Untested, unapproved compounded hormone prescriptions reach 26 to 33 million a year

The number of prescriptions for mostly unregulated compounded hormone therapy for women at menopause has reached an estimated 26 to 33 million a year. That approaches the 36 million prescriptions per year for well-regulated and tested FDA-approved hormone therapy, shows an analysis of the market compounded hormone therapy market.

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Immunotherapy breakthrough now approved as standard of care for advanced melanoma

A first-of-its-kind (anti-PD-1) immunotherapy was recently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as first-line treatment for metastatic melanoma—allowing greater access to this therapy for patients without having to previously receive other prior treatments.

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PTSD resources lacking for nonveterans

Researchers report that information and resources regarding effective therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder are not easily available for nonveterans, who can be affected by the condition after crimes, disasters, and accidents. They offer recommendations for improvement.

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Why epilepsy may account for more lost years of life than other brain disorders

People with epilepsy have a 27-fold greater risk of sudden death than people without the disorder. However, many of these deaths could be prevented through greater identification of epilepsy as a cause of death, and in educating the public more effectively about the disease's life-threatening dangers, according to a new opinion article.

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Four Things to Bring When You Visit Your Walk-In Clinic

Many people wonder what they will need when they visit a walk-in clinic. Here are four must-have items that are either necessary for receiving prompt medical care or preferable to have with you in order to make your visit run smoothly.

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The Top Three Reasons You Should Major in Sports Medicine

There are innumerable majors to pursue when you go to college. The field of sports medicine is often overlooked, but it provides surprising benefits.

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Why Women Have More Trouble Sleeping Than Men

Is Being "Emotionally Unavailable" Holding You Back?

At some point, we've all been hit with a "Get-Out-of-a-Date-Free" card. Maybe they're not looking for a relationship, they're too busy with work, or they're too deeply committed to their cats.

And then, of course, there's the dreaded cliché of being "emotionally unavailable" and unable to commit. Whether you've encountered someone with the issue or it's become part of your own romantic repertoire, read on to find out the causes, symptoms, and steps to counter the all-too-common excuse.

What It Means

So what does the root of all romantic-comedy evil actually mean? Basically, the term describes someone who's evasive, makes up excuses, or simply doesn't like to talk to about how they feel or their relationships. Other warning signs include flattery, control, anger, or arrogance, which all signal an aversion to intimacy.

Still, on the surface, emotionally unavailable people can appear to be very stable, says Elisabeth Mandel, LMFT, a relationship therapist based in Manhattan. "But if you can tell they are resisting changing emotional states, or they don’t have a lot of range, then there’s something threatening to them about emotions."

Although emotional unavailability is often depicted as someone whose life is falling apart (hello, Trainwreck), it is ultimately about control. "It's sort of a protection or defense from feeling hurt," says Megan Fleming, Ph.D., a sex and relationship therapist. Emotionally unavailable folks are fiercely independent: They may not feel like they need anyone.

To protect themselves from rejection, Fleming says these individuals retreat to their island of restricted emotions. But when someone cuts off half the spectrum of their emotional range, it comes at the cost of joy, excitement, and depth of connection in relationships.

Going Back to the Beginning

For starters, a bad breakup can cue a domino effect of emotional unavailability. "Most people don’t want to feel the pain, or the grief, of the loss of the relationship, and they want to jump into the next one," Fleming says. "It’s like when people lose a dog, and they want to go ahead and buy a new one."

After all, it's tempting to jump back on the horse (downloading dating apps is almost too easy, right?). Plus your friends are telling you to "get back out there." But while it sounds like a healthy idea, that strategy can seriously backfire. "A big mistake that people make after a breakup is to start to date as soon as they possibly can," says Rachel Sussman, LCSW, a relationship therapist.

The better plan: "Allow yourself to feel the pain so that you can actually grieve that loss, and then welcome something new," Sussman says. If you head into the dating world again with an open wound, it'll probably bleed through. And remember, it takes time to let it heal.

Family dynamics can also be the source of your problems. Say you grew up in an emotionally avoidant family, where the emphasis was less about being open with your feelings. Hitting the emotional brakes may come naturally to you, because you won't "have muscle memory for a deeper quality of attachment," Fleming says. Monkey see, monkey doesn't do a lot of sharing, as the case may be.

The Red Flags

The first step to recovery is seeing yourself honestly. Here are a few warning signs to look out for—in yourself or a partner.

You're Overly Critical

If your dating life feels like one long episode of Seinfeld—this one eats peas one at a time; that one's a low talker; he's way too close to his family—look out, Mandel says. If you're dismissing people for any (and every) tiny reason, you may just be finding excuses to not let the person get to know you.

