CALIFORNIA HEALTH

  Supplements could be one part of your cholesterol management plan.       Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in every cell that is vital for your body to function properly. While some cholesterol is needed, high levels—particularly of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol—can have negative effects on your health.¹ If your cholesterol is too high, your healthcare provider may recommend medication or lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol levels.² But you may also be interested in cholesterol-lowering supplements that can help you reach your cholesterol goal. Why Would Cholesterol Need to Be Lowered? Your body can produce cholesterol all by itself, but it may also be in the foods you eat.¹ It is important to have your cholesterol in the right range for your best health. Cholesterol is needed to make hormones and vitamin D. But high levels of LDL cholesterol may cause the development of fatty deposits kno

    Age and other factors may influence a person's risk of developing breast cancer.   By Tessa Miller     Medically reviewed by   Doru Paul, MD     Breast cancer is a complex and often confusing disease. It isn't clear what causes normal cells to grow out of control and multiply.¹ Researchers do know that certain hormonal, genetic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors increase the likelihood of breast cancer. But it's also true that people with few or no risk factors still develop breast cancer, and people with many risk factors at play never develop breast cancer.² With that said, here's what we know about what causes breast cancer, plus risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing it. What Causes Breast Cancer? Simply put, breast cancer happens when breast cells grow abnormally. Researchers attribute these cell changes to a complicated interplay of genetic and environmental factors, though an individual breast

  Some allergies and hypersensitivities are not well known. Here's why they happen and how to manage them.       When you think of allergies, what comes to mind? Pollen, mold, or animal dander? Or peanuts? These substances are well-known allergens. (That means they can trigger an immune response in the body). A number of surprising or weird allergens, including red meat or coffee, can also provoke an allergic reaction. 1,2 In rare cases, some people's skin might be very sensitive to other factors, such as cold weather or their own sweat. 3,4 While these aren't true allergies (they're called hypersensitivities), certain people can develop a skin rash when exposed to these elements. Learn more about these uncommon allergies and hypersensitivities and how to avoid and treat them. Surprising Food Allergies In the U.S., about 4% of adults and 5% of children have food allergies. 5 When you have a food allergy, eating or being exposed to certain foo

  Why Your Self-Care Routine Should Include Healthcare Self-care has become a bit of a buzz phrase in recent years, evolving to encompass spa days, bubble baths and even ‘retail therapy’. In this evolution, its meaning has been diluted in mainstream portrayals, becoming more synonymous with self indulgence rather than truly caring for one’s well being. But let’s not forget about the definition of the phrase that is widely accepted throughout the medical world. The World Health Organization defines self-care as: “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health,

    Like many Americans, Michelle Obama found herself struggling with fear and self-doubt in 2020. Building community and embracing difference helped.   From the COVID-19 pandemic to political divisions, it’s easy to feel fearful or uncertain about the state of the world—even if you’re former first lady Michelle Obama.  “Fear can help you,” Obama told Health in a new interview. “It's an important emotion, but it can keep you stuck.” Obama has previously been candid about her mental health—in 2020, she opened up about experiencing “low-grade depression” during an episode of her eponymous podcast.  “These are not [...] fulfilling times, spiritually,” she said during the episode. “I know that I am dealing with some form of low-grade depression. Not just because of the quarantine, but because of the racial strife, and just seeing [the former Trump administration], watching the hypocrisy of it, day in and day out, is dispiriting.” Now, ahead of the release o

What to know about the COVID rapid tests you've had in your closet.       You wake up one morning feeling off—your throat feels scratchy, your face is a little hot, and you could spend at least eight more hours in bed. Nearly three years into the COVID pandemic, you know what to do: take an at-home test . You've had rapid tests stored in your closet for months, but now they're all past their expiration dates. But is it OK to use an expired COVID test—even one just slightly past its use-by date—in a pinch? “The short answer is no,” Ryan Relich, PhD , medical director of the division of clinical microbiology at Indiana University Health, told Health . But that answer depends on the true expiration date on the rapid test—and it may not be the one printed on the side of the box. Here's what to know about expiration dates on COVID rapid tests, and when you may be able to still use one that appears expired on the box.   Determining the True Expiration Date