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Countless studies show aerobic exercise has a near-miraculous effect on brain aging. In fact, a 2016 study found it not only prevents age-related brain shrinkage and cognitive decline… it also reverses it. But, could yoga alone provide the same brain benefits that a run or a heart-pumping bootcamp class could?

Rroughly 700,000 people die per year from diseases that don’t respond to antibiotics worldwide. What can we do about it? Find alternatives for the antibiotics we’ve used over and over again for decades. And researchers from Northeastern University have just done exactly that…

About two-thirds of the U.S. population is overweight or obese. If you find yourself among that two-thirds, there’s something else you should know. If you get a flu shot, it will probably be less than effective. Here’s why and extra precautions you should take…

If you have a senior in life that needs special care, the options may seem overwhelming. Which type of care is best and most appropriate to my senior spouse or parent’s needs? How do I even begin to choose? If you’re facing this decision, or feel you will be soon, here are six possible options…

Antibiotic resistance has been labeled an epidemic and according to the CDC, “More than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year.” Well, it’s possible that if more of us turned to this natural antibiotic powerhouse, that we could avoid a personal assault from these superbugs…

For some reason, subjects like erectile dysfunction in men get a lot of attention, but when it comes to sexual problems that women face, everyone is a little hushed. No reason to be. So, let’s talk frankly about this important subject, starting with the many things that can contribute to it…

When we hear the word “herpes,” most people think of cold sores or STDs. But Chickenpox, Mononucleosis and Roseola are all caused by a herpesvirus. The list goes on. And now there’s mounting evidence that long after herpesvirus symptoms pass, they increase the risk for major neurological diseases…

As we age, our eyes are vulnerable to disease — macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. If you have a genetic tendency toward age-related eye diseases, then you’re really at risk. But beyond obvious risk factors for eye diseases, there’s an invisible factor endangering your vision…

Daily sugar consumption has been shown to reduce the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a process known as neurogenesis. It also increases the presence of cytokines, proteins that cause inflammation. Even though we’re wired to want sweets, it’s possible to rewire your brain to turn them away…

The Mediterranean diet is known as one of the healthiest to follow if you want to avoid a plethora of diseases including Alzheimer’s and diabetes. The focus is on olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains and fish. Would you be excited to know there’s now a meatier version?

It might seem strange to think that psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin inflammation, redness and scaling, could also lead to coronary heart disease. After all, it’s external. There’s no such thing as “psoriasis of the heart,” right? A dangerous myth about psoriasis is that it’s only skin deep…

Pick almost any chronic disease around, and I can find you scientific evidence that air pollution increases the risk of it… Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart disease. Breast cancer. It plays a part in them all. It turns out you don’t even have to live somewhere highly polluted to damage your health. A short visit will do…

You have tons of friends on Facebook. You get lots of emails every day. You’re active in online forums and support groups. But somehow, you’re still lonely. What gives? No matter what’s holding you back from tackling your loneliness head on, don’t worry. I know a simple way you can feel far less lonely…

On the Japanese island of Okinawa, it’s quite common for people to live to be 100 or more. Okinawa is a Blue Zone — a place known for longevity where science has identified the reasons. And Okinawans know that, besides diet, friendship is the thing that will make for a long, healthy life…

By 2050, two billion people worldwide will be over the age of 60. That’s a lot of people who will be at risk for potentially deadly health conditions — including heart disease and stroke. How can you grab the highest levels of protection once you pass the 60 mark? 1.1 million people prove it’s this way…

Inevitably, with age, comes a loss of fullness and support in the face. Certain areas may appear to sag while others may look hollow. Dermal fillers can help “replace” that loss to help cheekbones look high and sculpted as well as make other face and even body shape changes that can be quite profound. 

