Health

Why Do We Bite Our Nails?

It doesn't always mean you're anxious.

5 Scientific Tips for Getting Back to Sleep After You’ve Woken Up in the Middle of the Night

Unfortunately for you, reading this article on your phone in the dark won’t help, so make sure to arm yourself with these tips before you hit the sack.

Want to Stay Sweat-Free This Summer? Start Your Antiperspirant Routine Before Bed

You don't have to sweat through every shirt.

Recall: Del Monte Vegetable Trays Have Sickened More Than 200

There has been an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness.

Where in the U.S. People Aren't Getting Enough Exercise, Mapped

Idaho? Super active. New York? Not so much.

10 Mind-Boggling Psychiatric Treatments

If you're timid about diving onto a psychiatrist's couch, remember: It could be worse. Like getting-a-hole-drilled-into-your-skull worse.

How Does Blood Pressure Work?

Your doctor may tell you that your BP is “120 over 80.” You may very well not know what that means.

Illustration by Mental Floss. Images: iStock

13 Facts About Vertigo

It's very different from dizziness.

What's Really Inside a Hot Dog?

You've probably wondered what's really inside a hot dog before. We have the answer—though we don't recommend reading it before your next cook-out.

97 Percent of Us Are Washing Our Hands All Wrong

There's a trick to doing it right.

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More Than 75 Percent of Americans Don't Exercise Enough

The CDC has guidelines—and most people aren't meeting them.

This Mysterious Condition Makes People Think Bugs Are Crawling Under Their Skin

Tens of thousands of Americans might have it.

How Did Ancient Medics Determine the Medicinal Properties of Substances?

At the dawn of the age of scientific medicine, there were only a handful of remedies that we would recognize today as safe and effective.

Disney Is Warning Moviegoers That Incredibles 2 Could Prompt Migraines or Seizures

Theaters are now required to post a health warning.

The Hidden Benefits of Your Health Insurance Plan

Insurance companies offer discount programs on everything from yoga to treadmills. Here's how to find them.

Netherlands Officials Want to Pay Residents to Bike to Work

19 cents a kilometer adds up. Eventually.

New Health-Monitoring Litter Box Could Save You a Trip to the Vet

The pee is the key.

16 Facts About Migraines

Migraine disorder is much more than a bad headache.

11 Facts About the Appendix

It has a function after all.

Sagar.jadhav01, Wikimedia Commons // ;CC BY-SA 4.0

New 'Eye Language' Lets Paralyzed People Communicate More Easily

The illustrated language guide is free to download.

This Plant Can Burn Your Skin With Its Sap—And It May Be Coming to Your Neighborhood

It's now found in 11 states.

Science Has a Good Explanation For Why You Can't Resist That Doughnut

It's not just you.

Yoga and Meditation May Lead to an Inflated Ego

Participants were more likely to say that statements like "I am the most helpful person I know" describe them.

Doc_Brown, Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Cropped.

The Honey Smacks In Your Pantry May Be Contaminated With Salmonella

The CDC issued a new warning on Thursday: "Do not eat this cereal."