Give up smoking and you’ll feel better, reduce your health risks and save money.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Jessica Simpson since she signed up as the poster girl for Weight Watchers, but the star says she has never been more proud of the way she looks.

Strengthen the ties that keep us together – and have fun!

Set realistic resolutions and you’ll see effective results.

Don’t let your kids get the better of you this christmas.

If there’s one snack food you should be eating at all those Christmas events, it’s nuts. They’re high in calories so that means you need to munch them in moderation, but it’s a good idea to include them in your diet. New research has shown that people who regularly snack on peanuts, Brazil nuts and […]

It may not be on their Christmas wish list, but this year many women will find they get something unexpected – pregnant. A British survey has found that as many as half of all women of child-bearing age put themselves at risk of having an unplanned pregnancy over the festive season. The study found that […]

Make time for yourself to relieve the festive tension.

40 is when you’re more likely to suffer.

Here’s a good reason to catch up with your mates over Christmas and New Year: Certain parts of the brain are bigger and work better in people who have lots of friends. And the more sociable you are, the bigger the boost to your brain. This finding comes from Oxford University scientists, who asked volunteers […]

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea.

Some types of food can be especially good to eat if you’re feeling on edge.

There may be more to your child’s rage than you think.

That overwhelming feeling of being exhausted when you’ve been on a long-haul flight is due to your body clock getting out of sync, because you’ve travelled across several time zones. Jet lag appears to be worse when you go from west to east. Some ways of avoiding jet lag, or at least reducing the effects, […]

Soft drinks may be bad for our brains. A study at Sydney’s Macquarie University found long-term consumption altered hundreds of proteins in the brain. Similar changes have been seen in cancer and Alzheimer’s patients. Because fizzy drinks alter the chemistry of the brain, they should be consumed in moderation, say the researchers.

Don’t confuse thirst with hunger. Drink a glass of water when you feel hungry to see if fluids are what you’re really craving.

Spinal pain may be common, but it’s also easily prevented.

It really is possible to die of a broken heart. A study carried out by Harvard University has found that when your spouse dies, you have a 66% increased chance of dying yourself in the next three months. One theory is that people with a sick partner stop looking after their own health, and also […]

There’s a reason we all looked so good during our nightclubbing days and have probably never seen a fat drummer – the latest US fitness craze, Pound, has figured out the benefit of drumming and cardio dance and combined it into a 45-minute fun, fat-burning workout.

If your partner’s snoring drives you mad, you may want to consider hiding the salt shaker. A study currently underway in Brazil suggests a low-salt diet could help to tackle snoring. Researchers are testing the theory that eating lots of salt contributes to the condition sleep apnoea, which is one of the main causes of […]

Eating disorders among teenage boys are on the rise.

Incontinence is no laughing matter, especially when laughing makes you wet yourself. Sneezing, coughing and jumping can also lead to urine leakage, which makes life very difficult for many women. Stress urinary incontinence is very common, and happens when the pelvic muscles supporting the bladder have been damaged or weakened, often because of childbirth, gynaecological […]

The latest gadgets may make life easier, but they can also damage your health.

Women who look young for their age are more likely to live longer than those who look older than their years.

If you’re eating at a buffet, fill up on salad first. Recent research shows that people who start with healthy foods, eat 31% less than those who head straight for the starchy, deep-fried, calorie-laden offerings.

Swap your daily coffee for a herbal tea full of natural health benefits.

Wait until morning tea to knock back your first drink of the day.

There’s more evidence that regularly brushing your teeth may help protect against heart attacks. Scientists at Columbia University in New York have found brushing and flossing helps to stop 700 types of bacteria entering the bloodstream via your mouth. This bacteria can cause hardening of the arteries.

Breastfeeding mums need to be vigilant about what they eat.

H... is for Hives.

Could your baby have an allergy? Some breastfed babies can have allergic or sensitive reactions to foods their mum consumes. Signs of a possible reaction include: • Consistent spitting up or vomiting. • Apparent tummy pain (pulling their knees up, constant screaming and gas). • Blood or mucus in the stools. • Unusually hard stools. […]

Being subjected to constant noise can be enough to drive you mad, even if it is not loud enough to damage your hearing. But it’s not just annoying – it can also be bad for your health. A review published in The Lancet has found that noise can be associated with several illnesses, including heart […]

Taking a walk outside can be better for you than a cup of coffee. A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found fresh air gives people a greater sense of vitality and also makes them more resilient to physical illnesses. An author of the study, Richard Ryan, says, “One of the pathways […]

Get a routine of planing meals ahead of time.

If getting some shuteye is becoming a challenge, take a few tips from deep sleepers.

Tip of the week

Not all tomato plants are created equal - upside down is the way forward.

Five spider facts.

Tobacco effects much more than just your lungs.

Save 85 calories.

The onset of perimenopause can deliver some surprising symptoms.

