Blog Archive

As we spend more time outdoors during the warm summer months, it's important to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Sunscreen is a crucial part of any skincare routine, regardless of skin type. Not only does it prevent sunburn, but it also reduces the risk of...

Movies and cartoons make snoring seem like a funny trait, and they often use it to inject humor into their plotline. But snoring is a serious condition that can lead to some troublesome health complications.  If you or the person in bed next to you has a snoring problem, come visit...

You can’t watch TV or scroll through your social media feed without seeing the word “collagen” pop out at you. That’s because the cosmetic industry has discovered how to harness this essential protein that gives your skin its structure and resilience. At Southwest Family Medicine Associates in Dallas, Texas, our team of experienced...

Men are living longer these days. The average life expectancy is more than 76 years, and if you reach age 65, you can likely count on an additional 18 years. That’s great news until you realize that you could be living more than two-thirds of your life with significantly less testosterone...

If you associate acne with teenagers, you’re not wrong. Adolescence creates the perfect storm for acne breakouts — hormone imbalance, stress, poor hygiene, and processed foods. But if you thought you could cross acne off your list of things to deal with in adulthood, you’re wrong. Many adults have acne,...

Supplements are available without a prescription and usually come in a pill, powder, or liquid form. There's so many options out there, they come in many variations like grams, ML, and have many fancy names like vitamins, minerals, herbal products, botanicals, etc.... I don't know about you, but that scares...

Living in pain takes a toll on your physical and mental health. If that’s not bad enough, traditional pain management strategies often rely on medications that may have unpleasant side effects or risk of addiction.  Our team at Southwest Family Medicine takes a completely different approach to healthcare. When you...

Serving as the 6th leading cause of chronic conditions among adults, it is no surprise that more than 50 million Americans experience various types of allergies each year. In order to learn how to treat and manage your allergies, it’s important to understand them. Understanding your allergies begins with knowing...

1 in 10 men suffer from Erectile Dysfunction at some point in their lifetime. As a result: Poor sexual health tends to affect your overall quality of life and well-being. That’s why at Southwest Family Medicine Associates in Dallas, we are proud to offer multiple treatment options for men suffering...

At least 40% of all women suffer from some form of sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives, and female sexual dysfunction can happen at any stage in one’s life. Various causes such as childbirth, aging, and changes in hormones can alter the health and functionality of your vaginal...

This month our office is offering an amazing laser deal with a package of 4 Fotona 4D Laser treatments on sale for only $1,800. Additionally, we are giving away a FREE Fotona LipLase treatment with each purchase. But what are these services? Let’s start with the Fotona 4D. Some of...

February is American Heart Month and this is the perfect time to talk about ways to be heart-healthy. Cardiovascular health has never been more imperative, as those with poor heart health can find themselves at an increased risk of COVID-19. Heart disease is the leading cause of death amongst men...

Once upon a time, Cervical Cancer was the leading cost of death for women in the United States. Fortunately, in recent years cervical cancer cases and the deaths resulting from it, have dropped significantly. In addition to advancements in modern medicine, routine Pap smears provide the ability to detect signs...

Do you have a pair of jeans you can almost squeeze in, but not quite? Or maybe you’ve got a little black dress you would like to fit into again? Whatever the case, our resident Laser Expert, Cheryl can help! This month we are offering the famed Tightsculpting in our...

With 2020 in the rearview, our clinic is proud to provide multiple offerings to keep (or get) you in good health - because we are sure you put health on your list of resolutions. This month we are partnering with Trainer Kristen to help get you into your healthiest and...

Did you indulge a bit too much over the holidays? If you’re like most, probably. But there’s no shame in having one too many slices of pumpkin pie. Starting now, our clinic is offering a Detox Kit for only $150 with code DETOX21. What’s great about this kit is that...

So Long, Snoring! As you may know, a full night of rest is essential to optimal health. Yet an estimated 40 percent of adult men and 24 percent of adult women are habitual snorers. And while snoring might seem innocent enough, it is not only annoying to your partner but...

Learn more about stress, as well as powerful coping tools in this episode of Talk Time Tuesday: Remember to take a deep breath and stay centered this holiday season. 2020 has been quite the year, right? Whether the pandemic, election, or holidays have left you feeling frazzled, we want you...

It is a massive logistics operation, the kind our military is good at handling. The vaccines must be kept cold -- in some cases at subzero temperatures -- throughout their shipping and distribution. Perna has a plan for that. They have to go to urban sites and rural hospitals, places that have...

As Covid-19 rages on, holiday celebrations might look a little different this year. In past years we could see our loved ones without a second thought. However, more and more families are opting for virtual gatherings or requiring each other to receive a negative test before coming home. Since Covid...

Compared to the original strain, people infected with the new strain -- called 614G -- have higher viral loads in their nose and throat, though they don’t seem to get any sicker. But they are much more contagious to others. “That kind of makes sense,” says Ralph Baric, PhD, a...

The poll of 1,000 respondents found 27% said a vaccine that prevents or reduces the chance of infection would signal the end of the pandemic. And 24% said they’re waiting for public health officials to declare that it’s over. The results come as people have increasingly questioned the safety of a...

Sept. 15, 2020 -- “This year, we’re not having a family gathering because of COVID.” Like millions of Americans, Judy Ross has had to share that message as so many of us figure out what to do about the upcoming holidays in this age of COVID-19. Ross, a member of...

A photo of a high school hallway packed with teenagers -- most not wearing masks -- went viral. Nine students and staff members later tested positive and the school switched to an virtual model temporarily.  More than 200 teachers and staff at another metro Atlanta school district tested positive or...

As you probably know, when I say PPI’s I mean “proton pump inhibitors.” These medications are widely available over-the-counter and by prescription to treat heartburn, acid reflux, GERD and the like (these drugs have names that end in “zole:” omeprazole is one example). News outlets recently reported that a recent...

But when intense sadness -- including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless -- lasts for many days to weeks and keeps you from living your life, it may be something more than sadness. You could have clinical depression -- a treatable medical condition. How Do I Know If I Have Depression? According to...

July 8, 2020 -- The EPA said laboratory tests found that Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist destroy the virus two minutes after contact, CNN reported. The agency says there are 420 disinfectant products that are effective against "harder-to-kill" viruses than the new coronavirus, but the two Lysol are products...

While the beginning of spring typically brings good news—warmer temperatures, longer days, a dying cold and flu season—it can be the start of something pretty miserable for many Americans: allergy season. And unfortunately, this year's season coincides with the coronavirus outbreak. With the public already on edge about COVID-19, those with...

Quarantine may have changed some things this Father’s Day—you can’t go to baseball games or crowded restaurants—but one aspect remains the same: It’s still hard to find the perfect gift for someone who says they don’t need anything. Despite Dad’s insistence, there are plenty of unique gifts he’ll be grateful to have...

June 10, 2020 -- African Americans were already disproportionately affected by COVID-19, the disease that has swept across the globe in just months. Then George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. Even amid a pandemic, the injustice of police brutality and racism has pushed many people to the streets, causing...

May 30, 2020 - The drug company Moderna has entered phase two in its search for a coronavirus vaccine by giving the vaccine to the first of 600 participants, the company said Friday in a news release. Participants will receive two vaccinations 28 days apart of a placebo, a 50-microgram dose...

Yoga can play a useful role in self-care, along with the other tools in your belt – nutritious foods, restful sleep, physical activity, connection with others. Adding a touch of restorative yoga and some deliberate breathing does not come with any medical guarantee, but as we say in the South...

“Our society is definitely in a collective state of trauma,” said Jonathan Porteus, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who oversees the crisis and suicide hotline in Sacramento, CA. Unlike posttraumatic stress disorder, which surfaces after a trauma has ended, the country is only starting to grapple with the pandemic’s psychological fallout, he said. “We...

Ariel is Chinese American and a survivor of domestic violence — and the coronavirus pandemic has taken a painful toll on her mental health. It has created “a unique intersection in a time where racism against Chinese civilians is high, and domestic violence rates are increasing,” she tells InStyle. Ariel, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) three years ago,...

You've undoubtedly had a sore throat before—either a scratchy nuisance or something that makes you flinch each time you swallow. But is having a sore throat a symptom of a coronavirus infection? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can be. The CDC recently added six new...

On March 11, the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and just days later, the US government launched a campaign to slow the spread of COVID-19 by urging all non-essential workers to stay home and maintain social distancing rules.  For the most part, people in the US have been compliant...

Growing evidence shows that COVID-19 can affect almost every organ, including the skin. Dermatologists around the world are sharing images and information about various kinds of rashes and skin-related effects that may be associated with COVID-19. There are so many different types of skin findings being reported that the American Academy of...

