Modern food processing has created unnatural kinds of fats called "trans" fats, which are made when unsaturated oils are artificially hydrogenated in order to increase stability and shelf life.

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay Reporter

SUNDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- The pace of life gets faster and faster, and people try to cram more and more into every minute of the day.

By CLAIRE DELFIN, GMANews.TV

His eyes are groggy. His legs bear patches of dark rashes. His gums show signs of bleeding as he opens his mouth for the doctor to examine.

GENEVA, May 20 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Chronic diseases such as heart trouble and stroke have replaced infectious diseases as the chief causes of death globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a new report on Monday.

Exercise plays an important role in building bone in childhood and adolescence, maintaining bone before 50, and slowing down bone loss after 50. But exercises are not equal.

MANILA, May 12 (PNA) – Health authorities on Monday raised the need for heightened awareness on cervical cancer being one of the major causes of death among women in developing countries like the Philippines.

LONDON, April 30 (PNA/Xinhua) -- British scientists have identified a gene that can cause the kidney to become inflamed, which can lead to kidney failure.

Sugar

Again, moderation in consumption is important because this sweet ingredient increases total calories thereby adding to one’s weight. How much sugar then can one take in a meal of 2,500 calories? Since carbohydrates is 60 percent of a healthy meal, that’s 375 grams. Out of that, sugar intake should only be 25% of total carbohydrates. That translates to 94 grams or 19 teaspoons of sugar.

Fat is not all that bad. Fat is important to one's daily diet. But remember, too much fat can clog the arteries and raise the blood cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL) level.

After years of telling people chemotherapy is the only way to try and eliminate cancer, Johns Hopkins is finally starting to tell you there is an alternative way.

Most experts agree that an insect repellent with DEET is the best protection against mosquito bites and other insects.

It's hard to believe but school opening is fast approaching. As school starts, the Department of Science and Technology offers some ideas to avoid the "back to school blues" especially in preparing packed lunch or baon for your kids. The key is to make sure your child is getting wholesome and nutritious food outside your home.

Every woman wants to know what she can do to lower her risk of developing breast cancer. The best defense against breast cancer is a good offense. There are no perfect solutions, but you can do many things to reduce your risk.

Heart disease isn't just for men. Women are at risk, too. Here are some tips for women to prevent heart disease and stroke.

You've landed the date of your dreams. Now what? You must get rid of those potential date "bombs" -- minor, but embarrassing, health problems from bad breath to allergies.

Over the last hundred years, women have been led to believe false notions about their reproductive health. On their first day of menstruation, some girls were taught to jump on the third step of a staircase to shorten their period up to three days. Pregnant women were also told to put a knife under their bed to "cut the pain."

Some women still believe these myths today, especially on birth control. So read on as we give you the facts on the Top 10 viewpoints on birth control

Your period is late, but definitely, you are not pregnant. So, what else can cause an absence of menstruation?

Its Christmas season and suddenly we are to attend parties left and right, with all the delicious foods on the table. Some put their diet aside and splurge on those calorie-laden desserts, but others sulk as they deprive themselves from enjoying the mouth-watering treats.

Dandruff is simply dead skin shedding from your head at a fast rate. Almost everyone has had dandruff at some point to one degree or another. People with a strong degree of dandruff will experience an itchy scalp.

Being beautiful physically is inseparable with having a healthy mind and body. The healthier you are, the better you look. So here are some do's and don'ts to keep you looking your best.

Experts have discovered that drinking two cans of soft drink a day can boost memory retention by a fifth and combat dementia in older people.

Many people are so fired up at the start of their fitness programs but eventually stop exercising when they get bored or when results come too slowly. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated.

Here are some steps to help and encourage you on how to stick to your desired resolutions for the coming year.

Overeating is a common holiday-related problem. People tend to overeat with the abundance of food and drink available at many family gatherings. Many also use overeating as a way of coping with the increased stress or feelings of depression during this time of the year.

With the popularity of quick weight-loss programs nowadays, people who want to lose extra pounds impulsively try these fad diets without any knowledge of their effect on the body. So here is a little background on the good and bad sides of the famous South Beach, Atkins and Zone diets.

