Health in a Heartbeat is a daily radio series that features two-minute segments providing consumer-health information and the latest news on medical research, patient-care breakthroughs and health-care industry trends.
Gainesville, Florida

You might want to avoid sitting down for this news. A recent study found that it isn't enough to be cardiovascularly fit. Sitting can apparently undo what we usually think...

Cockroaches don't get a lot of love. Scourge of humanity and seemingly impossible to eradicate, they and their forebearers have thrived for more than 300 million years. Many scientists are...

You probably don't think twice when grabbing your receipt after a grocery run, but research shows that slip of paper just might come with some hidden consequences. Most receipts aren't...

Whether before a workout or after you rack the dumbbells, consuming protein is an integral part of staying active and building muscle mass. A new study, however, suggests the harm...

The holidays bring cheer, color, food and so much more to many, but if you're not careful, they can also bring headaches – or worse – when it comes to...

It's a real pickle. New research shows that pickleball players are increasingly injuring their eyes, often seriously. Pickleball is called America's fastest-growing sport. All ages can play and have fun....

Thirty is the new 20. Forty is the new 30. Fifty is the new 40. And now, new research finds, many of us hit our mental and emotional peak around...

You're checking your inbox and ping! You've just been invited to a holiday party you have no interest in attending. Do you pretend to be sick? Fake an emergency? Or...

Envy the naked mole-rat. It isn't immortal, but not for lack of trying. To start, the species is remarkably resistant to cancer, with no documented case of the disease among...

Trying to predict the future is risky but — apparently — an irresistible urge. To that end, here are health trends that could come to fruition as we look ahead...

The list of things you'd expect to sneak past the brain's tightly guarded borders is short: oxygen, glucose and, with great effort, certain medications. But antibodies? Not a chance —...

For those who have trouble going gently into that good night, sleep aids like ear plugs, white noise machines and weighted blankets are well-known tools in any veteran insomniac's arsenal....

What if the end to your chronic knee pain was a treatment as easy as an X-ray? You might jump for joy — though perhaps you wouldn't jump, exactly. Korean...

You've seen it in sports, and likely experienced it yourself. Lingering tightness in your hamstrings is a nuisance. The cause of it, however, might surprise you. Tight hamstrings are not...

Some say gray hair is a crown of wisdom. Now, science suggests it might be a shield against cancer. The color of your hair comes from specialized pigment cells called...

If you brush and floss regularly, you might be smarter than you realize. Not only are these actions the building blocks of basic oral hygiene, but a recent study shows...

The list of things that make food irresistible to kids is just as short as it is troubling: color and sugar. According to new research published in the Journal of...

The battle against cognitive decline is increasingly aided by an array of helpful tips. Articles encourage us to do crossword puzzles, maintain social connections and be thoughtful about what we...

If you love those naughty high-carb foods that are high in sugar and bad for your heart, now you've got someone to blame. Ancient pre-humans. A recent study in the...

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic may be doing more than trimming waistlines. Early research shows they could also curb cravings for alcohol, opioids and nicotine. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1RAs,...

If you know you're heading into a stressful situation, keep a water bottle handy. Your level of hydration might influence just how tense you'll get. Remember, up to 78% of...

To those who have always wanted a cat but found themselves barred by sneezing, watery eyes or other sundry allergy symptoms: take heart. A solution is on the horizon. New...

Do you toss and turn night after night? While some of us can't help it, insomnia can wear away at you and your brain's health. A new study suggests chronic...

Do you get nervous when you go to the dentist? From the bright lamp spotlighting you to the fear of cavities, it's not unusual to have a little apprehension. One...

Your child's favorite plastic toy might be more than just a plaything — it could be a hidden health risk. Now a new study from researchers in New York reveals...

From the waterfall screensaver to the dripping office sink, plenty of things can affect your bladder — and make you realize you need to go. But have you ever felt...

Whether it's a cross-country trek to a national park or a regional trip across a single state, a road trip is an American tradition. Less tradition than torture is something...

Learning you have cancer can be shocking. Sensory overload follows. Fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, depression, helplessness and guilt can all be in the mix. Making that initial onslaught worse, a...

There is nothing better than catching up with a group of old friends. You know — those moments when everyone can escape from taking the kids to practice, forget about...

Mangoes are a sweet snack lauded by fruit lovers everywhere. But for those who might be missing out on the tropical treat to avoid spiking their blood sugar levels, there's...

Saturated fat, present in delectable dishes like cheeseburgers, fries and milkshakes, boasts an ever-increasing nutritional rap sheet. Notably, it can negatively impact your cholesterol and increase your risk for heart...

Perhaps it's time for yoga to undergo a little bit of a cooldown — especially the sweltering hot variety. If your goal is to improve your cardiovascular health, there are...

Here's a nutritional treat you don't have to go to the supermarket to buy. Just stroll through your yard. It's got six legs, hops and it's more challenging to catch...

Forget what you think you know about gout. Gout is a common form of arthritis that can cause sudden bouts of pain, strong enough to wake someone from a deep...

They were the inaugural American generation to start their morning with brightly colored breakfast cereal, or traipse to school with a Pop-Tart in hand. Generation X and ultraprocessed food grew...

The flu can easily knock you off your feet and into your bed for a week. In the early stages, when you oh-so-badly want to believe the congested, feverish specter...

Exercise. We all know it's important. We all know it offers benefits for both physical and mental health. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that American...

It's a routine we're all familiar with: Spring forward, fall back. Daylight saving time. Most people enjoy it a little more in the fall when they gain an extra hour....

As the days shorten and our yearning for caffeine increases, you might find yourself hoping some study or other will give you a hearty congratulations on your ability to cut...

What would you do if you could make yourself taller? Height has its perks. You might become a more formidable defender in your weekly pickup game. Or look a smidge...

What if your kid's Halloween candy was healthier and better for the environment? Swiss researchers may have made that fantasy more viable with their creation of “whole-fruit chocolate.” We all...

We all know sleep is important. But for bodybuilders and teens alike, it's something akin to a secret weapon for growth — literally. Deep, restful sleep triggers a surge of...

Humans have had their hands in the proverbial honey jar for millennia. There's just something about the sticky sweetness, wonderful golden color and rich flavor that keeps us coming back...

In recent years, science has inked a dotted line from the smoggy phenomenon of air pollution to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Now, new findings suggest the less-than-savory air...

About one in three Americans experiences excessive daytime sleepiness — that feeling of overwhelming drowsiness even after a full night's sleep. And while nodding off at your desk might feel...

High-concentration cannabis products, while often legal, may be riskier than they appear. A sweeping look at nearly 100 previous studies shows strong links between psychosis, schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder...

You've heard the saying “kill them with kindness.” Sadly, a modern version of that old saw might be “kill them with rudeness.” New research finds that workplace sass not only...

Even cockroaches need a good night's sleep to stay healthy, especially during pregnancy. We're talking specifically about Diploptera punctata [dih-PLOP-teh-ruh punk-ta-ta], an odd little species of roach that is similar...

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. For most people, they're virtually impossible to completely avoid. Whether it's a quick snack on the go or a convenient restaurant meal, ultra-processed foods are likely...

Do you love your pet? No need to answer … of course you do. You cherish your pup's greeting when returning from work. You appreciate the moments your cat shows...

Is your newborn getting all the nutrients needed to grow? If you rely on baby food, the answer might surprise you. According to research by the George Institute for Global...