Proper mask etiquette is a confusing part of the coronavirus epidemic, but it’s also become more than just a suggestion. Many places are requiring they be worn in public, and some businesses are mandating their use as well. So know this: The CDC recommends wearing some type of face covering while in...

The six new symptoms join the existing list with fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The expanded list could help those who are trying to identify whether they have symptoms related to COVID-19. With a limited number of test kits available, those who want to take a...

Researchers hoping to figure out that number have been using antibody tests and other data to try and figure out who’s been exposed. As more data come to light, researchers hope it will help shape policies around social distancing guidelines as officials look to reopen the country. Gathering the Numbers...

She was on a ventilator, but it wasn’t helping. Oxygen wasn’t getting to her organs. Acid was building in her blood. Her body was in shock. Her kidneys were failing, but he couldn’t put her on dialysis. She was too sick and probably wouldn’t survive it. Poor, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Mount Sinai...

“Extremely uncertain times like we’re experiencing right now are bound to heighten our stress and anxiety. We’re human. However, what can exacerbate this distress is when we begin expending significant energy being ‘anxious about being anxious’,” said Brendon Comer, behavioral health therapist at Banner Health Clinic in Colorado. “Practicing self-compassion and...

"Exposures to cleaners and disinfectants reported to NPDS [the National Poison Data System] increased substantially in early March 2020," noted a team led by Dr. Arthur Chang, a researcher at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, there's been a more than 20% spike in the number...

"This spring allergy season has been especially challenging because of the pandemic of COVID-19, and a lot of my patients, and a lot of allergy sufferers, can have a hard time distinguishing between what is an allergy and what are symptoms of COVID-19," said Dr. Rachna Shah, an allergist at...

Does everything -- smartphones, wallets, money and keys -- need to be washed down with hot water and soap? "We are all swimming through an invisible swamp of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites," noted Dr. Stephen Berger, co-founder of the Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network in Tel Aviv, Israel....

Serologic tests, as they’re called, look for antibodies in the blood. Antibodies develop when you’ve been exposed to a particular infection, and experts believe many COVID-19 cases are so mild people may not know they had it. That means there’s a chance a significant number of us have developed antibodies already. Hoping to...

The number of people leaving their homes fell gradually but persistently as officials closed schools, restaurants and bars in New York City, New Orleans, San Francisco and Seattle, according to a study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The CDC report shows that when successive mitigation...

The airborne distance is more than twice the recommended social distancing guidelines to stay 6 feet away from others. The new research, published in the agency’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, may help to explain how the virus is being spread. The study team tested air and surface samples at Huoshenshan...

First off, you should never ignore chest pain from any cause. If you have sudden onset of chest pain, call 911. Chest pain from a heart attack typically feels like pressure or a squeezing sensation, but it can vary from person to person. The challenge is that chest pain from...

Think of it this way – when coronavirus attacks your body, it’s waging a battle against you. If you don’t have your ‘armor’ on, you will likely get wounded. While you are at home, why not start preparing and ‘arming’ your immune system for that attack, if it eventually comes?...

Of course, following social isolation guidelines and proper hygiene techniques is essential to maintaining your health during this pandemic.  However, if you have heart disease or have a loved one with heart disease, there are additional things to consider.  Now, in particular, is not the time to take on additional...

A healthy person can then breathe in those droplets. You can also catch the virus if you touch a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Coronavirus: What you Need to Know The coronavirus can live for hours to days...

Dos and Don’ts for Everyone DO wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, several times a day. Use soap and water or a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol: Before cooking or eating After using the bathroom After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing DON’T touch your eyes,...

What are essential errands? This question has evolved rapidly over the past few days. The key reasons to enter public spaces are to get groceries, medicine, takeout food, or gas for your car. Much of this may be doable by delivery or mail order to your home depending on your...

For every glorious beach or lake day, camping trip, or tromp through the woods, there’s a potential skin problem to go with it: accidental sunburns, unexpected rashes, itchy bites, and more. Here are some of the most common skin hazards – and how to handle them (as always, talk to...

The gym, an escape and haven in the day-to-day lives of millions, has become yet another source of anxiety in the age of coronavirus. As cases of Covid-19 rise in the U.S., health officials are urging people to practice social distancing. That could make spin classes and yoga sessions seem more harmful than...

Dear patients, Your health and the health of our community is very important to us. To meet this goal, we are implementing the current recommendations to manage and decrease the risk of the spread of the Coronavirus disease/COVID-19. If you have a fever and/or a cough do not come to the doctor’s...

I took up yoga when I was struggling with a knee problem, well over a decade ago now. While I initially experimented with yoga with the hope that it would improve how my knee felt, I soon discovered that it could help me in much bigger ways, including bettering my...

One of these phrases may be true (but not as it was intended). And the other should not be used at all – at least not yet. Apple Watch, Series 4 The watch’s new heart health features include the ability to record a simple electrocardiogram (ECG) and a rhythm monitoring...

While ice cream usually falls into the category of unhealthy treats, it turns out there are a ton of ways to upgrade your scoop (and minimize that post-cone guilt). “I’ve found that a lot of the ‘healthier’ desserts out there tend to lack flavor, which in turn doesn't end up satisfying my...

Although it may be the end of long road trips, it’s not the end of the world. It’s simply a signal that, similar to your eyesight needing help as you age, the prostate needs some attention too. The prostate is a gland the size of a walnut that sits at...

We also blame it for “typical” male tendencies and behaviors, but how much of this is really true? The Hormonal Truth First, a little bit about testosterone. As the major sex steroid hormone in men, its effects are wide-ranging and powerful. In the life of a human male, testosterone spikes...

Excessive heat can make you ill – and can even be life threatening. The heat is blamed for about 600 deaths in the United States each year. Although excessive heat is dangerous for all, if you’ve experienced heart failure or are taking blood pressure medications, you’re especially vulnerable* and need...

A ketogenic diet, or “keto” diet, as it’s more commonly called, consists of eating a liberal amount of fat and decent amount of protein while aiming to drastically reduce consumption of carbohydrates, including sugars, starches, and fiber. The diet originated as treatment for epilepsy, but has more recently gained attention...

Susan’s Story Susan has been feeling her heart skipping beats lately, and she's concerned. She's in her early 50's, which is about the age when her dad had his first heart attack. On top of that, her mother had a stroke in her early 60’s. With her history in mind,...

Side effects, though – unless they are severe or life-threatening, are not necessarily signalling that you need to quit taking the medication. Many side effects are mild and manageable, and may even go away with time as your body adjusts to the medication. So how can you tell the difference...

But anxiety can manifest in countless ways, many of which we’re not even aware of. These subtle signs of anxiety probably don’t rise to the level of a “disorder,” but they can interfere with our lives in ways we don’t realize. I’ve had my own experience of waking up to...

But more recent research has called that into question. In fact, this new information has made me re-think the way I talk to my patients about alcohol and heart health. Alcohol and Heart Disease The research on alcohol and its effect on our health has limitations. Most studies depend on...

Your dermatologist has seen it many times, completely understands, and probably has even been there herself. She is standing by, ready to help clear your skin, minimize scars, and restore your hope and confidence. But before we talk about scars, let me clarify that there’s a difference between a true...

In fact, when it comes to weight’s effect on sperm, both extremes are problematic: being too thin or being overweight can affect your sperm production and fertility. Using body mass index (BMI) as a measure (the ideal BMI for men being 20-25), a large Danish study showed that overweight men with a...

Hawaii passed a law that will ban the use of two sunscreen ingredients (oxybenzone and octinoxate) based on early research suggesting that they may damage coral reefs.   And the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing and updating the scientific research and labelling of sunscreen ingredients as part of...

Others are focused on the health benefits of eliminating animal products, like avoiding excess hormones and antibiotics. Whatever the reason, there are many benefits to eating more plant-based foods, such as boosting fiber intake and getting in a good dose of antioxidants. But what does this mean for those living...

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between a medicated product and a “regular” one. Some of these products, such as medicated powders and creams for athlete’s foot or ringworm, are found closer to the pharmacy, making them easier to identify. Also, a dead giveaway is when the...

We’re talking about cellulite, of course. Also called edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (say that ten times fast), this dimpled, rippled, or uneven skin topography develops when lobules of normal fat swell and protrude through fibrous bundles of connective tissue located within and beneath the skin. Cellulite is entirely normal and affects...

I get some variation of that complaint almost weekly from a patient. Each time I hear it, I get a sense of dread, because I know 9 times out of 10 it’s not a yeast infection we’re dealing with but genital herpes. In the OB/GYN world, we call herpes the...

