2 dead, 28 sick from E. coli outbreak

Two people have died and 28 people have fallen ill with matching strains of E. coli after an outbreak in ground beef, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

What women's symptoms really mean

If only your body were a little more honest, figuring out what's wrong when you don't feel right would be so much easier. But often a symptom -- maybe it's a sore back, cracked lips, tingling in your legs -- has an odd or unexpected explanation.

How to keep little trick-or-treaters safe and healthy this Halloween

Halloween is creeping up on us -- and as kids anticipate the occasion with excitement bordering on mania, parents often express concern.

How to choose healthy, ocean-friendly fish

Salmon, tuna, and other fish are loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, so they must be good for you, right? Not so fast--some types of fish have more mercury than others, and others are harvested from the ocean or farmed in a way that's harmful to the environment.

An uphill battle to combat Latino childhood obesity

When she was about 8, Frida Sepulveda developed dark folds of skin around her neck. It's a well-known warning sign of type 2 diabetes.

An uphill battle to combat Latino childhood obesity

When she was about 8, Frida Sepulveda developed dark folds of skin around her neck. It's a well-known warning sign of type 2 diabetes.

As nation gains, 'overweight' is relative

The little number on the tag on a pair of pants that indicates size can mean a lot to a person, and retailers know it.

Should Americans banish the burger?

Hamburgers are an American passion. And millions of Americans consume burgers, and other forms of meat, every day without consequences.

To fight flu, arm your immune system with diet, rest

A few weeks ago, 22-year-old Tatiana Gulenkina felt bad. Tired with a headache and high fever, Gulenkina knew she was coming down with something. Yet she wasn't sure with what.

Cookbook helps make food appetizing for cancer patients

Walk into Lisa Nasser's kitchen most evenings and you're greeted by rich aromas that indicate an exceptional cook is at work on a delicious creation.

Parents clueless when it comes to kids' growth charts

Parents can check out growth charts -- a nifty graph that tells them where their child falls in relation to peers in terms of height and weight -- just about everywhere, from a child's vaccination records to the doctor's office.

Why we eat too much, and how to get control

We all know we're supposed to eat healthy portions. So why is it that a rough day at the office or even just the smell of chocolate-chip cookies can cause us to throw our best intentions out the window?

Fasting carries risk of overeating

The temptation to eat a lot during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, is great, but Saiful Khandker makes a conscious effort to not overdo it.

Mama wasn't always right: 9 updated health rules

Now that you have kids, you've probably realized that there was actually some sense behind all that advice your mother gave you.

What your doctor doesn't have time to tell you

Do you sometimes feel as if going to a doctor's office is like going through a revolving door: in, swoosh-blur, out? You fight traffic to get there, wait a while in the waiting room, wait a while in the exam room, get seen, get dressed and get out. But once you've gone, you realize you're missing something -- maybe a small piece of helpful information. Below, some insider tips from medical specialists who tell you what your doctor doesn't have time to tell you in that all-too-brief appointment.

Healthy meals for after exercise

What you eat after a workout matters!

Mediterranean diet can stave off need for diabetes drugs

Studies already suggest that the Mediterranean diet -- rich in fish, fruits, nuts, and olive oil -- can prevent second heart attacks, delay Alzheimer's disease, and maybe even lower your cancer risk.

Like sweet wine? Your choice may reveal your personality

Do you crave pinot grigio or prefer a nice Riesling? Turns out a glass of wine may be more than just a drink -- your choice could shed light on your personality too.

How to avoid gaining the Freshman 15

So many first-year college students gain unwanted pounds that the so-called Freshman 15 is the subject of a new MTV reality show. (They're auditioning now.)

Heart group urges daily limit on added sugar

If you're like most Americans, you will consume 22 teaspoons, or 355 calories, of added sugar today. Now, the American Heart Association would like you to cut back dramatically.

