Posts

A woman is experiencing stomach cramps. Image Credit: kwanchaichaiudom/iStock/Getty Images One of the key benefits of exercise is that it helps reduce menstrual cramping. But sometimes, it has the opposite effect. If you experience menstrual-like cramping during exercise, there are a number of possible causes, and some of them are potentially serious. If you regularly experience cramping during exercise, or the pain is severe, you should consult your doctor for tests to rule out any serious medical issues....

Doctor rubbing eyes feeling tired. Image Credit: Thomas Northcut/Digital Vision/Getty Images Muscle aches, fatigue and shortness of breath are three symptoms that often present themselves concurrently and are common to a variety of disorders or illnesses. The seasonal flu is the most common cause of this triad of symptoms, but the root of the problem may also be a more serious condition such as bronchitis, pneumonia or other viral or bacterial infection....

references & resources Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation: "Wetland Functions and Values: Surface and Ground Water Protection" U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: "Threats to Wetlands" Michigan State University: "Want clean water? Filter with soil" National Park Service: "Two Ways to Purify Water" University of Massachusetts Amherst: "Rain Gardens: A Way to Improve Water Quality" Rain Garden Network: What is a Rain Garden? Wetlands filter water naturally by removing sediment and heavy metals....

Sorghum, also known as "guinea corn," is a cereal grain that originated in Africa and is eaten worldwide. Image Credit: alexander ruiz/iStock/GettyImages Sorghum, also known as “guinea corn,” is a cereal grain that originated in Africa and is eaten worldwide. It is especially valuable in arid terrain because of its resistance to drought. Guinea corn is a nutrient-rich grain that is often ground into flour to make bread, porridge and pancakes....

Perineum pain from bicycling in men may indicate or lead to more serious reproductive and infectious conditions. According to a May 2003 researcher team led by Iain R. Spears, Ph.D., of the University of Teessidethe, the link between bicycling and damage to the perineum is an increasing cause for concern. According to an article by Irwin Goldstein, M.D., of the Boston University School of Medicine, cycling postures and seats may cause nerve dysfunction and compression-related changes in perineal structures....

references Office on Women’s Health. “Period problems” StatPearls: “Acetaminophen Toxicity” Scientific Reports: “Heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain relief and quality of life” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for heavy menstrual bleeding” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: “Exercise for dysmenorrhoea” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: “Efficacy of Oral Ginger (Zingiber officianle) for Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research....

You may experience calf pain after your leg cast has been removed. This pain can be caused by muscle tightness, arthritic changes or decreased circulation. There are simple exercises and activities that you can do to decrease your pain. Ankle Exercises Your calf muscle is responsible for the majority of the movements of your ankle, so moving your ankle can release tightness and the acid that builds up in your muscle when it is restricted by a cast....

references The Permanente Journal: “Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets” The key to sticking to a healthy plant-based diet is being prepared with the right ingredients and recipes. Image Credit: franz12/iStock/GettyImages Our Breakfast Meal Prep series streamlines mornings by giving you the shopping lists and recipes you need to prep easy, nutritious breakfasts for the whole week. Image Credit: franz12/iStock/GettyImages Our Breakfast Meal Prep series streamlines mornings by giving you the shopping lists and recipes you need to prep easy, nutritious breakfasts for the whole week....

Half of American adults take some type of supplement. Image Credit: milosducati/iStock/Getty Images Over half of the adults in the U.S. use at least one type of dietary supplement, the most common being multivitamins, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The term “supplements” encompasses a variety of products such as vitamins and minerals, herbs and enzymes. Taking the right supplements can be beneficial to your health, but they are not without risk....

Shoulder tendonitis can cause pain down your upper arm. Image Credit: Staras/iStock/Getty Images Your tendons are strong fibers that attach your muscles to your bones. Tendonitis occurs when one of your body’s many tendons becomes inflamed. The condition is generally caused by overuse and it usually occurs in a shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee or heel, because these are the most commonly and vigorously used parts of your body. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have tendonitis and before doing new exercises that affect your injured tendon....

