I write about reproductive justice, health care policy, maternal mental health, parenting and personal finance.
Is pneumonia contagious? Yes, when it's caused by bacteria or viruses
Most types of pneumonia are contagious.
When pneumonia is caused by a virus or bacteria — as it usually is — it can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. To prevent the spread of pneumonia, you should practice good hygiene, work to boost your immune system, refrain from smoking, and get the necessary vaccines.
The 5 best natural disinfectants to kill germs effectively
Natural disinfectants may be a suitable alternative to using household cleaners with strong chemicals, whether you're worried about potential health risks or the environmental impact.
4 of the best natural supplements and herbs for depression
The best treatment for depression can vary depending on a person's medical history and their severity of symptoms. For some people, particularly those with mild depression, certain herbs and supplements can either complement or take the place of traditional treatment methods, like antidepressant medication and therapy.
DockATot vs SnuggleMe: What’s the Difference?
A baby lounger can be a lifesaver, offering a safe place for your baby to rest or play while providing the comfort and warmth of being held. There are many different baby loungers out there to choose from, but the most popular brands to compare are DockATot vs SnuggleMe.
The best types of medicine for nausea and which is right for you
There are many different reasons why you may experience nausea. Sometimes it is due to an underlying medical condition. Other times, nausea may occur as a result of motion sickness or eating too much.
Baby Carrier vs. Wrap: Which Should You Choose?
It’s no secret babies love to be held. But as sweet as those cuddles are, it’s also nice to have your hands free while your baby snoozes on your chest or you stroll the aisles of the grocery store. With babywearing you can have both — the ability to keep your baby close to you with a baby carrier while your hands are free to do small tasks around the house or while running errands.
Pumping at Work: Know Your Rights
Returning to work after maternity leave is a big adjustment for any new mom. And if you’re breastfeeding, figuring out how and when to pump at work presents a whole new set of challenges. It might take some time to settle into your new routine, but with the right tools and mindset, pumping at work will become just another part of your day.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights when it comes to pumping at work and tips to help it go smoothly.
The 4 best ways to help someone with depression
If you want to help someone with depression, it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms, and know how to reach out to them. It can be difficult to help someone with depression — but all you can do is be supportive, patient, understanding, and encourage them to seek proper treatment.
How to deal with depression and lift your mood
You should also make sure you take care of your health and hygiene — eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and being in the sunshine can all boost your mood. If you think you are depressed, it's also helpful to reach out to your doctor or mental health professional, who may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or medication for treatment.
Are sleeping pills safe? The risks of prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids, and how to use them safely
Sleeping pills are mostly safe, but they do have potentially harmful risks and side effects.
Prescription sleep aids must be taken under a doctor's supervision, as they can be unsafe with some underlying medical conditions, and overdosing can be very dangerous.
Does yoga help you lose weight? The best types and poses for weight loss
Certain types of yoga, like Vinyasa and Bikram, are more active and can burn calories, contributing directly to weight loss. Other types, like Yoga Nidra, may help you lose weight indirectly by improving mental health and mindfulness, allowing you to make healthier choices.
Why am I having weird dreams? The science behind your dreams and how to manage them
Weird dreams are often the result of psychological stress or changes in your routine. Exposure to stress or anxiety right before you sleep — like reading the news or watching a scary movie — can also cause strange or vivid dreams. If you're having weird dreams, you should try to reduce stress in your daily life, stick to a healthy sleep routine each night, and use relaxation techniques to calm yourself down when they occur.
Why am I always tired? The main causes of sleepiness and fatigue
If you're always tired, there could be a number of different causes for your sleepiness or fatigue. First, you should make sure you're sleeping 7 to 9 hours each night, and getting to bed and waking up around the same time each day — sticking to a sleep routine is important. If that doesn't help, you may need to adjust your diet, get more exercise, or talk to your doctor about an underlying physical or mental health condition.
What is a CPAP machine? It can't replace a ventilator without being modified
A CPAP machine helps people with trouble breathing and is commonly used to treat sleep apnea. CPAP machines can't directly replace ventilators, as they have key differences in how they work. However, some changes can be made to CPAPs — and other positive airway pressure machines like BiPAPs — in order to use them effectively as ventilators.
The best disinfectants for viruses and which ingredients to look for
The best disinfectants for viruses are alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium compounds. These active ingredients are the most common on the EPA's list of registered disinfectants against the coronavirus. Here's what you need to know about these disinfectants and which ingredients to look for when you want to use an effective cleaning product.