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Five Tips to Help You Get Better Sleep Now

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(BPT) - The fact is, most people don’t get enough sleep. Getting the optimal amount of sleep each night not only leaves you feeling rested but has a profound impact on your overall health — affecting immunity, mental sharpness, weight management and much more†.

Updated: 2:30 am

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Pet Central

Having a pet is a lot of responsibility, and we’ll help by giving you lots of tips and tricks! More >>

Fitness

Our fitness articles will help teach you how to work out with gym- and home-based exercises. More >>

Crosswords

Enjoy the crosswords challenge in our free daily puzzles, from the harder Sunday crossword to the quicker daily. More >>

Sudoku

Every Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically. Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. More >>

Recent Headlines

Friday 03/27/2020

Company Steps Up to Keep Health Care Workers Healthy

Posted: March 27, 2020

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(NewsUSA) - As the ongoing spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) reshapes American lives by the day, and sometimes by the hour, the health and stability of the nation's essential work force, namely our health care workers and first responders, remains paramount.

Thursday 03/26/2020

Ignite Immunity, Clean Naturally With Lemons

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(NAPSI)—If you’re among the increasing number of Americans keen on natural solutions to boost immunity these days, you may be glad to know the answer may be right in your refrigerator—or should be. Loaded with vitamin C and zinc, and with key antioxidant qualities, Limoneira Lemons can play a vital role in helping the immune system adapt to new threats and conditions.

Experts have cited lemons as a way to “reduce the risk of complications from a cold or flu, and reduce inflammation in the body.” Experiments have also found that lemon juice can destroy the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases.

Lemons are also a boon to any kitchen or DIY beauty routine—plus, they’re a handy sustainability tool. Use them to make life simpler without investing in potentially toxic chemicals or overpriced solutions. In fact, beyond their immunity-boosting benefits, lemons provide natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties that let you clean and disinfect your home, naturally.

Here’s how to create a useful all-purpose cleaner for your kitchen and bathroom that can help your house smell spring fresh all year: Combine equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. You can use it nearly anywhere. For wood surfaces, create a polish by mixing one cup of olive oil and one-half cup of lemon juice. Test it first on a small spot.

For other “green cleaning” with lemon tips, visit www.Limoneira.com/cleaning.

"A natural solution to boost immunity may be right in your refrigerator. Loaded with vitamin C, zinc and antioxidants, lemons can help your health and, when used as a cleaner, give your home a fresh smell.https://bit.ly/2UlE1Hm"

Get the Facts on Eating for Health And Boosting Your Immune System Naturally

Updated: March 28, 2020 - 2:33 am

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(NAPSI)—Registered dietitian for California Strawberries, Colleen Wysocki, explains what factors play a role in immunity, eating for health, and how to boost immune systems naturally:

Are You Up to Date on the Latest Treatments For Your Heart? [Infographic]

Posted: March 26, 2020

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(BPT) - Knowing the latest science and treatment options to reduce your risk for heart disease can save your life. Twelve million people are at risk due to elevated triglyceride levels, which may increase their risk for cardiovascular events. Many people continue to unknowingly take outdated therapies such as fenofibrates and niacin, which are no longer FDA-approved and have been proven ineffective. Luckily, there are new FDA-approved therapies that reduce cardiovascular events and those are represented in the latest medical guidelines. Patients should consult with their doctor and visit truetoyourheart.com for more information on how to best protect their hearts.

5 Tips to Spring Clean Your Spices

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) One area of the kitchen that is often overlooked when it comes to spring cleaning is the area home chefs keep their spices, whether it’s a cabinet, rack or drawer. Keeping your spices fresh and organized is a smart way to create faster, more flavorful meals.

5 Hacks for Greener, Happier Living

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) Whether you take shorter showers, reduce food waste or make eco-minded choices at the grocery store, adopting one simple habit can make a difference in protecting Earth’s natural resources. These simple, renewable lifestyle changes may even affect your personal mindset.

Add Joy to Spring Cleaning

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) While spring cleaning can be crucial in keeping your home in tip-top shape, especially for DIYers who find inspiration in the bright season for new home decor projects, the annual ritual can also feel overwhelming.

