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Starting at age 30, our bodies naturally start to lose muscle mass. We lose about 3–5% every 10 years. You might not notice the effects at first. But over time, the reduced muscle mass leads to decreased strength. After a while, it can lead to a condition called sarcopenia. “With aging, you start losing muscle mass, muscle strength, and have some limitations with your activities,” says Dr. Rosaly…

Researchers are developing ways to create an artificial sense of touch in bionic limbs. They hope this will help people control and “feel” robotic arms and hands. Experts have already developed ways to help people sense the intensity and location of a touch. In a new study, scientists aimed to replicate more complex experiences, such as edges and motion. The team tested their new system in two…

Anemia is the most common blood disorder in the U.S. It occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Anemia can leave you feeling tired, weak, dizzy, or short of breath. You may have headaches, pale skin, or cold hands and feet. But mild cases of anemia may not have symptoms. Anemia is…

Life can be stressful. If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it could affect your health. Learn to recognize what causes or triggers your stress. Uncover ways to tell the difference between stress and anxiety. Get tips for coping and find ways to get help if you’re struggling.

Nearly 1 in 4 youth between ages 18 and 25 regularly vape nicotine using e-cigarettes. Vaping puts youth at risk for nicotine addiction. It can also expose them to harmful chemicals. A new study showed that a smoking cessation drug may help youth quit vaping. A drug called varenicline is FDA-approved for smoking cessation in adults. It works by blocking some effects of nicotine in the brain. This…

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Obesity affects about 1 out of every 5 kids. Carrying too much body fat can affect almost every system in your body. It can contribute to many long-term health problems. These include heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. “Prevention and detection of childhood obesity is important because the longer you have it, the more at risk you are of developing related complications,” explains…, Starting Early, Researchers are studying interventions for childhood obesity as early as preconception and pregnancy, Osganian says. Studies have found that a mother’s weight, diet, and physical activity during pregnancy can affect a child’s risk of obesity. Scientists are trying to unravel how diet and exercise during pregnancy influence an infant’s weight, body fat, and [qtip:, metabolism, |Chemical changes in the body that create the energy and substances you need to grow, move, and stay healthy.]. Infants who have a high birth weight or gain weight too fast have an increased risk for childhood obesity. NIH research has also shown a link between obesity and a lack of sleep that begins as early as infancy. An NIH-funded program called INSIGHT tested ways to address these early risk…, Growing Healthy Habits, Obesity comes from taking in more energy, or calories, than your body uses. So it’s important for kids to choose both healthy foods and appropriate portion sizes. Getting enough physical activity helps their bodies use more of the calories they take in. “Parents can help prevent childhood obesity by focusing on their child’s diet, activity, and sleep within the home through the teenage years,”…, Getting Healthy Together, Diet and physical activity are both key for obesity treatment. Epstein’s work has shown that treating the whole family can have added benefits. His group has developed family-based behavioral interventions. These target both parent and child for healthy eating and more physical activity. They also include guidance for parents on modeling healthy behaviors and positive parenting tools. “The…

We all have trouble from time to time managing strong feelings or relationships. But for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), these are a constant struggle. They cause a lot of distress and can often lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Experts are trying to identify who’s at risk for developing BPD early in life, in the hopes of more effective treatment. “Historically,…

As the U.S. population ages, there’s growing interest in finding ways to protect our physical and mental health. A new study looked at how what we eat in midlife affects our health later on. An NIH-funded team analyzed data from more than 105,000 men and women. Participants were 30 to 75 years old at the start. None had a serious chronic disease, like diabetes or heart disease. Participants…

Medical ultrasound is a noninvasive technique. It uses sound waves to create images to assess or treat certain parts of the body. It’s often used as a diagnostic tool during pregnancy. It can help doctors evaluate fetal growth, heart rate, movements, and more. It can also be used to assess other body parts, such as the kidneys, pelvis, or thyroid. Ultrasound is generally considered safe when it’s…