There is a growing body of literature on the benefits of physical activity and an active lifestyle on CV health, but in the past 10 to 15 years, data have accumulated on CV risks associated with intense and prolonged exercise. The literature on the CV benefits of exercise is plentiful, but some studies have shown that certain people who exercise at vigorous levels experience a flattening out of CV benefits or an increase in CVD mortality risk.

The American Heart Association has issued a new scientific statement that underscores knowledge gaps in the causes, symptoms and outcomes of acute MI in women and outlines steps needed to better understand and treat CVD in women. This release marks the first scientific statement from the AHA on MI in women.

When news of Robin Williams’ suicide spread throughout the country, all of his fans, celebrity and regular folk alike, were devastated and confused. We all asked ourselves and each other: How could such a wonderfully talented man who brought light and laughter into other people’s lives have such dark demons that he would feel compelled to take his own life?

Strength. Endurance. These are all important qualities to an athlete. Proper training and nutrition have always been key to athletic success, but have you ever wondered if a more specific diet could enhance your performance? Gluten-free diets, essential for those suffering from celiac disease and wheat allergies, have also become popular with athletes.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Half runners will be hitting the Benjamin Franklin Parkway today, some even in costume for music, miles and spooky fun. If you are one of the many running diehards testing your mettle this morning, here are a few recovery tips from Dr. Brian Sennett, chief of sports medicine at University of Pennsylvania Health System to keep you healthy and on track for your next big race.

New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells' struggle with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is not the first case of a football player being infected with this superbug, but it does show how grave this infection can be. According to NFL.com, Fells has undergone multiple surgeries with more expected to treat the infection thought to have been transmitted through a cortisone injection he received to treat toe and ankle injuries.

For thousands of years, people have traveled many miles across rough terrain to reach holy destinations like Mecca, Jerusalem, and Santiago de Compostela. So, trekking across portions of Philadelphia to bask in the presence of Pope Francis next weekend might not sound too tough. But, especially if you are making this pilgrimage with small children or anyone who is easily winded, it's worth considering temporal as well as spiritual needs.

Preparing for any big race takes dedication. Health experts say that's a good way to think about getting ready for Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia next month. An estimated 1.5 million pilgrims and spectators flocking to Center City on Sept. 26 and 27 will be expected to walk up to five miles and stand for long hours to get a glimpse of the pontiff.

It's the day of the big race and the heat index is rising. How can you stay hydrated? What do you eat, how much and how often? How can you shave down your time - or just make it to the finish line? That's the message underlying the Franklin Institute's new $3.1 million SportsZone, opening in October.

The mission is for men to start November 1 clean-shaven and grow their moustache for 30 days, getting friends and family to donate to their moustache-growing efforts through various fundraising events. According to their website, Mo Bros, as the men are called, become “walking, talking, hairy billboards for the cause sparking conversations around the often ignored issue of men’s health.”.

When Hannah Rose was born on January 15, 2013, she was a healthy baby girl, 8 lbs, 11 ounces. Her mom Vicki Pizzullo of Levittown said that at first she was meeting and exceeding her milestones and that there was no sign of what was to come. Then suddenly at 4 months of age, Pizzullo noticed that Hannah seemed to be regressing.