Wondering why your prescription isn't ready this afternoon after having seen your doctor this morning? Here are four good reasons. Your pharmacy is busy. Just as big cities have rush hour, so does your pharmacy. And when that happens, everything gets backlogged. And if you think some days are worse than others,...

 In my own life I’ve gone through hard times with my parents, brothers, and spouse, and thankfully these difficulties don’t have to mean the end of a relationship. When a relationship is fundamentally sound, working through a conflict together—even if it’s messy—can actually make the relationship stronger. But if the...

It wasn't that Steve had any heart-related symptoms. He had no chest pain or shortness of breath. At 72 years of age, he still exercises vigorously and feels great. However, he’s concerned about heart disease. Several family members, including his father, had heart attacks in their 50s, so Steve has...

First, a look at what premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is exactly. After ovulation, midway through your cycle, your hormones transition from higher levels of estrogen to higher levels of progesterone. This shift can trigger such symptoms as moodiness, irritability, anxiety, breast tenderness, and bloating. These symptoms escalate in intensity, then magically...

Why do they happen? Partly it’s because our veins act like ladders: They have rungs (valves) that help blood make its way back toward the heart, step by step, without slipping back down. When those valves weaken or collapse, blood and fluid can start to pool in the lower legs,...

When we’re young, some medications can interfere with our body’s normal development. For example, corticosteroids that are used for so many health conditions are usually only given to growing children for long periods of time when absolutely necessary because they could stunt the child’s growth. In other cases, some medications...

One of the most common: Which psychotherapy is best? This is a tough question to answer because it depends on what type of problem(s) you’re dealing with, as well as your personal preference. There are many different types of psychotherapy, but let’s focus our attention on four of the most...

We’re officially back in school, and while it’s so wonderful to be back in a routine and the girls are happy to see their friends again, I forgot how many hours are spent in a car between carpool line and driving to dance team, gymnastics, and swim.  Of course, I’m...

they encourage you to grow and develop into the person you want to become, or to at least explore what that might be. They are what psychology calls a "secure base" for you. People who are secure bases do not need you to be what they want you to be....

In the new study, researchers attached small microphones to participants' knees, which allowed them to listen for high-frequency sounds as the person repeatedly stood up and sat down again. Computer analysis of the sounds then provided information about the health of the knee, the study authors explained. This study is...

When you’re shopping around for the best birth control for you, there are lots of things to take into consideration. You’ll want to know how your method of choice affects your monthly cycle, what side effects it might cause, and how long it will keep you covered. But one of...

Ice cream, cheese, coffee with cream: Many of life's edible pleasures contain dairy in some way, shape, or form—and those pleasures may lead to discomfort for more than half of the entire human race. Yep, that's right: The majority of human beings—about 65 percent, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine—are somewhat...

What you didn't know GETTY IMAGES Even if you think you know everything there is to know about cholesterol, there may be a few more surprises in store. Check out these common myths about high cholesterol; find out who’s most likely to have it, what types of food can cause it, and why—sometimes—cholesterol isn’t a...

There's nothing quite like the misery of a migraine. If you’re among the nearly 20 percent of women who suffer from these headaches, you know how painful they can be. But there’s new reason for hope: Researchers are finally shedding light on what was once a mostly misunderstood medical phenomenon....

Even if you diligently avoid caffeine late in the day and you quit scrolling through Instagram an hour before bed, there may come the occasional night when it’s just impossible to fall asleep. After you’ve tossed and turned, adjusted and readjusted your pillow, checked the clock again, and sufficiently groaned about your...

Eat for a healthy smile GETTY IMAGES Prevention is the best medicine for your smile. Although fillings, crowns, and professional whitening can make your teeth stronger and brighter, it's better (and cheaper!) to avoid cavities and stains in the first place, by brushing, flossing, and—last but not least—eating right. As...

A quick refresher: Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)—but it's not a communicable disease, meaning you can't catch it. Instead, psoriasis stems from an issue with your immune system. Your skin goes through something...

Do you get headaches all the time? As if that weren't bad enough, you may be at increased risk for hypothyroidism—a common medical problem that can cause mood swings and weight gain, among other seriously unpleasant symptoms. Previous research has suggested a link between the two conditions, and now, one of the largest and...

Numbness in your foot may be a temporary condition or it can be the result of a chronic condition, such as diabetes. The symptom can also be progressive. You may begin to lose some sensation in your foot then slowly lose more and more feeling as time goes on. Seeking...

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this condition affects about 5 percent of women in the United States. Several different types of bacteria can cause PID, including the same bacteria that cause the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) gonorrhea and chlamydia. What commonly occurs is that bacteria first enter the...

Still, the myth lives on, even almost 100 years later. This may be due to the fact that hair regrowth after shaving often has a different appearance. Learn why this is, how you can get a better shave, and what the real side effects of shaving can be.   Does...

The vegan diet has risen in popularity in recent years as an increasing number of people adopt this way of eating for its purported health benefits and ethics surrounding animal treatment. It has not only attracted the interest of the general population but also that of athletes — including bodybuilders....

Who doesn’t want nice, shiny pearly whites? We all love getting compliments on our smile, and are eager to keep our mouth fresh and clean. That means brushing frequently, doing some occasional whitening, and making regular trips to the dentist.  But did you know the health of your smile goes...

If over-the-counter painkillers don’t seem to help that nagging ache in your back, you’re not alone. New research suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen provide little relief for back pain sufferers—and have the potential to cause serious side effects, as well. Researchers from Australia’s George Institute for Global...

Your body on caffeine Does your morning start only after your first (or second) cup of coffee or mug of tea? You're not alone: It’s estimated that 85% of U.S. adults consume caffeine, the world’s most widely used central nervous system stimulant. Most of those folks get their caffeine through coffee, but...

Many people who develop type 2 diabetes have no idea they’re sick until a blood test shows abnormal blood sugar levels, or until their disease progresses and serious complications start to occur. “For the most part, diabetes is silent and insidious,” says Ronald Tamler, MD, director of the Mount Sinai...

Facts about celiac disease “No thanks, I’m gluten-free” has become a staple phrase these days, but for about 1% of the population who has celiac disease, it’s not a fad, it’s a necessity. Celiac disease symptoms include abdominal bloating and pain, fatigue, and weight loss, among others. Though the symptoms vary per person...

When I’m going through a stretch of anxiety, it can feel like it will never end. The negative speak running through my mind will never shut up. The pangs in my chest will never go away. I’ll be locked in a state of extreme discomfort forever. And then, slowly — step...

What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time. Both adults and children can...

A new study presented this week found that eating a plant-based diet or a Mediterranean diet can affect your gut microbiome. “Friendly” bacteria are more likely to appear when people eat a healthy, well-rounded diet. Researchers are still learning about the microbiome and how it can affect your health. Trillions...

You’re in a relationship with a great person who you love. You’ve developed trust, established boundaries, and learned each other’s communication styles. At the same time, you might find yourself constantly questioning yourself, your partner, and the relationship. Will things last? How do you know if this person is really the right...

Is it a cold, or something else? It’s easy to diagnose yourself with a cold when you’re feeling unwell. But a cold isn’t always just a cold. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between the common cold (also sometimes called a head cold) and something more serious so you...

Exercise is immensely beneficial to your life and should be incorporated into your weekly routine. It’s vital for staying fit, improving your overall well-being, and lowering your chance of health concerns, especially as you age. However, in general, it’s not necessary for you to work out every single day, especially...

Eczema on your hands can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Dermatologists weigh in on how to ease symptoms like itchy, red skin.   You've probably heard of "dishpan hands," a rash that occurs from dipping hands too often in a kitchen sink filled with soapy water. When most people use this...

What’s acid reflux and GERD? Acid reflux happens when contents from your stomach move up into your esophagus. It’s also called acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux. If you have symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week, you might have a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to...

"If you spend many of your nights lying awake and watching the hours tick by, you’re not alone. In fact, a self-reported 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that “more than a third of Americans are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.” Since sleep is...

CBD oil is a substance that’s made by extracting a specific compound from cannabis known as cannabidiol. You can ingest it or apply it directly on your skin, depending on the product that it’s in. It may have pain-relieving capabilities, but we’re still waiting for good clinical studies to prove...

Fibromyalgia, a condition that affects 2% to 4% of the population, is seen more often in women than men. It causes widespread tenderness and musculoskeletal pain, along with fatigue, memory problems, and more. There is no specific test for the condition, so it can take time to be properly diagnosed. By Health.com...

