A hand holds a paddle against a clear blue sky, preparing to hit a yellow pickleball. The scene suggests a bright and sunny day, with the pickleball clearly in motion. Stefania Pelfini la Waziya/Moment RF/Getty Images hide caption
Living Better
Science for a healthy lifeThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new recommendations for COVID vaccination that require a consultation with a health professional first. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
In autumn, our bodies sense the change in light as the dark winter months approach. Exposure to light during these months can help improve mood and energy. Khanh Bui/Getty Images hide caption
Starting light therapy in the fall can stave off the winter blues, experts say
Can using magnesium topically help with sleep? Medical experts are skeptical
People seeking this year's COVID booster shot may find it more difficult than the past. Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images hide caption
Influencers tout the benefits of creatine supplements. Is it healthy or all hype?
There's a growing consensus among researchers on how many daily steps are needed to improve health. Marco VDM/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption
What’s the deal with claims that birth control is dangerous?
There isn't a standard definition of ultra-processed foods, but all the foods pictured fit the bill. They contain added fat, sugar or salt, plus preservatives to extend their shelf-life. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images hide caption
Ultra-processed food consumption is down a bit, but still more than 50% of U.S. diet
Sports drinks and instant electrolyte powders have gotten popular for general wellness, not just for athletes. Vitaliy Krivchikov/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption
What’s the deal with electrolyte drinks — do you need them to stay hydrated?
A big new study finds that diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes can significantly enhance the health of aging brains. J Studios/Getty Images hide caption
Trying to keep your brain young? A big new study finds these lifestyle changes help
Today's food environment is saturated with ultra-processed food that is particularly harmful to some children. Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment RF/Getty Images hide caption
Some kids need more protection from ultra-processed food. Here's why
A new study shows people in countries with different obesity rates burn about the same number of calories. PCH-Vector/iStockphoto via Getty Images hide caption
A poll of parents last fall found 40% of teens consumed some type of protein supplement in the past year. Boys took it to bulk up; girls took it to replace meals. Huizeng Hu/Moment RF/Getty Images hide caption
Teens are trying to bulk up on protein supplements. What should parents watch for?
Protein has taken over the packaged-snack aisles at the grocery store. But do you need extra protein in your chips and muffins? winterling/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption
Even healthy brains slow down as they age. But there are ways to keep that thinker in tip-top shape. OsakaWayne Studios/Getty Images hide caption
Frank Frost found camaraderie and better health in a cycling group in the U.K. that his doctor recommended he try.
Frank Frost
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With social prescribing, hanging out, movement and arts are doctor's order
Seed oils, commonly called vegetable oils, are extracted from the seeds of plants. Beck Harlan/NPR hide caption
A continuous glucose monitor helps people track their blood sugar spikes and dips. filadendron/E+/Getty Images hide caption