We’ll go ahead and get it right out there: Q-tips are very, very bad for your ears. Under no circumstance should you insert a Q-tip or cotton swab into your ear canal. This may be a tough pill to swallow if, like many Americans, a Q-tip is the first or second thing you reach for after a shower.

Don’t feel bad: you’re not alone, the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) reported more than 12 million people each year seek medical treatment for impacted earwax.

So, while you’re not alone, you’re definitely doing yourself more harm than good.

Beating spring and early summer allergies may seem like a losing battle, but never fear, we’re here to help you fight another day! While avoidance may not be the solution to all of life’s dramas and conflicts, running for shelter can certainly help minimize your allergy symptoms. Read on for 10 smart ways to defeat pollen and enjoy the rest of this gorgeous spring season.

We’ve all been there: either complaining about how miserable our allergies are making us or desperately hoping that “it’s just allergies.” Regardless of which end of the spectrum you fall on, it’s good to know what’s what.

Naturally, the symptoms for each affliction -- cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, and headache -- are so similar, that it can be hard to tell if you’re suffering from sinusitis, a cold, or allergies. We’ll help you figure out which is which and help you determine when it’s time to schedule a trip to see the doctor.