An extra layer of fat won’t provide a cushion against pain – in fact, obese people are more sensitive to pressure pain than those who are not overweight, and they are equally susceptible to extremes of hot and cold.

A less strenuous form of exercise known as whole-body vibration (WBV) can mimic the muscle and bone health benefits of regular exercise in mice, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society’s journal Endocrinology.

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have reversed depression symptoms in mice by feeding them Lactobacillus, a probiotic bacteria found in live-cultures yogurt. Further, they have discovered a specific mechanism for how the bacteria affect mood, providing a direct link between the health of the gut microbiome and mental health.

  If your eyes feel like the Sahara desert or your vision seems blurrier than usual, don’t panic. It may just be seasonal dry eye.

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in many parts of world, killing many people every year. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease.

“Many of us will also be struggling with the addition of the unwanted pounds we’ve gained during the holidays” explains Meredith Urban, The Center for Metabolic Surgery and Weight-Loss Management, The Valley Hospital.