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… 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 find out what causes your migraines. This can help …

… 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 … risks of misusing opioids, including the danger to a developing brain. Set clear expectations for your child about avoiding opioids and other drugs. And work to keep those channels of …

… 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 … new blood testing technique could help predict development of Alzheimer’s disease. They tested for a modified version of tau called ptau181 in blood plasma (the liquid part of blood). Levels … 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 … health and mental well-being. Have 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 …

… Pregnant women who 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 (or two and … 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. …

… health. Saliva tests can quickly detect certain infections, like HIV or COVID-19, 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 …

… of your body weight is water. All your cells need water to work. Water is also the base for all your different body fluids, including saliva, blood, urine, sweat, and joint fluid. No … 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 … explains. Tired people tend to be less productive at work. They’re at a much higher risk for traffic accidents. Lack of sleep also influences your mood, which can affect how you interact …

… of new opportunities to improve your health: plenty of fresh, local produce and more choices for outside activities. Here’s how to make the most of the summer months. “When the weather is … 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 …