health/fitness

Dr. Greg Plotnikoff has spent more than a decade evangelizing about the health benefits of vitamin D to his medical colleagues across the globe.

Now the Minneapolis-based internist and pediatrician is turning to corporate America, hoping his message will have new resonance amid soaring medical costs and a fragile economic recovery.

An unusual couple stood in line in front of me waiting to board the flight from Washington, D.C., to the West Coast: a middle-aged woman and a golden retriever. Surprised to see a dog of this size planning to travel in the airplane cabin, I struck up a conversation with the woman.

"I hope he won't be disappointed in what they pass off for food these days."

Do you have a sincere desire to become more fit and healthy, but the idea of exercising outdoors or in a public gym brings you to a dead stop?

Pam Pezzin was walking in the woods on a winter day back around 1989 when she broke out in hives all over her body, including her stomach, arms, legs and face.

Over the years, she continued to break out in bumps when it was cold outside, and she suffered from symptoms of asthma, too.

Even for people who don't have cold-induced urticaria, winter can be hard on the skin, says state-licensed clinical esthetician Jennifer Derry, who works in the Pittsburgh office of plastic surgeon Leo McCafferty.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - People can die of a condition known as "broken heart syndrome," which researchers in Little Rock have found to be much more common in women than men.

The Army's top medical officer this week rejected assertions that commanders are discouraging doctors at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., from diagnosing soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Most patrons of fast-food shops are regularly asked if they'd like to "value size" or increase the portions of their meal for a few cents more.

Experts say supersized meals and a "clean plate" culture largely contribute to a national obesity rate among adults greater than 33 percent.

The interplay of companionships and heart attacks might seem a stark contrast to the February obsession with Valentine's Day love, hearts and flowers. But February is also American Heart Month.

Motivation is something that people find to be mysterious and out of reach. That's especially true when it comes to exercising consistently instead of in the start-and-stop fashion that many people find frustrating and defeating.