Don’t panic about the pill – it’s safer than driving to work

The risk of a woman dying from a road accident is approximately 25 times that of death from a pill-related clot. epSos .de/Flickr, CC BY-SAA study published in The BMJ today suggests a link between newer contraceptive pills and higher risk of serious blood clots. The finding is not new, but it may be cause for a different kind of concern. During their fertile years, between three and five women of every 10,000 who are not pregnant and not taking the pill are likely to develop blood clots every year. The research published today found older contraceptive pills double this “background” risk of blood clots, and the newer pills have roughly doubled the risk again. Several studies published over the past 20 years show very similar findings.

The 28 Day Face Cleanse + My Morning Routine Update

You’ve tried a juice cleanse but have you tried a skin care cleanse? Like our digestive systems, you do not NEED a cleanse but many of us appreciate the work one can do for our bodies in a short amount of time. Our skin renews itself every 28 days which is why the one that I did lasted a full month. You need to stick with it the entire 28 days so that you can give your skin a chance to show off the results. This was hard to do for me. I’m a pretty routine type of girl. I have my face wash that I use that keeps my skin clear. If I mess with that routine, I break out. At first when I tried the

Viewpoints: should universities accept funding from industry?

Direct links between universities and industry funders pose significant risks – but can they be managed? Shannon Kringen/Flickr, CC BY-SAThe University of Sydney has just announced it’s establishing a new research position in integrative medicine funded by a A$1.3 million donation from the Blackmores Institute. It says the Maurice Blackmore Chair in Integrative Medicine (a blending of evidence-based conventional and complementary medicine) will add to the university’s current research in the field. But does the move give rise to questions about whether research linked to industry will be compromised? In this Viewpoints, Paul Komesaroff argues working with industry doesn’t have to be a problem for universities while Ken Harvey says there’s a better way. Paul Komesaroff: The propriety of industry support for research in

Hoisin Chicken Noodle Wraps

Wondering what to do with your leftover rotisserie chicken? Our recipe blogger, Helen, says "stuff it in a wrap with rice noodles, some crunchy veggies, a bit of chili heat and some hoisin sauce. It's quick, easy and most importantly – tasty!"

Can hospice care reduce depression in the bereaved?

It can be a challenge to ensure good quality of life as a person’s life draws to a close. The knowledge that death is imminent—and the awareness that it is unavoidable—understandably brings intense anxiety and fear, for the person who is ill and the people who love him. Hospice care improves quality of life in the dire circumstances of a person’s last days. It can enable the dying to spend this time in peace, surrounded by family and friends, and in little pain. But the role of hospice goes beyond palliative care. For example, such programs can: Provide necessary drugs, medical supplies, and equipment. Teach family members how to care for the person who is ill. Support the dying person as he deals with the emotional and

9 Cheap Beers That Taste Expensive (All Less Than $10 for a Six-Pack)

Let’s talk about six-packs. No, not those six-packs. We’re talking about the carbonated drink that has the opposite effect on your tummy: beer. The beloved beverage helps take the edge off, tastes amazing after an intense workout, and even boasts health benefits. We live in a time where top-notch beer—not that watered-down stuff we drank in college—is easier than ever to find. The only problem is that a six-pack of the good stuff can set you back a pretty penny. To save time at the liquor store and cash at the register, we asked four beer experts to weigh in on six-packs that taste expensive but won’t break the bank. Editor’s note: Prices reflect the lowest available price for a six

How Successful People Handle Stress

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who believe they can make things happen and those who believe things happen to them. The first group are convinced that the outcome of their lives and careers is more or less in their own hands, and they wouldn’t have it

Carrot Cake Smoothie

With just five simple ingredients, this shake legit tastes like dessert—yet it’s way healthier for you! Don’t like almond milk? Use any milk you prefer. In a blender, pulse date and carrot until coarsely chopped. Add milk, banana, and cinnamon (if using), and blend until smooth. 1 fresh medjool date1 medium carrot, peeled and chunked1 1/4 cups almond milk1 small ripe banana, fresh or frozen and sliced1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

A Post Memorial Day Challenge: IVF Coverage For Veterans

It’s the day after Memorial Day, as good a time as any to discuss military service-related infertility treatment – and prevention. Start with today’s Washington Post article on the Veteran’s Administration misguided ban on IVF treatment, a policy that – hopefully – will be overturned as a result of bipartisan efforts. Kudos