Elusive search for cellulite cure continues

Beverly Hunt is a mover and a shaker. A public relations executive who runs her own business in Laurel, Maryland, Hunt believes in looking good. She keeps active and stays in shape.

Student diet 101: Don't eat mold

As college students enter the halls of elite education and higher learning, here is one piece of advice: Learn from the caveman.

Juices, tea and energy drinks erode teeth

For years, dentists have warned patients about the decaying effects of cola and sugary, fizzy drinks on their teeth.

Vitamin D deficiency common in U.S. children

A whopping 70 percent of American kids aren't getting enough vitamin D, and such youngsters tend to have higher blood pressure and lower levels of good cholesterol than their peers, according to two new studies published this week in the journal Pediatrics. Low vitamin D levels also may increase a child's risk of developing heart disease later in life, experts say.

How to stretch your food budget

While your food budget may have tightened , you need not sacrifice taste and freshness to save a few dollars. Aim for the best value in terms of quality, freshness, and good nutrition to feed your family healthful foods. We'll show you how.

One week to a slimmer you: Focus on the little things

When it comes to losing weight, the little things add up -- trying just one new thing every day can quickly make a big difference. With that in mind, we've taken science's best weight-loss strategies and created a week's worth of slimming to-do's.

From miserable man to 'Ultraman': A fitness journey

I can still remember it, vivid as yesterday. It was the eve of my 40th birthday, and I walked upstairs to take a shower. And I was winded. I mean very winded. As I was trying to catch my breath, I took off my shirt, looked in the mirror and tried to convince myself that I was still that fit guy I had always thought I was.

Keep your mind and body in top condition

Sure, the fountain of youth is as elusive as ever, but there's plenty you can do to stay young. With all that scientists are learning about the powers of exercise, antioxidant-rich roods, healthy fats, and brain-teasing games to keep you feeling and looking your best, age can really just be a state of mind. This head-to-toe guide shows how to beat the clock -- or at least slow it down.

Fewer calories equals a longer life -- At least in monkeys

Cutting daily calorie intake by 30 percent may put the brakes on the aging process, have beneficial effects on the brain, and result in a longer life span, according to a new 20-year study of monkeys published in the journal Science.

How to dine out without hurting your heart

Americans talk a good game about wanting to eat well. More than 75 percent claim they want to see more healthy options on restaurant menus. But when it comes time to order, only about half say they actually make nutritious choices, according to a recent survey.

Speed eaters gain weight, clog arteries but have few regrets

Don Lerman set a record by eating seven sticks of salted butter in five minutes. During six years of competitive eating, he gained 100 pounds.

Mississippi tops U.S. obesity rankings

Mississippi has kept its U.S. heavyweight title for a fifth straight year, among both adults and children.

After six months, a six-pack emerges

After six months, 35 pounds of chicken breast and more than a hundred hours of exercising, Jason Dinant finally sees the fruits of his labor. There are six of them.

Study: Weight-loss surgery cuts cancer risk in women

Weight-loss surgery can sometimes reverse type 2 diabetes and ease other obesity-related conditions. Now, new research suggests that obese women who undergo bariatric surgery experience a 42 percent drop in their cancer risk.

Toll House cookie dough recalled, linked to E. coli

Two federal agencies warned consumers Friday not to eat raw Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough.

How to buy the best organic foods

Americans spent close to $28 billion in 2008 on organic edibles, up from $1 billion in 1990, according to The Organic Trade Association. And organic foods remain an area of growth even with the rising cost of grocery items and tougher economic times.

Experts reveal best ways to save an aging brain

Want to keep your wits sharp as the years go by? You're not alone. Most people are worried about losing their memory as they age, and a new study shows it's a valid concern: In fact, at 53 percent -- more than half of all people -- have at least a minor mental decline in their 70s and 80s, and about 16 percent develop more serious problems with memory and other mental functions as they age.

There's more to fab abs than just exercise

As the summer months creep ever closer, trying to achieve the perfect set of abs can seem like a lost cause.