How to Find the Right Dog for Your Family

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) Adding a four-legged friend to the family is no small decision, and it’s easy to get distracted by sweet eyes pleading to be taken home. Becoming a dog parent is a major commitment, so it’s important to do your research and make well-informed choices before deciding on a new dog.

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Thursday 03/26/2020

5 Tips to Fight Sleep Deprivation

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) Despite a desire for perfect sleep, Americans are not even close to getting the recommended eight hours a night, and 1 in 4 Americans believes the sleep they are getting isn’t the quality rest they want and need.

5 Tips for 1st Foods for Babies

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) Ask any parent what he or she remembers most about a child’s first year and you’re likely to hear quite a bit about sleep schedules. However, a baby’s eating schedule is just as important as his or her sleep.

Invite the Outdoors In

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) Despite the comfort and convenience it affords, modern society is contributing to a vanishing relationship with the natural environment. However, there are plenty of ways to bring nature indoors to reap the benefits of an earthy connection inside your home.

4 Tips to Train Your Pet

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) Training a pet can be a rewarding process. It takes some time and patience, but it can also be a way to bond with your pet and help set you both up for a happy life together.

Wednesday 03/25/2020

Coronavirus and Alzheimer’s: What Family Caregivers Need to Know

Posted: March 25, 2020

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(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, but the novel coronavirus presents unique challenges for more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and more than 16 million family members and friends serving as their caregivers.

Safety in the Sky

Updated: March 30, 2020 - 2:31 am

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What to know about emergency air ambulance transportation

4 Tips for Millennial Caregivers

Updated: March 30, 2020 - 2:31 am

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(Family Features) Caregiving affects all generations, with more than 10 million unpaid caregivers in the United States between the ages of 18-39, according to research published by AARP. That’s 1 in 4 people nationwide who care for an older relative or friend. These young caregivers often take on the task alone, without the support of professionals, while juggling school and job responsibilities.

Tuesday 03/24/2020

Triglycerides as a Marker of CV Risk: Too Few Americans Are Aware of Triglycerides’ Important Role in Identifying Cardiovascular Risk

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - The number of cardiovascular deaths is still on the rise—in fact, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States.^[i]^,[ii] Heart attack and stroke each occur on average every 40 seconds, and one cardiovascular death occurs on average every 38 seconds.^[iii]^,[iv],[v]

Monday 03/23/2020

News For Noses

Updated: March 25, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(NAPSI)—Nasal congestion is nothing to sneeze at. It affects roughly 20 percent of the population and is associated with reduced quality of life, difficulty sleeping, reduced daytime performance, and increased need for healthcare. In addition to the physical misery, it has been estimated that the financial impact of chronic congestion is more than $5 billion to $10 billion annually. Fortunately, scientists are coming up with new and better ways to deal with the problem.

New Device

That’s good news since, until recently, most of the current treatments for nasal congestion and rhinitis were drugs that must be regularly ingested in the form of nasal sprays (decongestants or steroids), pills (decongestants or antihistamines) or uncomfortable nasal irrigators, each of which has its own side effects and risks. In addition, current treatments provide only partial or temporary relief.

Now, however, there’s a patents-pending device that uses a combination of gentle acoustic vibrations and light, resistant pressure to help open nasal breathing and relieve nasal congestion, naturally—in as little as three minutes.

Called SinuSonic, it consists of a fully disposable medical-grade silicone nosepiece on a resin body. A flutter valve on top creates gentle, self-guided oscillating expiratory resistance.

A recent study published in the prestigious International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology (IFAR)—the official journal of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA)—found the relief from chronic nasal congestion can be life changing. Eighty percent of participants enjoyed a clinically relevant improvement.

Doctor’s Opinion

“We were excited to see measurable positive changes in both objective nasal airflow as well as patient-reported symptom scores and quality of life,” said Dr. Rodney Schlosser, an internationally known sinus specialist and one of the lead researchers on the study. “Our initial results demonstrate that SinuSonic is a safe and effective treatment alternative to conventional pharmacologic and surgical treatment for these patients.”

Learn More

To see the device in action or purchase online, go to www.SinuSonic.com.

