Are Wood-Burning Stoves Safe for Your Health?

Wood-burning stoves can keep you warm and cozy but can be hazardous to your health if used improperly. Creosote is a gummy, foul-smelling residue that sticks to the inside of your chimney. It is produced when wood gases are not completely burned. Stefan Cristian Cioata / Getty Images The buildup can cause a chimney fire. These include benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The quality of the stove also contributes to its safety....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 157 words · Kenneth Flores

Are You a Mosquito Magnet? Here’s How to Make Yourself Less Prone to Mosquito Bites

Female mosquitoes bite humans and other animals to get a blood meal, which they need to produce eggs. These bloodsucking insects might select you as a hostfor many different reasons. Heres how mosquitoes choose their preyand how you could take a stab at avoid getting bitten. Jaromir / Getty Images While mosquitoes use visual cues to find their hosts, Buckner said they dont have super clear vision. For them, it is easier to pick up contrasting colors....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 248 words · Joseph Stout

Are You Allergic to Cilantro?

Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, may also be possible. Cilantro (the leaves of the coriander plant) is an annual herb in the familyApiaceae. Many people enjoy the herb’s slightly citrus tang, while others report that cilantro tastes like soap. Евгения Матвеец / Getty Images Disliking cilantro is likely due to a genetic variation and does not signal an allergy to coriander. / Getty Images Are You Allergic to Cilantro if It Tastes Like Soap?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 356 words · Edward Winters

Are You Allergic to Green Tea?

Although it is generally well-tolerated, it may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Allergic reactions can cause symptoms in the ears, nose, throat, and sinuses. It can also cause symptoms on the skin and the stomach lining. (Phethay Canthra Phun / EyeEm / Getty Images) Potential symptoms of an allergic reaction to green tea include: What Is Anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxisis a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. For this reason, it requires immediate emergency attention....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 273 words · Peter Griffin

Are You Allergic to Nickel?

Nickel allergies are lifelong. What Causes a Nickel Allergy Rash? Nickel is a silver-colored metal often mixed with other metals to make items. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health It is the most common cause of metal allergy. A nickel allergy can happen after your first exposure to nickel or after repeated or prolonged exposures. Symptoms include: Nickel allergies are not life-threatening and do not causeanaphylactic shock. How Is Nickel Allergy Diagnosed?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 245 words · John Davis

Are You Drinking Too Much Water? Here’s How to Tell

What Amount of Water Leads to Overhydration? When translated into liters and quarts, those numbers are 2.13 liters or about 2.253.25 quarts per day. Water needs vary by individual, though. Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty Images For example, children need less water than adults to stay hydrated. People with variouschronic health disordersmay also need to personalize their water intake. The amount of water thekidneysrelease should also be factored in when determining how much you need....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 347 words · Lori Jones

Are You Missing These Key Minerals? Study Links Deficiency to Cognitive Decline

Having enough calcium is key to building and maintaining strong bones. It is also a key nutrient for making bone and DNA. Participants then took two different tests to check theircognitive function. FreshSplash/Getty Images Those with normal magnesium levels and low calcium levels did not test as poorly. And, the researchers didnt account for other factors that could have contributed to cognitive decline. They adjusted for heart failure, but they didnt adjust fordiabetesin terms of calcium and magnesium, Tucker said....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 148 words · Cathy Romero

Are You Struggling to Cut Back on Alcohol? Try Damp January

Some people, like me, cannot control how much they drink no matter what they do. Tietz said she has seen amazing benefits both physically and mentally since giving up alcohol in 2019. The best benefit by far is improved self-worth, she said. Verywell / Zoe Hansen I deeply hated myself while I was drinking because I believed everything the stigma says. I thought if I could just be a stronger person, Id learn to moderate my drinking....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 118 words · Jason Weber

Argan Oil: Uses, Benefits, & More

Does research support its use for skin and heart health? Here’s what you should probably know about argan oil’s potential uses, benefits, and precautions. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted independent tester, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF.org. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Argan oil is marketed for many different cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. It’s also apolyunsaturatedoil, popular for cooking and consideredheart-healthy....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 455 words · Travis Cunningham

Arguments in Favor of Right-to-Die Legislation

Proponents of right-to-die legislation desire a legal remedy for doctors who assist their suffering patients in ending their lives. In addition, two waiting periods are required. Compare these arguments in favor of death with dignity and the right to die againstthe cons. Sean_Warren / Getty Images Pereira J.Legalizing euthanasia or assisted suicide: the illusion of safeguards and controls.Curr Oncol. 2011;18(2):e38-45. 2007;33(10):591-7. doi:10.1136/jme.2007.022335

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 62 words · Susan Grant

Arm Muscle Anatomy

Arm muscle anatomy refers to the location and function of the muscles of the arms. The arm muscles control movement at the elbow, forearm, wrist, and fingers. When affected by injury or neuromuscular disorders, everyday tasks that require hand and arm use can be challenging. The arm muscle groups consist of the upper arm and lower arm. The major muscles of the arm are the four upper arm muscles. They can be superficial (near the skin) or deep (underlying the superficial group)....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 271 words · Leslie Whitaker

Arm Numbness Causes and Treatment

Treatment for arm numbness depends on the underlying cause. Some causes, such as a vitamin B12 deficiency, can be treated with supplements and diet changes. Rest and over-the-counter pain relief can be used for a minor injury. wutwhanfoto / Getty Images When to Call 911 Arm numbness can be a sign of a head injury or stroke. See a healthcare provider right away if you experience a tingling sensation on one side of the body....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 439 words · Daniel Green

Armour Thyroid: What It Does and Who Shouldn't Take It

Some people prefer it because it provides both hormones directly, while synthetic medications likelevothyroxineonly provide T4. Healthcare providers may hesitate to prescribe Armour Thyroid due to potential inconsistencies in its potency. What Does Armour Thyroid Do? Apisit Sorin/EyeEm/Getty Images Armour Thyroid is a brand of natural desiccated thyroid (DTE) medication used to treat hypothyroidism. The hormones in Armour Thyroid help regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overallthyroid functionby balancing thyroid hormone levels....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 363 words · Alison Carlson