Daily Health News Blog

Another reason to get the flu shot this year: It may prevent a heart attack. Heart attack rates rise about 30% during flu season, according to a recent Russian study. Don’t stop eating fish because of recent reports of tainted Chinese imports—the benefits still outweigh the risk overall. But do vary your selections. • If you have acne, avoiding high-glycemic carbohydrates may help. While the role of diet in acne is controversial, emerging research suggests that such foods, which are quickly broken down into sugar in the blood, raise insulin levels, which in turn may increase production of hormones implicated in acne. • Stretching regularly may make your muscles stronger, suggests a new study. Performing regular hamstring stretches (the muscle at the back of the thigh), not only improved flexibility and increased range of motion in young people, it also strengthened their leg muscles. And stronger leg muscles, in turn, can help prevent knee injuries. • It’s increasingly importa