Wellness

There are many approaches and countless factors that make up a persons overall wellness. HowStuffWorks has extensive coverage on the different types of natural medicine such as DIY remedies and traditional Chinese medicine.

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"Be nice to your kids -- they'll choose your nursing home" is a popular phrase for bumper stickers. But nowadays, it's a question of whether they'll turn to a nursing home at all.

By Molly Edmonds

Most families eventually have to deal with a heart-wrenching question: How do you know when an aging relative needs more help than the family can provide? Here are five signs to look for.

By Tom Scheve

When we're looking for our dream home, we usually have a list of must-have features in mind. When it comes to long-term care options, however, we often don't know exactly what we're looking for.

By Molly Edmonds

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Living independently in your own home may be the most fundamental expression of personal freedom. None of us want to get to the point in life when we can't take care of ourselves. But eventually, most of us do.

By Tom Scheve

Have you ever seen a positive news story about nursing homes? Unless you live in a town that includes bingo results with the sports scores, it's unlikely. Why do nursing homes have an image problem?

By Molly Edmonds

Almost all diets involve eating less of something, and the range of food that come in for cutting in today's diets is staggering. In this article we cover low-fat diets. Learn more.

By Betsy Hornick

In less than 24 hours one single bacteria cell can multiply to more than 8 million -- and it only takes 10 bacteria cells to make you sick. Keep them at bay with five germ-fighting tips.

By Maria Trimarchi

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Ah, puberty -- perhaps the most awkward time in a boy's life, when hair sprouts in odd places, voices crack and acne makes its unwelcome appearance. What's going on inside the body of a pubescent boy?

By Tom Scheve

When bras and tampons replace a girl's childish playthings during puberty, it can be tough. Growing up isn't easy, especially when so much is it visible, from acne to a sudden growth spurt.

By Tom Scheve

So the kids are all gone and you finally have the house all to yourself. What to do with all that free time? And how can you make the transition with grace?

By Molly Edmonds

The last child's flown the nest and you, the parent, are free from unmade beds and teenage drama -- but also from sweet, sleepy faces and family dinners. Does an empty nest inspire relief or anxiety?

By Molly Edmonds

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If your breath might not be compared to a summer's day, don't fret. From soda to sinus infections, bad breath has many causes -- and many cures.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. & Laurie L. Dove

Is it a rite of passage or pure inconvenience? Women don't see their periods in the same way. But if you decide to trade in your tampon supply for birth control pills that suppress your period altogether, is it bad for you?

By Molly Edmonds

Caffeine effects include an increase in your heart rate and an increased level of alertness. Learn more about some of the different caffeine effects.

Would you jump off a bridge if all your friends did? What if your friends were all circumcising their sons? See if there's a medical reason for slicing off foreskin -- or if we're nurturing an outdated, barbaric practice.

By Tom Scheve

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People are buying probiotics in droves because they're supposed to have a lot of health benefits. But is that true or just hype?

By Molly Edmonds & Jesslyn Shields

Clementines are great for vitamin C. See how to select clementines and how to best use clementines in the kitchen.

Herbs are a wonderful, natural solution for treating many common illnesses. Learn more about the power of rosemary and see how you can incorporate more of it into your diet.

By Jackie Newgent

Have you ever tried holding your breath, drinking water upside down or any other bizarre method to get rid of the hiccups? Do any actually work?

By Meg Sparwath

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What's more uncomfortable than having a conversation with a close talker? Having a conversation with a close talker who's sorely in need of a breath mint. Bad breath happens to good people, but why?

By Cristen Conger

We all know exercise is good for us, but how much do we need in order to achieve maximum heart benefits? What makes 90 minutes of exercise per week the magic number?

By Julia Layton

Some of your physical ailments could be linked to plain old-fashioned stress. Headaches? Backaches? Diarrhea? The flu? Stress does more damage than you think.

By Charles W. Bryant

With alternative therapies becoming mainstream, it's important to know the benefits -- and dangers -- of stepping outside the traditional medicine arena. What are the pros and cons of expanding your heart-health regimen beyond prescriptions?

By Julia Layton

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An increasing number of grocery stores and restaurants are responding to the needs of the low-carb consumer. Find out what this low-carbing lifestyle is all about.

By Katherine Neer

Heart disease is one of the top causes of death in the United States. Do you know how to take care of your heart? Take a look at this gallery to see how to stay healthy.