Avoid dumbbell exercises while you have tennis elbow. Image Credit: triocean/iStock/GettyImages If the tendons on the outside of your elbow hurt, you might have lateral epicondylitis — aka tennis elbow. Although this can result from tennis, you can also get tennis elbow from lifting weights with poor technique, or almost any repetitive movement that involves grabbing or twisting the wrist. Advertisement What Is Tennis Elbow? As the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) explains, tennis elbow is irritation or even small tears of the tendons along the outside of your upper arm, near the elbow....

Testosterone and weight loss in women are linked. Although testosterone is the male sex hormone, it is vital for good health in women, too. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, in excess can cause health problems. There are a few natural ways, however, to increase your testosterone levels. Testosterone Testosterone is a steroidal hormone produced in humans and animals. It is predominantly the male sex hormone yet is present in women, too....

references Arbys.com/ AuBonPain.com 1 of 14 Overview Is that a coffee or dessert? Some of these popular coffee drinks are so padded with fat and calories, it's hard to tell. LIVESTRONG.COM's annual list of the worst coffee drinks takes a look at the amount of calories per ounce in a drink. This year, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf makes the list with its Ice Blended drinks. Surprisingly, the most caloric drink at Starbucks is not its famously fattening Frappucino but rather its White Chocolate Mocha served hot....

references American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: "Can I sleep on my back when I'm pregnant?" Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. The best lumbar support pillows are generally lightweight, easy to put in place and adjustable. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative How We Chose Best Overall Best for Sitting at a Desk Best for Sleeping Best for Flying Best for the Car Best During Pregnancy What to Look For Easy to use Lightweight Portable...

The best mattresses for insomnia include features that enhance your comfort level and keep your temperature under control. Image Credit: Daly and Newton/OJO Images/GettyImages In This Article How We Chose Best Overall Best on a Budget Best Splurge Best for Stomach and Side Sleepers Best for Back Sleepers Best Foam Best Smart Mattress What to Know Before Buying It's no secret that all adults should be aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep each night....

Magnesium citrate can be helpful to alleviate constipation. Image Credit: apugach/iStock/GettyImages If you find yourself backed up and experiencing the symptoms of constipation, magnesium citrate pills may help relieve your discomfort. Magnesium citrate has other benefits beyond its laxative effect, so knowing how to take it and the possible side effects may help decide if it’s right for you. Advertisement Magnesium Citrate Benefits Magnesium citrate is made from the salt of magnesium and citric acid....

Sitting on the floor can improve your strength, mobility and overall health. Image Credit: Vesnaandjic/E+/GettyImages When you have the choice of a comfy couch or cozy recliner chair, odds are you’re not thinking about popping a squat on a hard floor. But, believe it or not, the simple act of sitting on the ground can help you live longer and stronger. Advertisement Indeed, July 2014 research in the ​European Journal of Preventive Cardiology​ found that the ability to get up from the floor is a significant predictor of longevity in people ages 51 to 80....

You can still have nice abs even if you suffer from neck pain. Image Credit: PeopleImages/E+/GettyImages Having a bad neck doesn’t have to mean you can’t ever have a six-pack. Depending on the injury, there are still many abdominal exercises you can do that won’t cause any further trauma to your neck area. Core strength is key in preventing neck pain, says Harvard Health Publishing. Just remember that, as it is with all abdominal exercises, it is very important that you keep your abs contracted and control each and every movement....

Exercise can help boost cognitive function and protect your brain from age-related memory loss. Image Credit: Lane Oatey / Blue Jean Images/blue jean images/GettyImages Having a regular exercise routine plays a big role in healthy aging, reducing your risk of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease later in life. Advertisement But what you might not realize is that every time you lace up your running shoes or fire up your spin bike, you're also protecting your brain from age-related memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia....

The right running pants can keep you running comfortably. The best running pants can help you run comfortably in all types of weather. A variety of designs offer characteristics that do everything from keeping your muscles warm and dry to compressing your lower body. Running pants can also be stylish and fun, with a wide range of colors and styles to select from. Advertisement Material When shopping for running pants, it’s important to choose pants with some synthetic material, as 100-percent cotton pants hold moisture, keeping sweat close to your body....