Mental Floss

HEALTH

The truth is, sometimes the answer varies.

Are bagged salads and other leafy greens safe to eat without rinsing off first? Find out whether pre-washed produce still needs to be cleaned off beforehand, plus more.

Chris Wheatley


A steady tempo is key.

From Taylor Swift's "22" to Missy Elliott's "Work It," these CPR songs will help you find a life-saving tempo.

Ellen Gutoskey






Nurse Agnes from Uganda’s Bwindi Community Hospital prepares a vaccination against measles.

Before the measles vaccine, there were between 3 and 4 million cases in the U.S. per year. Now, it’s less than 500.

Shaunacy Ferro
A 19th-century illustration of a human heart.

Technically, your heart isn’t made of gold. And don't wear it in on your sleeve—you’ll make a mess. Here are 11 scientific facts about your ticker.

Amanda Green






Several factors make people more susceptible to the flu in winter.

Like clockwork, flu viruses seem to strike more people in winter than in any other season—and there are several reasons for that.

Matt Soniak


An illustration of red blood cells.

George Washington died after his physician treated his sore throat with bloodletting, but don't let that stop you from learning more about the human circulatory system.

Autumn Spanne








Uh oh.

The super-contagious gastrointestinal virus is causing outbreaks across the U.S. Here's how to protect yourself (and everyone around you) from norovirus.

Jennifer Billock