Between minding your breath, balancing in tree pose, and avoiding a face plant during crow pose, a yoga practice gives you plenty to think about. So it's easy to overlook the care and upkeep of your mat. Still, reasons to keep your yoga mat clean abound (even if you aren't a germaphobe). A clean mat is safer and healthier for anyone who uses it. No matter whether you own a mat or share mats at a studio or gym, read on to learn why it's important to clean a yoga mat, and discover tips and tricks to do it right. We'll also cover some of the signs that indicate you should replace your … [Read more...]

Compression socks are everywhere. All kinds of people, from world travelers and waiters to marathoner runners and moms-to-be, wear these specialty knee socks. It’s not just because people like the way compression socks look, although you can find some snazzy options out there!Most people wear compression socks to improve blood flow and reduce swelling and discomfort in their feet and legs. The socks squeeze the legs, providing compression that gradually loosens from the bottom to the top to help blood return to the heart. Read on to learn reasons you may want to wear compression socks and … [Read more...]

If you’ve come down with a cold, flu, or stomach bug on vacation, you’re not alone. In one study, 20 percent of plane passengers reported respiratory symptoms within a week of flying. No one wants to get sick on a trip—or directly after one. Keep reading to learn how to prevent illnesses during and after your next vacation.1. Get up to date on travel vaccinesIt’s fun to learn about new cultures. It’s not so fun to come into contact with new diseases. Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect you from many illnesses. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) … [Read more...]

The world of cannabis goes far beyond stoners who get the munchies. In fact, the body of research on the health benefits of cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, has grown exponentially in the past decade.Thousands of years ago, doctors and healers across the globe prescribed cannabis because they believed they’d witnessed its purported medical benefits firsthand. In the last half century, modern science has brought cannabis back to the forefront and has shed light on the biological processes behind the healing properties it is believed to have.Although we still need more research to … [Read more...]

Dining out is a fun indulgence. Who doesn’t enjoy having someone else cook? But if you’re trying to eat healthier, home cooking is the way to go. For the most part, even ordering lighter fare at restaurants isn’t as good for you as preparing food at home. Keep reading to learn why home cooking is a real value meal, and find tips for eating healthier on occasions when you dine out.The Trouble with Restaurant FoodThe average American dines out 185 times a year, or three and a half times a week. Unfortunately, restaurant food may not be doing us any favors. In general, it’s high in … [Read more...]

For people who love to read, curling up with a good book feels utterly indulgent, especially when paired with a cozy chair and a steaming cup of tea. But here’s some news that’s worth putting your book down for: Reading is actually good for you (in more ways than one)!Benefits of ReadingIt’s like exercise for your brain We all know physical exercise is good for our bodies, so it makes sense that an activity like reading, which exercises your brain, is beneficial to neurological health. The type of reading you do (e.g. lightly skimming a page versus focusing closely on the text, … [Read more...]

Thousands of people visit YouTube every day to watch strangers whispering, brushing their hair, folding napkins, turning magazine pages, and tapping their fingers. Why? For some people, these mundane sensory experiences trigger a pleasurable, relaxing tingling response in the scalp or spine. Some people compare the sensation to carbonated bubbles spreading through the back of their heads or sand trickling down their head and shoulders.The sensation has been dubbed Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), a technical-sounding but nonclinical term. Some people call it “brain tingles.” … [Read more...]

Abdominal pain can come in a wide variety of forms. This stands to reason: The abdomen houses many of our internal organs (not to mention muscles and connective tissue). While it’s unreasonable to expect everyone to have a full understanding of what every type of abdominal pain could mean, a skilled clinician is likely able to discern the problem plaguing her patient based on the patient’s history. And that means that having a basic knowledge of your abdominal anatomy—as well as an understanding of some of the common ways physicians characterize pain and the types of questions they may ask—can … [Read more...]