But if you've instigated the last few breakups, don't freak out yet: The repetitive aspect is important, Fleming says. There's a difference between being independent and confident in what you want, and being afraid to need someone. If your breakups aren't following the same exact pattern, you might just not be in love. (Phew.)

You Keep Things (Really) Light

Coming back to the control aspect, trying to sway the emotional experience of the people you're with, however well-intended, can be a giveaway. If you're very focused on making the other person laugh all the time—as opposed to letting conversation flow in different directions—it may signal you're not comfortable with things getting a little more serious, Mandel says.

There's nothing wrong with some superficial topics (unless you only date philosophers), but someone who's reliably fixated on keeping things light 'n' easy may be unwilling, or unable, to commit.

You Blame Others

Denying any blame is usually the clincher for recognizing emotional unavailability, Mandel says. If someone can't admit their own limitations and always points the finger at other people, they may not be able to handle their own shortcomings and imperfections, instead pushing blame onto other people—and pushing those people out of the picture.

Your Action Plan

First things first: Remember that you don't always need to hold people at arm's length. But the solution isn't always true love's kiss (though finding someone you truly care about can help, Mandel says). It may just take time, but if you want to do something, here are a few tactics to try.

• Deepen relationships with friends and family. Consider these your training wheels for scarier territory: By using safe, stable relationships, there's less fear of rejection. And the more and more you practice letting people in, the more natural it will start to feel.
• Change your social scenery. If you're constantly at a bar surrounded by friends who complain about their partners, that might not be the healthiest environment for the long term. On the flip side, Mandel says that spending time with healthy couples can give you a more realistic idea of what a relationship can look like, and the benefits of letting someone in.
• Distract yourself. When all else fails, try distraction. Whether it's talking to a friend, writing, or coloring, expressing yourself in healthy ways is infinitely preferable to falling into the "I don't need anyone" trap, Fleming says.
• Face it head on. If you find yourself fixating on why no relationship ever works, try to put your finger on it—it can actually help, Sussman says. It’s usually a matter of a time, but working on yourself, either with a therapist or another professional, can help you figure out why past relationships went wrong, she says. "And once you do that work, you feel a lot better about yourself."

The Takeaway

Brief periods of emotional unavailability are very common, Fleming says, and can happen after a breakup disconnects your feelings from your actions, or if you've learned it from interacting with family members. If you feel like you're turning over every rock and still not finding happiness, it's not that your heart is flatlining—it's just that in trying to cut out sadness, you might be missing the dark that makes the light so much brighter.

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Antibiotic-infused implants designed to help faces heal

Researchers describe their test of antibiotic-infused block copolymers in their plastic spacers to protect craniofacial tissue from infection while healing.

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Researchers develop new method for looking into the lungs

For the first time, researchers have succeeded in producing 3-D images showing oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the lungs. The new method provides hope for better treatment of COPD and lung cancer.

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Microfluidic biochip for blood cell counts at the point-of-care

Microfluidic biochips are developed to perform blood cell counts using only a drop blood. The clinical trials of the biosensor show a high correlation with the standard hematology analyzer counts.

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Dietary cocoa flavanols improve blood vessel function in patients with kidney dysfunction

Individuals with failing kidneys are at increased risk of developing heart problems, and they're more likely to die from cardiovascular causes than from any other cause. Now investigators suggest that ingesting a drink rich in cocoa flavanols improved blood vessel function and reduced diastolic blood pressure in patients with kidney failure.

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The 40-Minute Total-Body Barre Workout

Before our first barre class, we wondered if those tiny movements on tiptoe would really benefit our body. But as soon as we stepped foot in the studio, we quickly realized just how crazy-hard those little pulses can be.

Here's the good news: There's no need to hit up (or pay for) an actual barre class to feel the burn. All you need is this 40-minute total-body barre workout from Grokker that you can do in your own living room. In this video, you'll follow instructor Paola Di Lanzo through a series of ballet-inspired moves, Pilates exercises, and functional training movements to strengthen muscles from head to toe.

You’ll need a few pieces of equipment—like light dumbbells, a resistance band, a small ball, and an exercise mat—so once you’ve gathered your supplies, just press play below to plie your way to a stronger body.

Interested in more short and effective home workouts? Find thousands more on Grokker, the one-stop online resource for wellness. Grokker sifts through thousands of videos on the web, constantly filtering and aggregating the best cooking, yoga, and fitness videos available so you don't have to.