Farmers markets bloom at hospitals

For years, hospitals have embodied a paradox.

Are you getting enough protein?

Even if the low-carb diet craze ended up being a bit of a bust, the attention it focused on protein is a good thing. Researchers are taking a closer look at this often ignored nutrient and discovering its hidden health potential.

Football players at risk of high blood pressure

They're bigger, brawnier, and faster than the typical male, but are National Football League players healthier than other men their age?

Finding a 'center' in a weight loss journey

Giyen Kim recently posted a picture of scrumptious-looking jalapeno corn muffins, along with the recipe, on her blog. But after baking them, Kim didn't even take a bite.

7 low-cost gifts to keep Mom healthy on Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, skip the flowers and forget the chocolate (unless it's dark)! Give your mom something she really needs -- the gift of good health.

Fish, olive oil, nuts good for eyes too, more studies find

Do you want to keep your vision clear as the years go by? Put fish, olive oil, and nuts on the menu, but stay away from trans fats, according to new research from Australia.

Diabetes: More than just sugar overload?

I walk every day, eat a healthful diet, and have no diabetes in my immediate family. I'm not model skinny (truth be told, I've been known to pack on a few extra pounds), but I'm certainly not a couch potato or junk food addict. So, imagine my surprise when a routine blood test showed that my blood sugar was elevated and I was officially prediabetic.

Get the biggest bang for your calorie with nutrient-dense food

In 2005, the government's revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduced the term "nutrient density," which sounds complicated but simply refers to how much nutrition a food provides.

To drink or not to drink: Should you raise a glass to your health?

Moderate drinking can be good for your heart. But for women, drinking alcohol raises the risks of breast cancer.

Thinner is better to curb global warming, study says

Here's yet another reason to stay in shape: Thinner people contribute less to global warming, according to a new study.

The dish on fish and mercury: How healthy is your catch?

Every week, Jackie Kaminer of Roswell, Georgia, buys fish for dinner at the local market. Although she knows it's full of nutrients -- including good-for-your-heart omega-3 fatty acids -- she's careful of the types of fish she brings home.

Don't be afraid of the dark -- whole grains explained

Whole grains are in the midst of a renaissance. Since their 1970s heyday, the findings from scientific research have expanded on these fiber-rich foods' abilities to help protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Such results led the government to urge us all, in its 2005 dietary guidelines, to eat at least three servings of whole grains daily.

"Brown fat" burns calories -- may lead to new obesity treatments

What if you had a special kind of fat in your body that burned calories instead of storing them -- and it could be activated simply by spending time in the cold? According to three preliminary studies published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, you probably do.

Study: Sports drinks may be bad for teeth

Sports drinks can rehydrate you after a workout, but they also may wreak havoc on your teeth. Prolonged consumption of these types of beverages could lead to erosive tooth wear, according to a study presented at the International Association for Dental Research in Miami on Friday.

What you eat can improve your health, mind, and appearance

For many, springtime means revamping exercise regimens, improving appearance, reading more books, taking on a new hobby, and improving dietary habits.

It's not baby fat: Among 4-year-olds, nearly 1 in 5 is obese

Nearly one-fifth of American 4-year-olds are obese, and children of color are at higher risk, according to new research.

Daily Dose: Trying to lose weight? Watch what you drink

75 percent of U.S. adults are projected to be overweight or obese by 2015, according to researchers. Americans consume anywhere from 150 to 300 more calories than they did three decades ago and half of those calories come from liquid. A new study out of John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that reducing liquid calories, especially from sugar-sweetened drinks such as punches, fruit juices and sodas, helps people lose weight and keep it off.

After grieving, iReporter sets out to connect with Korean roots

Thursday was Giyen Kim's first Korean class. Her plan is to go to Korea to meet some of her father's relatives, as well as find her the siblings of her mother, who died when she was young.