Saturday 03/21/2020

“You’re talking about me" – Giving a voice to people at higher risk for COVID-19 due to chronic illness: 84% feel vulnerable

Posted: March 21, 2020

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(BPT) - -- Webcasts by disease are open to the public; Survey is tracking concerns --

Friday 03/20/2020

Confronting Stigma with Science: What Asian Americans Should Know about Lung Cancer and Tumor Mutations

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - Sponsored by AstraZeneca

Thursday 03/19/2020

5 Things You Should Know About Vaping

Posted: March 19, 2020

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(BPT) - Although e-cigarettes, or vaping products, were introduced into the U.S. market as a healthier alternative to smoking for adults, they have become extremely popular among young people. Adolescent vaping has been declared an epidemic in our country: between 2017 and 2018, there was a 78% rise in e-cigarette use by high school students. Here are five things you should know about the risks associated with teen vaping.

Wednesday 03/18/2020

5 Innovations that are Making the World a Better Place

Updated: March 23, 2020 - 2:31 am

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(Family Features) With new technologies and innovations improving many aspects of daily life, humanitarian work should be no different.

'It Impacts Weight, Sleep and Mental Health': What You Need to Know About Your Thyroid

Updated: March 23, 2020 - 2:31 am

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(Family Features) Michele Adams is quick to say, “I don’t want to throw anyone under the bus,” but it took her being hit by a car for her thyroid disease to finally be diagnosed.

5 Tips for a More Efficient Workday

Updated: March 23, 2020 - 2:31 am

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(Family Features) Being more productive at work means working smarter, not harder (or longer) and getting the most out of the hours you spend in the office. Sometimes, however, people find their workdays spiral out of control even when they start each morning with a set plan and to-do list.

Tuesday 03/17/2020

Are myths keeping you from screening for a leading cause of cancer death?

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) -

Hints To Help You Stay On The Road To Safe Driving

Updated: March 19, 2020 - 2:34 am

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(NAPSM)—For many older adults, retaining the ability to drive is very important. It means independence and makes it easier to do shopping, see friends and family, and keep medical appointments. It’s not always a safe option, however.

185 people are lost to drug overdose every day

Posted: March 17, 2020

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Monday 03/16/2020

4 Ways to Add Nutrition to a Plant-Based Diet

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - It’s no secret that plant-based diets are all the rage, with more and more Americans opting for foods made from plants and reducing consumption of meat, dairy, eggs and seafood, particularly for their positive impact on the environment. In fact, according to a new survey by Yale and the nonprofit Earth Day Network, more than nine in ten Americans “are willing” to eat more fruits and vegetables, and more than half are open to giving up some red meat and chowing down on more plant-based alternatives.

Thursday 03/12/2020

Educators and Researchers Working Together to Improve Teaching Practices

Updated: March 14, 2020 - 2:32 am

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(NAPSI)—A great education can have a transformational impact on a student’s life. And every student—not just a lucky few—deserves to get an education that enables them to reach their full potential. Thanks to decades of research, we know more than ever before how children learn and develop. Unfortunately, educational research is slow to inform instructional practice in our schools and classrooms, and the ideas of experienced educators rarely attract the attention needed to be validated by scientific research.

One way to bridge the gap is by ensuring educators have access to the latest in research and tools to support every aspect of students’ development. To that end, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) announced $5.45 million in grants focused on bridging the gap between research and practice in education to nine teams, which include educators, support organizations, and researchers to support the advancement of classroom practices that are already demonstrating the potential to improve student outcomes.

“We see the closer partnership between researchers and educators in the classroom—directly leveraging science to improve classroom practice—as a new way to tackle age-old challenges for teachers such as student engagement, literacy or self-regulation. These grants stem from the knowledge that building tighter, bi-directional connections between research and educators can accelerate impact,” said Brooke Stafford-Brizard, director of whole child development at CZI.

These grants reflect CZI’s commitment to working with educators and researchers to take an evidence-based, “whole child” approach to learning—in short, expanding the definition of student success beyond academics to include their identity, physical, mental, cognitive, social and emotional development. This approach is grounded in the sciences—including educational psychology, cognitive neuroscience, public health, and social psychology—that inform how humans learn and develop within and beyond the classroom.

Click here to learn more about CZI’s work in education.

