How much sleep do you need?
Eight hours of sleep a day keeps the doctor away, right? Not exactly. How much sleep you need is specific to your age, health, and lifestyle. Some adults, for instance,Read More
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Wake-up call: How sleep impacts our minds and bodies
For more than 25 years, scientists at NIH have studied human sleep habits. They’ve researched everything from how sleep affects our skin to how it could help us live longer.Read More
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Tips for older drivers
[Introduction] Whether you are 17 or 87, being a safe driver is important. But aging may make driving more challenging, putting older adults and others on the road at risk.Read More
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New maps feature makes drug disposal easier and safer
If you have unused or expired prescriptions, where should you get rid of them? Look to your phone or other mobile device. A new pilot Google Maps feature makes itRead More
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Brain ripples could hold clues to memory
You’re trying to remember a word. You’re thinking, thinking … and suddenly, it pops into your head. NIH researchers wanted to know just what happens in the brain at thisRead More
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From virus to vaccine: Studying measles immunity
The measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the most effective around. It is 97% effective against the viruses when two doses are given. But Diane Griffin, M.D., Ph.D.,Read More
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Just 30 minutes of daily exercise can help correct a day of sitting
Americans spend a lot of time sitting—at their desk, in the car, and on the couch. This can take a toll on their health. In fact, research has shown thatRead More
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What is community immunity?
In 2000, measles had all but stopped spreading in the U.S. That’s because vaccination rates were high enough to keep people from getting the disease. When enough of the communityRead More
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Irregular sleep schedules can lead to bigger health issues
There’s bad news for those of us who have inconsistent sleep schedules, such as sleeping too little during the week and then trying to make up for it on theRead More
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Measles: What you need to know
Measles is a highly contagious disease, meaning it spreads easily. The trademark symptom is a blotchy, red rash. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up toRead More
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Red meat and the risk of heart disease
Lean red meat in moderation is a great source of protein, iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. But too much red meat can negatively affect our health. If you do indulge,Read More
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Spotting skin cancer: Tips from the National Cancer Institute
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. It’s also largely preventable. Here is information from the National Cancer Institute about common risk factors and typesRead More
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Young woman fights melanoma and gives back
In May 2012, 22-year-old new college graduate Heather Quintal was excited to begin a career at an accounting firm in Boston. But two weeks after graduation, before starting her job,Read More
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Lifestyle changes key to delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes
In the U.S., about 10 percent of the population has type 2 diabetes. Even more surprising? Nearly one in four people living with diabetes don’t even know they have it.Read More
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Putting health first
Emmy award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has spent decades reporting on major events on national TV networks. The “CBS This Morning” anchor and soon-to-be “CBS Evening News” anchor also wears anotherRead More
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Finding skin cancer: Why routine checkups can make all the difference
In 2006, architect Eric Ward had a mole examined on his face by a dermatologist, or doctor who treats the skin. At the time, he was told the mole wasRead More
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One step at a time: D.C. resident walks for health and community
[Introduction] For Washington, D.C., resident Deborah Nix, walking connects her to the community and gives her confidence. “A friend of mine saw me out walking recently, and said, ‘Girl, you’reRead More
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Researching melanoma at NIH: What’s new?
More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. While there is no cure for melanoma, there are ways to treat it ifRead More
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Oral health and older adults
Brushing your teeth may not be the most fun part of your daily routine, but it pays off, especially as you age. Combined with regular visits to the dentist, brushingRead More
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NIH study tracks exercise with mobile apps to improve heart health
[Introduction] Tiffany Powell-Wiley, M.D., M.P.H., is dedicated to making Americans healthier. She focuses on research related to heart health and the conditions that go with it. Those include obesity, highRead More
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Get moving: Key takeaways from the new physical activity guidelines
[Introduction] Spring is here, which means it’s time to get outdoors and get active. Read on to find out how much exercise you and your family need in a day.Read More
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Dry eye: An overview
What is dry eye? Dry eye disease, or dry eye, occurs when the quantity or quality of tears fails to keep the surface of the eye wet. Tears are aRead More
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Help your child through winter ear infections
The onset of winter often means the worst part of cold and flu season, and with that, the dreaded ear infection. An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infectionRead More
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High blood sugar during pregnancy increases chances of mother’s type 2 diabetes, child’s obesity
A mother’s health during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on both her health and that of her child. A new NIH study found that pregnant women with higher thanRead More
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NIH collaborates on national limb loss registry
[Introduction] Limb loss is an important medical issue, especially for U.S. military service members. Now the first national database on limb loss is planning to open in 2020—with help fromRead More
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