Your Daily Horoscope -- December 17, 2014

Today's Birthday Horoscope: December 17, 2014 Born today, you know the difference between right and wrong, and you will always apply this knowledge to your endeavors -- whether in your personal life or the professional arena. You may struggle, now and then, with certain opportunities that appear to offer tremendous rewards while demanding that you compromise your rather rigid standards, but it is quite likely that your standards will win out almost every time. Though you're perfectly willing to take the easy road when it doesn't conflict with your morals or beliefs, you are not one to ignore your scruples simply for the sake of expedience.      You don't define success in a way that is most common; you view it as something much more internal than external. You believe that it grows from within rather than being bestowed upon you from without. This doesn't mean that it's not something you can pursue; on the contrary -- inner success can result from outward accomplishments.      Also Born Today Also born on this date are: Milla Jovovich, model and actress; Chase Utley, baseball player; Laurie Holden, actress; Pope Francis, pontiff; Eugene Levy, actor; Chris Matthews, journalist; Bill Pullman, actor; Bernard Hill, actor; Giovanni Ribisi, actor; Arthur Fiedler, orchestra conductor; Barry Livingston, actor. Aries March 21 - April 19 What you do in the morning -- even very early, perhaps under cover of darkness -- will say a great deal about your true motives. Taurus April 20 - May 20 You're going to want to move more quickly than usual in order to deal with an unexpected maintenance issue of sorts. Gemini May 21 - June 21 Take care that you don't let yourself drift off course simply because you're not keeping your head in the game. Cancer June 22 - July 22 An unusual strategy has you behaving in a way that takes even your closest supporters by surprise. What comes next is anyone's guess! Leo July 23 - Aug 22 You may be eager for a little more privacy than usual. You can have it, but you must be ready for a backlash of sorts later on. Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 See if you can't give someone the kind of advice that you would like to receive. Timing is the key, and you know what must be done. Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 You've been meaning to tend to a tricky bit of business for some time; the opportunity to get it done right is upon you. Don't wait! Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 An invitation comes your way that complicates matters by pulling you in a different direction. Make an informed decision. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 You have some catching up to do. Don't distract yourself with activities that are not time-sensitive. Stick to the game plan. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 You can give yourself more credit than you have in the recent past. Progress may be slow, but you know what you're doing! Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 You may grow tired of starting from scratch again and again, but you understand that it may be necessary, given your resources. Pisces Feb 19 - March 20 You are likely to make great strides, but the test will be in whether you can continue to move forward. Momentum is key.

7 Best Gadgets for Managing ADHD

Living With ADHD Today's Newsletter  |  December 17, 2014

Today's Top Story 7 Best Gadgets for Managing ADHD Having ADHD symptoms means it's often a challenge to stay organized and focus on the task at hand. But with breakthroughs in technology, smartphones have made time management easier. Here are high-tech devices to help with ADHD.  » Featured Article After-School Activities for Children With ADHD How children with ADHD spend their free time can help improve their attention. Try walking with your kids for 20 minutes in the park, or doing an outdoor activity they like. Consider these after-school activities.  » Today's Recipe Rack of Lamb With Warm Apple and Lentil Salad Mustard and rosemary complement rich lamb and earthy lentils in this elegant holiday meal. Get the recipe.  » Ask the Expert Could I Have Depression, Anxiety, and Stress All at Once? How common is it for someone to have depression, anxiety, stress, and maybe even bipolar disorder at the same time? See Dr. Thase's answer  » Everyday Health Apps Download Our Apps for iPhone and iPad Today! Your health is in your hands - literally! Our Everyday Health app is filled with breaking health news, condition facts, and expert tips to help make getting healthy easier than ever. Get the app now! » Everyday Solutions ADHD Parenting Strategies If your daughter has ADHD, a little structure can go a long way in encouraging learning and good behavior. Get expert tips for raising girls with ADHD. Connect with Everyday Health

Are Proton Pump Inhibitors Right for You?

December 17, 2014 Day 1: Are Proton Pump Inhibitors Right for You? Facts and Tips about Heartburn and GERD Drugs By Kristen Dore, PharmD Maybe you've already started taking a proton pump inhibitor, or you're just starting to talk with your doctor about these medications. You may have some questions about how PPIs work, and what they'll do to treat your symptoms. Doctors often prescribe PPIs to treat common conditions like GERD and ulcers, as well as rarer ones like Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Here's an overview of those conditions. Learn about the conditions that are often treated with PPIs » Next Newsletter: How PPIs Help Digestive Problems

Why Doctors Prescribe Cholesterol Drugs

December 17, 2014 Day 1: Why Doctors Prescribe Cholesterol Drugs Facts and Tips about Cholesterol Drugs By Beth Isaac, PharmD You might be wondering why your doctor prescribed a cholesterol-lowering medication for you. Or maybe you and your doctor are considering starting treatment with a cholesterol drug because diet and exercise alone have not lowered your cholesterol enough. You are probably wondering why it is so important to start taking cholesterol medications when you don't feel sick. Here are some basic facts about cholesterol and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to produce hormones, vitamin D and bile acids that help digest fat. It only takes a small amount of cholesterol in the blood to meet these needs. When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it accumulates on the walls of your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, which is why it is so important for you to take your cholesterol-lowering medication exactly as prescribed. Get the facts about high cholesterol and drugs that can lower it. » Next Newsletter: How Drugs Can Lower Cholesterol

Are Antidepressants Right for You?

December 17, 2014 Day 1: Are Antidepressants Right for You? Facts and Tips about Antidepressants By Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD If you've just been given a prescription for antidepressants, or you're thinking of asking your doctor about them, you probably have a lot of questions about how these medications work and the reasons people take them. You may also be feeling anxious about the idea of taking a pill for depression or another emotional health condition. That's a common reaction among people who are offered antidepressants. Medication is commonly used to manage psychiatric disorders. There are several kinds of antidepressants. Learn more about depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder — the most common conditions antidepressants are prescribed to treat. » Next Newsletter: How Antidepressants Can Help Your Depression

4 Ways to Change Unhealthy Holiday Habits

DECEMBER 17, 2014 "A dash of flexibility and a pinch of creativity are ingredients in an enjoyable cooking experience." — Katherine A. Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Overcome Obstacles Ways to change unhealthy eating habits Do healthy eating habits seem to fly out the window this time of year? There's no question about it — it's challenging to eat well with so many tempting treats everywhere you turn. However, throwing caution to the wind will only make getting back on track that much harder in the new year. Apply these behavior-changing approaches to your holiday healthy-eating obstacles, and focus on the ones that speak to you. Small efforts — like passing on takeout or resisting that second slice of pie — can add up to make a big difference. Improve eating habits with these tips » Mind and Body Would you like better sleep? Are last-minute holiday preparations cutting into your snooze time? A good night's sleep is essential for functioning at your best. Sleep better and wake up feeling more rested — and ready to take on the day — with this advice. Practice these tips » Today's Food Tip Choose the leanest cuts of meat Protein is an important part of a balanced diet. If you eat meat, it's essential to choose lean cuts. The leanest poultry choice is white meat from the breast of chicken or turkey, without the skin. Lean cuts of beef include round, chuck, sirloin or tenderloin, and lean pork includes tenderloin and loin chops. Limit meat and poultry servings to 3 ounces — about the size of a deck of cards.