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MOVING FORWARD WITH ADVANCED COPD Seasonal allergies are a nuisance for most people. For people with COPD, however, any extra condition that makes breathing difficult is automatically more serious. According to a  2012 study  at the Johns Hopkins Allergy and Asthma Center, people who had COPD and seasonal allergies experienced worsened respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. They were also significantly more likely to need medical attention for their symptoms. COPD: An overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions usually made up of  chronic bronchitis  and  emphysema . COPD is commonly linked to a history of smoking cigarettes. The condition results in airway blockages and mucus production, often causing serious breathing difficulties. Symptoms include: persistent cough wheezing fatigue shortness of breath feeling winded after activities that weren’t difficult in the past coughing up mucus Why do I have seaso...

Supplements are having a moment. A 2022 survey  of more than 3,100 U.S. adults indicated that 75 percent take some form of nutritional supplement. Of those consumers, 52 percent said they took a specialty supplement, like omega-3s, probiotics, or fiber. Johna Burdeos , RD, a registered dietitian, says a myriad of factors have contributed to the popularity of supplements, vitamins, and minerals, including the pandemic and ease of purchasing via online retailers. Still, supplements aren’t without their detractors. The industry isn’t regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Plus, you may wonder whether you need dietary supplements if you’re eating a well-balanced diet. Here’s what the research and experts have to say about when it’s beneficial to add vitamins, minerals, and supplements to your diet, plus which ones to choose. Are supplements necessary? The subject is up for debate, even among experts. “Supplements are not usually the only possible solution for most ...

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission or other tangible benefit.   While there are many food sources of zinc, including meat and shellfish, some people may be at a higher risk for not getting enough zinc in their diets  For example, pregnant or lactating women, vegetarians and vegans, people with gastrointestinal disorders, individuals taking certain medications like diuretics, and those who drink alcohol excessively are at a higher risk of developing a zinc deficiency. They may benefit from a zinc supplement. Keep reading for our picks of the best zinc supplements, as well as tips on how to choose a product that’s right for you. A quick look at the best zinc supplements Best overall zinc supplement:  Thorne Zinc Picolinate Best subscription-based zinc supplement:   Care/of Zinc Best chelated zinc supplement:  NOW Zinc Glycinate Softgels Best vegan zinc supplement:...

Share on Pinterest New research finds that nearly half of American teens say they are almost constantly on their phones, but how much is too much? Experts say to watch out for these signs. Getty Images New research finds that 95% of teenagers in the United States have access to a smartphone, while 45% say they are “almost constantly” online. Previous research has found that recreational screen time among teens doubled to nearly eight hours per day early in the pandemic. Experts say there are several signs which parents should be aware of that may signal a child’s amount of screen time has become unhealthy. Smartphones are a ubiquitous part of daily life. We use them for everything from checking our social feeds to looking up directions. Perhaps no group embraces their devices more than adolescents. The Pew Research Center  reports  that 95% of teenagers in the United States have access to a smartphone, while 45% say they are “almost constantly” online. When does this device-fu...