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Mental health status prior to bladder cancer surgery can indicate risk of complications

A patient's mental health prior to surgery can influence postoperative outcomes. Removal of the bladder, or radical cystectomy (RC), is an effective treatment for locally advanced bladder cancer, but complications occur in as many as 66% of patients. In a new study, researchers found that patients whose self-assessment of mental health was low suffered more high grade complications in the 30 days following surgery than patients with higher self-assessments.

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Targeting frailty in pre-lung transplant patients might improve survival rates, patient outcomes

Frailty can affect people of all ages and demographics. Defined simply as 'an increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes,' frailty can affect a patient's chances of surviving a surgical procedure or needing a nursing home. A new study is among the first to show a definitive connection between frailty and survival after a lung transplant procedure.

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Prostate cancer discovery may make it easier to kill cancer cells

A newly discovered connection between two common prostate cancer treatments may soon make prostate cancer cells easier to destroy. Drugs that could capitalize on the discovery are already in the pipeline, report scientists.

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New generation of synthetic bone grafts created

A new type of synthetic bone graft has been developed, which boosts the body's own ability to regenerate bone tissue and could produce better outcomes for patients. The research found that the new type of graft called Inductigraft was able to guide bone tissue regeneration in as little as four weeks.

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How to Make Your Own Shampoo Using Beneficial Herbs for Your Hair

In this article, I will discuss herbs that can be infused and added to even basic cheap shampoo formulations to adjust for all hair types and colours. You can start out by making my basic shampoo formula.

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Handle with care: Car seats and newborns

In 2013, car accidents resulted in approximately 8,500 infants requiring hospitalization or emergency department visits and 135 infant deaths. When used properly, car seats can reduce the risk of infant death and injury by 71 percent. However, in a new study, researchers found that most families with newborns made at least one serious error in the use and installation of their car safety seat.

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Understanding Chiropractic Treatment

A Chiropractor is a health expert who deals with matters related to the spine. By understanding X-rays and getting a detailed case history, they use spinal adjustment techniques in order to reduce any interference that is experienced with its functioning and thus aim to make you healthier. It is the belief of chiropractic treatment that a well-functioning spine and nervous system can help improve the overall functioning of your entire body.

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Urgent and Primary Care: Why They Are So Important

Owl Now Urgent Care is an after-hours clinic which takes care of all the urgent medical requirements of patients. An excellent alternative to the emergency room in a hospital, this clinic has highly skilled and experienced professionals who take care of all kinds of medical problems.

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Effective Fitness Advice for Women's Health and Weight Loss

Becoming healthy nowadays is already a trending fad among women. That is why everyone is looking for a health fitness advice to follow.

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Weight Loss - Why Do You Keep Putting On Weight?

If you're like any person that has ever had even the slightest concern over their physique and appearance, you have surely asked yourself this question. "Why do I keep putting on weight?" Sometimes, we are confused, upset or disappointed. Maybe even perplexed. Weight gain, although simple in nature, is never linear. In other words, we know if we eat more than we need to we are likely to gain weight. But, that still does not explain why we may be only one pound heavier at the end of August, and three pounds heavier at the end of September. Especially when you recall you ate roughly the same way both of these months. Many factors play a role in weight gain and weight loss. With that said, let's focus on answering the question presented here.

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Minorities less likely to trust physicians, research reveals

Minority groups such as African-Americans and Latinos are less likely than whites to believe their physicians care about them, new research reveals. The survey cohort consists of 2,800 people 18 and older in the contiguous United States who do not live in institutional settings like jails or mental asylums. In cities across the country, interviewers went door to door asking for volunteers. About seven out of every 10 people agreed to the hour-and-a-half interview.

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Here's Why Everyone Should Eat More Cereal

Sometime in the last decade we got the message that cereal wasn’t really “part of a complete breakfast.” (Sales are down 13 percent in the last 10 years.) We turned to Greek yogurt, smoothies, and even breakfast pizzas. Those options provide a heaping dose of nutrients, but most lack a very important one: fiber.

And as this article from Quartz explains, most Americans aren’t getting enough fiber in their diets, which is a problem considering all the health benefits it brings to the table, including:

1. Lowering risk of heart disease and diabetes.¹
2. Reducing appetite.²
3. Decreasing likelihood of obesity.

The quick (and obvious) solution? Eat more cereal! Sure, not all types are created equal—Cookie Crisp and Cocoa Puffs don’t have much fiber, but the cereal aisle is packed with options that do. (Interestingly enough, the crunchy stuff was first invented as a health product.) Check out the rest of the breakfast food's crazy history as well as its weight-loss benefits on Quartz.

