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A new study suggests that people who have a certain helpful microbe, or probiotic, in their gut may be less likely to have harmful “staph” germs. Staph is short for, Staphylococcus aureus, . It’s a very common germ. Staph usually doesn’t cause problems. But it can cause boils, pneumonia, and other infections. Antibiotics usually cure staph infections. But some staph germs are resistant to treatment. These infections can be deadly. NIH-funded researchers have been studying whether probiotics can help prevent staph infections., Bacillus, bacteria are often found in probiotic products., Bacillus, are found on vegetables harvested from the ground. Researchers examined the bacteria in 200 stool samples from people who live in rural Thailand, where people are more likely to eat fresh vegetables. About half the samples contained, Bacillus, . Many of the people studied had staph. But no staph was found in any of the people with, Bacillus, . In laboratory tests, the researchers found that, Bacillus, makes specific substances that stop staph from thriving. When they gave mice a probiotic product that contained, Bacillus, , staph didn’t grow in the gut. “Probiotics frequently are recommended as dietary supplements to improve digestive health,” says Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “This is one of the first studies to describe precisely how they may work to provide health benefits.” However, more studies are needed to test whether a probiotic product with, Bacillus, could prevent the growth of staph in people.

More than two of every three adults carry excess weight. Overweight and obesity increase the risk of diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and other health problems. Communities across the country need help. Some black women have a high risk of being overweight. The “Sisters Together” program was developed by NIH and other experts, along with black women in the Boston area who volunteered to…

Have you ever had a bad mood you just couldn’t shake? Everyone feels grouchy or irritable some days. But a bad mood or major mood swings that go on too long may signal a bigger problem. The good news is that certain healthy habits can help you boost your mood. “Some people are more moody than other people. Normal mood actually varies from person to person,” explains Dr. Carlos Zarate, chief of…, Changing Moods, It’s not only temperament that affects how you feel each day. Daily habits that affect your ability to manage stress—like diet, exercise, sleep, or how much alcohol you drink—play an important role, too. “If you address those factors—have good diet, good exercise, good sleep-wake habits, regular activities, routines, and try to disconnect from work and other stressors—those do have beneficial…, Bouncing Back, “Mood is a normal part of life, and having emotions is a normal part of life,” Kovacs says. “Sometimes you feel more negative than other times. That’s not necessarily bad.” Kovacs studies the strategies people use to repair their mood when feeling down. Her team and others have shown that what you do when feeling down can boost your mood or spiral you into feeling worse. “One of the most common…, Keeping Track, Charting your moods can help you figure out what’s affecting how you feel. There are even apps that help. Dr. David C. Mohr, who studies technology-based mental health interventions at Northwestern University, has found that people want to do more than just track their moods using apps. They want to see how their activities and moods are related, to help them take action to feel better. “That…

Most of the time, multiple sclerosis, or MS, starts mildly, with unpredictable symptoms that can seem baffling. Without treatment, the disease can worsen to the point that you can’t write, speak, or walk. MS starts when the body’s [qtip:immune system|The system that protects your body from microscopic threats.] slowly attacks the fatty coating around nerves. Without an intact coating,…

When women experience pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, doctors can use ultrasound imaging to help find the cause. These scans often also find growths in the ovaries. The most common type, called a simple cyst, isn’t usually harmful. But because of concerns about ovarian cancer, doctors may monitor a cyst with imaging over many years. Some women even undergo surgery to determine whether a cyst…

Are you and your family getting enough exercise? Being active can help you improve your health and feel better. It can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Physical activity can boost your mood right away and help sharpen your focus. It can also reduce stress and help you sleep. The U.S. Department of Health and Human…

West Nile virus. Lyme disease. Zika. Dengue fever. Eye-catching headlines warn us about new diseases seemingly every year. But how much of a danger do these diseases really pose? What can you do to reduce the risk from new diseases in your community? Emerging diseases are caused by microbes, usually bacteria or viruses, that haven’t infected people before or that already infect people but have…, Changing the Disease Map, The modern world has changed how animals, insects, and people encounter each other, says Dr. Desiree LaBeaud, an NIH-funded emerging disease researcher at Stanford University. “Deforestation increases the chances that humans come in contact with forest-dwelling creatures and insects,” she explains. As people move further into undeveloped areas, they become more likely to encounter animals and…, Awareness Not Panic, On the surface, the numbers look alarming. Between 2004 and 2016, nine new diseases that are spread by mosquitoes and ticks were found in the U.S. The number of people exposed to these diseases is also rising. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a record number of tickborne-disease cases nationwide in 2017: almost 60,000. But new insect-borne diseases are…, Protect Yourself, Depending on where you travel, you may come into contact with diseases that are rare in the U.S. Before you travel, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. It will help keep you safe and healthy. It will also help make sure that you don’t bring any serious diseases home to your family, friends, and community. NIH is funding research into vaccines for several emerging diseases. One study has…

Have you had your cholesterol checked? Most adults should have a cholesterol test every 4 to 6 years. That’s because nearly 78 million American adults have high levels of the type of cholesterol that’s linked to heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to function properly. It travels through your bloodstream to reach the cells that need it. Your…

A new survey found an alarming rise in the number of American teens who tried vaping last year. The study suggests that vaping may be driving an increase in nicotine use for teens. In vaping, a battery powered device called an e-cigarette heats a liquid into a vapor that can be inhaled. The vapor may contain nicotine (the addictive drug in tobacco), flavoring, and other chemicals. E-cigarettes…

Good health means more than preventing and treating disease. It also means striving for well-being in all areas of your life. “Your Healthiest Self: Wellness Toolkits” provide simple ways to prevent disease and improve your relationships, emotional well-being, physical health, and surroundings. NIH has now released a Spanish version, “Su Versión Más Saludable: Herramientas de Bienestar.” Find out…