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Leg cramps are a side effect of cholesterol medications. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, your physician might have prescribed a statin drug to lower your cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, one of the common side effects of statins is leg and muscle cramps. While these should be mild, some patients can experience severe of painful cramps. If you experience leg cramping with your statin medication, consult with your physician to evaluate the benefits of taking the medication versus the side effects you are experiencing....

To make fudge at home, melt a combination of sugar, butter, cocoa powder, milk and vanilla extract in a medium-sized saucepan to a temperature of 235 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Image Credit: vaaseenaa/iStock/GettyImages Many people claim that there’s no dessert quite as tasty as sweet, decadent, mouthwatering chocolate fudge. Chocoholics love the flavor, of course, but it can be expensive to buy at the store. The good news is that you can make your own fudge with cocoa powder, sugar and milk....

Your current body fat percentage and your approach to nutrition and exercise determine how long it takes to get six-pack abs. Image Credit: undrey/iStock/GettyImages In This Article How Long Does It Take to Get Abs? How to Get Abs ASAP For every two pounds of fat you have to lose, it will likely take at least one week to reveal your six-pack. If a defined core is on your list of fitness goals, you’ve undoubtedly asked the question, “How long does it take to get six-pack abs?...

Cod liver oil is a supplement that is not only rich in healthy unsaturated fats, but contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D. Image Credit: View Stock/View Stock/GettyImages Cod liver oil is a supplement that is not only rich in healthy unsaturated fats, but contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D. However, this product should be consumed in moderation. It’s possible to consume excessive amounts of these essential vitamins....

A teen should lift enough weight that after six to 12 repetitions using proper form, the muscle is fatigued. Image Credit: Jun/iStock/GettyImages Teens can benefit from a strengthening program, however many are unsure of the right weight training routines for a 13 year old boy or girl. The newest research provides a clear picture on how much of a dumbbell lift a teen should do to safely increase strength, endurance and tone....

How to Balance Your Hamstring and Quadriceps Image Credit: undrey/iStock/GettyImages When your muscles get out of balance and one becomes stronger than its opposing set, it can put you at risk for injury. Two of your biggest leg muscles, the hamstrings and quadriceps, oppose each other on the front and back of your thighs. If one is stronger than the other it can put you at risk for a knee injury, like an ACL tear....

Mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack that you can pull out of the freezer and make at a moment’s notice if you have company. Image Credit: Paula Mitchell/iStock/GettyImages Mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack that you can pull out of the freezer and make at a moment’s notice if you have company. The best way to cook frozen mozzarella sticks is in the oven, but if you’re short on time, you can microwave them instead....

Shrimp going into a pot of boiling water with potatoes. Image Credit: hookmedia/iStock/Getty Images A steamer unit is not required to steam raw shrimp. A pot of boiling water will get the same results in roughly the same amount of time. The trick to cooking fresh, raw shrimp is to carefully monitor the boiling time and allow it to marinade in sauce without heat. This way the shrimp will not overcook, which results in a rubbery texture and loss of flavor....

Strength training combined with a high-protein diet can make it easier to build lean mass in your senior years. Image Credit: kali9/E+/GettyImages A lean, strong body isn’t just visually appealing, but healthy. No matter your age, you can get in shape and build muscle through regular exercise. Strength training is particularly beneficial because it promotes hypertrophy and improves bone mineral density. Building muscle over 60, though, isn’t going to be easy; be prepared to change your diet, commit to regular training and tweak your lifestyle habits....

To gain weight without adding belly fat, eat nutrient-dense foods and prioritize strength training over cardio. Image Credit: PORNCHAI SODA/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Calories Foods to Limit Eat Frequently Protein Carbs Fats Veggies Weightlifting Consistency Just like you can't spot-reduce and choose where on your body to lose fat, you can't choose where you'll gain it, either. And those trying to gain some weight run the risk of adding belly fat — the dangerous kind — by not getting the proper nutrition and exercise....

