Category: health-letter

Deer tick nymphs are most active in the warmer spring and summer months. A tick bite can lead to Lyme disease or other illnesses.

Topical pain-relief products provide quick relief for sore muscles and joints, but they vary in effectiveness. People whose stomachs are sensitive to oral pain relief medications may prefer to use a cream or ointment.

The Health Letter reviews the major health news of the year, including health care reform, the H1N1 flu pandemic, a possible alternative to warfarin that has fewer side effects, and questions about the need for testing for certain cancers.

Both of my father’s sisters died of breast cancer years ago, one before menopause, the other just after. I have an 18-year-old daughter. I’ve been wondering if I should talk to her about getting tested for the breast cancer gene. I’m the dad.

Exercise that does not result in weight loss is probably just as beneficial to the body in other ways.

Dr. Walter Willett, the head of the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health, discusses nutrition-related questions and issues.

Whether mild or strenuous, a youg workout provides fitness benefits to almost anyone, even older people and those who have physical limitations.

Winter can be tough on the body, with increased rates of respiratory diseases and cardiac events, but cold weather also helps stimulate the body’s calorie-burning fat.

Chewing sugarless gum is a good way to neutralize the cavity-causing bacteria that live on teeth, but all sugarless gum is not created equal.

My husband was diagnosed with burning mouth syndrome. This seems to be a mystery syndrome. What can you tell us about it?