Height is a complex trait; there is no single explanation for the differences determining height. Studies revealed that most of the variation is determined by both genetic and lifestyle factors.  [full story]

New Year's Day is fast approaching, a time when many Americans resolve to improve their lives. An online poll found at www.usa.gov reveals that of the top 10 resolutions people make for the new year, six of them are health-related. Not surprisingly, the most popular resolution among Americans is to lose weight. The remaining top 10 health-related resolutions found by the poll are: No. 5, get fit; No. 6, eat right; No. 8, drink less ... [full story]

The moves: Exercise band pulls in a "T" posture. Works on: Shoulder-blade stabilization; posterior deltoid and rotator cuff strength.   SHOULDER ON - Working to strengthen his posterior deltoids and rotator cuff, firefighter Jay Albrandt stretches an exercise band in front of his chest while squeezing his shoulder blades together. CNS Photo by Nadia Borowski Scott. Setup: Performed in a standing position. Choose an exercise band of minimal resistance. Place the arms at shoulder height and straight ... [full story]

  To keep your vocal mechanism working efficiently, it is important to develop healthy habits. Causes of problems may include infection, disease and vocal abuse. Speaking, whispering, voice rest, things to avoid, hydration, professional help …  [full story]

It's sad but true: Almost half of all U.S. adults fail to get enough exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight. And if they were to believe what they see on television, the answer is joining a gym or buying an exercise machine. But recent research out of Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., published in the Nov. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that a practical ... [full story]

It's the holiday season, the time of year when the flow of snacks seems to never end. It's also a good time to think about keeping the wraps on the amount of salty snacks we gobble during this festive time of year. The folks at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute want to remind us that there are many important steps we can take to maintain a healthy blood pressure. These steps include regular ... [full story]

The moves: Performing a side-lying abdominal crunch on an exercise ball.   IN SEARCH OF FAB ABS - To strengthen oblique abdominal muscles, firefighter Patricia Stone performs side crunches on a stability ball. CNS Photo by Nadia Borowski Scott. Works on: Oblique abdominals and lower back. Setup: Kneel on the ground with your right side next to a ball. Hug the ball between your right arm and your side, then lie down on the ball. Spread the ... [full story]

  The neuroscientific interest in music has increased with the advancement of brain imaging techniques that show the human brain at work. The research shows that music engages many areas of the brain. Auditory cortex, visual cortex, sensory cortex, motor cortex …  [full story]

LAS VEGAS – One type of over-the-counter product for topical wound care is more effective than others in killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, or MRSA, which is potentially deadly and in recent years has moved from its historic hospital setting to a much broader public concern. A new laboratory study indicates that many antibacterial products have some value, but a product made with benzethonium chloride kills common types of non-hospital – or “community associated” – ... [full story]

The moves: Performing hamstring curls in a bridge position with the feet on an exercise ball.   ADDRESSING THE HAMSTRING - - Firefighter Jeffrey Butkowski performed bridges with his legs and hips off the floor and his feet on a stability ball. CNS Photo by Nadia Borowski Scott. Works on: Hamstring and gluteal strength, abdominal control and trunk stabilization. Setup: Lie on your back on the ground with an exercise ball near your feet. Tighten the abdominals ... [full story]

  Staph is one of the most common causes of skin infections in the U.S. Many different straints of staph exist and many of these can be quite resistant to most antibiotics, making them difficult to treat.  [full story]

Here's one more reason why you should eat your broccoli. Or at least rub it on your body. A team of Johns Hopkins University scientists have found that a topical application of an extract of broccoli sprouts is highly effective against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.   VEGETABLE OIL FOR THE SUN - Researchers have found that a topical application of an extract of broccoli sprouts is highly effective against the damaging effects of ultraviolet ... [full story]

Your next medical visit could be as close as the neighborhood pharmacy - or even grocery store - as low-cost, walk-in retail clinics spring up across the country.   NEW CLINICS - Family nurse practitioners Martha Wolfson and Jeremy Trone stock a MinuteClinc in San Diego County. Retail clinics have expanded rapidly nationwide over the past year, filling a niche in a system that often struggles to provide timely, affordable health care. CNS Photo by Scott ... [full story]