Read the full story

Works Cited

1. Cardiovascular benefits of dietary fiber. Satija A, Hu FB. Current atherosclerosis reports, 2013, May.;14(6):1534-6242. Efficacy of high-fiber diets in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Wolfram T, Ismail-Beigi F. Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 2011, Aug.;17(1):1934-2403.
2. The short-chain fatty acid acetate reduces appetite via a central homeostatic mechanism. Frost G, Sleeth ML, Sahuri-Arisoylu M. Nature communications, 2014, Apr.;5():2041-1723.

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Using network science to help pinpoint source of seizures

The ability to reliably pinpoint the anatomical source of epileptic seizures, different for each patient, remains elusive. New research looks at networks of electrical activity in the brain just prior to the onset of a seizure by studying the recordings of 88 seizures from 22 patients.

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Brain’s GPS depends on visual landmarks to triangulate location, researchers find

Researchers have found that space-mapping neurons -- the GPS system in the brain -- have a strong dependence on what is being looked at when triangulating location, a finding that resolves a neurological mystery that has vexed scientists for more than four decades.

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Weight Loss Doesn't Have To Be Difficult

It can be a struggle to lose weight. After a short period of time, you may find yourself wanting to give up. Here you will find out the secrets of those who have not only been able to shed unwanted pounds, but also have been able to keep them at bay.

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Nonoperative treatment of appendicitis may have unknown long-term risks and costs

It is too early to change the standard treatment of appendicitis in US adults to initial antibiotic therapy only, rather than surgical removal of the appendix, or appendectomy, authors of a new systematic review study conclude.

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Gains in health insurance across Texas fall behind rest of US, new report shows

The rate of adults without health insurance across the US dropped nearly twice as much as in Texas from 2013 to 2015, according to a new report. The report found that since enrollment began in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in September 2013, the adult uninsured rate in the U.S. fell by 41 percent. Researchers found Texas' uninsured rate dropped just 21 percent during the same time.

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Exceptional care requires patient-driven education

When it comes to quality communication, meeting the needs of all health-literacy levels requires creative thinking, new research confirms.

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Immuno, targeted therapy provide new options for difficult-to-treat head and neck cancer

Novel strategies are on the way for difficult-to-treat and advanced head and neck cancer, the most heterogeneous group of malignancies which are generally associated with poor survival, say researchers.

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When cancer of unknown origin strikes, patient's family members face increased risk

Cancer usually begins in one location and then spreads, but in 3 percent to 5 percent of cancer patients, the tissue where a cancer begins is unknown. Family members of patients with cancers of unknown origin have a higher risk for getting those and other types of cancers, suggests a new study.

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'Smart fat cells' cross blood-brain barrier to catch early brain tumors

An MRI contrast agent that can pass through the blood-brain barrier will allow doctors to detect deadly brain tumors called gliomas earlier, say researchers. This ability opens the door to make this fatal cancer treatable.

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Preventing Sports and Fitness Related Injuries

While preventative medicine may begin in the doctor's office, to be truly effective, it must extend far beyond the confines of an exam room, reaching out onto the field, the court, in the pool, or at the gym. Part of keeping your body strong is knowing how to prevent injury, whether that be from macro trauma-tissue damage resulting from a single injury-, or overuse. There are several ways in which athletes and fitness enthusiasts can help themselves and others in preventing injury.

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Multiple-dose, targeted radiation more effective for treating pituitary tumors, research shows

Multiple small doses of highly focused radiation therapy is safer and more effective than a single larger dose of radiation at destroying pituitary gland tumors, new research has demonstrated.

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Brain regions of PTSD patients show differences during fear responses

Regions of the brain function differently among people with post-traumatic stress disorder, causing them to generalize non-threatening events as if they were the original trauma, according to new research.

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Mathematical model suggests select DCIS patients could delay treatment

Active surveillance could be a viable alternative to surgery and radiation for select patients with ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, according to a mathematical model.

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The transformation of cancer imaging: From shades of gray to living color

New technology called spectral CT imaging allows clinicians to get a more complete picture of patients' health. The technology for colored imaging is not only on the horizon, but it is also on the campus of a research facility, where researchers are giving the phrase “in living color” a new meaning.

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Industry-financed clinical trials on the rise, as number of NIH-funded trials falls

Since 2006, the number of industry-sponsored clinical trials studying the benefits and harms of medical treatments has risen dramatically, while the number of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health has fallen substantially, according to new American research.