If you have a blown vein, it means that the vein has ruptured and is leaking blood. It happens when a nurse or other healthcare professional attempts to insert a needle into a vein, and things don’t go quite right. When the vein starts to leak, you’ll notice your skin...

Chronic pain management A throbbing head, a crick in the neck, allover muscle tension—yeow! Chances are you're no stranger to these kinds of everyday aches and pains. One in four Americans say they've had a bout of pain that has lasted more than a day, according to the Centers for Disease...

Newer research links “quiet” brains with longevity. Researchers theorize that a less active brain uses less of the body’s energy. Experts say there are a number of ways to calm your brain, including meditation, active listening, and mindful eating. Everyone wants to stay mentally sharp as they get older —...

Even though a wheezing cough can affect people of all ages, it can be particularly alarming when it happens to an infant. That’s why it’s important to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for a wheezing cough in both adults and babies.   What are the causes of a wheezing...

It can feel nice to get into a groove. Once you’re accustomed to doing something one way, it can be really helpful — like the route you take home, or the way you cook a certain meal. Those routines can help our lives run more efficiently without using up all...

The mini resistance band doesn’t get nearly enough credit. But this small, portable piece of elastic is mightier than you think, providing external tension on your muscles to make them (and you!) work harder. And according to Le Sweat founder Charlee Atkins, who designed this six-move circuit, it’s not only...

The influenza A virus is highly contagious. It can spread through tiny droplets of bodily fluid from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Someone may even catch the flu by touching their mouth or nose after coming into contact with a surface or object that has the virus on it.   What is influenza A? A...

Researchers say people who drink increasing amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages have a 16 percent higher diabetes risk. Experts say switching to diet soda doesn’t lower your risk. Reducing the number of sugary beverages you drink per day can help. Reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes may be as simple...

How to save money GETTY IMAGES Are rising healthcare costs hammering your budget? If so, you're not alone. One in four people on Medicare laid out 30% or more of their income on healthcare in 2006, according to a recent analysis by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. As healthcare...

Foods that promote gut health can feed good bacteria or add more helpful bacteria to the gut. Less healthful foods may promote gastrointestinal problems or damage gut bacteria. The effect of different foods on gut health depends on numerous factors, including a person's overall diet and food sensitivities. Someone who...

In 2015, I stepped on the scale for the first time in years and was shocked to see the number staring back at me. At 5 feet 5 inches, I weighed 275 pounds. And it wasn't just my physical health that was suffering; I was also utterly depressed, had no...

In early September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning to the general public. In it, the government organization asked people to "consider not using e-cigarettes." The US Food and Drug Administration released a similar warning, urging those who use vaping devices not to buy them "off the street" or to modify...

Currently, hypertension affects an estimated 1 in 3 adults in the United States. Although dietary and lifestyle changes can sometimes be sufficient, medication is necessary in some cases. Antihypertensive medications work well for some people but not for others, and the side effects can be unpleasant. For these reasons, researchers are keen to find innovative ways...

There are 300 different types of headaches, and there’s a lot of overlap in where they cause their particular brand of pain. However, there are also subtle differences in headache location and other symptoms that can help distinguish one type of pain from another. And knowing what type of headache you’re...

Do you have high cholesterol?   You're not alone—so do about 100 million other Americans. High cholesterol comes from a variety of sources, including your family history and what you eat. Here is a visual journey through the most common causes. Your diet Eating too much saturated fat (like the...

Eating certain types of food or making sudden changes to the diet can result in problems with digestion. In some people, digestive problems can lead to symptoms including: bloating gas constipation diarrhea nausea vomiting heartburn In this article, we list foods that are good for the digestive system. We also...

The scientific name for serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT. It is mainly found in the brain, bowels, and blood platelets. Serotonin is used to transmit messages between nerve cells, it is thought to be active in constricting smooth muscles, and it contributes to wellbeing and happiness, among other things. As...

Breaking out in hives is the worst: your skin itches all over, you're covered in unsightly red welts, and, as if that weren't bad enough, it's not always clear what might have triggered them   What we do know: hives, also known as urticaria, can appear anywhere on the body, including your face,...

Your ultimate cold and flu survival guide Each year, the typical adult can expect to contract two or three colds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Skip the annual flu vaccine and you set yourself up for a bout of that as well. But it doesn't have...

This program bans added sugars, artificial sweeteners, dairy, grains, beans, alcohol, and food additives like carrageenan and monosodium glutamate (MSG). It also discourages snacking and instead promotes eating three meals per day. However, snacking may be necessary for some people on this diet due to various factors, such as calorie...

A registered dietitian nutritionist recently told me, “Probiotics are hot right now.” She’s not wrong: The number of adults in the U.S. taking probiotics or prebiotics—both of which are said to make your gut healthier—multiplied by four between 2007 and 2012, according to government data. Children use them too. A report from the National...

Missed a dose of medication recently? You aren't the only one. In fact, research suggests that as many as 50% of medications aren't taken as prescribed—and the most common reason for missing doses, according to a 2014 review by researchers from Johns Hopkins, is forgetfulness. Problem is, as we get older, we...

Western diets are typically high in saturated fats and sugar and low in fiber. But there is plenty of evidence that our way of eating does not agree with our gut microbiome.   Our microbial passengers are crucial to our health. They help us digest our food, are essential to the immune...

In this Spotlight feature, we offer some tips and tricks on how to cope with social anxiety to make your life easier and more fulfilling.       In this Spotlight feature, we offer some top tips on how to beat social anxiety. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America...

Many of us will have enjoyed numerous glasses of wine, beer, champagne, or other alcoholic beverages over the winter holidays. Thus, in January, we may feel the need to take a break from alcohol. An alcohol-free month is the best choice we could possibly make for our health, British researchers...

What happens if you don’t sleep? Not getting enough sleep can lower your sex drive, weaken your immune system, cause thinking issues, and lead to weight gain. When you don’t get enough sleep, you may also increase your risk of certain cancers, diabetes, and even car accidents. If you find...

The difference between the two is actually in the preparation. While juicing is done using a juicer, smoothies are prepared using blenders.   Juicing This one involves extracting the water and nutrients from vegetables and fruits. A juicer is used in this case to separate the indigestible fiber from the...

Your diet doesn't cause ulcerative colitis – but it can worsen its symptoms. While researchers don’t know what causes ulcerative colitis, there's no mystery about how bad its symptoms are. People with ulcerative colitis typically initially suffer from bloody diarrhea, says Dr. Ece A. Mutlu, a professor of medicine and...

With this in mind, is drinking Gatorade good or bad for people's health and sports performance? Gatorade is classified as a "sports drink." Scientists at the University of Florida developed the drink in 1965 with the aim of boosting the performance of their football team, called the Gators. In 1967,...

Make the Right Choice Think of carbs as raw material that powers your body. You need them to make sugar for energy. They come in two types: simple and complex. What's the difference? Simple carbs are like quick-burning fuels. They break down fast into sugar in your system. You want...

Compared with sitting or lying down for the same amount of time, standing uses more energy. This could help to burn calories that would otherwise end up in fat storage. These are among the findings and conclusions of a recent PLOS One study from the University of Granada (UGR), in Spain. Many scientists believe...

If you believe the buzz, ketosis—whether via the almost-zero-carb ketogenic diet or via ketone supplements—can curb appetite, enhance performance, and cure nearly any health problem that ails you. Sound too good to be true? It probably is. Maybe with a side of guacamole and some shredded cheese on top? “I’m doing...

If you're reading this right now, chances are you're sitting downsomewhere. As I'm writing this, I'm sitting down. Sitting has become so ingrained in our lives that it can be easy to lose sight of how much we do it—think time spent commuting, eight or more hours at work, several hours...

Selenium is a vital mineral for the human body that has numerous roles. What is selenium used for? It increases immunity, takes part in antioxidant activity that defends against free radical damage and inflammation, and plays a key role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. According to studies, consuming foods with selenium — such...

Why and how to go gluten-free With the proliferation of gluten-free products and a host of similar-sounding medical conditions, there’s a lot of confusion about gluten these days. Now that it’s trendy to eliminate gluten from your diet, those with an actual medical condition may be overlooked. If you’ve been diagnosed...

The waiter caught me at a bad time. “Quires más guapa?” (Want anything more, beautiful?) I looked up at him, like a deer caught in the headlights, hunched over my plate and stuffing the last bit of bread into my mouth, after it had been soaked in the mystery sauce on my...

This has been a summer of scorching, record-breaking heat waves in the United States and around the world. Back in June, Germany experienced a searing high of 101.5°F (38.6°C), according to CNN. The high before that was 101.3°F (38°C) way back in 1947. Weather authorities throughout Europe declared warnings for people...

