Much to coffee lovers’ delight, drinking three to four cups of coffee per day has been shown to decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Now, scientists report in ACS’ Journal of Natural Products that they have identified two compounds that contribute to this health benefit. Researchers say that this knowledge could someday help…

Nearly 1 million incidences of herpes zoster, which is also known as shingles, occur every year in the U.S., with an estimated one-third of all adults affected by age 80. Despite its prevalence, particularly between ages 50 and 59, it is still unclear why some individuals will develop shingles, and others will not. In a…

Teenagers with moderate mental health problems who may not have considered smoking conventional cigarettes are turning to electronic cigarettes, a new USC study has found. Mental health and behavioral problems such as alcohol and drug abuse are well-documented risk factors that push teens to smoke, said Adam Leventhal, lead author and associate professor of preventive…

Evidence of autism may be found in the composition and malfunction of the brain’s blood vessels, a team of scientists has found. Their research sheds new light on the causes of autism, which previously had pointed to neurological make-up rather than to the vascular system, and identifies a new target for potential therapeutic intervention. “Our…

Choosing a healthcare plan can be difficult, especially when you have a chronic lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Affecting millions of Americans, COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema and makes it difficult to breathe. It can also be very expensive. “Understanding the true total cost associated with available healthcare plans is so…

During the winter, your lips may bear the brunt of the elements, both indoors and out. Centrally heated homes and offices can be particularly drying, and whipping winter winds can take a toll. Even ultraviolet rays from the sun still do damage in the cold of winter. The function of your lips, like the rest…

While flu and cold are common to every region of the world, different cultures have developed their own solutions to tackle the all-too-familiar and dreadful symptoms. Today it’s thought that 70 percent of your immune system lies in your digestive tract, so many of these alternative healing methods rely on food for its curative properties.…

It’s not unusual for restaurants or other public buildings to be smoke free – either voluntarily or by state law – to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. But the secondhand-smoke problem persists in private homes where each family sets its own rules. While the family smoker sometimes is banished to the patio, that’s not always…

Is your life in balance? The new year is a great time to take stock of your routine and make improvements where necessary. Here are some thoughtful habits to consider incorporating into your day in the coming year. Find Time to Decompress • If you’re a morning person, get out of bed 30 minutes earlier…