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Herbs, Tea, and Prayer Cards: Neighborhood Botánicas Play a Healing Role During COVID

When Gloria Arvizu was a young girl growing up in southern Arizona, she remembers her mother reaching for rue—an aromatic and medicinal herb—to soothe the pain from her occasional earache. At 72, Arvizu still believes in the healing power of the medicinal plants her mother and grandmother used throughout their lives. At her local botánica, she often finds something that can alleviate aminor cut or a tooth infection. “I have a lot of faith in herbs,” she tells Verywell....

Here are the 7 Most Important COVID Precautions to Take This Summer

Key TakeawaysThe BA.5 variant is causing a new wave of COVID-19 infections in the United States.Experts recommend taking extra precautions to avoid COVID this summer, whether you’re staying at home or planning to travel.Steps you can take to stay safe include keeping your hands clean, masking up, staying up to date on your vaccines and boosters, and asking guests or travel companions to test.COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in the United States and around the world....

Here's All the Free Stuff You Can Get With Your COVID Vaccine Card

As if the potential to gain protection from COVID-19 wasn’t enough to get you lining up for your shot, now businesses are offering their own incentives for vaccination. Two weeks ago, Krispy Kreme became the pioneer and made national news with their announcement of free doughnuts for an entire year. But now, all sorts of companies have begun offering everything from free rides to meals for those who are vaccinated.How COVID-19 Vaccination Cards WorkFor most of these offers, all you’ll need is your COVID-19 vaccine card handy as proof of your jab....

Here's How Lifting Restrictions on Gay and Bisexual Men Could Bolster Blood Supply

Key TakeawaysThe FDA proposed guidance to loosen restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men.A donor history questionnaire could identify people at high risk for having HIV, regardless of their sexuality or identity.The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated a national blood shortage. The proposed policy would allow anyone to donate blood—regardless of their gender and sexual identity—as long as they haven’t engaged in risky sexual behavior in the past three months....

Here's How Many Stairs You Should Climb a Day for a Healthy Heart

Key TakeawaysA new study found climbing more than five flights of stairs (or 50 stair steps) daily may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, heart attacks, and blood clots.Experts say stair climbing increases your heart rate, which in turn helps strengthen the heart muscle, lowers blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol.Other strategies to prevent heart disease include not smoking, limiting alcohol, and improving sleep. Key Takeaways A new study found climbing more than five flights of stairs (or 50 stair steps) daily may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, heart attacks, and blood clots....

Here's How Merck Is Making Their COVID Antiviral Drug Accessible Worldwide

Key TakeawaysThe United Kingdom authorized the first COVID-19 antiviral pill.The developers of the drug molnupiravir agreed to allow other drug manufacturers to produce the pill.The agreement helps increase accessibility to the drug in low- and middle-income countries. Key Takeaways The United Kingdom authorized the first COVID-19 antiviral pill.The developers of the drug molnupiravir agreed to allow other drug manufacturers to produce the pill.The agreement helps increase accessibility to the drug in low- and middle-income countries....

Here's How Much Medicare Recipients Will Save on 10 Common Drugs After Price Cuts

Key Takeaways After a series of negotiations with drugmakers, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) reached agreements that will save the Medicare program an estimated $6 billion.Medicare Part D enrollees, who pay a portion of the drug cost, would save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket expenses. The negotiated prices will take effect January 1, 2026. “For years, millions of Americans were forced to choose between paying for medications or putting food on the table, while Big Pharma blocked Medicare from being able to negotiate prices on behalf of seniors and people with disabilities....

Here's How Therapists Could Combat Vaccine Hesitancy

Key TakeawaysSome people continue to be hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.Experts say that mental health professionals, such as therapists, are in a unique position to help encourage more people to get the shot.Certain techniques that many therapists typically employ can be used to nudge people to get vaccinated. Key Takeaways Some people continue to be hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.Experts say that mental health professionals, such as therapists, are in a unique position to help encourage more people to get the shot....

Here's How to Create the Ultimate Beginner Walking Workout Plan

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCreate a Walking WorkoutOutdoor PlansIndoor PlansWalking as a WorkoutIntensify Your WalksTips to Enjoy Walking Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Create a Walking Workout Outdoor Plans Indoor Plans Walking as a Workout Intensify Your Walks Tips to Enjoy Walking Walking is a great workout—especially for beginners. It’s free and accessible, and it can help improve your heart health and lead to stronger muscles and bones....

Here's How to Do Sober October and Dry Challenges the Right Way

Key TakeawaysChallenges like “sober October” and “dry January,” when done safely, can motivate you to meet your goals of reducing and/or quitting alcohol and drugs altogether.However, dry challenges can also promote all-or-nothing thinking and lead to disappointment.Resources like online sober communities, addiction counselors, and mutual aid groups can also offer support. Key Takeaways Challenges like “sober October” and “dry January,” when done safely, can motivate you to meet your goals of reducing and/or quitting alcohol and drugs altogether....

Here's How to Get Rid of Blood Clots

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrescriptionsSurgeriesOver-the-Counter TherapiesFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Blood Clots GuideWhat Are Blood Clots? Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Prescriptions Surgeries Over-the-Counter Therapies Frequently Asked Questions Next in Blood Clots Guide There are three general categories of drugs that are commonly used topreventor treatblood clots(thrombosis): anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, and antiplatelet medications. Some of these (Pradaxa, Angiomax, ReoPro) may be unfamiliar, while others (warfarin, heparin, aspirin) are generally household names....

Here's How to Interpret Your Blood Pressure Chart

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBlood Pressure Chart for AdultsBlood Pressure Chart for KidsBlood Pressure StagesTaking Blood PressureWhen to Call Your Provider Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Blood Pressure Chart for Adults Blood Pressure Chart for Kids Blood Pressure Stages Taking Blood Pressure When to Call Your Provider Blood pressure measures the force pressed against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body....

Here's How to Plan For Your Seasonal Vaccinations This Fall

Key TakeawaysFlu and RSV vaccines will be available for certain groups starting this month.Timing matters. Flu shot protection wanes over the season, but RSV shot protection does not.Update COVID vaccines will be availability imminently pending CDC signoff. Key Takeaways Flu and RSV vaccines will be available for certain groups starting this month.Timing matters. Flu shot protection wanes over the season, but RSV shot protection does not.Update COVID vaccines will be availability imminently pending CDC signoff....