Walking vigorously could be the answer to slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s later in life. Researchers have discovered a natural chemical produced by the body during exercise that helps to keep neurons in the brain healthy. This protein, which is released into the bloodstream during muscular exertion, has an impact on the part […]

Liquorice may hold the key to beating potentially deadly skin cancer. Research carried out at the University of Minnesota in the US has found that the root of the liquorice plant contains a compound that can slow down the growth of melanoma cells. Scientists are now working to develop it into a new drug that […]

Fibroids can cause major complications, so see your doctor ASAP.

Try not to reward yourself with treats.

Improving your wellbeing starts with a few easy steps.

Symptom alert.

It's thought about 130,000 Kiwi woman and girls have this condition.

Down size your dinner plates.

When it comes to being healthy, we tend to think of joining gyms, quick fixes or buying expensive fitness equipment. But there's one thing we tend to overlook…well, two actually. Our feet.

A natural cure for corns.

Aloe Vera is packed full of nutrients that have all sorts of health benefits.

For years we've been told to eat our 5+ a day of fruit and vege, but now the bar has moved.

Move around whenever you can. Studies show people who fidget a lot tend to be skinnier than people who sit for long periods. at work, walk to a colleague’s desk instead of emailing. at home, walk around during tv ads.

This is especially common in people over 50.

A swig of sea water may benefit you.

Try grabbing a skipping rope every time your'e craving a sweet or fatty snack.

Notice cancer warning signs before it's to late.

Eat more slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that it is full, and if you eat quickly, you’ll consume more than you would if you slowed down. Put your knife and fork down between each bite, chew your food and wait five seconds after finishing one […]

This skin condition is common and also potentially serious.

How to get arms like Minnie Drivers.

Keeping active for just 38 minutes a day can reduce the risk of cancer in the womb by half!

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of bone spurs

I came across this recipe in an old Weekly hints book.

Don't ignore the warning signs of osteoporosis

Keep a diary of everything you eat and drink. Research shows that people who write down what they consume while trying to shed kilos, lose twice as much weight as those who don’t keep notes.

US scientists have developed a video game to help rejuvenate the brains of the eldery

This is a type of hair loss that occurs when your immune system attacks hair follicules

Eat protein with every meal. It keeps you feeling fuller for longer and helps to preserve muscle mass, which burns fat. Good sources include fish, chicken and lean red meat, or – if you’re vegetarian – nuts, yoghurt, cheese, avocado and eggs.

A kiwi designer had developed a new type of cast for broken limbs

Can you curb your candy cravings?

Is there a sleepwalker in your family? Here's what you need to know.

The damaging effects of being bullied as a child last long into adulthood.

Anaemia in woman can lead to a lack of sex drive

Discover the health benefits of using your spice rack. Ginger is a well-known nausea remedy. A review from the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that evidence for its use in pregnancy nausea and vomiting is “encouraging”.Ginger may also relieve nausea after an operation or chemotherapy. Try chewing fresh ginger or taking a ginger capsule to escape the worst of […]

Exercise may cut breast cancer risk. In a 16-week study, half of a group did no exercise, while half exercised for 30 minutes five times a week. Those who exercised, had lower levels of oestrogen linked to cancer.

Heading for bed when you have a bad back may be the worst thing to do.

High blood pressure? Try gazpacho soup. Scientists from the University of Barcelona say the cold tomato soup dish is rich in antioxidants, which could help relax blood vessels and reduce hypertension. In a study involving 4000 adults with high blood pressure, those who regularly consumed the soup had lower blood pressure than those who did […]

Don't go against the grain - embrace this misunderstood food group

There are parts of your body you've never heard of, named after people you didn't know excisted

Encourage daughters to take up as a team sport.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a disorder that causes acid reflux and heartburn. Men tend to ignore indigestion, putting up with it or taking over-the-counter antacids. If it is persistent, they should see a doctor as it could be due to GERD. This can lead to serious complications like ulcers, bleeding from the oesophagus and cancer, […]

Don't ignore your restless legs.

While everyone should be doing their best to prevent skin cancer, men often need reminding to be sun smart. A study  by the Sun Protection Advisory Council found men tend to spend more time in the sun than women, but are less likely to use sunscreen. In 2009, melanoma was the leading cancer in Kiwi […]

People in the medical profession need to dress tidy to inspire patient confidence.

Why does pinching your nose stop a sneeze?

Men are twice as likely as women to have sleep apnoea, a disorder that causes you to stop breathing while you’re asleep. It is linked to several worrying problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, adult asthma, acid reflux and fatigue due to sleep disruption. Ways to avoid it: • Stay a healthy weight. […]

Mothers who breastfeed have a two-thirds lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

A daily dip in the ocean is great for your health.

While this affects both sexes, men are more likely to experience lower back pain than woman.

Teeth and gum disease could be linked to Alzheimer's say scientists.

Protein is important for growth and repair of bones and other tissue at all stages of life.

Discover the real reason behind a dry mouth.

Some people find a good way to consume more vegetables is to adopt Meatless Monday

Kawakawa is good for healing skin sores.

Take steps to protect yourself and your family.

When your cycle alters, it pays to understand why

The morning pick-me-up that helps in more ways than one.

Combat common ailments with these nutritious foods.