Weighing the Evidence on 6 Popular Diets

See what research shows and the experts say about Volumetrics, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and more.

To Cut Diabetes Heart Risks, Diet and Exercise May Beat Drugs

More than 1 in 10 American adults have diabetes, and many of them successfully keep their blood sugar levels under control with various medications. Unfortunately, these multibillion-dollar blockbuster drugs haven't proved to be so successful against the biggest cause of death related to diabetes: heart disease. Four new studies published in this week's New England Journal of Medicine bring nothing but disappointing news for diabetics who rely on drugs to lower their risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Don’t Get Short-Changed by Short-Term Plans

For the out-of-work or anyone else who is mulling short-term health insurance, it's clearly important to understand what's involved and to weigh all the alternatives. It can be an alluring alternative to COBRA, but watch out for pitfalls in the fine print.

Feeling Depressed or Anxious? Screen Online

You've been feeling particularly anxious, depressed, or irritable lately. How do you know if it's time to seek help? While not a substitute for diagnosis by a medical professional, a number of online questionnaires, including a new one discussed in a study published in the March-April issue of Annals of Family Medicine, can help you determine whether your symptoms are something to be concerned about.

5 Food Claims That Deserve a Double Take

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration warned 17 food companies that the marketing claims on some of their products weren't in line with government rules. Until it's all sorted out, there are plenty of food labels that are difficult to decipher, say dietitians and nutrition experts. Here are some claims that warrant a closer look before you buy.

From the Blogs

On Parenting »
Keeping Teens from Smoking: Lady Gaga, Please Stub It Out!

The FDA launches new ad and sales restrictions, but how about cutting down on celebrity smokers?

On Parenting »
Big Weight Problems Start Early: 6 Percent of Kids Are Extremely Obese

There’s growing evidence that being obese in childhood raises the risk of diseases in adulthood.

On Men »
The Big Risk in Just Living With Erectile Dysfunction

Recurring sexual problems in men can signal big heart problems ahead.

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