5 things to know before filling a generic prescription

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - Like many people, you may visit a pharmacy on a regular basis to fill prescriptions. However, you may not be aware of the options available to you when it comes to generic medications. For example, do you ever wonder why your prescription may not look the same every month? There may be multiple manufacturers of the generic medication you are prescribed, so the version of the generic you receive will depend on which pharmacy you go to or which manufacturer the pharmacy stocks on their shelf that month. It can all be very confusing.

5 Tips for Traveling by Air with Children

Updated: March 19, 2020 - 2:34 am

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(Family Features) Spring, for some families, means packing bags and heading to the airport for a getaway. However, flying with young children can be stressful.

Wednesday 03/11/2020

Healthy Habits Help Your Heart And Brain

Posted: March 11, 2020

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(NewsUSA) - A healthy heart has many benefits, but did you know that a healthy brain is one of them?

Plan Ahead for Peak Travel Seasons

Updated: March 16, 2020 - 2:31 am

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(Family Features) A family getaway is the perfect chance to unwind and reconnect with loved ones away from the distractions of daily life. However, peak travel times like Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekend are some of the busiest times of the year, which can mean limited options.

Tuesday 03/10/2020

Diabetes news: Updating your family’s low blood sugar rescue plan

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company

As a parent or loved one of a child with diabetes, you know that blood sugar lows can happen, even with the best blood sugar monitoring and management plans. While generally not common, low blood sugar emergencies (severe hypoglycemia) can happen unexpectedly, anytime, anywhere. Having a rescue plan in place, whether at home, school, while visiting friends or on the soccer field, is essential to keeping them safe and healthy, just in case.

With a non-injectable prescription glucagon rescue therapy available, now is a great time to talk to your child’s diabetes care team about treatment options and to update your low blood sugar emergency rescue plan. You should also reconnect with your child’s family members, teachers, friends’ parents and coaches about how they can help in case your child experiences a blood sugar emergency while in their care.

“By speaking with your child’s healthcare provider, taking a few steps to prepare and having a low blood sugar rescue plan in place, parents can feel more secure knowing that they and others caring for their child are ready to help at a moment’s notice,” says Teresa L Pearson*, MS, RN, CDCES, FADCES.

Pearson suggests considering and talking to your child’s diabetes care team about some of the following steps when updating your child’s low blood sugar emergency rescue plan:

Women: Not Every Infection Is A Yeast Infection

Posted: March 10, 2020

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(NewsUSA) - Yeast infections are a source of discomfort for many women, but sometimes the symptoms of yeast infections are a sign of something more serious.

The Hijacker: Busting the Myths of Addiction [Video]

Posted: March 10, 2020

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Monday 03/09/2020

Healthy lifestyle tips and wellness trends to restore your mind and body [Video]

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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Friday 03/06/2020

Decoding brain injury

Posted: March 06, 2020

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(BPT) - Sadia Prema, a successful, determined, 37-year-old sales professional from Phoenix, was walking across the street to meet with a client when she was struck by a distracted driver and thrown nearly 40 feet. She sustained multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Leslie Grace’s 4 Beauty Secrets to Be Camera Ready

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - With an active music career and a highly anticipated feature film premiering, Leslie Grace always looks camera ready. What are her secrets to looking and feeling her best? Her daily beauty routine! Here are four beauty secrets that Leslie swears by to get her through even the busiest of days.

Wednesday 03/04/2020

Five Tips to Safely Manage Medications

Posted: March 04, 2020

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(NewsUSA) - Medication management often feels like a high-stakes balancing act. With multiple visits to doctors and specialists, a variety of dosage instructions, and refill schedules that vary from prescription to prescription, it's a challenge to keep medications organized.

Save Time with Easy Meal Hacks

Updated: March 09, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) If it feels as though your life is too busy, you're not alone. Many families experience the feeling of constant busyness, but there are ways to save time around the house and lift some of those burdens.

The Cost of Living with IBD

Updated: March 09, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) A diagnosis like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) means lifestyle changes throughout every aspect of life, including financially. IBD has many direct costs of care, like clinic visits, radiology studies, procedures and medications. There are also indirect costs such as missed work or school.

