Blog Posts by The Editors at Sharecare

All that holiday cheer can come with a price: heartburn and indigestion.If your seasonal soundtrack more "Jingle Burps" (yep, that rude YouTube classic) than "Happy Holidays," you're not alone. A nationwide survey by the National Heartburn Alliance found that from Thanksgiving till New Year's Day, heartburn makes two out of three people less than jolly. Seems most of us are dealing with indigestion, constipation, gas, burping, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) -- all made worse by holiday stress and Aunt Martha's cheesecake.

How to get back to the merry-making? Michael F. Roizen, M.D., cofounder of RealAge and chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic, has some new ways to ease the seasonal discomfort. Here are 5 common holiday belly busters, with tips to fix or prevent your tummy troubles.

What's causing your indigestion? Find out with this quiz.

A Too-Long To-Do List

The stress of juggling shopping, cookie-baking, guests, and everything else boosts stomach acid levels. It also makes even a little acid backwash feel like

Read More »from Why the Holidays Give You Heartburn and Indigestion

Holiday trips mean germs will be your travel companions.Planning to travel over the holidays? If so, there's a good chance you'll you come home with a gift you don't want: a bout of the flu, a nasty cold, or gastrointestinal woes. That's because long trips expose you to more germs (ugh, those crowded planes!), plus you get tired and rundown, which weakens your immune system. Here's how stay strong during your holiday travels:

Get a flu shot. Even if the flu hasn't hit your 'hood, you may be traveling to an area where it's already widespread. Getting a flu shot now (it's not too late) will protect you through the rest of the flu season, which can run into May.

6 reasons you need a flu shot this year.

Gobble probiotics. A growing body of evidence suggests these friendly bacteria help keep your digestion running smoothly and may even protect against colds. You'll find probiotics in fermented foods, like yogurt, and supplements.

Take vitamin D. The sunshine vitamin helps your immune system fend off viruses and bacteria. In

Read More »from Planes, Trains, and Germs: 10 Tips for Healthy Holiday Travels

Bad kitty! Breakable ornaments are just one holiday hazard for pets.Time to deck your halls, feast on seasonal fare, and gear up for that big holiday party. But beware: What's a celebration for you can be downright hazardous for the family dog or cat. From dangling decorations and poisonous poinsettias to toxic table scraps, protect your furry pals from these holiday perils.

1. The tree. Does your cat climb the tree or your dog swipe gingerbread ornaments off low-hanging branches? If so, hang fresh garlands and wreaths well above paw's reach for an equally festive and safer alternative. If you do have a tree, secure it on a wide, tip-proof base, or anchor it to the wall with a guy wire. And cover the tree stand to prevent pets from lapping up the potentially toxic water inside.

5 ways to keep your cat from scratching the furniture.

2. Ornaments. Keep all ornaments (especially hooks, glass, and tinsel) out of snout's reach. Ingesting these (not to mention pine needles) can block or even rupture a pet's intestines.

3. Holiday plants.

Read More »from 7 Holiday Pet Hazards: How to Keep Your Pets Safe

By Dianne Lange

Are coconut milk's health benefits the real deal?Coconut milk is the new kid in the dairy case these days, turning up as a vegan alternative to cow's milk, creamer, yogurt, ice cream, even "butter." But is it the new superfood -- "heaven in a glass," as Biggest Loser fitness guru Jillian Michaels claims? Can it prevent everything from Alzheimer's to goiter?

Well...

In a coconut shell, the stuff doesn't quite live up to the hype (sorry, Jillian). But we do agree that the blend of coconut cream and water is a tasty alternative to moo juice. (Don't confuse the new-generation coconut milk products in the dairy case with coconut water -- the clear liquid from inside young, green coconuts that was last year's new thing -- or the thick canned milk used in Thai curries.)

Why coconut water is nature's perfect sports drink.

To our taste buds, beverages like Silk Pure Coconut, Coconut Dream, or Soy Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage are more milk-like than watery almond milk, and they don't have the

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A good laugh is a great everyday stress-buster.This is a hectic time for year -- and for many of us, a stressful one, too. Chronic stress does a number on your health. It ages you in a hurry, it's bad for your heart, and it may boost your risk of diabetes. But you don't need a week at a spa to unwind. These eight speedy tension-relievers can ease your stress anytime.

Under pressure? How stress raises your cholesterol.

Have a good laugh. A good belly laugh triggers production of endorphins, the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters. It also relaxes your blood vessels and increases blood flow -- the ideal antidote to tension.

Take a walk. If stress is a constant companion, add a 20-minute walk to your daily routine. Even better, take your stroll in a neighborhood park. A recent Japanese study revealed that walking outside, especially in a forest setting, is an effective way to combat chronic stress.

Eat happy meals. A healthy diet also is great for stress management. Enjoy foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and Read More »from 8 Easy Ways to Beat Stress

Can nibbling chocolate boost your memory?Want to slash your risk of age-related memory loss, dementia, even Alzheimer's disease? Pay attention to what's on your plate. A new study by German researchers finds a Mediterranean diet may prevent age-related cognitive declines.

That's right, a heart-smart diet that helps control your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure is good for your brain, too. In fact, it can slash your risk of Alzheimer's disease by as much as 60%. So be sure to add these 10 memory-boosting foods to your diet.

10 eats that lower cholesterol and safeguard your memory.

Salmon. Coldwater fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to nourish your noggin. A recent study found eating baked or broiled fish at least once a week lowers your risk of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. It boosts the size of your brain cells. (Skip fried fish -- researchers say it doesn't offer the same benefit.)

Chocolate. This sweet treat has antioxidants known as polyphenols, which increase blood flow to your brain

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Cold weather making your joints ache? Brrrr! The days are getting short and cold. For a lot of people that means joint pain, especially if they have arthritis. We polled RealAge Facebook fans to find out what triggers their hip and knee pain, and 42% blamed cold weather -- by far the leading cause. But can the elements really make your joints ache?

The scientific evidence is conflicting. Some studies find a strong relationship between short, cold, damp days and arthritis flare-ups. Research from Tufts University suggests changes in barometric pressure worsen knee pain in people with arthritis, while colder temperatures can cause painful changes in the viscosity of joint fluid. Other studies have found little or no link between weather and joint pain.

How old are your hips, knees, and hands? Find out with our JointAge Test.

Well, tell that to our Facebook fans who say a cold snap does aggravate joint pain. Whether your aches are sparked by the weather or other causes, these three steps can help you feel better.

Read More »from Cold Weather Making Your Joints Hurt? 3 Ways to Find Relief

Working on your laptop in bed is a recipe for a bad night's sleep.One bad night's sleep is nothing to worry about -- half of all adults suffer occasional bouts of sleeplessness. But chronic insomnia can do more than more than just make you tired during the day. Several recent studies have linked poor slumber with weight gain, high blood pressure, and a higher risk of a heart attack.

Stress, illness, menopause, and even some medications can trigger insomnia. These 7 everyday habits can steal your slumber, too. The good news: A small change in routine may be all you need to sleep better.

Take this test to find out what's getting in the way of your sleep.

You have caffeine after lunch. Caffeine lingers in your system for up to 12 hours, so that after-lunch coffee can leave you wide-eyed at bedtime.

Try this: Switch to decaf after midmorning. If you like a hot sipper in the evening, try chamomile tea or warm milk. Both will help you get your ZZZs.

You eat a big dinner. A substantial supper takes hours to digest, making it hard to fall

Read More »from 7 Bad Habits that Steal Your Sleep