Ever since the COVID-19 vaccine became available last December, Americans have been wondering which provides more protection: the vaccine or natural immunity acquired from a previous COVID-19? 

The vaccine offers higher protection than natural immunity, according to a new study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Antibiotics are one of the greatest medical achievements. They help cure infections like bronchitis, pink eye, upper respiratory infections, strep throat, UTIs, pneumonia, E. coli and salmonella. They can even help with secondary bacterial infections like ear, sinus and lung infections triggered by cold and flu viruses — even if they aren’t effective against those viruses.

You’re probably familiar with a host of different antibiotics masquerading under different drug names: penicillin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, clindamycin, azithromycin and levofloxacin, among others. 

If you sleep poorly, you risk more than crankiness in the morning: You risk your heart. Studies show that even if you are at a healthy weight, get exercise and don’t smoke, too little sleep can increase your risk for heart disease. 

That’s because good sleep does more than leave us feeling refreshed in the morning. It lowers our blood pressure, regulates our metabolism and insulin uptake and reduces inflammation — all critical influencers of heart disease.

You surely know by now that there’s an “ideal” amount of sleep we’re supposed to get at night: roughly seven to nine hours. This applies to the entire age range for adults, whether you’re 18 or 88.  And it’s not a loose suggestion, like how many days a week you should shower. 

A lot of surprising things can affect your sleep. For example, what you drink and when you drink it, electronic devices like your phone or tablet, the temperature of the room, how much you exercise — even when you go to bed each night.

Together, these things are called sleep hygiene and practicing good sleep hygiene can help you get consistent, healthy sleep — and help your heart at the same time. 

Here are some proven tips that can help you get more sleep: 

Since the 1980s, doctors have been prescribing aspirin to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, especially in individuals at high risk. But in recent years, studies have shown that aspirin, which is often prescribed because it helps inhibit blood clot formation that can block your arteries, may create other risks especially for people 60 and older.

Chances are, your doctor is already screening you for atherosclerosis risk. They are probably keeping track of your cholesterol, blood pressure and your blood sugar levels. But even if these numbers are perfect, you may still have fatty deposits in your heart arteries, according to a new study. 

If you like walnuts, you’re going to go nuts over this: They may help lower your risk for heart disease.

Coronary artery disease, the most common form of cardiovascular disease, when plaque builds up in your arteries. Elevated levels low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol, are a major contributor. 

Depression vs Sadness: What Everyone Should Know

Sad, struggling, down, depressed. These are the words we use to describe our lousy, low moods. We use them interchangeably – and that’s just fine. 

One word that doesn’t belong there: depression. 

Would you be able to identify clinical depression in yourself? Could you identify it with a loved one? 

You may think you can. After all, the telltale signs seem pretty hard to miss: ongoing sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in normal activities, fatigue, sleep problems.