Getting outside, doing things that bring you joy and connecting with others are all good ways to support your mental and physical health during breastfeeding. Image Credit: SolStock/E+/GettyImages Breastfeeding or chestfeeding has many important benefits for babies and birthing parents. And yeah, our bodies were technically ​designed​ to do it. But that doesn’t make it easy. Advertisement There's the steep learning curve you and your baby have to navigate during the already tumultuous postpartum period....

If you have a uterus, it's likely you'll develop fibroids at some point in your life. Image Credit: PeopleImages/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Global Stats U.S. Stats Demographics Health Data Any kind of unexpected diagnosis can feel like a cause for concern. But if you've been recently diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you can probably breathe a sigh of relief. Advertisement Fibroids are small growths on the uterus. They're extremely common and usually don't cause any complications to your health, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine....

Upgrade your cold-weather drink with these easy hot cocoa recipes that crush cravings. Image Credit: svetikd/E+/GettyImages Yes, we believe that a healthy and balanced diet is all about moderation, but that doesn’t mean saying “no” to sweets altogether — including a piping-hot cup of cocoa. Advertisement While this wintertime favorite is often loaded with sugar and calories, leaving us wary of enjoying a cup on a cold night, there are plenty of ways to make the drink a little bit healthier without sacrificing flavor....

references Greater protein intake at breakfast or as snacks and less at dinner is associated with cardiometabolic health in adults Revisiting the role of protein-induced satiation and satiety Study on the postprandial blood glucose suppression effect of D-psicose in borderline diabetes and the safety of long-term ingestion by normal human subjects Skipping sugary cereal for one of these boxes can help you feel full all morning. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative...

Social isolation is hard on your health so look for ways to connect, such as volunteering, participating in book clubs or any other group activity that suits your interests. Image Credit: Anchiy/E+/GettyImages There’s never a wrong time to take on a new healthy habit, especially as you start to get older. Making choices that support your physical and mental wellbeing allow you to feel your best right now — and help protect against health problems down the road....

If you want to get the benefits of a midday nap, you'll need to avoid common mistakes, like forgetting to set an alarm or snoozing too close to bedtime. Image Credit: fStop Images - Winnie Au/Brand X Pictures/GettyImages In This Article Timing Length Replacing Sleep Imperfect Environment Skipping an Alarm No Schedule After a Heavy Meal Insomnia Caffeine A good daytime nap can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the remainder of your day....

Making a quiche without heavy cream may sound anathema to the very idea of quiche, a rich dish of eggs and cheese folded into a flaky, buttery crust. Image Credit: Mizina/iStock/GettyImages Making a quiche without heavy cream may sound anathema to the very idea of quiche, a rich dish of eggs and cheese folded into a flaky, buttery crust. But it’s possible to cut down on some of the calories inherent to a quiche recipe while still retaining its comfortingly familiar characteristics....

Adding extra yeast in bread can cause it to rise too much and produce large holes. Image Credit: SilviaJansen/iStock/GettyImages Too much yeast in bread may cause various problems. Follow your bread recipe closely, so you can have the pleasure of eating delicious homemade bread. Few edibles are as appetizing as this treat. Advertisement Whether there is too much yeast in pizza dough or too much yeast in dough to be used for other purposes, it can result in a disappointing end product....

A bowl of pretzels on a wooden table. Image Credit: Александр Лаппо/iStock/Getty Images Snacks make up an important part of a balanced diet – they help increase your nutrient intake, give you energy throughout the day and might prevent you from overeating at meals – provided they’re healthy snacks. Pretzels might represent a slightly better nutritional option than potato chips, but both should be occasional treats rather than a regular part of your diet....

chocolate is one of the most aggravating foods to eat during an outbreak Image Credit: GoldStock/iStock/Getty Images Genital herpes is a common, with 20 million new cases diagnosed each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. Herpes simplex virus type 2 affects the genital region, and type 1often manifests as cold sores around the mouth....