Doctors report rise in kids eating detergent packets

DALLAS (AP) — Miniature laundry detergent packets arrived on store shelves in recent months, touted as a solution to bulky bottles and messy spills. But doctors across the country say children are confusing the tiny, brightly colored packets with candy and swallowing them.

Nearly 250 …

Born to run barefoot? Some end up getting injured

As more people experiment with barefoot running, foot doctors say they are treating injuries ranging from pulled calf muscles to tendinitis to stress fractures.

Suburban mom uses Facebook to educate on Parkinson’s

Jo-Ann Golec, an outspoken and active advocate for Parkinson’s Disease since being diagnosed 16 years ago, approaches her disease the same as she approaches life: “I think the glass is always half full, and I don’t deviate from that.”

Golf Mill programs challenge seniors to be fittest of the mall

In the morning, before the mall is even open for business, people can be seen strolling briskly past the stores like they’re on a mission. These seniors doing laps around Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles are just looking to get some exercise, and to …

Why don’t women insist on condoms? It’s complicated

DR. LAURA BERMAN: A woman’s exposure to violence has a negative impact on her sexual behavior, a troubling new study discovers.

New amenities take the rough out of roughing it

Those of you who wiggle out of family camping trips by claiming you’re just not into roughing it will have to find another excuse. A range of camping options and innovations have made it far more comfortable to eat, sleep and otherwise spend time in the Great Outdoors.

Early intervention in dyslexia is key

DRS. ROIZEN AND OZ: Before heading to the doctor to explore testing options for a child’s dyslexia, take time to note behaviors.

Tips for keeping your kids safe

More than anything, your No. 1 priority is your child’s safety. Here is some safety wisdom that covers a little of this and a little of that.

TODAY Mather Edgewater film series: the artist When: 1 p.m. Where: St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Cost: $2 Call: (773) 769-1995THURSDAY Farmers market kickoff When: 11 a.m. Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Cost: Free Visit: chicagofamersmarkets.usFRIDAY Book discussion:  ‘The Housekeeper and …

Naperville women persuade Mayo Clinic doctor to take their case

Meet the women of the inaugural SCAD Survivors Reunion, a bright, educated and determined group whose lives were jolted and nearly ended by a Sudden Coronary Artery Dissection.

Fear of spiders? You can escape that web

For people with arachnophobia, holding a huge, hairy tarantula in their bare hand can help, a Northwestern University study has found. A single brief therapy session involving holding or petting a tarantula changed the brain’s fear response in adults with the lifelong, debilitating phobia of spiders.

CDC to baby boomers: Get tested for hepatitis C

U.S. health officials want all baby boomers to get tested for hepatitis C.

Report: Healthy foods don’t have to cost more

Contrary to popular belief, many healthy foods are no more expensive than junk food, according to a large new government analysis. Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietitian in Chicago, says the report helps “bust the myth that it costs too much to eat healthy.”

Coffee drinkers more likely to live longer, study finds

MILWAUKEE — One of life’s simple pleasures just got a little sweeter. After years of waffling research on coffee and health, even some fear that java might raise the risk of heart disease, a big study finds the opposite: Coffee drinkers are a little more …