Wellness Readers Digest | Health & Wellness Tips for Everyday Living

The best pregnancy pillow is the one that helps you sleep comfortably on your side. Full-length U-shaped pillows support both sides at once, C and J shapes support the bump, back and knees in a smaller footprint, and wedges are a compact, budget option. The NHS advises side sleeping after 28 weeks, so choose a shape that keeps you there. Key takeaways Side sleeping matters most: the NHS says that after 28 weeks, falling asleep on your back can double the risk of stillbirth, so a pillow should help you stay on your side. Left or right is fine: the NHS recommends sleeping on either side. Shape depends on your body and bed: U shapes offer the most support, wedges the least bulk. Simple pillows work too: ACOG suggests a pillow between the knees and another under the belly, or a full-length body pillow. Check fit before you buy: size, firmness, washable cover and materials all matter. What is the safest sleep position in pregnancy? In early pregnancy, most positions are fin...

A sprained ankle that still hurts after two weeks is not always a sign of something wrong. Mild sprains often settle within a couple of weeks, but moderate and severe sprains can take six to twelve weeks of rehab. Get checked if you cannot bear weight, swelling is not easing, the ankle feels unstable, or pain is getting worse. Key takeaways Healing time depends on severity: OrthoInfo, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, says rehab takes about two weeks for minor sprains and six to twelve weeks for more severe ones. Two weeks is a checkpoint, not a deadline: the NHS says most sprains improve within about two weeks, so little or no improvement by then deserves a closer look. Some injuries hide behind a "sprain": small fractures, high ankle sprains, cartilage damage and tendon injuries can slow recovery. Rehab matters: OrthoInfo names incomplete rehabilitation as the most common cause of chronic ankle instability. Imaging is not always needed: X-rays ...

For most healthy adults, real food should do the heavy lifting and supplements should fill specific, known gaps. A varied diet supplies vitamins, minerals, fiber and protective plant compounds together, while a supplement delivers a few isolated nutrients. The right balance depends on your diet, life stage, health conditions and medicines, ideally reviewed with a clinician. Key takeaways Food first: official guidance from the NHS and the U.S. National Institutes of Health says a varied diet should provide most of what you need. Supplements are targeted tools: some have clear roles, such as folic acid before and during early pregnancy, or vitamin D and calcium for bone health in certain people. More is not better: high doses of some nutrients, such as vitamin A and iron, can cause harm. Supplements are not checked like medicines: in the U.S., manufacturers, not the FDA, are responsible for safety and labeling before sale. Tell your care team: supplements can interact with p...

Alcohol prep pads are small, single-use squares soaked in isopropyl alcohol, used mainly to clean intact skin before an injection or finger-stick and to wipe small medical tools. They work best on clean skin and must dry fully before use. They are not meant for cleaning open wounds, and soap and water often does the job better. Key takeaways Main job: preparing intact skin for injections or blood tests, and wiping small instruments. Let it dry: alcohol works as it evaporates; injecting through wet alcohol stings and wipes off before the alcohol has done its job. Not for wounds: the NHS advises cleaning cuts and grazes with running water, not alcohol. Not a handwashing substitute: the CDC says soap and water is the best way to remove germs in most situations. Handle with care: alcohol is flammable and drying to skin, and pads are single use. What is an alcohol prep pad? An alcohol prep pad (sometimes called an alcohol swab or alcohol wipe) is a folded piece of nonwoven ...

Small red or skin-colored bumps around the mouth are often perioral dermatitis rather than true acne. Perioral dermatitis tends to cluster in a rash with dry, flaky or burning skin and often follows use of steroid creams or heavy products. Acne usually includes blackheads and whiteheads. Because treatments differ, a dermatologist should confirm which one you have. Key takeaways Not all "mouth acne" is acne: perioral dermatitis looks similar but is a different condition with different treatment. Steroid creams are a common trigger: the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists prolonged use of corticosteroid creams, including hydrocortisone, as a common cause. Heavy creams can make it worse: occlusive moisturizers, cosmetics and some toothpastes may contribute. Less is more: stopping most products and using a gentle, fragrance-free routine is a core part of treatment. It takes time: the AAD says clearing can take a few weeks to a few months. What is perioral ...

Some people find that scents like lemon, sweet orange, peppermint or lavender make them feel brighter or calmer, but the scientific evidence is limited and mixed. Most studies are small, and results vary. Essential oils can be a pleasant addition to a self-care routine when used safely, yet they are not a treatment for depression, anxiety or fatigue. Key takeaways Evidence is modest: the U.S. National Cancer Institute describes aromatherapy research as mixed, with many small trials. Expectation and enjoyment play a role: a scent you like may lift your mood partly because you like it. Inhalation is the simplest route: a diffuser used briefly or a few drops on a tissue. Never swallow essential oils: poison centers report serious harm from ingestion, especially in children. Take extra care around pets, babies, children, during pregnancy and if you have asthma. What does the research actually show? Aromatherapy uses concentrated plant oils that are inhaled or diluted and a...