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Fruit flies can be a major nuisance. How can you help but be annoyed when they hover in swarms over fruits, around picnics, and in garbage? But before you give them a swat, take a moment to be thankful for the common fruit fly. These pests have given scientists surprising insights into how the human body works. Studying flies might seem unrelated to human health. After all, we don’t have wings,…, *Editor's note: This statement contained an error and was updated following publication.

Mental health problems affect millions of children in the U.S. Some studies have found that people with access to parks and other green spaces tend to have better moods and a lower risk of mental disorders. But few studies have looked at whether this is true in children.  Researchers studied more than 2,000 kids born between 2007 and 2013. The children came from nearly 200 counties across 41…

Spirituality and religion can help many patients and families cope with difficult diseases like cancer. Spirituality is related to the way you look at the world and how you make sense of your place in it. It can include faith, religion, beliefs, values, and reasons for being. The links between spirituality, religion, and health are not well understood. Yet, it often influences important decisions…

Did you know that taking medications and dietary supplements at the same time can be harmful? It’s important to tell your health care providers about all the drugs and supplements you take. Learn how to avoid problems at this website. You can also test your knowledge about how medications and supplements may interact.

All kids feel stressed from time to time. They may worry about friends, homework, or a big test. Stress is normal. But some kids go through extremely stressful or traumatic situations. These can lead to physical and mental health conditions later in life. Scientists are studying the long-term consequences of early life difficulties. And they’re looking for ways to protect kids from the health…, Stress and Adversity, Many people experience extremely stressful or traumatic situations as children. These are referred to as adverse childhood experiences. Studies estimate about 2 out of 3 adults have had one such experience. And nearly 1 out of 6 adults report four or more. Children who’ve had four or more adverse experiences are at higher risk for chronic health conditions as an adult. These include heart disease…, Protective Relationships, “One of the most important positive childhood experiences is having an adult who cares about you,” says Dr. Caitlin Canfield, a child development researcher at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “Someone who can help you through stressful situations, or even just through regular life. That could be a parent. But it could be a teacher, a coach, or any adult in a child’s life.” Adults who can model…

Blood vessels wind all throughout your body. They ensure that blood, and the oxygen it carries, reaches all your body’s cells and tissues. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to organs and tissues. Veins carry blood back to your heart to pick up more oxygen. And tiny vessels called capillaries connect the arteries to the veins. But sometimes, the blood vessels don’t grow quite right…

Visiting family this summer? Use the time to share key health information. Get tips for encouraging discussions about the importance of kidney health. Learn about the links between diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. And get ideas for connecting with loved ones to inspire healthy behaviors.

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among men. Scientists have developed a urine test that could help some men avoid unnecessary biopsies. Screening for prostate cancer usually involves a blood test. The test measures levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA). High PSA levels may require more tests, such as a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing small samples from…

As we get older, it’s important to plan for future decisions about medical care. And it’s a good idea to discuss those decisions with loved ones. This is called advance care planning. Advance care planning includes preparing documents like a living will. This tells doctors how you want to be treated if you can’t make your own decisions about emergency care.  Research shows that you’re more likely…

When setting off for kindergarten or first grade, a child may feel prepared with a backpack loaded with crayons, pencils, and paper. But a good start in the classroom depends on more than just school supplies. Healthy hearing, vision, speech, and language are key to success at school. If a child has problems in these areas, the sooner they’re spotted, the better they can be treated. Sometimes…