(StatePoint) It can be scary when a loved one is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD affects more than 15 million Americans and is responsible for one death every 4 minutes nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, experts say that with a solid understanding of the disease, you’ll be equipped to help your loved one control symptoms and breathe better.

(StatePoint) Gardening is not only a means for beautifying outdoor spaces and growing delicious foods. According to those who spend significant time in the yard, getting outside can also support your wellbeing.

(StatePoint) The supplement industry is booming, with more than four in five Americans taking vitamins or supplements, according to a recent Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association. Despite their popularity, the FDA doesn’t test the effectiveness, safety or quality of supplements or their ingredients.

(StatePoint) As college students head back to campus, important decisions about classes, dorms, and part-time jobs are made. At this time in their life, many women will also make important decisions about birth control.

(StatePoint) “I’m fine,” is a phrase Kelsey Voskamp, Colorado resident, used many times in her life while pushing through what she thought were just headaches. Like many others who are misdiagnosed or undertreated, Voskamp didn’t realize she experienced a neurological disease called migraine and didn’t know how to explain to her family, and even her doctor, how debilitating her migraine attacks were.

(StatePoint) Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can be contracted any time of year. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pneumococcal pneumonia causes 150,000 annual hospitalizations nationwide. It can even be life-threatening in serious cases.

(StatePoint) Since their first use in the mid-1800s in the form of hot air balloons, unmanned aerial vehicles have been used for security, photography, safety, and many other applications. Today, drones have a significant impact on the way we do business -- from warfare reconnaissance and real estate marketing, to filmmaking and inventory tracking.

(StatePoint) By 2030, almost a quarter of the American population will be over the age of 65, up from 16% in 2020, creating a situation that’s going to drive greater demand and greater pressure on the care industry. In addition to a larger workforce and more financial resources, new technologies also have the potential to help solve the problems created by this seismic demographic shift.

(StatePoint) While you may already understand the importance of keeping medicines safely up and away from the reach of little ones, you may not be treating your vitamins and other supplements with as much care. Experts warn that these products also pose safety risks and should be kept up and away and out of sight and reach of young children.

(StatePoint) The last few years have put immense pressure on nurses to work longer, harder and with less staff. New research suggests that many nurses feel unseen, undervalued and unsupported, wondering if it’s worth it.

(StatePoint) More than 3 million Americans live with severe emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that makes breathing difficult. While there’s no cure, recent advances in treatments are helping some patients breathe better.

(StatePoint) While stopping the spread of COVID-19 is the goal, the reality is that every day, more people contract the disease. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of available treatment options.

(StatePoint) If you haven’t spent time considering what your healthcare needs will be in the years or even decades from now, you’re not alone.

(StatePoint) As summer nights shorten and the school year approaches, you may be looking for ways to reduce the stress and costs of back-to-school preparations and ease into a new routine.

(StatePoint) Did you know that everyone inhales nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) into their lungs as part of daily life? NTM is a group of over 200 types of bacteria. While most of these types of bacteria do not cause harm in humans, some do. The most common type of NTM lung disease is MAC or mycobacterium avium complex. Naturally found in soil and water, for most people the organisms do no harm. However, in a small number of vulnerable individuals, NTM can infect airways and lung tissue, leading to disease. As of 2012, more than 86,000 people are likely living with NTM lung disease nationwide.

(StatePoint) Kids’ feet grow and change quickly, which means you’ll likely be shoe shopping this back-to-school season. As you head to the store, consider these tips and insights from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

(StatePoint) Whether you’re camping, boating or doing yard work, these are all activities that need fuel. Advocates are reminding everyone to stay safe while pumping and using fuel during the warm weather months.

(StatePoint) It’s all-too-common for those embarking on a regular exercise routine to skip a planned workout for one reason or another. Here are some of the most common excuses that people make not to exercise, along with some solutions to overcome these challenges:

(StatePoint) Movement is an essential part of early childhood development. It encourages motor skills and helps kids grow to be healthy and strong. There are tons of fun ways to get little ones on the move! Here are some great activities, games and toys to try incorporating into children’s playtime:

(StatePoint) COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children under 5 years old, and the American Medical Association (AMA) is urging parents to get their children vaccinated.

(StatePoint) As many parents know, getting a little one to sleep through the night can be challenging and frustrating. The good news is there are steps you can take to help your child -- and the rest of the family for that matter -- get much needed sleep. Here’s what to know:

(StatePoint) In the last few years, more Americans have gotten hooked on the rich, mouth-watering flavors and bold spices of South Asian cuisine. In fact, research has shown an increase in searches for Indian cuisine, making it the second most searched for cuisine on Instagram.

(StatePoint) Mindful eating doesn’t have to be restrictive and you don’t have to give up your favorite foods.

(StatePoint) While everyone looks forward to summer road trips, travel can come with unexpected safety emergencies.

(StatePoint) While the summer season often signifies the start of hurricane season and wildfires, the rise in natural disasters has made preparedness a year-long process. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administation (NOAA) reported 2021 was the third-most active hurricane season on record, with 21 named storms. According to CoreLogic, about one in every 10 homes in the United States was impacted to some degree by natural disasters in 2021.

(StatePoint) Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for over 24 million Americans. While there’s no cure, there are steps you can take to help control it so you can lead a normal, healthy life.

(StatePoint) Older adults experiencing a behavioral health issue such as anxiety or depression may be embarrassed and think they simply need to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” but helping them seek help can empower them to live their best lives, according to experts.

(StatePoint) A new survey reveals that the mental health of American moms is going largely unattended, with many living under a near-constant state of stress and few seeking support to ease the burden.

(StatePoint) While summer fun often includes visits to the beach, lake or pool, not every child is offered the same opportunities to learn to swim or gain confidence in the water. In fact, Black children in the United States are nearly six times more likely to die from drowning than white kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(StatePoint) Over the last two years, the mental health crisis in the United States has gotten worse. A major reason for that is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has contributed to a rise in anxiety and depression among young people. But even before the pandemic, as many as one in six children in the United States between the ages of 6 and 17 had a treatable mental health disorder, a 2019 JAMA Pediatrics study found. For parents, it’s a stark reminder that mental health and support for children is crucial.

(StatePoint) Epidurals are used as a pain relief method by millions of American women during childbirth each year. While safe and effective in most cases -- each year, 2.4 million births involve epidural analgesia procedures out of 4 million annual births -- unintentional dural puncture affects 5%, causing complications for new mothers. Among those patients, 60–80% experience postpartum headaches, which can become severe, chronic and disabling, in some cases lasting months to years. Medical advancements however are promising to offer a safer and more comfortable and effective experience during labor and delivery.

(StatePoint) Being indoors makes it easy to pack on unwanted pounds and fall into less than healthy patterns. The warm weather months however are the perfect time to reset and take control of your health.

(StatePoint) Today, one-third of all U.S. homes are in what are known as wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones, regions in or adjacent to areas prone to wildland fires. As with many types of disasters, wildland fires are increasing in severity and frequency. This is because of the continuously changing climate. However, there are things we can do now to help protect properties, ensure the safety of residents, and strengthen local communities.

(StatePoint) New research is offering insights into how the world can recover and rebuild from the pandemic, along with how individuals and organizations can address issues they care about in their communities.

(StatePoint) Driving fatalities in the United States are at the highest point since 2008, yet new research reveals that many are unaware of the enhanced risk and are actively making choices that increase the danger on our roads.

(StatePoint) Since the start of the pandemic, Americans have been postponing routine care. With more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, medical experts are urging patients to return to routine health care and get caught up on delayed or foregone preventive health screenings.