When a school of medicine as prestigious as the one at Johns Hopkins University puts dollars into researching something, you know it’s got real possibilities. Take music — now being used as a way to treat neurological conditions and other diseases, as an alternative to medications, and there’s evidence it works…

Synthetic insulin is one of the most impactful and amazing discoveries of the 20th century. Since it was discovered in 1921, it’s saved countless lives. But there’s no denying that insulin comes with some downsides…

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the oil aisle unable to decide what bottle to purchase? Should you go with classic — but controversial — canola? Hip hempseed? Antioxidant-rich avocado? I’d stick with an old standby — olive oil, for all these reasons and more…

When you’re trying to lower your high blood pressure, every little bit helps. Especially if you’re among half of those diagnosed who can’t get it under control, even with medicaiton. A surprising natural method tested at Brown University helped lower blood pressure by an average of 15 points,

Harvard researcher showed it lowers Parkinson’s risk. Other research says it’s protective against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. And still more says it could help prevent liver cancer. So when the latest report showed it could help beat obesity, diabetes and heart disease, no one had to twist my arm to drink up…

To keep an optimally functioning brain, many of us take supplements, play memory games, do crossword puzzles, and in general spend a lot of time concentrating on the organ between our ears. But taking care of your brain actually starts with caring for a completely different organ…

Which is the healthiest choice: An Impossible Burger (plant-based), a grass-fed beef burger, or a traditional corn-fed beef burger? These three “meat” categories may appear distinct, thanks to good marketing and environmental activism… but as a cardiologist, my answer might surprise you…

When it comes to medications, if you’re like most people, you take what your doctor advises. But what if you take a medicine for years that research shows is really of very little value and that the side effects outweigh the benefits as the years progress? Such is the case with statins prescribed to lower cholesterol.

It may seem like your arthritic knees and rosacea have nothing to do with one another. That your IBS and allergies are completely unrelated. That your gum disease and inability to get your BMI down are two separate problems. But the fact is, almost all chronic health conditions are caused by the same thing…

I have a bad habit. It puts my health at risk daily. But I can’t (or don’t want to) quit it. I’ve been doing it since I was a teenager, after all. Despite what you may be thinking, it’s nothing too crazy. It’s not smoking, drinking, doing drugs or even eating donuts. It’s wearing makeup.

I don’t know about you, but Christmas is almost here and I’m still recovering from Thanksgiving. And, it’s not just the hours spent cleaning and decorating to prepare for company – only to clean again once the fun was over and everyone went home that has left me dragging – but the food, oh the food!

Wow, the response to my post last week on cacao, the superfood to beat statins, was amazing! But I’m not really surprised… Now that you know what cacao can do for cholesterol, let me share other benefits that will have you adding cacao to your coffee like I did this morning…

High blood pressure is a life-threatening condition if not properly managed. So, medication is a no-brainer for most… At least until your psoriasis flare-ups get worse and your irritated skin becomes swollen as it cracks and bleeds. Unfortunately, for people with psoriasis, things just aren’t that simple…

If you’ve ever struggled to lose weight and keep it off, you know that the battle of the bulge can be challenging. Surprisingly, a few simple tricks and lifestyle changes may represent easy ways to shrink your waistline. Start with these 10 simple tricks that are easy to stick with.

It’s hard for busy working adults to stay fit. I certainly don’t need to detail for you how busy your days and weeks are… but I think it’s safe for me to assume that fitting in exercise is next to impossible.

When my children were very young, I baked a lot of oatmeal raisin cookies. But that was years ago — way before I began making a concerted effort to prepare and consume healthier fare. Now, I bake oatmeal raisin muffins.

Excessive hair loss is an alarming condition. Especially if you don’t understand what is normal versus what needs medical attention. Hair loss can be triggered by many things including recent illness, stress, even a poor diet. Pinpointing the cause is the first step to stopping the loss.

Hidden deep within the sea are plants, animals and minerals with cancer-fighting powers so strong they rival the Amazon’s most potent cancer cures. This one has proven effective against one of the deadliest cancers around…

Protecting the quality of your sleep is one of the most healing and rejuvenating things you can do for yourself. By combining sleep-promoting habits, the right foods and targeted supplements, you can get the rest you need.

