Health

I’m usually not all that into getting dirty when I run. I sidestep mud puddles and steer clear of mushy surfaces like wet grass and slush. That’s not to say that I am a complete stranger to muddy mischief. I have many fond memories of the early years of my running career, when a spring puddle-stomping run came as a welcome break from an otherwise serious training schedule...

Photo courtesy of RichardBH/Flickr Most people think of winter as the season for dry, itchy skin — especially in Montana, where frigid temperatures and heated indoor air leave skin cracked and moisture-deprived. But summer weather can be equally troublesome for skin, especially here in Montana, where hot, dry conditions are typical of the summer months. It’s ...

I love spending time outdoors during the summer months, but I do not love all of the multi-legged creatures that make their home in the forest — especially the ones that bite. A few days ago, I set out on a nice, long run from the main trailhead in the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area ...

One of my favorite summertime indulgences is simply doing nothing. Some people might consider it a waste of a day, but to me, there is nothing better than grabbing a towel/blanket/mat/chair, heading to the park or the beach, and just lounging out in the sun ...

Feeling blue? Instead of sitting down with a tub of ice cream, cuddle up with a dog or cat instead — research shows the unconditional love offered by our furry friends can brighten our moods and reduce tension.

Ladies, if you’ve come to expect chocolate cravings around your time of the month, they may be all in your head — new research indicates there could be no biological basis for them.

Next time your wife or girlfriend (or paid companion) complains that you fall asleep right after sex instead of engaging in hours of after-glow pillow talk, tell her it’s not your fault — and you can back it up with science.

Last week, a mom in Tacoma, WA. went public after her fair-skinned young daughters came home from an all-day field trip badly sunburned because teachers weren’t allowed to provide them with sunscreen. Now the policies that led to the incident are being re-examined.

So there you are, having sex or watching porn (oh, don’t act like you never do) when suddenly you’re hit with a blinding headache. What gives?

It should go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyways: Don’t leave your kids and pets in your car this summer. I personally witnessed dogs left in cars with the windows either closed or open just a crack on 80 degree days and heard of someone finding two small kids left in a car with the windows up on a 90 degree day ...

The drug war is a giant mess. Don’t believe it? As the late comedian Bill Hicks once pointed out, “That would imply that there is a war and the people who are on drugs are winning it.”

Looks like New York City is once again a trend-setter — its proposed ban on large sodas has made Cambridge, MA wonder whether it should follow suit.