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Evolution of X-Ray Machines

Find out when was first x-ray machine invented and how this radio imaging device has developed over the years to change the course of medical history. The first successful ultrasound took place in the year 1947, several years after the discovery of X rays.

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1O1 on Patient Recruitment for Clinical Trials

Patient recruitment is the most important and tough part of the clinical trial process. Learn about the materials required and how to use them.

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The Best Foods to Eat When You're Constipated

Simple Ways To Make Your Weight Loss Strategy More Productive

In this article you can find some simple tips that can be implemented in to your weight loss strategy. These tips are not to be taken as a complete guidelines for every one, they can be adjusted accordingly too peoples needs.

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New research offers reassurance over multiple artery procedures for heart attack victims

A new study has examined the effects on the heart of treating multiple narrowed arteries - rather than just one – at the time of a heart attack.

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Hepatitis C prevention, control efforts should focus on incarcerated individuals

More than 1 in 9 people with hepatitis C in Canada spend time in a correctional facility each year, say researchers. This presents unique opportunity to focus hepatitis C prevention and control efforts.

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Deadly candidiasis must be addressed swiftly to help vulnerable patients

One of the most common causes of healthcare-associated infections, candidiasis is a serious, life-threatening fungal infection that needs to be treated early, aggressively and appropriately, updated guidelines outline.

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How to Boost Metabolism and Lose Weight

Most people would like to lose at least a few pounds to improve the appearance of their physiques and their overall health. We all know that in order to lose weight you need to watch what you eat and exercise. Still, most of us struggle to successfully reach our weight loss goals. Why?

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Beauty Enhance Treatment: Regain Your Lost Charm

It is the desire of every single person on this earth to look great. But there are certain factors that have an adverse impact on our beauty. Some of the most popular factors are aging, sunrays, environmental factors and harsh weather conditions.

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A Super High-Quality Chef's Knife That's Under $35

Victorinox Fibrox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

Trying to whip up dinner with a dull knife is like trying to ride your bike with a flat tire—you’ll get there, but it’s unnecessarily difficult (and probably dangerous). We always thought we had to spend a small fortune to get good quality knives, so we’d resigned ourselves to sadly staring at the shiny case of cutlery in Williams-Sonoma (the Schwinns of the knife world).

Then a friend told us about Victorinox’s Fibrox line. For less than $35, you can get a superb knife for chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing to your heart’s content. The 8-inch chef’s knife is our personal fave—it’s the perfect size for everything from veggies to meat. And it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you don’t ever have to worry about being stranded.

I Want This! Starting at $34.94

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Typical Negative Effects of Synephrine Based Weight Loss Supplements

Synephrine is a pretty powerful stimulant, and possibly useful for weight loss for the short term. Nevertheless, the negative effects may be severe. Therefore, this absolutely should just be considered with extraordinary care.

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Difference Between Weight Loss Setbacks and Failure

There is an immense difference between setbacks and failure. For anyone working on a weight loss goal, there will most likely be many ups and downs as you go through the process of revamping your daily living habits. Let's face it, if you have been living in an unhealthy manner for quite some time then your mind and body will put up some resistance trying to get you to steer clear of doing what's healthy for your body. However there's an important point to take note of while you go through the weight-loss process. It's crucial you understand the difference between setbacks and failure because they differ immensely.

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Healthy Choices Don't Make Themselves

If you have recently decided to lose weight for good, here's a phrase you should really take to heart: Healthy choices don't make themselves, you've got to make them. When you stop and think about what these words truly mean, you'll see that indeed the healthy choices that need to be made on a consistent basis must be decided on your part, they don't magically happen on their own. Here are a couple of scenarios to get you thinking about situations you may likely be confronted with on a regular basis.

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Spot Toning Is Possible (But Here’s How It Really Works)

You've probably heard about spot toning before. Like a unicorn of the fitness world, you suspect it's more fantasy than fact. Then again, you've probably also seen a multitude of commercials and products that promise crazy-impressive results in one specific area with one simple exercise (looking at you, ThighMaster).

And the idea that we could all get legs like Misty Copeland or biceps like Joe Manganiello is pretty tempting. Could a couple hundred lunges or curls be the secret? Bummer alert: It’s not that easy.

Spot Toning Vs. Spot Reduction

First things first: The terms spot toning and spot reduction are often used interchangeably, and both play into the dream of having more muscle definition and less fat in key areas (read: your thighs, arms, or lower abdomen). That said, they don’t actually mean the same thing. With spot toning, the goal is to strengthen and develop a certain muscle or muscle group. Not so much with spot reduction.

