Blog Posts by Health.com

Getty ImagesOn its own, where you live isn't enough to make you depressed. Personal circumstances and genes also play an important role in mental health, so an area that feels like a downer to one person may be home sweet home to another.

That said, mental distress is unusually and persistently common in some states, whether due to economic troubles, lack of access to health care, or other factors.

Health.com: 5 questions to ask your doctor about depression

Using data from federal health agencies, Health.com has identified the 10 states with the highest rates of depression, psychological distress, and other indicators of poor mental health. Here they are, in alphabetical order.

Arkansas
Like the many other rural southern states on this list, Arkansas consistently ranks among the worst in the nation on several measures of mental health, especially among young adults.

Young Arkansans have a dedicated advocate in their corner, however. The state's first lady, Ginger Beebe, has taken up mental

IstockphotoBy Jennifer Goldstein

To find out whether it is a mole or cancer, check your skin every few months, because most skin cancers start as irregular spots, says Ariel Ostad, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at New York University.

Normal mole
What it is: A mole is a harmless spot that develops in childhood or later in life and can be found anywhere.
Looks Like: Typically smaller than a pencil eraser, moles are round and symmetrical with smooth borders and an even color. According to Dr. Ostad, "They usually don't evolve or change shape."

Health.com: The new rules of sun safety

Actinic keratosis
What it is: Actinic keratosis is a common precancerous growth often found on your scalp, face, hands, or forearms. "They should be removed because 5 to 10 percent of them become cancerous," Dr. Ostad explains.
Looks Like: You'll see a rough, flesh-toned pink or red patch that may be itchy or scaly.

Health.com: Sunproof your skin from A to Z

Basal cell carcinoma
What it is: Caused by sun

Massage isn't just a me-time indulgence. Studies show it reduces stress, boosts immunity, and relieves pain from everyday wear and tear. And in tough times, just 30 minutes on the table (or even 10 minutes in a chair) can go a long way toward working out your kinks.

Health.com: How to get the best massage

But which massage is best? Here's how to decide.

Swedish
If you just ask for a massage, it's probably what you're getting. Expect long, gentle, soothing strokes-and general relaxation. Its hallmark is improved circulation. The therapist will use her hands and fingertips and not push too hard (unless you like a lot of pressure).

Health.com: Which stress-busting gadgets really work?

Deep Tissue (Sports Massage)
It's more intense than Swedish-and it's not just for athletes. The therapist targets the muscles and ten-dons just under the skin and the deeper ones by using more pressure from her fingertips. Stretches may be included.

Health.com: 7 tricks for instant calm

Trigger Point

Getty ImagesBy Tracey Minkin

Wherever you're staying, these easy moves will make your visit better for you, according to Athletic Minded Traveler co-founder Jim Kaese.

Go smoke-free
Ask for a nonsmoking floor when making your reservation.

Not an option? Request a nonsmoking room.

Don't drink
Just say no to the minibar key when checking in. You'll save cash-and calories.

Health.com: 5 ways to cut liquid calories

Toss the bed cover
Bedspreads are notorious havens for dust mites (and worse). Stash it in the corner of the room.

Disinfect
Wipe down the TV remote and telephone with an antibacterial wipe before first use.

Don't reuse
Avoid the reusable glasses, even if they have a paper cover on top (plastic sealed cups are preferable).

Bring your own snacks
Keeping fruit (banana, apple), bottled water, and nuts or trail mix in your room helps ensure that you don't overdo it when eating out.

Health.com: Pick your perfect snack

Make white noise
Invest in a portable "soft-noise maker" if you're a

Getty ImagesBy Amanda Gardner

Doctors and public health officials have been telling us for years that eating too much sodium can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke by raising blood pressure to unsafe levels. So how to explain a new study that suggests low salt intake actually increases the risk of dying from those causes?

The study, which followed 3,681 healthy European men and women age 60 or younger for about eight years, also found that above-average sodium intake did not appear to up the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) or dying of a heart attack or stroke.

The findings, reported in the May 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, certainly seem counterintuitive, especially in light of the ongoing public-health campaign to lower sodium consumption across the U.S. by urging restaurants and food manufacturers to curtail their use of the ingredient.

Health.com: 25 foods with tons of hidden salt

In fact, says Jan A. Staessen, M.D., the senior

Getty ImagesBy Stephanie Dolgoff

Overwhelmed by all the new stuff you're supposed to be into? Here's what you don't need to bother with.

1. Meditating now!
Yes, it's good for you. Research suggests it can help with everything from heart disease to anxiety. But if you're just fretting about you can't! calm! down!-go for a run, or do whatever lets you truly get in the zone.

Health.com: 7 tricks for instant calm

2. A $7,000 diamond-and-ruby facial
Mila Kunis reportedly got one. If rubbing precious gems all over your face isn't your style, how about a nice cubic zirconia one? We won't tell.

3. Feeling inadequate if you're not allergic to anything
It's downright trendy to give up gluten, casein, lactose, or entire categories of food, even if you don't really need to. Those of us who scarf down everything on our plates are still special.

Health.com: The latest on food allergies

4. Change your outie into an innie
We're told "umbilicoplasty" is a growing trend in plastic surgery. Seriously?! Memo to

CorbisBy Annie Murphy Paul

Expecting a baby can make you more prone to some diseases-but it can protect you from others.

More common:
Diabetes
Gestational diabetes affects about 5% of pregnancies.

Health.com: 7 tips for a healthy pregnancy with diabetes

Urinary tract infections
You're at greater risk of developing them from weeks 6 through 24.

Yeast infections
These are more common during pregnancy, especially the second trimester, than at any other time in your life.

Health.com: Is my yeast infection related to what I'm eating?

Gallstones
Higher estrogen levels during those nine months appear to increase cholesterol levels in the digestive fluid known as bile, which can lead to gallstones.

Deep-vein thrombosis
The risk of developing a blood clot in a vein deep in the body is higher during pregnancy and for six weeks after delivery, because of the changes in blood and blood vessels that happen when you're pregnant.

Health.com: Pregnancy advice examined

Less common:
Ulcers

CorbisBy Leslie Barrie

From soothing your muscles to safeguarding your summer food, this remarkable herb can (almost!) do it all.

Sip this
Move over, chamomile. Rosemary is the hot new herbal tea in town. Drinking it may help beat bloat by reducing water retention.

Health.com: 9 healthy iced-tea recipes

Scalp saver
Got a dry, itchy scalp? Try relieving it with rosemary, suggests Ranella Hirsch, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Boston University School of Medicine. Its oils may increase circulation, which can ease dryness.

Whip up this moisturizing scalp (and hair) mask from the spa at the Lodge at Woodloch in the Poconos in Pennsylvania: Mix 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 3 drops of rosemary essential oil; warm on stove top using a double boiler (not too hot!). Massage into damp hair and scalp; wrap hair in towel, leave on for 30 minutes, then shampoo.

Health.com: Green guide to hair care

Cancer fighter
Using rosemary to prep your burgers and steaks could