The debate over the way alcohol affects our health will likely never come down to a clear, one-size-fits-all guideline. We’re all different, and our bodies all react to alcohol in different ways. That said, a new study provides a better view of the line between safe and excessive drinking, while a second study shows how […]
There was a time when fruit was considered forbidden fruit for type 2 diabetics. Happily, science came to the rescue and convinced the medical community that fruit was not only perfectly safe for diabetics, but also a vast source of essential nutrients. Earlier this year, I told you about a recent fruit study that involved […]
Every time you sit down to eat, you have a fresh chance to improve your mental health, reduce depression, and enhance your general sense of well-being, according to new research from New Zealand. It all depends, they say, on how your food is prepared. And it really shouldn’t come as a shock that the less […]
If you’re an older male, pay close attention to this finding from a University of Michigan researcher: “Chronic disease is on the rise in older males.” Scary, I know. Fortunately, there’s some good news, since the researchers believe they know exactly what’s behind this tragic trend, as well as how you can take proactive steps […]
The cardinal rule for beginning any weight-loss program should be this: In your mind, change one word. Change “weight loss” to “weight management.” Weight loss is essential, of course, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. After you arrive at a healthy weight, congratulate yourself, then prepare for the real work: weight maintenance. That […]
If you’ve ever spent a night or two in the hospital you know how disorienting it can be. While coping with pain and the general anxiety about your condition and recovery, there’s also the added stress from abnormal, interrupted sleep. For anyone over age 70, this can trigger a remarkably common condition called hospital delirium. […]
Muscle strength is one of the most important and one of the most overlooked issues of healthy aging. Most of us put the majority of our focus on the well-being of our hearts, brains, and blood sugar. Meanwhile, our muscles are often taken for granted since they’re always ready to do what we need them […]
A yoga instructor I once studied with would often encourage the class to, “Let go and let your inner power do the work for you.” That notion has stuck with me and I often find comfort in it. Unburdening yourself of concerns and worries is certainly an instruction I’m more than happy to follow. But […]
If you’ve ever seen a dietary supplement with “No Iron,” printed on the label, there’s a good reason for that. In fact, several good reasons. When it comes to iron in supplements or food additives, there are three types you need to be aware of: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Researchers at Sweden’s […]
We know we can avoid Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by taking a few simple healthy steps like exercising regularly, cutting back on sugar, and sticking to a nutritious diet. Another simple way to protect our aging brains might not be so obvious, but it’s just as important. If you’re 50 years of age […]