Cleansing the gut is as crucial to gut health as removing the old oil from your automobile before adding the new oil. Just imagine returning your gut, intestines and colon lining to the pristine condition you had it in when you were a child — clean, pink and functioning optimally. You can do this…

Nuts are the one food that drastically reduces your risk of inflammation, chronic disease and an early death. And in my book, that’s a “prescription” that’s easy to stomach. But whatever nut you pick, just make sure…

In the female body, there are almost 400 known functions of estrogen. So for reasons that significantly impact your health and quality of life, wrangling your hormones is something you should consider…

Cardiovascular exercise has long been the answer to burning calories quickly. But it’s the long-term impact that weight training has on your body that may win you over though…

If you toss and turn at night, you’re not alone. About 70 million Americans suffer with sleeping problems. But there are natural ways you can use to ease your way more reliably into relaxing slumber.

A tight back and shoulders prevents ease of movement and restricts range of motion. Painful trigger points develop from sitting and typing all day or from overuse, causing more pain and restricted movement. Foam rolling is a great way to release those trigger points.

Though no one can change their DNA, we certainly can address the environmental factors that influence our health. It is possible to shift these factors from disease promoting to health promoting.

Kombucha, also known as the elixir of life, is not your typical cup of tea. This mildly fermented beverage has been around for centuries and is often touted as a near-miraculous cure-all. Here are a few reasons why…

To be fit it’s important to possess a degree of muscular strength as well as cardiovascular endurance. A good workout plan includes strength training with intermittent bursts of high intensity exercise.

There’s a lot scientists still don’t know about the Zika virus. But one thing is for sure… It’s officially made its way stateside. And that’s not just bad news for pregnant women and their babies…

It is important to employ as many safe, inexpensive, non-invasive means as possible to help patients feel better. This means reducing stress, fear and anxiety before surgical procedures and also while in recovery. Music seems to fit the bill nicely.

Cantaloupes are an excellent source of vitamin A which is essential for healthy vision, and a good alternative source of vitamin C if you don’t tolerate citrus fruits well.

Do you ever have one of those days where you’re completely drained for no apparent reason? And it’s tempting to reach for something, anything, that will get your engine revving again. Well, do I have some great choices for you…

Would you like to have the energy of a college kid? Stay disease-free well into old age? I’m going to take a wild guess and say the answer to all of these questions is yes. It’s just a matter of boosting your anti-aging hormone…

For years, men have expressed concern that using testosterone treatment (hormone replacement therapy) will boost their risk of developing prostate cancer. The results of a new study, however, have shown that testosterone treatment doesn’t increase prostate cancer risk. In fact…

Try these body weight exercises for a head start on a weight-training program with more resistance. Be prepared to put on some music and join me in this workout!

Quite often, our sense of health and wellbeing comes from our core: stomach, intestines, bladder, and kidneys. When things aren’t going right at the core, everything gets thrown off, and other health problems can develop over time.

When it comes to migraines, prevention is the key and a new study shows that a particular natural remedy is more effective than a prescription drug for prevention and reduction of migraine frequency.

Antioxidants fight free radicals that cause premature aging, cancer, Alzheimer’s and pretty much every other disease under the sun. But did you know there’s one antioxidant that does this better than all the rest?

My family and I will be enjoying this eggs-cellent breakfast casserole Christmas morning… and New Year’s Day as well. I hope you’ll consider making it a tradition for your family’s favorite holiday celebrations. But it’s certainly healthy enough to enjoy more often…

Feeling like your weight loss has just stagnated even though you’re eating healthy and exercising? This is going to sound way too simple, but it’s probably what you’re drinking. So try this one drink instead…

Nothing good comes from high blood sugar. If your levels are chronically elevated, high most all the time, it will trigger metabolic changes in your body that are far from sweet. You may not even realize…

If you compare your body to a 7 story building, a healthy gut is the first floor or foundation. Without a proper and strong foundation, all other floors of this building may come crashing down.

Picture this… you’re sleeping soundly in your bed when you’re jolted awake by a burning pain in your big toe joint. It’s swollen, red and tender. You didn’t injure it. So what the heck’s going on? Well, it’s gout, an uncomfortable form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in your body. Let’s talk about relieving that pain and saving your joints from permanent damage…

The best part about eating fruit is that something so scrumptious can help ward off one of the deadliest diseases in the world. In fact, certain fruits are highly researched for their cancer-fighting abilities. But which are best?