Women Who Run May Benefit From Extra Folic Acid

(HealthDay News) -- High-dose folic acid supplementation improved vascular function in young female runners who stopped menstruating (amenorrhea) because their caloric intake was lower than their energy output, researchers say. Read more

Insider Reveals How FDA Demolished “Safe” Mercury Levels

Dr. Jane Hightower explains the dubious history of safety standards concerning mercury levels. Current levels of "safe" mercury content are now based on this misleading data. Read more

Man Dies of Brain Inflammation Caused by Deer Tick Virus

(HealthDay News) -- In what scientists say might be the first case of its kind, a new report details the story of a 62-year-old man in New York state who died last year of meningoencephalitis, apparently after being bitten by a deer tick infected with deer tick virus. Read more

Music For Health?

I've heard that listening to Gregorian chants can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety and depression. Is this a myth or is there actually some truth behind it? Read more

Health Tip: Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy

(HealthDay News) -- While you're pregnant, all that extra weight can lead to significant back pain.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers these suggestions to help prevent or relieve that pain in your back:

• Avoid completely flat or high-heeled shoes; something in between with a low heel and supportive arch is best.
• Don't lift heavy objects by yourself.
• If you have to be on your feet for a long time, prop up one foot on a stepstool or stair.
• Sleep on a firm mattress or place a board between the mattress and box spring.
• Bend at your knees rather than at the waist.
• Place a small pillow behind your lower back when sitting in a chair, or use a chair with a lot of back support.
• Sleep on your side, and place pillows between your legs.
• Gently massage your lower back, or apply a heating pad or ice pack.