Health Conditions - Health Digest

Swimmer in cap and goggles cutting waves

Ruth Clark

The Two Activities That Can Actually Shrink Your Heart

Regular exercise reduces risk factors for heart disease and can cause the heart muscle to grow bigger. But certain activities can cause the heart to shrink.

Person in glasses shivering and holding their arms

Erin Marie

Here's What's Really Causing Your Cold Flashes

Cold flashes can occur due to environmental factors, as well as internal ones, such as hormonal changes. Your mental health can play a role as well.

Woman sitting in bed with head in her hands suffering from a headache

Ruth Clark

This Is What Really Causes Hormonal Headaches

Hormonal headaches and migraines can go beyond head pain. Symptoms can also include loss of appetite, fatigue, skin issues, and joint pain.

A young man pressing his hand to his chest

A. Sooter

The First Thing You Should Do When You Get Heartburn

We all want instant relief from painfully discomforting heartburn or acid reflux, so here's the first thing you should do when you get heartburn.

Ruth Clark

How To Tell The Difference Between A Pimple And A Cold Sore

Pimples and cold sores can pop up unexpectedly and may have you wondering which one it is. Here's how to tell the difference between them and treatment methods.

White-haired woman on couch holding lower back

Ruth Clark

Are Kidney Stones Genetic?

Factors such as diet, dehydration, and medications can increase your risk of forming kidney stones, but so can this inherited condition.

Kimberly Smith

What It Really Means To Have A 'Head Cold'

Common colds, sometimes referred to as "head colds," are caused primarily by the rhinovirus, but there are more than 200 different viruses that can cause one.

Woman lying on couch with hands over her face

Ruth Clark

This Is What Makes Chronic Migraines Different From Episodic Migraines

Migraines can be a seriously debilitating condition for many people. Migraines can be chronic or episodic, so know the differences to better treat them.

Kimberly Smith

Why You Should Avoid Alcohol If You Have Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you probably already know that everything you eat and drink affects your blood sugar levels. That includes drinks, such as alcohol.

Doctor listening to heart with stethoscope

Vincent Madrone

The Real Reason Doctors Measure Your Heart Rate

Chances are if you have ever had a medical check-up, including your annual physical exam, you've also had a doctor measure your heart rate. Here's why.

Meredith Cooper

Warning Signs Of Heart Disease You Should Never Ignore

Recognizing symptoms of heart disease can be a bit tricky. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a health care professional to get diagnosed.

Kimberly Smith

Here's How Long Your Cold Symptoms Might Last

The average adult can expect to catch about two or three common colds a year, but how long should these colds last, and when do they become cause for concern?

Catherine Caruso

Does Cold Weather Make Inflammation Worse?

Cold weather can be a welcome change for many. But for those who suffer from inflammatory conditions, like arthritis, it can mean increased pain and discomfort.

Ruth Clark

If You Have Cold Sweats, It Could Be A Sign Of Something Serious

While sweating is a natural and healthy body response, cold sweats may indicate a more serious health condition. Here are the causes and symptoms to look for.

Woman cringing with shoulder pain and soreness

Andra Picincu

Can Exercise Cause Inflammation?

Inflammation is usually associated with acute injuries, chronic stress, and certain diseases. But can exercise cause inflammation too?

A. Sooter

The Real Difference Between Migraines And Sinus Headaches

It should be hard to misdiagnose migraines, but a surprising number of people misidentify their migraines as sinus headaches. What is the difference?

Agnes Erickson

What Happens If A Kidney Infection Goes Untreated?

Our kidneys are often overlooked, but if you have a kidney infection, the last thing you want to do is overlook the signs or fail to get treatment.

Jocelyn Solis-Moreira

Common Illnesses That Could Be Confused For A Cold

Because many illnesses have similar symptoms, it's no wonder you find it confusing to diagnose a common cold. Avoid assumptions. Read on to get the facts.

Katherine Alexis Athanasiou

This Is What Really Happens When You Have A Herniated Disc

If you have continuous back pain that impacts your daily life, it may be a sign of a herniated disc. Here are the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Denise Porretto

What Actually Happens To Your Heart When You Don't Exercise

What happens to your body when you don't exercise? Literally at the heart of the matter is your heart, which is directly affected by a lack of aerobic activity.

Valerie Kalfrin

Cold Showers Vs Hot Showers: Which One Is Better For You?

For some of us, there's nothing better than turning up the steam in a hot shower, but some prefer cold showers. Which one is better for you?

Catherine Caruso

What Is Yellow Fever?

Many of us have heard of yellow fever but don't know what it is. Here's everything you need to know about this potentially life-threatening virus.

Woman wearing glasses and orange sweater holding her arms feeling cold

Erin Marie

What It Really Means When You Get Cold After Eating

Foods that you eat can make you colder or warmer ... and don't always create the effect you might expect!

Kimberly Smith

The Unexpected Effect Dark Chocolate Has On Your Heart

Dark chocolate can boost your mood, help with memory loss, regulate blood sugar, help stave off diabetes, promote healthy skin, and help prevent cancer.

Ruth Clark

Can Acupuncture Help With Migraines?

Migraines can be a debilitating and ongoing medical condition for many. Among the various treatment options available, is acupuncture worth considering?

Agnes Erickson

How Long Does It Take For Cold Symptoms To Show?

Once a virus enters your system, it goes through an incubation period. During this time, it is unlikely that symptoms will present themselves.

Ruth Clark

Do Cold Symptoms Show Up In Any Particular Order?

The common cold is exactly that - common, so you may be wondering: When a cold comes on, is there any sequence of symptoms to watch out for?