States across the country will be changing their clocks forward on March 10 for daylight saving time. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages homeowners to use this as a reminder to change their home’s smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics raises numerous concerns for the environment and human health. As scientific studies document microplastics’ harmful effects, liability issues for businesses contributing to such pollution may arise.

A study by the American Institute of Stress found that more than half (55%) of Americans feel stress daily. Persistent stress can cause headaches, depression, insomnia, a weak immune system, fertility problems, and other mental and physical health issues. Given these side effects, you may be exploring ways to effectively manage your stress. One way to do so is with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), an eight-week course designed to improve daily mindfulness.

Workers in the United States are hesitant to use their paid sick leave, even when they are truly sick, according to a new study by HR software company BambooHR. In fact, 9 in 10 people worked while sick during the past year, while nearly half said they shouldn’t have.

In many parts of the United States, the risk of wildfires begins early spring and continues into the fall. Being prepared for fire activity is crucial if you live in a wildfire-prone area. Wildfires can be a serious threat to lives and property—and smoke pollution can affect your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wildfire smoke mostly consists of fine inhalable particles known as PM2.5, which is of greatest concern to public health.

In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, happiness is a goal for many. The American Psychological Association defines happiness as “an emotion of joy, gladness, satisfaction and well-being.” However, happiness is not an isolated concept; it’s complex and connected to your overall physical and mental health. By understanding and nurturing the link between your health and happiness, you can be on your way to an enriched and balanced life.

The winter months are notorious for bringing sickness. Influenza (flu) season begins in October and peaks between December and February. Colds are also more common during the season. Further adding to the mix of potential wintertime illnesses, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (or RSV) are swiftly circulating in the United States.

Virtual primary care—primary health care services delivered online or via phone—has increased in popularity as telemedicine has become more prominent. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, telemedicine allowed more people to access health care services remotely. Now, virtual primary care is an increasingly preferred means to receive health care without going to a physical doctor’s office.

Health experts warn of a “tripledemic” surge this winter as Americans face the threat of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu) and COVID-19. In the last couple of years, both the flu and COVID-19 have been prominent in the United States, but with the addition of RSV’s prevalence this year, there are new risks when catching any of these illnesses.

Sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being. There are generally considered to be four sleep stages—awake, light, deep and REM sleep. Deep sleep is the key repair and restorative stage of sleep, and it’s necessary to feel your best each day.

The largest and most visible organ of the body is the skin. Your skin helps protect you from harmful organisms and regulates body temperature. Healthy skin plays an important role in physical well-being and leads to better overall health, so it’s essential to pay attention to the signs your skin is giving you.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidelines to clinicians for when to prescribe opioids for pain. The CDC officials have stated that doctors, insurers, pharmacies and regulators have misapplied previous guidance.

While the holiday season and end-of-year parties can be full of festive fun, they can also be stressful and take a toll on your emotional well-being. Putting your emotional wellness on the backburner may cause mood changes and feelings of irritability, hopelessness and isolation.

Imposter syndrome affects millions of workers. From time to time, you may question your abilities and qualifications, but it may become a problem when this feeling escalates. Imposter syndrome is when you don’t think you belong or deserve your job. It can present in various ways, such as having insecurities about abilities, second-guessing decisions and being afraid of failure.

According to recent data compiled by online personal finance website ValuePenguin, U.S. workers making $26.22—the national average hourly earnings—must work 504 hours to cover a typical out-of-pocket hospital stay. The data revealed that the average hospital stay is 4.6 days, and it costs patients without insurance an average of $2,873 per day for inpatient and outpatient treatment.

According to a recent AARP and S&P Global study, 60% of women who juggle work and caregiving are providing more care now than pre-pandemic. But for anyone with caregiving responsibilities, balancing them with work can be a real challenge with no easy solutions. Work-life balance refers to a person equally prioritizing career demands with personal obligations.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced an outbreak of listeria in six states linked to contaminated deli meat and cheese. A total of 16 people have been infected, and 13 have been hospitalized. One fatality was reported in Maryland, along with a lost pregnancy. There are currently six states being affected, including New York, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, California and New Jersey.

Beginning in 2023, group health plans and health insurance issuers must make an internet-based price comparison tool available to participants, beneficiaries and enrollees. The purpose of this tool is to provide consumers with real-time estimates of their cost-sharing liability from different providers for covered items and services, including prescription drugs, so they can shop and compare prices before receiving care.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. For many, RSV is recoverable within a week, but RSV can be serious for some. Infants and older adults are at the highest risk for RSV complications.

On Nov. 15, 2022, Amazon launched Amazon Clinic, an online telehealth service. The service connects individuals with medical professionals through a secure, message-based portal. It’s currently available in 32 states, but Amazon plans to expand to additional states in the coming months.