Breathe: There are ways to calm your anxiety Know that feeling of your heart beating faster in response to a stressful situation? Or perhaps, instead, your palms get sweaty when you’re confronted with an overwhelming task or event. That’s anxiety — our body’s natural response to stress. If you haven’t recognized your...

Imagine all the ways to complete this statement: Exercise is... something I have to do to lose weight for athletes hard and sweaty not fun prescribed by my doctor something I’m not good at embarrassing I didn’t “sport” as a kid. I really wanted to be with my friends on...

What is IBS? IBS is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. It is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and isn’t related to other bowel conditions. IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together. The symptoms vary in severity and duration from...

I had just come out of a gastric bypass operation in which my doctor created a small pouch from my stomach, bypassed a portion of my small intestine, and connected them to each other. At 22 years old, I had just undergone weight loss surgery. I wasn’t necessarily what most...

Stretching is beneficial for everyone, from the power athlete to the desk worker. It can boost muscle function; relieve stiff, sore muscles; and minimize injury, among other perks. But with all the different types of stretches out there, how do you know which ones are best for you? Where do...

We’re always hearing that naps are a great way to recharge — so what gives? It’s all about how you nap. It’s true that naps are generally good for you when done right (more on that in a second), but when you sleep too long or too late, they can cause trouble....

“We live in an incredibly busy world. Our pace of life is often frantic, our minds are always busy, and we’re always doing something,” says Andy Puddicombe at the TEDSalon London Fall 2012. “The sad fact is that we’re so distracted that we are no longer present in the world in...

I was talking with a friend yesterday who is going through a very hard time, and of all the emotions that have come up for them during this struggle (anger, despair, etc.), shame has been the most challenging emotion of all. We all feel shame, and it’s perfectly OK to...

In today’s talk, given at TEDGlobal 2013, Foster explores why we sleep, a question which no one has been able to definitively answer. We know that it is vital for our general health, that is likely connected to memory consolidation and that, without it, we are more prone to accidents. In...

In today’s talk, Cornett shares the aha moments that led him to create This City Is Going on a Diet, a somewhat unusual mayoral initiative. Mick Cornett: How an obese town lost a million pounds“On New Year’s Eve of 2007, I went to the zoo,” Cornett recalls in today’s talk. “I stood...

I think we can all relate to this — most of us have lashed out in anger and regretted it later. We all get angry, but we often deal with it in different ways. Some people constantly lash out in frustration at others, or stew about it and complain about...

Recently I read a post by a coach and teacher I respect, Kendra Cunov, on Getting Clear on Commitment. It was thought-provoking, as always, and made me sit down and re-examine what I’m truly committed to. Not “I’m committed, but …” What I’m truly committed to. I’ve done this before, notably...

Process email and reply to messages Make sure we’re up-to-date with the latest news Pay bills and check on our bank accounts Make sure the kitchen is clean Check social media one more time Look up that obscure fact we’re suddenly curious about We’re looking for perfect conditions before we...

After just one night without sleep, your body feels it. I spoke to experts to find out the exact damage one harmless little all-nighter can actually do. “Eight hours of sleep is essential for normal body function,” says Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Medical Director at CityMD. “The effects of lack of sleep...

“What nine months of attention does for an embryo forty early mornings alone will do for your gradually growing wholeness.” ~RumiWe would likely all agree that manicures, baths, and cozy movie nights on the couch all fall under the umbrella of self-care. But I believe that it’s time—actually, beyond time—to go...

“The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who...

In 1948, scientists and doctors began the most comprehensive study on heart disease ever conducted. Over 60 years later, the Framingham Heart Study still continues. Because the study involves so many people and spans such a long time period, there are many different aspects that scientists continue to study. One...

And the perks don’t stop there. “There’s a lot of research on the benefits of meditation, and it only makes sense it could be applied to food, too,” explains Marjorie Cohn, RD, who says she often uses mindfulness and meditation-based strategies when working with clients to establish healthier eating habits. “A meditation practice focused on...

Being tired can have such huge effects on us. And many people are tired much of the time, from being overworked and underslept. So what can we do? Well, there are the usual methods of trying to get better sleep, like better sleep hygiene, setting a consistent bedtime and wake...

Before you stretch your budget beyond your means, “it’s important to consider which purchases make the greatest impact on your weight-loss goals,” says Eric Bowling, a certified personal trainer at Ultimate Performance in Los Angeles. What’s more, some of the best weight-loss tools are budget-friendly or even free. Here, experts share five ways you can...

If you or your child suffer from asthma (which is a growing problem!), you’ll be happy to know that there are lots of natural remedies for asthma that are surprisingly easy to use. What Is Asthma? Asthma is a condition where airways narrow, swell, and become inflamed. This can cause...

Will protein help me lose weight? Should I eat it at every meal? Could too much damage my kidneys? At Precision Nutrition, our inbox is filled with questions about the pros and cons of eating more protein. In this article we’ll set the record straight, so you can finally separate...

Those are the results of a study recently published in JAMA Pediatrics, and really, they don't seem all that surprising.Firstly, the breakfasts were offered to all children, regardless of whether this was, as Hobbits might say, second breakfast. But more to the point, would anyone expect a not likely to be...

In the book Zero to One, Peter Thiel asks readers to consider what views/truths they believe that very few people agree with them on. For me, one such personal belief is that most sunscreen is not helpful in avoiding skin cancer and may actually increase the chances of it! This is one...

I’m far from mastering this skill, but one thing I’ve been playing around with is how important mental states are to our productivity, happiness, focus, health habits and more. For example, if you’re tired or feeling down, there’s a good chance you’re not going to focus on your meaningful tasks,...

one that promotes wellness and helps both prevent and treat chronic disease, the biggest health problem we face today. Although its concepts are not new, in this way, its approach is revolutionary. Functional Medicine is the future of medicine. That all sounds wonderful, you may be thinking, but how exactly does it...

And if you're on the keto diet, well, you've probably come to terms with the fact that you'll be leading that #bunless life for a while. But the truth is, if you're willing to do a little prep work, buns are still very much on the picnic table. Nope, we don't mean...

Turmeric has long been a staple in Asian cuisine, and in recent years it has earned an international reputation as a cure-all. That isn’t true, but there may be some validity to the notion that turmeric can improve your health, according to a review published in October 2017 in the journal Foods....

Many men and women who might be considering Hormone Replacement Therapy do not know where to begin. Family Practitioners are not always familiar with HRT, or at least how to prescribe it in an individualised way, or where to start. The next best approach is to research a health care...

He made this bold statement that I feel like we’re just starting to recognize. Only in the past few years have I begun to learn more about the importance of gut health. Your gut is the center of your health. It breaks down the food we eat, absorbs nutrients, supports...

We instead choose to celebrate Memorial Day by enjoying the many freedoms that American servicemen and women have perished protecting. They include fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, trial by jury, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. But the list also covers relative trivialities such as the ability...

Let’s go analog for a moment: grab a pen and a piece of paper, and then write down a handful of meaningful things you’ve been intending to do. Label this list “Someday”: Declutter your home?Read a classic novel?Take a road trip?Get into shape?Join a yoga class?Learn how to meditate?Start a new business?Play an...

Orange urine should make you take pause. Though it may (and usually does) simply mean you need to drink more water or that a medication you're taking is to blame, the color could point to a serious health concern. It's always worth a backward glance before you flush to see...

A previous study by Higueras-Fresnillo and colleagues, published in the April 2017 issue of the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, analyzed this question.[1] Researchers established patterns of physical activity for a cohort of 2836 adults with a mean age of 71.3 years. These individuals were followed for a mean of 9.1 years...

Arem and colleagues analyzed the dose-response relationship, if any, between the amount of exercise performed and the risk for mortality. Their results were published in the June 2015 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.[1] Researchers pooled data from 6 studies to create a cohort of 661,137 adults with a median age of...

Although healthcare facilities have made some progress in preventing methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) infections, the epidemiology of methicillin-susceptible S aureus(MSSA) infections is not well characterized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) used data from the Emerging Infections Program MRSA population surveillance during 2005 to 2016, and from the Premier and Cerner...

How Do I Avoid Allergens? The best way to prevent allergy symptoms and limit your need for allergy medicine is to avoid your allergens as much as possible. This includes removing the source of allergens from your home and other places you spend time. You can also reduce your symptoms to airborne...

This allows adults to pursue the exercise that they prefer, but it also raises questions, such as which form of exercise is the most beneficial for cardiometabolic health. A previous review by Artero and colleagues, published in the November-December 2012 issue of the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, compared the...