Hip-hop for the heart sends a culturally sensitive message

When it comes to educating about cardiovascular health, Rani Whitfield is proving that it's not only what you say but how you say it.

A 10-pound milestone in a 2009 journey

This week, Giyen Kim, 34, reached a personal milestone: She has lost 10 pounds since the beginning of the year.

Losing a pound a week, staying positive

Not everyone wishes others well in fulfilling their New Year's resolutions.

Losing weight, saying 'yes' in 2009

In April, at age 34, Giyen Kim dropped a 60-hour-a-week job to follow her childhood dream of becoming a writer. Now, she's primed to clear her next personal hurdles: making money from writing, and losing weight.

Eating his way to a six-pack with 16 eggs a day

Every day, Jason Dinant chows down 16 hard-boiled egg whites, one and a quarter pound of meat and four cups of vegetables, sprinkled with an occasional carbohydrate.

Calculator: Are you overweight?

Quiz: How many calories do you drink?

How to read food labels

Quiz: How you eat vs. what you eat

Quiz: Can you recognize a portion?

Weight loss tips for new moms

"Snack on four almonds and a third of a cup of nonfat cottage cheese for a nutritious afternoon boost that will have you cruising the house with your nine-month-old!"

Want to live longer? Cut back on red meat

Burger lovers beware: People who eat red meat every day have a higher risk of dying over a 10-year period -- mostly because of cardiovascular disease or cancer --than their peers who eat less red or processed meat, according to a new study of about half a million people.

10 best foods for your heart

Simple food choices go a long way when it comes to your heart's health. Focusing on fresh foods full of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants can decrease your risk of developing heart disease and cut your chances of a heart attack. These 10 foods will help keep your ticker in top shape.

How to buy the best fish

It's easy to feel overwhelmed at the fish counter. Which is tastiest? Which is healthiest? Which is the most sustainable choice?

Eating healthy on a shoestring budget

CNN correspondent Sean Callebs has just finished a long assignment: living on food stamps during all of February. He tracked his experiences on the American Morning blog.

Easy ways to protect your eyes

Been squinting a lot lately? Have to move your magazine six inches away from your eyes to read it? Vision problems creep up on you as you age. But good habits -- not unlike the ones you've already established to protect your heart, bones, and brain -- can help keep your eyes healthy. Try these simple tips to safeguard your vision now and for years to come.

Study: Proximity to fast-food restaurants linked to stroke risk

A person's risk of stroke is associated with the number of fast-food restaurants near their residence, according to a study presented Thursday at a stroke conference in San Diego, California.

Future foods will cater to personal health

Wouldn't it be great if you knew which foods you should be eating based on your own personal health profile?

Healthy habits: A month of living perfectly

My habits weren't horrible, but they weren't great, either. No sodas, fast food, or cigarettes, and I ate my share of broccoli...but I also liked heavy cream in my coffee, butter with dinner, and fortifying spoonfuls of ice cream when afternoon hunger hit.

Sexy foods that put you in the mood

If you want to put some sizzle back into your sex life, food can help you set the mood this Valentine's Day. There's nothing better than a romantic, home-cooked dinner, featuring some R-rated foods to help turn up the heat.

Fad-Free exclusive: Eat smart with peanut butter alternatives

The recent recall of industrial peanut butter and products that contain it sparked nationwide concern about the safety of eating many popular snack products. That's understandable, considering the average American consumes 3.3 pounds of peanut butter each year, according to USDA data.

Senator 'outraged' by food-borne illness cases

The chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee is "outraged" at the growing number of food-borne illnesses nationwide, he said Thursday.

Supermarket chain joins peanut-product recall

Kroger -- a grocery chain with stores in 31 states -- has issued a recall for foods made with peanut products, widening recalls related to the Peanut Corporation of America.

Teacher wants to exercise more, go back to school

Barbara Rademacher of Rogers, Arkansas, has found that she loves to document events on camera. Now, she's turning the camera around and focusing on improving herself for 2009.

