Health screenings help diagnose diseases and chronic (long-term) conditions. Early diagnosis can improve prognosis, increase treatment options, and reduce risks in later stages of a condition. A healthcare provider can determine which screenings you need. General Health Screenings All adults need general health screenings to determine their risk for chronic conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension). These screenings are usually quick and covered

Fear vs. Phobia Fear protects you from danger. Phobias have little to do with danger. More than 19 million Americans have a phobia -- an intense, irrational fear when they face a certain situation, activity, or object. With a phobia, you may know your anxiety and fear are not warranted, but you can't help the feelings. And they can be so intense they virtually paralyze you. See what makes some people afraid in the slides ahead. The Three Kinds of Phobia Hundreds of different

If Toenails Could Talk Whether you’re washing your hands or admiring a manicure, you spend a lot more time looking at your fingernails than your toenails. Maybe it’s time to focus on your feet more often (and not just during sandal season). Toenail color changes -- from a big blue spot to a thin brown line -- could signal health problems. Here’s what you need to know.  Black Toenail: Common Causes If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technica

Don’t Wait: Lose Weight For every 10 pounds of extra body weight you carry, there’s an added 50 pounds of pressure on your hips and knees. If your joints are feeling the strain, find a weight that works best for you and talk to your doctor about the best ways to slim down. Depending on what's causing your hip pain, losing extra pounds may help and make it easier to move around. Take a Load Off Your weight isn’t only about body fat: Your hips also absorb the weight of everythi

Craving sugar may mean your body (and brain) is signaling that something deeper is off. From stress and sleep debt to diet imbalances, understanding why those cravings hit can help you take back control. 1. Conditioning By repeating everyday habits, you condition your brain and body to expect it and respond to it. If you regularly fuel yourself with foods high in added sugar, you might eat sugar on autopilot. Consider the types of foods that make up your diet. Have you become

Many people try to urinate "just in case" before heading out the door or sitting down to watch a movie. While that's fine occasionally, doing it too often can reduce your bladder capacity, making you pee more often. How Often Should You Pee? It's normal to pee five or six times a day. After we eat, the body removes nutrients from food and leaves behind waste in our bloodstreams. “The kidneys filter the blood to remove impurities, maintain homeostasis, and make sure electroly