Major indoor aeroallergens are derived from dust mites, cockroaches, cat, dog, and other furry-animal debris, and fungi. Avoidance Measures and Interventions The physician has the following 3 treatment options for individuals with allergic diseases, including allergic asthma: Aeroallergen avoidance Medications Allergen immunotherapy Avoidance of the offending agent is the first...

Teachers and nurses are both the architects of our future, so it only makes sense that we have an entire week carved out to honor everything that they do. National Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 6 through May 10, while National Nurses Week runs from May 6 through May 12, and many of...

Social media often contributes to this feeling, because we see fitness gurus and diet fanatics who seem to have it all together. This makes us think we need a major life overhaul to be healthy. In fact, all it takes is a few healthy-living strategies that are easy to fit...

You may wonder what allergies and asthma have in common besides making you miserable. A lot, as it turns out. Allergies and asthma often occur together. The same substances that trigger your hay fever symptoms, such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander, may also cause asthma signs and symptoms....

Along with your medical history, allergy tests may be able to confirm whether or not a particular substance you touch, breathe or eat is causing symptoms. Why it's done Information from allergy tests may help your doctor develop an allergy treatment plan that includes allergen avoidance, medications or allergy shots...

If you want to get more, supplements might seem like a good, easy idea. But before you head to the drugstore checkout line, there are some things you should know. Food vs. Supplements For most people, especially those who want to take advantage of fiber’s heart-protective properties, it’s best to get fiber...

Spring cleansing means detoxifying your body, says Linda Page, ND, PhD, a naturopathic doctor, lecturer, and author of the book Detoxification. It's a way to recharge, rejuvenate, and renew, says Page. "Anybody can benefit from a cleansing. The body is coming out of what might be called hibernation. It's a way...

Bloating, gassiness, and abdominal discomfort aren’t limited to the occasional holiday feast. One in 10 Americans say they suffer from bloating regularly, even when they haven’t eaten a large meal. In some cases, bloating can become severe enough that it causes distention, or a perceptible swelling of the abdomen. Bloating and...

Foods to eat for a type 2 diabetic diet include complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils. Foods to avoid include simple carbohydrates, which are processed, such as sugar, pasta, white bread, flour, and cookies, pastries. Foods with a low glycemic load (index) only...

Pretty much every phone that has been examined has been covered in germs, some being worse than others   In fact, a study performed by researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at Queen Mary, University of London found one in six of the phones they studied...

Before the medical community had better understanding of the mechanisms that cause disease, doctors believed certain ailments could originate from imbalances in the stomach. This was called hypochondriasis. (In Ancient Greek, hypochondrium refers to the upper part of the abdomen, the region between the breastbone and the navel.) This concept was rejected...

Healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges Learn what’s considered normal, as recommended by the American Heart Association. See the chart below. Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A doctor should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings. BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY SYSTOLIC mm...

Is the keto diet safe for someone with high cholesterol? Because keto is rich in fats, including saturated fat and cholesterol found naturally in animal-derived foods like eggs and meat, many people will experience an increase in cholesterol after beginning the keto diet. However, studies suggest the connection between the keto diet...

Can a bowl of oatmeal help lower your cholesterol? How about a handful of almonds? A few simple tweaks to your diet — along with exercise and other heart-healthy habits — might help you lower your cholesterol.   Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces...

What is the Keto diet? The Ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet. It involves drastically reducing carbs and replacing them with fat. This puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis–basically when your body burns fat because it doesn’t have enough glucose to use for energy. Over time,...

Chemical Composition Fructose is a simple sugar; its molecules contain only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. In contrast, sucralose is not a sugar; rather, it belongs to a class of compounds called chlorocarbons or organochlorides. Its molecules contain not only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, but also chlorine. In addition, sucralose has...

The body is about 60% water, give or take. You are constantly losing water from your body, primarily via urine and sweat. To prevent dehydration, you need to drink adequate amounts of water. There are many different opinions on how much water you should be drinking every day. Health authorities...

People with type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin. You can think of it as not having a key. People with type 2 diabetes don’t respond to insulin as well as they should and later in the disease often don’t make enough insulin. You can think of this as having a broken key. Both types...

Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can help certain people lose weight. Although researchers are still debating exactly how effective fasting can be for weight loss, new research hints at other benefits. In rats, for instance, studies show that fasting can increase lifespan. Although exciting, evidence of this in humans has yet to be seen. The most recent study —...

It's a normal part of life to experience occasional anxiety. But you may experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming. If it’s an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it can be disabling. When anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are...

However, blood pressure can become dangerously high, and it can also get too low. In this article, we will discuss what blood pressure is, how it is measured, and what the measurements mean for our health. What is blood pressure? Without a pump or water tank, no water will flow....

Wobbly stomach If you're looking to get a slim waist and a set of killer abs, sit ups and crunches immediately come to mind. But exercises for your lower abs and obliques should be included too. Have a go at leg-only v-sits (sit on the floor with your legs elevated...

The scourge of modern day living is that we never seem to have enough time – for anything. Despite more and more labor and time saving gadgets, from increased car ownership to internet shopping – all designed to save us time, we still seem short of it.   Nowadays, our lifestyles...

If you prefer: Bite it, write it. That's the bottom line of two new studies that found that people who track their intake online or with a smartphone app do lose weight -- and that the task is not as tedious as people may think. "It brings a mindfulness to...

1) Chocolate Many people claim to be chocoholics, but can you really be addicted to chocolate? The answer is... perhaps. One reason many people feel "addicted" to chocolate is that the food's chemical compounds (including theobromine, phenylethylamine, anandamide and tryptophan) actually have pleasure-inducing effects that can mimic the effects of...

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the heart and central nervous system by raising blood pressure and exciting hormones. It’s often described as a ‘mood drug’, giving the mind a quick boost before wearing off and bringing it down to earth with a bump. Over the years, caffeine has been...

1) Mushrooms While mushrooms available in supermarkets are pretty safe to eat, mushroom fans need to be careful about what species' they are consuming as many varieties can be highly dangerous and even fatal. Around 100 species of mushrooms are said to be dangerous to humans, with symptoms ranging from...

Never before has there been so much talk about healthy living. The newspapers are packed with stories about the latest dangers and hazards to our health — from mobile phones to sugar, mercury fillings to artificial sweeteners, and genetically-modified foods to noise pollution. The headlines can leave you feeling confused...

Cellulite is a fairly miserable fact of life for most women. Some 90 percent of post-adolescent women will smile knowingly at the description of dimpled ‘orange peel-skin’ on parts of their legs and bottom. Its presence is determined by various factors - including genetics, diet, nutrition, hydration, circulation and exercise....

You don’t have to slave away in the gym for hours or finish your workout as a red, sweaty, dishevelled mess in order to burn those calories and workout properly. If you are not into highly rigorous exercise, then more moderate workouts like Tai Chi, yoga or even exercising in...

Despite the many thousands of gyms, health clubs and fitness centres, many people are still reluctant to join a gym because they feel that it will be an intimidating experience. The reality of gyms though is that the modern gym is a fantastic place in which to get fit, and...

1) Sunbathing Aside from threat to your health from overexposure to the sun, there is also the matter of lines and wrinkles to tackle if you’ve spent years sun worshiping. While we can’t promise you’ll get your complexion of old back, you can start to take steps to reverse the...

If you're a woman looking to tone your arms, then a weights or upper body exercise workout could be for you. Targeting your biceps, triceps and shoulders will not only give you the toned arms you desire, but develop upper body strength that will make daily tasks easier. This workout...

Set Goals For Your Fitness Training And Be Specific The more specific you are in terms of your goals, the easier it will be to fulfil them. For instance, aim to complete a running or swimming event or to lose two inches from your waist rather than just generally aiming...

Cravings often originate from a number of sources. Many people who are dieting often crave carbohydrates; this may be because their current diet is too low in calories. Carbohydrate cravings can simply be due to your blood sugar levels being too low.   Alternatively, pleasurable foods (usually high-fat, high-sugar foods) are...

Most people have experienced the feeling of being bloated at some point in their lives. However, for some it can be a recurring problem, leading to frequent discomfort and embarrassment. To help beat bloating and get the flat stomach you’ve dreamed of, check out these tips.   1) Keep A...

Since February is also Heart Health Month, try fitting some RED foods with heart benefits into your day. The following foods are packed with cardio-protective nutrients such as lycopene (reduces your risk for heart disease), vitamin C (reduces inflammation), potassium (helps improve blood pressure), folate (improves arterial elasticity), fiber (helps lower...

