Author: admin

Growing up, I was a nervous child with a few quirks. I was afraid of heights, and I never stepped on the cracks of floor tiles at the mall. I blinked too much. I was called “particular,” but then again, many children are. But sometime shortly after I turned 8, I suddenly had the urge to stretch my neck. Not just once—it was a regular, persistent sensation, and it would not go away until I gave in. For a visual, it was like I was a giraffe desperately reaching for the leaves at the top of a tree. And no…

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Neurosciences June 5, 2024 Every 34 seconds, a person in the U.S. dies from a cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. Together, heart disease and stroke account for more than 58% of cardiovascular disease deaths. Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute  Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (1:00) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: “Mayo Clinic News Network.” Read the script. Coronary artery disease, caused by a blockage of the blood vessels that supply the heart, and stroke, caused by damage to the blood vessels in the brain, carry many of the same risk factors. Understanding…

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When you’re feeling half-empty, how do you fill your cup? In Self-Care Survival Kit, SELF asks famous people to share the products and habits they turn to when they need a pick-me-up.Almost exactly a year ago, Padma Lakshmi announced that she would be stepping down as host of the hit competition series Top Chef, a role she held for over 17 years and 19 seasons—that’s approximately 300 “please pack your knives and go’s”. Longtime fans of the show (myself included) were sad to see her leave, but also, we got it: That’s a long time to have the same job,…

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Health & Wellness June 6, 2024 Your tonsils are oval-shaped pads of tissue in the back of your throat, one on each side. They work as part of your body’s immune system to filter bacteria and viruses. Tonsils also make white blood cells and antibodies to help fight infections. What are tonsil stones? Tonsil stones form from substances like food particles that become lodged in the crevices of your tonsils. People with large tonsils usually have irregularities on the surface, called crypts. When swallowing, food particles, saliva or mucus can get caught in the holes and become calcified and hard. Tonsil stones…

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With high grocery prices straining household budgets, shoppers are turning to warehouse chains in droves—and the numbers prove it. A recent report by Placer.ai found wholesale clubs generally outperforming popular superstores like Walmart and Target during the first four months of 2024. The retail analyst firm noted that visits to Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale increased by 8.9%, 6.1%, and 5.6% year-over-year, respectively. These are not your typical supermarkets: customers pay an annual membership fee to shop for goods in bulk. Oftentimes, these products are available at a better per-unit price than what you’d find at your local grocery store,…

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The journey of a cancer survivor often extends far beyond the triumphant ringing of a brass bell, signaling the end of treatment. Sonya Goins received treatment at Mayo Clinic for HER-2-positive breast cancer in 2020. Since sharing her story of survival with the Mayo Clinic News Network, a lot has changed in Sonya’s life. She became a Mayo Clinic employee, working in the Communications Department. She also continues to confront post-cancer health challenges, including being diagnosed with lymphedema.   Watch: Lymphedema: A little-known breast cancer side effect with lifelong impacts Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (2:39) is in the downloads at the…

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Firmness: Is the mattress soft enough to contour to the neck, shoulders, and hips, but firm enough to support the spine and keep it in alignment? (More on the best firmness for side sleepers below!)Pressure relief: Research connects sleeping on your side with pain in your shoulders and hips, because those areas dig into the mattress. We use a pressure-mapping mat to determine whether these sensitive body parts get enough cushion while you snooze.Materials: We literally cut them open to see what’s inside. Memory foam or hybrid (meaning, made from both foam and coils) mattresses are generally the best for…

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According to William G Allyn, Professor of Medical Optics in Rochester University, “More than 50 percent of the cortex, the surface of the brain, is devoted to processing visual information.“ Vision is such a dynamic element that involves an interplay of our brains.  It involves half of our cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain, to ensure our vision.  For those who can see images through their eyes, our brain works within an extraordinarily complex relationship to ensure we understand what we see and perceive readiness to move accordingly if need be.  Our minds are primed for visual content…

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Adopting healthier habits and making tweaks to your daily lifestyle can be challenging when you want to lose weight. This is especially true when dining out, attending social gatherings, and going on vacation. You want to enjoy yourself while making choices that won’t totally sabotage your progress. So, the next time you head to happy hour, we have you covered with the 10 best and worst types of alcohol for weight loss, according to a dietitian. “My best tip with clients when it comes to alcohol is to order one drink that you really want to enjoy when out to…

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In today’s modern workplace, the cultivation of a positive and engaging environment is paramount. The profound influence of gratitude can propel workplace engagement and success to new heights. I firmly believe that the power of peer recognition, a pivotal component of this approach, is instrumental in creating an overall culture of appreciation and mutual respect. When colleagues acknowledge each other’s efforts and contributions, it creates an environment where people feel genuinely valued. This recognition is essential, as it enhances motivation and reinforces a positive organizational culture. By encouraging an atmosphere where gratitude is openly expressed, organizations can cultivate a deeper…

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