“The idea behind spot reduction—and it’s been perpetuated for a long time in the health and fitness space—is that we can target certain areas of the body—'trouble' spots—and selectively burn off fat,’” says Jessica Matthews, an assistant professor of exercise science at San Diego Miramar College and a yoga instructor. Experts and science have both shown time and again that it’s just not possible. (Sorry, Copeland diehards.)

Take this recent study, for instance. Forty women were divided into two groups: dieters and dieters who also worked their abs. Both groups lost weight, abdominal fat, and lowered their BMI (win-win-WIN!), but they did so at more or less the same rate. This means that the women who added abs work to their repertoire didn’t reap more benefits or end up with slimmer waists than their peers.

More proof comes from tennis players back in the 70s. Researchers discovered that the muscles of a player's dominant arm (the super-strong and sculpted one used to power most swings) had about the same amount of fat as their non-dominant, less muscular arm. Translation: Area-specific fat loss is a myth.

And just because you're working a certain muscle doesn’t mean you’re losing the fat that covers that muscle. “Unfortunately, subcutaneous fat loss tends to be more generalized versus just the part that is being trained,” says Lara Carlson, C.S.C.S., president of the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.

During sweat sessions, our muscles fuel up with carbs, proteins, and triglycerides (fat)—and these sources can come from anywhere in the body, not just the “problem” area, Carlson says. Bottom line: If you're hoping for chiseled arms, curls alone won't get you there.

So… What About Spot Toning?

Now that you know you can’t select where your body loses fat, it's time for the good news. You can spot tone—if your definition of 'spot toning' is strengthening a certain muscle or muscle group, says Chris Freytag, fitness expert and founder of GetHealthyU. People—athletes are perfect examples—do this all the time to improve performance or achieve a certain look (think: bodybuilders with bulging biceps or competitive swimmers who have mega-muscular shoulders).

But spot toning doesn't come without its drawbacks. While every exercise is beneficial, that doesn’t mean it's the most effective use of your time. Just put the idea into practice: If you've only got 30 minutes to work out, breaking up your workout by body part (chest, then shoulders, then biceps, then triceps, then abs, then—time's up!) takes a lot longer than hitting your whole body in nearly every exercise.

And there are more benefits to full-body exercises. The more muscles you put to work (and the longer you do so), the more you amp up your calorie burn, Carlson says. So you may be stalling your results by limiting yourself to targeted strength training instead of recruiting as many muscles as possible.

Not only that, but working just one muscle or muscle group makes the body itself more inefficient, Matthews says. It can also cause muscle imbalances, which can mess with your posture and eventually increase your risk for injury (think of how often a professional baseball pitcher hurts his shoulder due to overuse). Your best bet is still to do muscle-specific exercises, but as a part of a larger, total-body routine.

The Takeaway

Since targeted strength training may not be enough to change the way a specific part of the body looks, cranking out a million leg presses won’t necessarily yield crazy-cut legs. “Individuals who want to have certain muscles or muscle groups look more defined can specifically train those areas, but unless they do something to decrease body fat, they may never see those muscles,” Carlson says.

And because frying fat doesn’t happen easily or overnight, it’s safe to say that you can’t just crunch your way to washboard abs. The triple threat that’ll kick it to the curb? Get your heart pumping on the regular (it makes the body use fat for energy), eat well (because you can’t out-exercise a bad diet), and strength train (you’ve got to maintain that muscle mass).

So don't buy into the marketing ploys. Ultimately, what works is hard work—both at the gym and in the kitchen. Scientists and fitness experts agree that targeted fat reduction is like calorie-free chocolate cake: impossible. And though spot toning is doable, you may see the most gains from a more well-rounded approach. Or as Freytag put it: “If you’re training for life, just work all of your muscles."

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7 No-Bake Desserts To Satisfy Late-Night Cravings

Greatist Got a Brand New Look!

For a long time, the greatest thing about Greatist has been the voice of our articles.

Our intention has always been to write unreasonably high-quality content: Every fact is cited by a scientific study, every article is approved by at least two experts if it needs it, and everything is triple-checked and verified by our amazing team of in-house editors.

But that’s really how everyone should do it, even if few always do.

The real reason our content has stood out is its authenticity. Our articles are non-judgemental, open-minded, positive, realistic, empowering, and then some. They’re just about the exact opposite of what so many traditional media outlets, celebs, and companies have been selling for decades. Becase the truth is you don’t need six-pack abs to be happy. (Trust me, I got them once to find out.)

Our mission at Greatist is to give everyone a healthy attitude.