Thanks to the rapid advances in science and medicine the answers to the questions surrounding health and exercise are clearer than ever. There’s no doubt that frequency and intensity of exercise are directly related to long term health benefits, but for many people the key issue is what kind of...

When taking a break, most of us prefer the option of heading for the sun with one of the first priorities to gain a golden tan. The sun does provide vitamin D, a necessary vitamin for healthy living, but when it comes to sun exposure the best general advice is...

Given our penchant in the west for quick and easy fast foods, it’s no surprise that a diet based around healthy eating rather than just purely taste will bring significant improvements in lifespan. The Japanese as a nation (sumo wrestlers aside!) generally eat what is good for them rather than...

A number of scientific researchers have been investigating the possible health benefits contained within tea. And now it appears there’s a growing body of evidence to suggest that drinking tea could actually ward off some very serious conditions, including cancer, obesity and dehydration. Studies have suggested that drinking three or...

Although research suggests that eating at night does not slow down your metabolism or cause more weight gain than the food you eat during the day, excess eating at night time can become an obstacle between you and the body you want.  1) Get Engaged Don’t worry; we’re not asking...

Diets – most of us have tried them, few of us have loved them, and almost all of us have ditched them at some point in our lives. Diets can be boring, monotonous and even unsustainable, making us feel like our ideal weight cannot be achieved. But all is not...

1) Disrupted Sleep Stressful days can be the cause of sleepless nights, and anticipation of another stressful day can only make the problem worse. Stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and leads to the increase in the production of adrenalin, as well as a decrease in the production of the...

Although exercising on a treadmill can be perceived as dull, most treadmills now offer a fantastic variety of different functions and programs to develop your exercise workouts. Treadmill features include some of the following: Variable speed and gradient Pre-set training programs Integrated cooling fans Heart rate monitoring Fitness tests Also,...

How do you pick up an object from the floor? (a) Do you lean forward from the hips, rounding your spine towards the floor until you can reach the object with your hand?   (b) Keep an upright upper body and bend at the knees, squatting down until you can reach the object,...

1) What muscles make up the core?   Many people consider their core only as their abdominal muscles, however it is actually a collection of muscles, which make up your torso and work together to keep your body stable. It is estimated there are close to 30 muscles that constitute...

Do you feel like this? Bloated Are you feeling "full" a lot?  It happens. Sometimes due to the medications your doctor puts you on like blood pressure pills or pain meds for example verapamil or hydrocodone.  Other causes are not enough fiber or if you have a sensitive bowl, or struggle with chronic constipation. ...

If you’re sitting there feeling lethargic and assessing your growing waistline, your thoughts may be turning to actually doing something about it. However, it may be that you’ve not been to a gym in quite a while, or worse still, you may be paying for your gym or health club...

We all have a vague concept of what constitutes healthy eating, but we may not have a good idea of how to do it in practice. To help you out, here are our top 10 tips on how you can simply and effectively change your diet for the better.  ...

Ninja fitness With a focus on improving balance, strength, coordination and other aspects of functional fitness, it’s little wonder that ninja style gyms are expected to continue their rapid rise in 2019. Ninja training involves climbing, swinging, jumping and balancing among other things. As well as providing a full-body workout,...

According to a study from sports and nutrition company My Protein,  the cost of living a healthy lifestyle can cost more than college tuition. The study surveyed 1,350 U.S. adults from 18 to 65 years old and found that the average American spends $155 each month on health and fitness....

Rather lying or making promises to yourself that you can’t keep, set health goals that are attainable and surpass them. Throw away these 5 from your mindset and start to shape a new you. 1) "I'll Go To The Gym Tomorrow" Famous last words of the fitness newbie. You've been...

Don't Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight! Know the Facts About Glaucoma Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and even blindness. About 3 million Americans have glaucoma. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Open-angle glaucoma, the...

Ever get that feeling at work when lunch seems like a lifetime ago and as the clock ticks round to 3.30pm you’re struggling to complete even the most basic tasks? Well, it’s a part of many people’s life, this afternoon slump. It is thought that feeling sleepy around two or...

1) Run a marathon Many people regularly put running a marathon in their list of things to do before they die, so why not make this the year that you actually do it? Completing a marathon is a great personal achievement that requires months of dedication to training, and the exhilaration you’ll...

1) Stay fit at home If expensive gym memberships are out of your price range, luckily there are many other ways to get fit for free. Try incorporating exercise into your regular routine through everyday activities such as gardening and housework, and take up a free activity such as walking, running or...

There are many ways you can improve your health and by following our straightforward ways to improve your lifestyle and well-being, you should start to see the benefits in no time. 1) Cut the fat The effect of fat on your arteries and general health is pretty well known, so...

1) Don’t sit down all day We know every Christmas special under the sun will be showing on the TV, but you don’t need to plonk yourself on the sofa all day! Encourage the whole family to get out for a walk at some point – ideally, after dinner to...

So whether you’re one of those people who always worries about getting it wrong, or are the type who tends to plough headlong into a task, project or life-change, we’ve got some brilliant tips for helping you get it right. Get some perspective Making big decisions can sometimes feel rather...

1) What you crave: Chocolate   What you need: Magnesium Chocolate is one of the world’s most commonly craved foods, appearing at the tills of every cornershop and petrol station, and while you may feel as though you are addicted to the sweet treat, it is believed that what many...

1) Blusher on the apples of your cheeks We all love a subtle flush of just-pinched pink on our cheeks to keep us looking fresh, but don’t commit the beauty blunder of applying it to the apples of your cheeks. As we age, the skin on our cheeks tends to...

1) Chewing gum If you have a big meeting or exam approaching and instantly need to feel more alert, try chewing on some mint-flavoured gum. Researchers at Coventry University found that chewing mint-flavored gum can dramatically decrease feelings of tiredness, while separate research has shown that chewing gum can improve...

And here’s the good news. Not only are there plenty of foods you can choose from to help you along the way, but belly fat is an area we can lose weight from quickly, if you target it properly. 1) Berries You have free rein here to pick anything from...

WORLD KINDNESS DAY So, imagine if you head out for the day and your neighbor’s garbage can has tipped over. Instead of ignoring it and letting the wind make a mess, you pick it up and return it to the corner. Three other neighbors notice and give you a smile...

Despite how healthy our diets can be, sometimes no amount of salad can satisfy our hunger and we just need that little bit extra to keep us going. But when on a diet or eating healthily, it can be difficult to find foods that both satisfy hunger and keep the...

There are many ways you can screw up a well-designed diet. For example… You can accidentally eat more calories than you should. You can move your body too little. You can over-estimate the amount of energy you burn every day. You can set yourself back with gluttonous “cheat meals.” These common diet mistakes are...

Post-workout snacks are probably more important than grabbing a bite to give you a stamina boost before the start of your gym routine. However, take care after working up a sweat, you don’t want to overdo it and negate all the calories you just burned! To maintain peak energy levels...

Why bodyweight exercise worksApart from being versatile and fun, the most attractive element of strength training that uses just your bodyweight is the convenience element. All you need is a space in your home, garden, the local park, beach etc and the willingness to do the exercises. That’s it. No equipment or...

It's estimated that year-on-year sugar consumption rises by as much as 30 per cent in the western world and even the most innocent-looking foods may be crammed with hidden sugars. Ketchup and bread are major culprits, whilst many outwardly healthy juices and smoothies have a deceptively sweet centre.  So are we...

It has to be said that there are times when nothing but a decent takeout will do. Sometimes it's as an accompaniment to a great movie on a Saturday night; sometimes it’s simply because you’ve just moved house and can no longer find the crockery! However, with all the deep-fat...

1) BerriesBerries should be a vital part of your healthy skin diet, as they provide you with high levels of antioxidants, to fight off free radicals which can damage your skin and vitamin C - which is needed to produce collagen to keep your skin smooth and plump. Try to include...

Follow these easy steps, take them all in your stride and use walking to get fitter and keep in shape. Like any exercise programme, success is all about having specific goals and a set route to achieving them. If you’re not getting the most out of your walking, it’s probably...

1) Eat slowlyIt turns out there is some truth in the old adage that your brain takes up to 20 minutes to actually register when your stomach is full. Researchers at the University of Rhode Island found that slower eaters are less likely to be overweight, and on average consume...

1) Do something kindAlthough it might seem like a slightly selfish motive, being kind and doing something for someone less fortunate than yourself can help you learn to love yourself. There are lots of different ways to do something kind, but one of the best, long-term ways you can do...

1) The listA great way to focus your time on the things you value, such as staying healthy and fit, is to create a list of everything you’d like to do in your free time, such as watching your favourite TV series or running.Once you’ve got your list, number each...