4 Ways to Connect with Your Cat

Updated: March 09, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) In addition to playing with a laser pointer and offering endless cuddle sessions, there are many more ways to connect with your favorite feline. Cats are curious by nature, and in order for them to stay happy and healthy, they need lots of love and care from their parents.

Some Over-the-Air TV Frequencies are Changing

Updated: March 09, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(Family Features) If you rely on a rooftop or indoor antenna for your TV viewing, changes that may affect your local channels are happening.

Tuesday 03/03/2020

Manage Your Blood Pressure And Protect Your Kidneys

Updated: March 05, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(NAPSI)—Did you know if you have high blood pressure you are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States. About 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure may have chronic kidney disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. If your blood pressure gets too high, the blood vessels in your body—including those in your kidneys—may become damaged. This damage makes it harder for the kidneys to filter blood and remove wastes and extra water from the body. Kidney disease can get worse over time, and if not treated it can lead to kidney failure.

And while high blood pressure can lead to kidney disease, the reverse is also true: kidney disease can lead to high blood pressure. Simple tests can tell you whether you have high blood pressure or kidney disease. Ask your health care professional if you have been tested for high blood pressure and kidney disease.

Many people with kidney disease don’t know they have the disease until their kidneys begin to fail. Research suggests that fewer than 1 in 10 people who have kidney disease are aware they have the disease. This is because kidney disease often doesn’t have any symptoms early on.

The good news is that you can help protect your kidneys by managing high blood pressure with healthy lifestyle habits.

“Our research continues to uncover the complexities of the link between high blood pressure and kidney disease,” says Griffin P. Rodgers, MD, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “And what we are finding supports the message that you can help protect your kidneys by managing high blood pressure with healthy lifestyle habits.”

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits that help you manage your blood pressure will also help to keep your kidneys healthy. You can prevent or slow kidney disease progression by taking the following steps to lower your blood pressure:

Take medicines as prescribed. Blood pressure medicines often play a key role in lowering blood pressure.

Aim for a healthy weight. If you are overweight or have obesity, reducing your weight may lower high blood pressure.

Select healthier food and beverage options. Follow a healthy eating plan that focuses on heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats that are low in sodium.

Stop smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels, increases your risk for high blood pressure, and worsens problems related to high blood pressure. For help quitting, call 1-800-QUITNOW or go to Smokefree.gov.

Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can have an adverse effect on your blood pressure and metabolism. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

Manage stress and make physical activity part of your routine. Healthy stress-reducing activities and regular physical activity can lower blood pressure. Try to get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity each day.

“You can manage your blood pressure and its complications through healthy lifestyle habits, which include exercise, following a healthy eating plan and taking blood pressure medication as prescribed by your doctor,” says Gary H. Gibbons, MD, director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). “It’s important to know your numbers because controlling or lowering your blood pressure can prevent or delay serious complications like kidney disease and heart disease.”

For more information, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov.

Sleep and Autism: How to Help Kids Get a Better Night’s Rest

Posted: March 03, 2020

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(StatePoint) For some children and teens with autism spectrum disorder, sleep can sometimes be a struggle. But good sleep is essential to good health and a good quality of life.

Monday 03/02/2020

You Could Be Part Of The 33 Percent

Updated: March 04, 2020 - 2:46 am

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(NAPSI)—Look around the next time you’re in a crowd. One-third of everyone in there with you is at risk of developing dangerous kidney disease.

Kidney Disease Facts
In the United States, 37 million adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease—and more than 90% aren’t aware of it. Often there are no symptoms; they won’t find out until their kidney’s fail. Kidneys are vital organs—as important as your heart, liver or lungs—that work 24/7 to clean toxins from your body. No one can live without functioning kidneys. When kidneys fail, only immediate dialysis or a transplant can save you.

A Solution
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF)—the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding patient-centric organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the U.S.—wants to change the odds. Every adult in the United States needs to know the risk and can find out with a simple, one-minute online quiz rolled out for National Kidney Month in March that can let you know if you’re in the 33 percent—and what to do about it.

“We have a public health crisis that needs to be addressed by all Americans,” said NKF CEO and kidney transplant recipient Kevin Longino. “We will never give up trying to find ways to reach people, slow or stop the progression of this disease and lessen the burden for patients. Early testing and interventions are the key.”

