You’ve heard the expression a million times: “Laughter is the best medicine.” It’s not just an old saying. Research links laughter to a number of health benefits.

Studies have credited laughter with improving a number of health markers. According to the American Heart Association, laughing every day can reduce inflammation, increase circulation and increase good cholesterol. It’s also been shown to lower levels of cortisol, a hormone often linked to stress. In combination, these benefits can lower the risk of heart disease.

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As temperatures drop this winter, so does the moisture level in the air. And this cold, dry air can cause a host of health problems – from dry, itchy skin to asthma flare-ups.

But with a little prevention, the chill of winter doesn’t have to take its toll on you. What can you do to protect yourself all season long? Stay hydrated and follow the tips in this infographic.

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Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13, at 2 in the morning. For many of us, running around the house and resetting the time on our clocks—springing forward one hour—is a harbinger of longer, sunnier days to come.

And so it can be. But for many of us, the switch to Daylight Saving Time can upset our finely tuned internal clocks, resulting in a day or two of sluggishness at the least, and potentially longer—and even increase risks to health and safety.

Fortunately, the more dire consequences are unlikely. What’s more, you can ward off or reduce some of the minor near-term consequences of this momentary wrinkle in time.

We spoke with Ganesan Murali, MD, medical director of the Einstein Sleep Center, for some insights and tips.

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Members of the 1-800-EINSTEIN team, from left: Miriam Martinez,Toni Smallwood, Joan Treatner, Marlene Parrish

When patients and prospective Einstein Healthcare Network patients need assistance with scheduling or rescheduling appointments, to learn more about our services, or request a doctor referral, they call 1-800-EINSTEIN. And when they call that number, Toni Smallwood’s voice is often one of the first they hear.

They couldn’t ask for better. “I like helping people,” says Smallwood, the Contact Center manager who heads up a staff of fellow call Contact Center workers whose job it is to quickly and clearly respond to the 3,000-plus queries they receive every month. “I like being able to solve a problem.” Three to four Contact Center workers staff the phones every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Solving problems is what 1-800-EINSTEIN is all about.

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Zika virus is an "extraordinary event" that is "spreading explosively" through the Americas. The WHO has deemed this an international public health emergency as the virus, and its suspected link to birth defects, could potentially result in as many as 4 million infections by the end of this year.

What is Zika? Where did it come from?

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