After working closely with the inspiring folks at Red Antler for most of this year, we finally get to share a brand spankin’ new Greatist. It’s not really a rebranding, but an evolution of our experience to finally catch up to what we stand for. What’s that? Well, our mission at Greatist (and FWIW, my life goal) is to give everyone a healthy attitude. We know there’s no one way to be healthy, so being a “greatist” is about recognizing this stuff isn’t easy, seeking out and embracing what’s good for you, and sharing this message with others.

This big leap forward is a chance for us to better communicate how we’re different. It’s an opportunity for us to take a more no-bullshit approach to everything we cover (when we say healthy attitude, we mean it!). If you’ve made the decision to live better and are somewhere along that journey, then Greatist is the place to champion you choosing what’s good for you.

The 3 Steps to Be a Greatist

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Devising an inexpensive, quick tuberculosis test for developing areas

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease and a major global health problem, especially in countries with developing health care systems. Because there is no fast, easy way to detect TB, the deadly infection can spread quickly through communities. Now, scientists report on the development of a rapid, sensitive and low-cost method for detecting the disease in resource-limited areas.

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Surgery is more effective than drug in hyperparathyroidism post-kidney transplantation

A new study compared the results of surgery with drug therapy in patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism, i.e., after a kidney transplant.

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Low cost, safe and accurate test could help diagnose rare childhood cancers

A non-invasive, low cost blood test that could help doctors diagnose some types of malignant childhood tumor has been developed.

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Certain antidepressants linked to heightened risk of mania and bipolar disorder

Taking certain antidepressants for depression is linked to a heightened risk of subsequent mania and bipolar disorder, new research reveals. The strongest association seemed to be for serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs for short, and the dual action antidepressant venlafaxine, the analysis indicated.

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Patients can safely self-administer long-term IV antibiotics, reducing hospital stays

Uninsured patients can be trained to safely and efficiently self-administer long-term intravenous antibiotics, physicians have found, a result that may have profound implications for patient treatment at public hospitals across the country.

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Research offers recommendations for use of aspirin to prevent preeclampsia

To prevent preeclampsia, new research suggests that low-dose aspirin should be given prophylactically to all women at high risk (those with diabetes or chronic hypertension) and any woman with two or more moderate risk factors (including obesity, multiple gestation and advanced maternal age).

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Women less likely to hold academic medical leadership roles than men with mustaches

Thirteen percent of department leader positions at top academic medical institutions in the United States are held by women, while nearly 20 percent are held by men with mustaches. The findings of the tongue-in-cheek study, an analysis of more than 1,000 headshots of department leaders at top National Institutes of Health-funded academic medical institutions, provide a new context for examining gender disparities in the field.

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Why Being Stressed Out Is a Good Thing

Stress: It’s pretty much unavoidable, yet that doesn’t stop us from coming up with plenty of ways to avoid it. A group of Stanford researchers says that part of the problem might be the way we think about stress. Embracing the reaction—and seeing it as an opportunity to cope with an issue—is associated with better health, emotional well-being, and productivity at work. As opposed to, say, procrastinating or drinking to "release" stress, which encourages more harmful long-term habits.

Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., author of The Upside of Stress, sat down for a Q&A with Stanford’s website, and we loved her three takeaways for rethinking the overwhelming feeling:

1. "View your body's stress response as helpful, not debilitating. (Consider it energy you can use!)
2. Realize that you are able to handle—and even learn and grow from—it.
3. See it as something that everyone deals with, and not something that proves how uniquely screwed up you or your life is."

Check out the full story to learn how stress can make life more meaningful and the specific times when it really is bad for us.

Read the Full Story

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Antibiotics alone can be a safe, effective treatment for children with appendicitis

Using antibiotics alone to treat children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis is a reasonable alternative to surgery when chosen by the family. A new study has found that three out of four children with uncomplicated appendicitis have been successfully treated with antibiotics alone at one year follow-up. Compared to urgent appendectomy, non-operative management was associated with less recovery time, lower health costs and no difference in the rate of complications at one year.

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The Best Way to Wash Your Face, According to Experts

Washing your face is one of those things we assume everyone does the same way—until we hear someone does it differently. And then we start to wonder: Hot or cold water? Gentle cleanser or a grainy scrub? Use an expensive electronic face brush that we read about on the Internet?

Turns out we had more questions about face washing than we realized. To get some answers, we went to the experts for a step-by-step guide to getting a clean, clear complexion.

The Tools

First things first: If you wear makeup, take it off with an oil-based makeup remover, says Karen Hammerman, M.D., a dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group. Makeup won’t come off with just gentle cleansing of the skin, and if it stays on too long, it can lead to blocked pores and future zits.