Peanut popularity complicates salmonella probe

It's not just slathered on crackers and bagels.

How to buy the best beef

Americans love beef; we eat nearly 63 pounds per person each year. Although that's a lot, the amount is down from our 1976 high of 89 pounds. When buying beef, we tend to stick to what we know, which may be why almost 60 percent of our beef dollars go for ground beef. Even as an experienced chef, I often brought home familiar cuts. But researching my book, "Field Guide to Meat," led me to expand my repertoire to tasty, if less familiar, cuts like hanger steak and tri-tip. Soon you can do the same, knowing which cuts to choose for maximum flavor and nutrition.

Eating with your stomach, not your eyes

It's halfway through January and your initial enthusiasm for those fitness resolutions may be waning.

FDA issues final guidelines for genetically engineered animals

The Food and Drug Administration announced formal guidelines Thursday that will regulate the production of genetically engineered (GE) animals.

Nine Nutrition Essentials for 2009

You have access to more nutrition information than ever -- from magazines like Cooking Light to the Internet, newspapers, and television. When you add to that the hype about fad diets, the resulting information overload creates more confusion than clarity.

Peanut butter recalled amid salmonella outbreak

King Nut Companies issued a total recall of peanut butter that it distributes Saturday amid fears of a salmonella outbreak that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said has infected 399 people in 42 states.

CDC investigating salmonella outbreak in 42 states

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with public health officials in 42 states to determine the cause of an outbreak of a particular type of salmonella called Typhimurium.

Oprah's trainer: How not to gain it all back

Oprah's struggle with her weight has become almost mythic--it's not just that she's been so open and honest about it, but that millions of people share her story.

5 small changes to help you lose weight

Tim Kassouf lost 45 pounds, and it all started when he got really mad at his girlfriend.

Experts reveal health secrets for busy people

The mirror doesn't lie. Those buttery cookies and slices of ham from the holidays are showing up in the wrong places on your body.

The top 10 healthiest diets in America

If losing weight is at the top of your resolution list, you're not alone. An estimated 80 million Americans go on diets every year, spending more than $30 billion annually on programs and products.

Make over your weight-loss resolutions

Amid pink slips and plummeting stocks, 2009 may not be shaping up to be the year you hoped for. But one thing you do still have some control over is your body. So put your stress on the shelf and resolve to focus on you come January 1. To help you out, here are some experts' tips for turning last year's failed resolution into something stable for the future and who couldn't use a little more stability?

Good nutrition is always in season

It's no secret that cold and flu season peaks in winter. And if you're looking for ways to stay well, one priority, say experts, is simple: Follow a wholesome diet, just as you should any time of year. But that can be a tall order during the busy holiday season, when hectic social schedules and family commitments often interfere with regular meals.

10 years later, school still sugar free and proud

The children in the cafeteria drink low-fat milk, shovel corn kernels on their sporks and munch on tuna sandwiches on wheat.

Gene mutation protects against milk shakes and other fatty fare

Some people have all the luck. A new study shows that certain individuals with a gene mutation can slurp down milk shakes or other high-fat food and drink without a nasty jump in cholesterol.

Celebrity diet tricks that work (and two that you should avoid)

When you see photos of Cameron Diaz's slim silhouette or Jessica Alba's flat post-pregnancy tummy, you probably wonder just how Hollywood stars stay so lean or snap back into shape so quickly. While many swear their svelte bods come from eating right and exercising round the clock, the truth is that some celebs may go to strange and interesting lengths to get or stay pin thin. Here, the skinny on exactly what the big names do to get red-carpet ready -- from the healthy strategies you'll want to steal to the just plain wacky ideas you'll want to avoid.

When money's at stake, dieters have more weight-loss success

Want to shed some pounds? You're more likely to be successful if you stand to gain --or lose -- some money.