Historically, an exercise prescription for an asthma sufferer would have been unheard of, but the value of following a carefully structured and monitored exercise training program is now widely recognized.There are many examples of asthmatics that have reached the very pinnacle of their sports, including marathon world record holder Paula...

1) ArsenicRice is a staple of many people’s diet and most of us eat the grain without too much thought into safety concerns, but research has found that traces of the chemical element arsenic can be found in rice. Arsenic is an element of the earth’s crust and it’s also...

If you’re going to be training at home, can you get the same level of quality in terms of equipment and benefits from your training as you get from a gym? The answer is yes, but to an extent. Home training can offer many advantages over gym training but equally, it...

1) There is no quick fixNowadays we are constantly bombarded with promises from the next big thing in fad dieting, with claims of ‘instant results’ or ‘dropping pounds overnight’. As much as we’d like these boasts to be true, they sadly aren’t at all. Studies actually show that fad diets...

There are no special foods, drinks or diets needed to simply eat healthily, and it is important to give your body all the goodness it needs to function properly. What you need to do is eat and shop sensibly — choose foods from the five different food groups and remember...

1) Behind the head lat pull-downAvoid: Walk into any gym around the world and you’re guaranteed to see someone doing lat pull-downs behind their head. This is a common mistake that should be avoided. Not only does it provide a far more limited workout than the correct method, it also damages...

Granted there are foods that can boost your feelings of fullness, but how, when and where you eat your meals can also have a bearing on your full factor too. Here are some ways to keep your dining habits in check to maximize your feelings of satiety and satisfaction. 1) Keep...

Stretching vital muscles'Use it or lose it' is an often quoted maxim, but it is never more appropriate than when talking about flexibility. Think of a long car journey lasting several hours. When you arrive at your destination, the opportunity to climb out of the seat and stretch is extremely...

Often these are the fairly obvious, from doing more exercise to eating more fruit and veg, but occasionally shocking health facts do come to light. 1) 10 per cent of parents believe cola counts as fruitGreen Giant, the company probably best known for its tinned sweetcorn, did some research into the...

Psychologists, medical practitioners and others all seem to have differing views of what stress is. This largely comes from the fact that stress includes many different physical and psychological effects, and can be a result of pressure from different sources — such as the workplace or family life.A condition or feeling experienced...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 15.3 percent of women and 10.1 percent of men regularly feel very tired or exhausted in the United States.Tiredness can cause an array of problems. For example, around 1 in 25 adult drivers report falling asleep at the wheel each month.About 72,000 crashes and...

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows up into the food pipe. This common condition affects 60 million Americans per month and 20 to 30 percent of people in the Western world. It can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Many people are interested in home remedies to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux....

THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Replacing saturated fats with healthier ones found in some vegetable oils can reduce cholesterol levelsand heart disease risk as much as statins, a new American Heart Association (AHA) advisory says.Those healthier fats are poly-unsaturated fats and mono-unsaturated fats. Poly-unsaturated fats are found in corn, soybean and peanut oils. Mono-unsaturated...

In terms of health, there are certain numbers that can make all the difference. To give your health a quick assessment and help stay fit and healthy, check out these important numbers everyone should know.CholesterolThere is no such thing as the "perfect" cholesterol level, as many other health factors also...

Currently, in medical circles, vitamin D is the talk of the town.Produced in our skin on contact with sunlight, it plays a myriad of roles in the human body.In the past few months, Medical News Todayhave covered a wealth of research into the group of fat-soluble secosteroids more commonly known as vitamin D.For instance, recent...

Hydrotherapy refers to the medicinal use of water, including hot tubs, cold water treatments, ice packs, vapours, saunas, mineral springs, hot springs, sitz baths, wet towel applications, water exercises, and water massage. Hydrotherapy immersion waters available at spas may be rich in specific minerals or enhanced with aromatic oils or...

1 Save MoneySmoking is unbelievably expensive. A 20-a-day smoker is thought to spend in excess amount of money each year on their habit. Plus, if you think about all the cigarettes that you give away to fellow smokers, the cost to you is actually even higher. And just imagine what...

 Remember, workouts don’t have to take place in a gym but can be carried out almost anywhere, even in your workplace. The key to a good short lunchtime workout is intensity – just work harder for the short time you are exercising to get the most out of your session.1...

Diets are everywhere, but could eating “negative calorie” foods, such as celery and grapefruit, help to boost weight loss?A calorie is a unit of energy, usually expressed as kilocalories (kcal) for the energy content in food. The theory behind negative calorie foods is that some foods have lower calorie (energy) content than the amount...

It seems these days that every third person I meet is either already on the “Paleo” diet or planning to try it. Their goals are either weight loss or better health, but certainly not to save the planet.The main premise of the Paleo diet: If the cave men didn’t eat...

The study suggests that, among people who have a hard time losing weight, their gut bacteria tend to be better at using carbohydrates, which provide people's bodies with more energy. This is usually a good thing, as people need energy to fuel their bodies. But for some people trying to lose...

TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- If you're trying to control your weight, don't look to caffeine for help.Caffeine is not an effective appetite suppressant or weight-loss aid, researchers report in a small, new study.The study involved 50 healthy adults, aged 18 to 50. The researchers found that after the volunteers drank some juice with...

For the study, overweight patients with prediabetes were asked to reduce their daily steps to no more than 1,000 a day for two weeks.This short stretch of reduced activity led to elevated blood sugar levelsand sped onset of type 2 diabetes -- and some patients did not fully recover even after resuming normal activity, according to the...

A heated debate seems to revolve around the benefits of vitamin D and the best ways of getting your required daily dosage. Most well known are the benefits of vitamin D for maintaining healthy bones — but did you know that vitamin D can even play a role in preventing...

Around one in three adults is thought to be unable to get a proper night’s sleep. This can sometimes lead to insomnia. Lack of sleep can adversely affect your physical and emotional health, and will leave you feeling tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate for long periods. Your immune system...

1 Make a list of tasksIf you’ve got a particularly large number of things to remember, then write them down in a list rather than keeping them all stored in your head. Doing this will help to declutter your mind by allowing you to ‘empty’ all your ideas out onto...

1 Watch TV and exerciseRelaxing in front of the TV is a popular thing for many lazy people, but that’s not to say you can’t stay active and healthy while watching your favorite program. To improve your fitness in front of the TV screen, complete a short workout during each advert break....

1 Carbohydrates are fattening = FALSECarbohydrate foods such as rice, pasta and bread have been labelled as fattening and people think if we avoid carbohydrates this will result in weight loss. Carbohydrate is important for fuel for our bodies and it is difficult to sustain a low carbohydrate diet. Rice, pasta and...

Stay sun safeEveryone knows sunburn is uncomfortable, but it’s also extremely bad for your health. According to research carried out by the Skin Cancer Foundation, someone who gets just five or more sunburns doubles their risk of melanoma – the most lethal type of skin cancer. If you’re travelling somewhere...

Alternative therapies can play an excellent role as a part of a healthy active lifestyle and finding both mental and physical wellbeingThey are ‘alternative’ because they do not fit within the mainstream biomedical model of health and medicine upon which our western culture is built. Most alternative therapies are founded...

I love to travel, and I love staying fit – but doing both at the same time can be a challenge. And if you’re new to a healthy lifestyle, it can be especially hard: how are you supposed to enjoy a carefree vacation without ditching your newfound discipline and losing...

Swimming is one of those workouts that can easily be a second thought – the gym always seems to take priority. Only as you step into the pool do you ask yourself, why haven’t I done this sooner? If you’re debating whether to invest in a new swimming cap and...

Are you spending time with the right people for your health and happiness?While many of us focus primarily on diet and exercise to achieve better health, science suggests that our well-being also is influenced by the company we keep. Researchers have found that certain health behaviors appear to be contagious and that...

Everyone should have good flexibility, but due to our modern, more sedentary lifestyles, frequently our natural flexibility is compromised and we end up far less flexible than we could be. A regular stretching routine should be an integral part of your fitness and it is as important as either cardiovascular or...

Cellulite is a nusance for most women. Most post-adolescent women actually. Cellulites presence is determined by many factors - including genetics, diet, nutrition, hydration, circulation and exercise. This means that exercise alone will not remove it, but it can help minimize its distribution.Fat burning exercise to reduce celluliteOne of the secrets to reduce cellulite is to...

1) Stop the chemicalsChemical peels are not always ideal for clear skin. However, many chemical-based skin products not only contain harmful ingredients, they can also excessively dry out skin and further increase skin problems. Opt for a gentler approach to fighting acne, look for natural spot-fighting ingredients such as tea tree oil or manuka...