argue that it doesn’t matter what time of the day you eat; it all comes down to total caloric intake throughout the day.

It’s not necessarily one or the other; it’s a little bit of both. There are some things you may be able to eat before…Read full post

Moderate amounts of alcohol in your diet may be healthier than you think. In fact, it can lower your risk for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and even death. A study from Loyola University found that those who drank moderately (one drink a day for women, two for men) are 23% less likely to develop dementia or other forms of Alzheimer’s disease, or to develop some cognitive damage.

But take it too far, and alcohol becomes a negative influence on the…Read full post

A brownie that doesn’t go straight to your butt? Believe it or not, brownies don’t have to be off-limits when you’re trying to lose weight. In fact, if you bake them right, you can actually keep fat from being absorbed into your bottom, says Dr. Oz.

His recipe for the Butt-Busting Brownie contains cayenne, which Dr. Oz says revs up your metabolism to get the body moving, and cinnamon which helps process sugar intake. These…Read full post

Stress is unavoidable, and sadly, even stress in children is on the rise. Aside from the obvious signs of anxiety, such as headaches, muscle tension, sleep problems, irritability, etc., there are additional symptoms caused by stress that you may not even realize are linked.

Here are six weird signs you’re way too stressed out:

#1: Vomiting. According to Rodale, stress and anxiety can trigger vomiting and a condition…Read full post

Reese Witherspoon was glowing Saturday night at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, where the mom-to-be was awarded the Renaissance Award. She spoke about her pregnancy for the first time, telling reporters who commented on her glowing presence, “Thanks, but frankly I’m feeling very round tonight.”

“It’s not easy,” she said of trying to tame her pregnancy cravings in Chicago. “I’m always feeling like I’d like to eat everything in sight!” Who could say…Read full post

If you have high blood pressure, or are at risk for it, then you probably know to avoid a high-salt diet. But you can do more to cut back on the sodium, and it’s as simple as eating more bananas…or avocados or even a baked potato!

Potassium, found in foods such as bananas, avocados, potatoes and beans, counters sodium’s ill effects, yet most people don’t get enough of the mineral. According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,…Read full post

Believe it or not, certain foods can help protect your skin from the sun! Of course, you still have to wear sunscreen – no food will protect you like daily sunscreen – but if munching on a few sunflower seeds will help add a little power to your defense, why not!?

Sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamin E and essential fatty acids – a skin-protecting power duo! Vitamin E helps keep your skin soft and supple by…Read full post