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… Have you ever had a migraine? A migraine is a headache that causes a throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head. Migraines can be … stress, certain foods, and too much or too little sleep. Take control of your migraines with NIH’s new app called “Migraine Trainer.” Designed for teens 13 and older, the app can help you …

… child about the risks. You’ll also be better able to spot signs of a problem with opioids. NIH has developed a guide to help you begin the conversation. Opioids include medications like … the brain to the body. At the same time, they release large amounts of dopamine—a chemical in the brain that can make the user want to repeat the experience. Opioids are among the most …

… testing technique could help researchers detect Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms start or in its early stages. Alzheimer’s disease is an age-related brain disorder that develops over many years. Toxic changes in the brain slowly … group of volunteers who wish to enroll in studies,” says Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of NIH’s National Institute on Aging. …

… A growing number of Americans are rolling out their mats and engaging in the ancient practice of yoga. Yoga has spiritual origins. But in recent years, it has become a … you considered trying yoga? How can you know if it’s right for you? To help you find answers, NIH has created a new 40-page e-book called “Yoga for Health.” This free e-book gives an overview … disease, asthma, and more. When it’s done under the guidance of a qualified instructor, yoga is generally considered to be a safe form of physical activity for healthy people. But as with …

… have anxiety before childbirth are at increased risk for mental health concerns after the baby is born. Anxiety during pregnancy is more common in areas where mental health resources are scarce. A recent study showed that counseling given by … global shortage of trained mental health specialists,” says Dr. Joshua A. Gordon, director of NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health. “This study shows that non-specialists could help to …

… Getting enough physical activity is vital for your health at any age. Guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes … this question about older adults. They looked at data from more than 250,000 participants in a national survey. People answered questions about their participation in seven different … can do to improve their health is find an activity that they enjoy and can stick with,” says NIH researcher Dr. Eleanor Watts, who led the study. …

… Do you have a favorite food that makes your mouth water? The liquid that fills your mouth is called saliva. This remarkable fluid helps you digest food and stay healthy. Saliva, or spit, … with no need for needles to draw blood for testing. Saliva is made by several salivary glands in the mouth. It consists mostly of water (about 99%). It also contains over 1,000 different … we’re producing saliva all the time,” says Dr. Blake Warner, a dentist and researcher at NIH. “Saliva even plays a role in our ability to communicate. When we talk, our lips, tongue, and …

… About two-thirds of your body weight is water. All your cells need water to work. Water is also the base for all your different body … need to be given fluids intravenously—through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Recent NIH-funded research suggests that avoiding dehydration may not be the only reason to make sure … a heart researcher at NIH, has studied the long-term effects of not drinking enough water. In one study, her team found that middle-aged people who were not adequately hydrated were more …

… on our time—jobs, family, errands—not to mention finding some time to relax. To fit everything in, we often sacrifice sleep. But sleep affects both mental and physical health. It’s vital to … function, alertness and mood,” says Dr. Merrill Mitler, a sleep expert and neuroscientist at NIH. When you’re tired, you can’t function at your best. Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes and focus better. “The fact is, when we look at well-rested people, they’re operating at a different level than people trying …

… for outside activities. Here’s how to make the most of the summer months. “When the weather is nice, there are more opportunities for getting outdoors and having fun with your family and … day-to-day life,” says Dr. Susan Yanovski, co-director of the Office of Obesity Research at NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Summer is a great time for getting out and increasing activity, if done in a safe fashion,” agrees Dr. Marie A. Bernard, deputy director of NIH’s National Institute on …