You know that you’re supposed to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, limit alcohol, exercise regularly and see your doctor for annual checkups. But there are so many other things you can do—or not do—that can have a great influence on your health, longevity and quality of life. Here are a few that might surprise you. You should walk … faster. A study published in the June 2019 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that people who walked faster (at least 3 miles per hour or 100 steps per minute) lived longer than those who strolled at a slower pace. Fast walking is like doing a very low-intensity ..read more

It’s not rocket science, but it is science: Researchers from the University of Exeter in the UK claim to have hit upon the weekly recommended dose of nature necessary to make a positive impact on health and well-being. The large study, published in Scientific Reports, confirms what we already know about the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature. But now that we have an actual, scientifically based goal—a minimum of 2 hours per week—we can plan to make those minutes really count. And it doesn’t have to be far from home or all 2 hours in one chunk. Spending even small am ..read more

Babyproofing is typically pretty high on every new parents’ to-do list. We lock up our medications, our household cleaners and our fancy steak knives. As kids get older and we teach them about the dangers of these products, the locks come off. Hidden in plain sight, however, are other household items so ordinary that we may not give them a second thought. But they’re sending kids to the ER every two hours, a 2019 report shows. You probably have them scattered around your house, in your gym bag and in your purse. They include personal care items such as hair care, nail care, fragrance and skin ..read more

Nothing says summer in North Texas quite like the blazing hot sun, barbeque sauce dripping from your chin and a holiday get-together. Summer can be a time to reconnect with family, friends and nature, but some of the season’s most enjoyable activities pose hidden risks. Avoiding these summer holiday health hazards takes a bit of planning, but a safe and happy time for everyone is worth the preparation. Follow our safety tips to keep the good times rocking and rolling all summer long. Burns and other injuries from fireworks. Would you hand a child a blowtorch? Of course you wouldn’t—those thin ..read more

Calling 911 starts the chain of care, making it more likely you'll survive a life-threatening illness like Philip Smith of Frisco did. The post Know When to Call 911 Instead of Driving to the ER appeared first on LifeSigns ..read more

The CDC says electric scooters are responsible for a surge in ER visits for fractures, dislocations and head trauma. Learn how to ride safely. The post How to Be Safe on an Electric Scooter appeared first on LifeSigns ..read more

A well-stocked summer first-aid kit includes these 7 essential items in addition to the basics. The post Be Prepared: How to Pack a Summer First-Aid Kit appeared first on LifeSigns ..read more

Being tired could indicate a serious heart problem—even in younger women. The post Tired? Fatigue May Signal Heart Problems in Women. appeared first on LifeSigns ..read more

Measles were eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 but they're back and spreading. Learn how to protect your family from this super contagious virus and its complications. The post What to Know About Measles and Its Complications appeared first on LifeSigns ..read more

Research shows certain health risk factors substantially increase women’s chances for heart attacks more than they do for men. The post Why It’s Important for Women to Know Their Health Risk Factors appeared first on LifeSigns ..read more