Hand washing is considered to be an essential step to prevent the spread of illnesses. It must be part of our routine especially after going to the bathroom and before eating. However, there are proper hand washing techniques to get rid of all the bacteria.

One serving of fish per week could slow down mental decline in the elderly.

According to a recent study, dark chocolate may help relieve intestinal problems such as diarrhea.

It was not long ago when people were discouraged to drink coffee because drinking coffee might cause health problems such as high blood pressure and stress.

Studies show that 20 to 40 % adults are affected by insomnia or have problem getting a good night's sleep. Mostly, women and elders are victims of this disorder. This may affect efficiency at work, concentration and emotional disposition.

A breakthrough study in the University of Michigan claims that the brain is capable of releasing its own painkillers and helping soothe pain sensations.

Medical experts contradicted claims from energy drinks that they give a special boost and provide energy.

Indigestion is just another name for an upset stomach. (It's also called dyspepsia (say: dis-pep-see-ah.) Indigestion usually happens when people eat too much, too fast, or foods that don't "agree" with them.

Lifting heavy objects could put you at risk especially to the back, arms and legs. You should know the proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries. Here are some tips to do it:

Here are some facts on how alcoholic beverages affect a person:

A recent study showed that women who wear bras have high chances of acquiring breast cancer. The constant pressure that the bra puts on the breast is limiting the flow of toxins that need to be released, resulting in the increased cancer rate.

It is an accepted assumption that Vitamin C supplements boost the immune system and ward off illnesses. This theory was popularized by famous chemist and Nobel prize laureate, Linus Pauling.

The menopausal stage is a primary turning point on women's lives. On this stage come physical, psychological and sexual changes on women.

According to a new study, instant iced tea mixes may increase the risk of a rare but potentially dangerous bone disorder caused by getting too much fluoride.

Health experts found that some commercial iced teas may contain up to 6.5 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride, which is well above the 4 ppm maximum allowed by the EPA in drinking water and 2.4 ppm permitted by the FDA in bottled water and beverages.

You know that smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, and skin problems, but if these are not enough reasons for you to give up your favorite cigarette, WebMD has compiled 10 compelling reasons for you to kick that habit.

We all want our home to be safe. Unfortunately, germs we can't see are just everywhere. That's why it's important to take precautions to make your home not only safe but also healthy.

To reduce the intensity of menstrual symptoms, you can change your diet:

· Less sugar, and slightly more protein.

· Diuretic foods such as eggplant, cucumbers and parsley can help diminish water retention.

The eye was not made to be constantly focused on close objects.

If your work requires that you stare at a computer screen all day long or if you watch a lot of television, stop from time to time to do a few eye exercises.

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a disease that develops slowly. It leads to chronic poor health and death if not treated properly and immediately.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, occurs when the body either cannot produce enough insulin or does not use the insulin it makes properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Many of the foods we eat - such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, milk and fruit - are converted into sugar and give us the energy we need to maintain life. Insulin gets the sugar into the cells, but if you have type 2 diabetes, your body can't do that without help.

Garlic is a top treatment for athletes's foot, says botanist James Dukes, PhD, author of the Green Pharmacy (Rodale Press, 1997). He suggests soaking feet in a basin of warm water and a little rubbing alcohol with several peeled, crushed garlic cloves.

Maintain a normal, healthy body weight. Being overweight is a big risk factor, but dietary steps include more than just counting calories. A high fiber diet to avoid constipation and related straining may also help.

Take care of your hair -- by paying less attention to it. Coloring your hair too often can damage it.

Colds is considered to be the most common infectious disease. It accounts for more absences from school and work than any other illness. It is the leading cause of patient visits to physicians.

The health chief of Valenzuela City said on May 31 that dengue cases are expected to rise this year owing to a cyclical peak that shows an increase in the number of victims every two to three years.

Tooth decay is the primary cause of toothaches for most children and adults. Bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on the sugars and starches in the food you eat. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that clings to the surface of your teeth.