The hippocampus section of our brains is important for memory, learning and stress hormones. New research on 7- to 10-year-olds shows a direct connection between parental nurturing and growth of the hippocampus. Children and parents were videotaped during mildly stressful tasks that required support.

Shoveling snow can be hard work – especially for a weak heart. But studies indicate something more than just doing hard work might be the reason.

A study indicates that the more vitamin D you have, the less likely you’ll be to have a stroke. Data from 21,000 people, ages 45 and older, who took a food frequency questionnaire, examined vitamin D and stroke risk.

Nutritionist Janet de Jesus isn’t big on short-term diets. She prefers plans to make long term lifestyle changes.

Screening tests can find some kinds of cancer early when treatment is more effective. But a look at national survey data for 2010 indicates a good deal of missed opportunities.