Author: healthtost

By Beth Conover, APRN, Beth Kiernan, MPH, and Al Romeo, RN, PhD – Teratogen Information Specialists MotherToBaby From images of buildings destroyed by high winds to families trapped on rooftops by flooding (and the rising death toll), to say hurricanes can be devastating would be an understatement. At MotherToBaby, we get questions from moms and moms-to-be in storm-hit areas about the potential exposures they may face as powerful forces of nature wreak havoc on their homes and communities. We just wanted to let you know – MotherToBaby is here for you, your unborn child and your baby. We can answer…

Wellness culture has run rampant in recent years, pushing healthy habits to extremes and making people sick. If some health food is good, more must be better, right? In the context of the following three areas, too much of a good thing can actually be very bad for your health. 1. Excess nutrients The main nutrients that cause problems in excess are vitamin A, copper and iron. Often a customer has a problem with more than one of these. Excess vitamin A — Getting too much vitamin A from eating rich foods like dairy, butter, and eggs for decades…

To sculpt your abs, it is essential to focus on this particular area. While sit-ups are a popular option, they are not the only option available. Incorporate exercises like mountain climbers, leg dips, and hip lifts to find what works best for you. Even with regular exercise and a balanced diet, many individuals find that their lower abs could use more definition and strength. Targeting this area with specific exercises can help strengthen your lower abs. Include core workouts like planks, crunches, scissor kicks and butterfly kicks to build strength, enhancing your ability to perform various activities. According to a…

Researchers adapted an artificial intelligence (AI) program to detect signs of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) by evaluating short narrative statements of birthing patients. The program successfully identified a large proportion of participants likely to have the disorder, and with further refinements – such as details from medical records and birth experience data from different populations – the model could potentially identify a large proportion of those at risk. The study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, appears in Scientific Reports. Worldwide, CB-PTSD affects approximately 8 million people who give birth each year, and current practice for…

There are so many myths about what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder. People constantly make assumptions about it based on media portrayals, but life is not a movie or a news report. Life with bipolar disorder is complex and varied, and what works for some is not necessarily what works for everyone. So let’s dispel some of the myths about what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder and encourage people to stop making uneducated assumptions. Living with Bipolar Myth #1: We experience violent outbursts The media loves to report that a person has bipolar disorder when there…

These brunch recipes are tried and true, quick and easy, and best of all, they’re dietitian-approved and kid-friendly! Perfect for a holiday brunch or feeding a large crowd, everyone will be delighted with these delicious and nutritious brunch dishes (even your picky eater!). My love for breakfast and brunch runs deep, so naturally, many of the recipes I create fit into that category. As a Registered Dietitian with over 17 years experience (and mom of 3) I have had enough! But I’ve picked my favorites and can’t wait for you to try them. I’ve included a nice variety of sweet,…

Many people worry that pre-workout supplements can lead to hair loss, sparking debate among those looking to get in shape. But, let’s set the record straight from the start: the science we have so far doesn’t actually link these fitness enhancements directly to hair loss. Let’s dive into this topic and separate the fact from the fiction, giving you a little insight into what’s really going on with your pre-workouts and your hair.What causes hair loss?Hair loss can seem like a puzzle, but when you break it down, it’s mostly about your genes, a hormone called DHT, and how you…

Understanding the mutation and evolution of viruses (such as SARS-CoV-2) is critical to effective public health management and response. Traditional epidemiological models often assume that viral infectivity and pathogenicity remain constant during disease transmission, ignoring the fact that viruses continuously evolve through natural selection and random mutations. This simplification limits the accuracy of these models in predicting epidemic trends, especially when dealing with rapidly mutating viruses. To overcome these limitations, Professor Jian Lu’s team at Peking University developed a new computational model called SIRSVIDE (Susceptible-Infected-Shumbled-Sensitive-Variation-Immune Decay-Immune Evasion). The SIRSVIDE model not only incorporates basic principles of epidemiology but also incorporates…

Chlorine Water How does chlorine damage your hair? How to prevent chlorinated water from damaging your hair? How do swimmers keep their hair healthy? How can I fix chlorine damaged hair? Frequent questions Poolside getaways and refreshing dips are all fun. But some of us sometimes aren’t ready to go swimming in a pool for a reason, the top one being hair damage from chlorine. While chlorine can be a lifesaver for cleaning pools, it can be a nemesis for your hair’s health. The battle against water damage from chlorine is a common struggle for those who love to spend…

Kimberly Seals Allers likes to say this Irth, the app she created to give BIPOC births the power to control their doctors, is something she wishes she had when she was giving birth. “I did all the research … really hoping to have a great birth experience,” she explained in a conversation with SheKnows editor-in-chief Erika Janes on SHE Media Co-Lab Whole Life Health Event at SXSW in Austin, Texas, last March. A journalist by profession, Allers used all her investigative skills to find a good hospital and a doctor who would take care of her. But in the end,…