Healthy

Gardening offers more than a day in the sun

Millions of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate...

Fill up on healthy eating pointers

Diet and exercise are the key components of maintaining a healthy weight and protecting yourself against chronic disease. According to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, eating smart and being active have similar effects, including reducing risk for heart disease, high blood...

Healthy habits that could help women reduce their breast cancer risk

Cancer is a formidable disease that the World Health Organization reports is the leading cause of death worldwide. Figures vary, but organizations such as the WHO and the American Cancer Society estimate that around 9.5 million people die from cancer every year. No type of cancer causes more deaths...

Parents can help kids keep their weight in check

Obesity poses a significant threat to adults and children across the globe. Being overweight or obese is a particular concern for children because the extra pounds gained in childhood can follow them into adulthood, potentially leading to serious health issues down the road. According to the...

Healthy snacks for trick-or-treaters

Halloween is a festive day for children and adults alike. However, the abundance of candy and chocolate offered on and around Halloween can compromise diets designed to keep people healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity prevalence in the United States was 20.7...

Reap the many health benefits of a good laugh

Most people have heard the adage that "laughter is the best medicine." There are many indications that laughter can be beneficial to the mind and body, and that the perks of laughter and humor are far-reaching. Various professionals have studied the clinical benefits of laughter, including Dr. Lee...

How to make grilling healthier

Summer is synonymous with many things, including family vacations and relaxing days at the beach. For foodies, perhaps nothing evokes the spirit of summer more effectively than grilled foods. Grilling is a beloved tradition, but it's not necessarily the healthiest way to eat. Traditional backyard...

Backyard science: Is your soil healthy?

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Measuring the physical properties of soil Measuring the physical properties of your soil can give you a sense of how healthy your soil is. These measurements are informative, even if you only do them once. But they are also very useful...

Healthy and fun rainy day activities for kids

There are numerous reasons for children to spend time outdoors. Soaking up sunlight and fresh air can do everything from reduce stress to improve cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, not every day is tailor-made for spending time outdoors. When inclement weather threatens, some creative thinking...

Tips for keeping seedlings healthy

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu If seedlings are leaning toward a light source, reposition the seedlings or move the light closer to them. Start with clean materials One of the most common problems affecting seedlings is damping off. This problem is caused by a...