What To Watch For
Risk factors for kidney disease are:
•   High blood pressure
•   Heart disease
•   Diabetes
•   Obesity
•   A family history of kidney disease.

What To Do
If you have one or more of these factors, you should to go to MinuteForYourKidneys.org to find out what to do next and how to talk to your doctor about it.

Life-threatening kidney disease can strike anyone, young or old, and has many causes, but early intervention can make a difference. Lifestyle changes and a healthy diet can sometimes slow the progression of the disease when caught in the early stages, and sometimes can stop kidney failure.

The first step to preventing kidney failure is knowing your risk, then getting tested. Two simple tests, one blood and one urine, can let your doctor know how your kidneys are doing. It’s easy to get tested yet the results can save your life.

Learn More
For further information about NKF, visit www.kidney.org.

Children’s National to Make March Matter for Children in the Hospital

Updated: March 04, 2020 - 2:46 am

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(NAPSI)—This month, kids across the region will enjoy playing sports, spending time with friends or traveling for family vacation on spring break. Sadly, hundreds of other children will remain in the hospital fighting to get stronger, coping with life-altering diagnoses and enduring treatment.

But thanks to dedicated doctors, nurses, child life specialists and more, pediatric hospitals, like premier pediatric hospital Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., make treatment and coping with conditions as positive an experience as possible for patients and their families. Hospitals like Children’s National focus on addressing more than just the underlying illness, injury or condition. They provide critical education, support and encouragement to prepare not only their young patients, but their parents, siblings and families for recovery or coping with a chronic condition. This way, patients can feel informed, empowered and confident to heal or manage their own condition over time. Hospitals also work to treat the whole child and help improve their experience through creative programming like art, music, games and pet therapy.

One Child’s Ability to Take Control
Reese was 5 years old when she had her first seizure and dropped to the ground during a school fire drill. That day, neurologists at Children’s National in nearby Washington, D.C. diagnosed her with epilepsy.

However, with her diagnosis came education, knowledge and power. Not just for her, but for her entire family, allowing her to grow up stronger and enjoy life to the fullest. “My doctors have helped me control my seizures ever since,” says Reese. “They taught me how to limit them, how to trust my instincts when one’s coming on and how to handle a seizure even if I’m by myself.” With this knowledge, Reese, now 9 years old, says she has a lot of confidence to live with her condition, as does her family.

Reese had a seizure on the school bus this year and her friend yelled to the bus driver to get her little brother, John. He’s only 7 but knew what to do thanks to the care and support Reese and her whole family received at Children’s National.

“Some people who have seizures feel like they can’t do anything, but not me,” says Reese. “I have a plan and I know my limits, thanks to my doctors.” Last year, Reese even traveled to Costa Rica with her family where she swam in waterfalls, crossed hanging bridges and climbed cliffs.

Make March Matter
This exceptional level of care can make a big difference in a child and their family’s experience, however, child life and specialty programming as well as research is not often covered by insurance. Rather it is funded through the generous philanthropic support of the local community.

To ensure children like Reese have the programs, resources and exceptional care they need to enjoy stronger futures, Children’s National Hospital Foundation is celebrating its third-annual Make March Matter fundraising campaign all month long. The campaign invites community members to shop, dine and donate at businesses and restaurants in the DC area to help ensure exceptional care for patients and their families, both now and in the future.

Visit MakeMarchMatterDC.org to learn more.

Dust Your Ducts

Updated: March 04, 2020 - 2:46 am

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(NAPSI)—When you breathe a sigh of relief after giving your home its annual thorough cleaning, you may be breathing in more dust, dirt, and pollution than you realize—unless you’ve also gotten the HVAC system cleaned.

A Hidden Problem

Through normal living, people generate a great deal of contaminants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These get pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated five to seven times a day, on average. Over time, this causes a build-up of dirt in the duct work.

Some people are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as young children and the elderly, tend to be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address. Also, some homes may be more susceptible to certain pollutants, including places with pets, smokers, or remodeling projects.

An Answer
Fortunately, it’s easy to deal with. The experts at the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) say HVAC systems should be inspected and cleaned regularly by a reputable, certified HVAC professional.

