Health

Jonas Salk with bottles of the polio vaccine he developed.

From eradicating smallpox to battling the COVID-19 pandemic, these vaccine pioneers have helped make colossal strides in public health.

Let’s take a look at the different processes for creating life-saving vaccines for multiple diseases.

The Apgar test has rescued countless infants, but people are often surprised to discover Virginia Apgar was a real person.

Two of Roald Dahl’s books are dedicated to his daughter, Olivia, who died from measles complications in 1962.

Discover the history of the flu and its devastating impact on the world, from the deadliest influenza pandemic to today’s vaccines.

It might be legally safe to drink, but that doesn’t mean each state’s tap water is perfect.

It’s not just because you’re spending more time indoors.

Millions of Americans will say “no” to booze this month—all thanks to one British woman who decided to swear off alcohol as she prepped to run a half-marathon.

Water is important—that’s not a misconception.

How much water should you really drink a day? Well, it’s complicated.

New Year’s resolutions have a habit of being broken more than any other goals. This year, arm yourself with the best methods for making your resolutions a reality.

Hypochondriacs beware.

History has seen an assortment of colorful kooks, quacks, and snake oil salesmen who tried to convince the public they could smoke, chew, or drug themselves to a thinner physique.

Be careful out there!

This is where health care costs take the biggest toll on household budgets.

From blue balls to broken hymens, there’s a lot people don’t understand about sex.

Toilet paper and toothpaste have come a long, long way.

Aging might seem scary, but you probably don’t have all of the facts.

A woman wipes her brow while shoveling snow away from her car

Data shows which states struggle the most during the winter—and on the flip side, which struggle the least.

Breaking down a common belief and what you should know before trying it.

There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about menstruation. But it’s important to parse out what’s true and what’s a lie.

You wouldn’t think twice about these everyday habits and activities, but they weren’t always the norm.

The act of bringing another person into the world comes with a whole host of things you might not have anticipated, from a phenomenon called “lightning crotch” and disappearing belly buttons to unexpected excrement and so much more.

The phrase has a surprisingly long, convoluted history.

Your dentist probably won’t be too happy if you’re regularly chowing down on these foods.

11 Vaccine Pioneers You Should Know

How Are Vaccines Made?

Virginia Apgar, the Woman Whose Name Saves Newborns

Read Roald Dahl’s Heartbreaking 1986 Letter About the Importance of Vaccinations

10 Facts You Should Know About the Flu This Winter

The States With the Worst (And Best) Tap Water in America, Ranked

Why Do More People Get Sick in the Winter?

A Brief History of Dry January

5 Misconceptions About Health and Wellness You Should Stop Falling For

10 Scientifically Proven Ways to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

6 Extremely Rare Medical Conditions You May Have Never Heard Of

11 of the Worst Pieces of Diet Advice From History

7 Common Causes of Death During Winter Storms (And How to Avoid Them)

The U.S. Cities Where Health Care Costs Hurt the Most (And the Least)

6 Major Myths and Misconceptions About Sex, Debunked

10 Horrifying Historical Hygiene Practices

9 Things You Probably Get Wrong About Growing Old

The U.S. States Most (and Least) Likely to Keep You Healthy This Winter

Does Taking a Cold Shower Actually Have Benefits?

9 Myths and Misconceptions About Menstruation, Debunked

10 Everyday Habits With Totally Interesting Origins

20 Surprising (and Horrifying) Facts About Pregnancy

Why Do We Say We’re “In the Pink”?

5 Surprising Foods That Dentists Hate (Including the “Healthy” Snack That Can Wreck Your Teeth)