As for a cleanser, we know it's tempting to grab the one covered in marketing promises, but it's a better idea to go for one labeled "gentle," "pH-balanced," and "fragrance-free," recommends Yasmine Kirkorian, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at Children's National Health System. Something basic like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($9.89; drugstore.com) is a safe bet, although she says the brand isn't as important as that it's non-abrasive (sayonara, microbeads).

Need more help navigating the face wash aisle? Read on.

If you have dry skin:

Kirkorian suggests cream-based cleansers. These provide moisture for the skin thanks to glycerin or shea butters, Hammerman says. Try Dove White Beauty Bar ($9.39 for 8 bars; target.com). Despite bar soap's drying reputation, she says it's the super-gentle way to go.

If your skin is fairly normal, or you're just not sure:

A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser like Cetaphil will do the job. Or try a cleansing "water," like Simple Cleansing Micellar Water ($6.99; drugstore.com). The oil-based components remove oil, grease, and sebum from our skin, without being harsh or over-stripping, Schlosser says.

If you have oily skin:

Foaming cleansers, like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($10.80; amazon.com), will leave you feeling super clean—although only temporarily. (If you're naturally oily, a quick cleanse isn't going to change your skin type.) Somewhat counterintuitively, oil-based cleansers like Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil ($30; sephora.com) may be a good choice for oily skin ("like dissolves like"), but it’s hard to generalize how well your skin will react. If you have seriously oily skin and don't want to pass it off as that coconut oil glow, talk to a dermatologist—Kirkorian says that's where medications like spironolactone can come in.

If you have acne-prone skin:

It’s even more important to stay gentle if you're battling acne with spot treatments, so Hammerman recommends something like Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($9.99; ulta.com). Overdoing it with an acne-specific cleanser and other acne medications can leave you with dry, irritated skin (and more frustration than you started with).

Not using additional acne-related products? Then you can turn to chemically exfoliating cleansers, says Bethanee Schlosser, M.D., Ph.D, a dermatologist and director of the Women's Skin Health Program for Northwestern Medicine. With ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and salcyclic acid, the effectiveness can rival leave-on treatments for acne. Look for Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser ($5.39; drugstore.com) or Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($36; sephora.com).

The Temp

Once you’ve got your ammo, turn the faucet to lukewarm—no steaming temperatures or arctic water necessary. “Warm is better than the extremes of either cold or hot to remove oil from our skin,” Schlosser says. (Think about cleaning your dishes—cold water doesn’t remove grease very effectively.)

Plus, while cold water can tighten pores temporarily, it won’t have a lasting effect. Meanwhile, hot water, despite making you feel super clean, can lead to dry and irritated skin.

Most dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day, and a small 2006 study comparing people who washed their face once, twice, or four times a day found that acne improved at twice a day.¹ While skin condition didn't get worse at four times a day, it didn't get much better—and that’s a lot of time to spend at the sink.

The Method

Splash that lukewarm water on your face and use your fingertips in a circular motion to apply the cleanser—enough to work up a good lather in your chosen medium. Schlosser recommends paying special attention to the T-zone (nose and forehead territory) and U-zone (the area around and just under your jawline), where people tend to miss.

No washcloth or grainy scrub needed: Gentle is the key word here, and washcloths just aren't as gentle as our hands, says Kirkorian. “You actually don’t need to scrub your face. If you did a Tough Mudder, that’s a different story—but for day-to-day cleansing, you don't really need to use a washcloth.”

Instead, save it for a gentle pat down to dry off after rinsing off your cleanser. And make sure to hang it in a dry place (a.k.a. not the shower): Hammerman says that any moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs that can cause breakouts.

Finally, if you've heard wonders about the $99-and-up facial brushes, relax. However tempting it is to imagine they're taking your cleansing routine to a deeper, skin-changing level, Schlosser says that's probably not the case. Since facial skin is not thick, physical exfoliation isn't required for penetration. Bottom line: You'll be fine with or without one.

The Takeaway

Twenty-step regimens are fun if you're into them, but a simple routine can be just as effective. Gentle is pretty much always better, and although it can be tempting to exfoliate your way to a new tomorrow, chances are a mild touch will get you there faster. Just choose wisely, young Padawan: Try every topical this side of Sephora, and things might not work out as you intended.

Works Cited

1. A single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of face washing on acne vulgaris. Choi JM, Lew VK, Kimball AB. Pediatric dermatology, 2007, Jan.;23(5):0736-8046.

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