The ones who are NADCA members possess general liability insurance, are trained and tested regularly, sign on to a code of ethics, and must clean and restore your heating and cooling system in accordance with NADCA standards, so they provide a high level of security.

Learn More
For further facts on having healthy air in a healthy home, visit www.BreathingClean.com. To find a NADCA member nearby, go to http://nadca.com/en/prosearch/all and enter your zip code.

Teen with rare illness gets wish to create comic book

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - Teenagers love to read comic books, and many even have the desire to write stories, draw comics and create their own books someday. Nineteen-year-old Bo is one of those teens. He loves everything about comic books and drawing — but juvenile Huntington’s disease (jHD) has made it increasingly difficult for him to express his creativity the way he wants. There was a point he didn’t think he would ever see his comic book ideas become reality.

Friday 02/28/2020

Getting Sick Can be Expensive

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(NewsUSA) - Did you know that each time you get sick, the estimated cost is $200, according to the Center for Disease Control ?

Thursday 02/27/2020

5 simple tips to help manage your diabetes at mealtime

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - SPONSORED BY NOVO NORDISK - From late nights at the office, to outings with family and friends, sticking to a diet and consistent mealtime can be challenging for many Americans. But if you’re living with diabetes, how much, when and what you eat can have implications for your overall health and even shift blood sugar levels out of target range.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): When Treatment Stops Working

Updated: March 31, 2020 - 2:30 am

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(BPT) - Sponsored by Takeda Oncology

Wednesday 02/26/2020

Keep Your New Year's Resolution With These Weight Loss Tips

Posted: February 26, 2020

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(NewsUSA) - Did you make a resolution to lose weight and get healthy in 2020? This may be the most common New Year's resolution, but it's also one of the most difficult to keep.

Smart Saving Strategies

Updated: March 02, 2020 - 2:33 am

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(Family Features) Money management and building long-term financial health is a careful balancing act between long- and short-term financial needs, and now is a perfect opportunity to re-examine your goals. People sometimes focus on short-term needs, making sure they can cover routine bills and living essentials. However, many Americans do not have the resources to cover an unexpected expense, much less save for the future.

Thriving with a Brain Tumor

Updated: March 02, 2020 - 2:33 am

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(Family Features) A brain tumor can result in a wide range of physical and emotional changes, but proactively managing your coping strategy can have a significant impact on your treatment program and quality of life.

4 Hospice Care Facts to Know

Updated: March 02, 2020 - 2:33 am

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(Family Features) As families prepare for the future and consider hospice care for loved ones, it’s important to know and understand what hospice care is and how it can help both patients and their caregivers.

Friday 02/21/2020

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Updated: February 23, 2020 - 2:41 am

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(NAPS)—60,000 people are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) each year. Nearly fifty percent of those newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their care partners leave the doctor’s office following a diagnosis without educational resources or information on what the future holds.

The Parkinson’s Foundation aims to connect with those newly diagnosed with PD earlier and more frequently to provide ongoing support throughout their entire journey with the disease. Newly Diagnosed: Building a Better Life with Parkinson’s Disease, is a new program designed to arm people who are newly diagnosed with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to navigate life with the disease.

The Parkinson’s Foundation also offers educational programs that focus on care and research; digital resources; topical podcasts; and an online community to connect with others living with the disease and care partners and be part of a network of support.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you are not alone. Call the toll-free Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) or email Helpline@Parkinson.org. Order your free Newly Diagnosed kit today at Parkinson.org/NewlyDiagnosed.

Thursday 02/20/2020

4 Questions and Answers to Help You Manage Severe Asthma

Posted: February 20, 2020

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(StatePoint) The majority of the more than 25 million Americans living with asthma enjoy active, healthy lives. But for others, despite using high dose asthma medicines and avoiding triggers, severe symptoms are a part of daily life.

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Odessa, TX

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76°

Humidity: 16%
Winds: S at 10mph
Feels Like: 76°

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Tomorrow

High 79°/Low 56°
Considerable cloudiness. Lows overnight in the mid 50s.

wednesday

High 77°/Low 57°
Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s.

thursday

High 86°/Low 55°
Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the mid 50s.

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