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Using your purse as a back-up plan, a place to throw things “just in case” they’re needed during the day, is a recipe for muscle and nerve damage. You’ve probably not thought about what that sort of load is doing to your body. Here are 8+ pains that it causes and how to avoid them…

Fast medicine is impersonal and cold. Patients are now just bits of standardized data. But the biggest casualty of fast medicine is the forgotten concept that if we remove the obstacles, the body can heal itself. That’s called slow medicine. Together, both ways of healing could optimize your health…

The human body has a complex network of thousands or millions of clocks all over the body, all doing their own thing and all of which have to talk to each other and synchronize with each other. When that happens, health is good. A way to make all this work for you is called chrononutrition… and it’s easier than you’d think…

You may have already hatched a plan to protect your memory as much as you can in these critical years. Mediterranean diet? Check. Daily power walks? Check. Sudoku book on your nightstand? Check. But there’s another factor influencing your memory, one you probably don’t realize you need to protect yourself against…

There’s a lot of research claiming to prove the health benefits of coffee. Some of those health claims have a good deal of solid research behind them, while others warrant further investigation. But after more than 20 years of research into coffee, there is one thing we know for sure that can keep you drinking, worry-free…

We all know that being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of developing numerous diseases. But did you know your weight and your risk of cancer are inextricably linked? Not only that, but over 40 you’re at higher risk for certain cancers. The secret’s in your BMI. Here’s how to check your risk and lower it…

Plants make potent medicine. Our ancient ancestors knew it. And modern scientists know it (why do you think most medications have their roots in plants?). Still, many folk remedies get written off as hogwash. That’s why it’s especially exciting when research can pinpoint the mechanism behind a plant’s medicinal power…

Despite what many people think, an overactive bladder is not a natural or inevitable part of aging. It is a diagnosable condition that, while more likely with age, can occur at any age. If an overactive bladder is affecting your quality of life, check out your options — from botox to bladder training and more…

Metformin is a drug for treating diabetes. Like rapamycin that I wrote about last week, metformin has humble beginnings. It is derived from a kind of French lilac, reputedly used to treat diabetes-like conditions in medieval Europe.

Alzheimer’s disease has no cure at this point. Does that mean you should sit back and only hope it doesn’t happen to you? That’s a big fat NO. There’s enough research on how to avoid the mind robber, starting with foods you should eat, those you shouldn’t and other helpful tips to live dementia-free…

A hip fracture is especially serious as you get older. It can mean a loss of mobility and even loss of life. People over 50 who fracture a hip have a much higher risk of death within ten years of their injury. Unfortunately, one certain B supplement can be problematic, especially for women…

You’ve probably heard the warnings before: take care of your oral health or you could end up with heart problems. New research shows the harm to your heart may actually be measured by the number of teeth you have. Even if you only lose a few, your odds for heart trouble increase…

Do you have a cabinet full of multi-vitamins and other supplements in your kitchen? If you’re like many of us, the answer is YES. And, if you’re like many people, you haven’t paid too much attention to the expiration dates on those bottles. Here’s why you should — and why you shouldn’t keep them in the kitchen…

You expect a lot from your brain… afterall you’re constantly connected, so it’s easy — and hard — to do everything at once. As we age, it doesn’t get any easier. In fact, you may eventually find it difficult to keep up with it all. But there is a way to master multitasking well into your 70s and 80s…

Eating too much sugar causes weight gain and increases risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But before I get all worked up about sugar, it’s worth noting that not all sugar is created equal. One type of sugar sets you up for dangerous health conditions… and another type helps protect you…

Have you jumped on the gluten-free bandwagon yet? It seems everywhere you turn these days, people, including some big-name celebrities, are going gluten-free, claiming it’s helped them with weight loss, energy and their health in general. But there are a few things you should be aware of before jumping on board.

More than 400 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, and the rate at which people are developing this disease is accelerating. The surging rates of diabetes and obesity in the last 50 years strongly link environmental and dietary factors. But one of the culprits may be a common food additive…

It’s been shown type 2 diabetes can be reversed on extreme low-calorie diets. But slashing your daily intake to 700 calories when most of us eat more than that in one meal seems impossible. That’s why I have some exciting news… You don’t have to go super low-cal to send your type 2 diabetes into remission…

While most people probably wouldn’t think doing the laundry could put them on the path to wellness — or sickness, for that matter — new research is showing just how important it is to put the heat on germs when you’re doing the wash… Especially the multidrug-resistant kind living in your washer…

Chronic hypertension increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It can also lead to dementia, vision loss and kidney disease. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to lower high blood pressure and keep it in a healthy range. Medication can help, but you’d be surprised how well these simple hacks work…

It’s important to eat healthy to be healthy, right? That means eating more fruits and veggies and leaning towards whole foods in general while steering clear of overly processed foods — especially if you want to manage your weight and avoid conditions like heart disease. But this habit throws a kink in your best efforts…

Eating more plant-based protein is tied to a 60 percent lower risk of developing arterial plaque. That may be why people who follow a plant-based diet are less likely to end up with a cardiovascular disease. But a new study throws a curveball at all those who gave up meat to curb this major health risk…

When a drug is used off label, it means a physician has prescribed it for an approved use other than what it was developed for. A long-used drug, Rapamycin, is being considered for this very thing because of research that indicates it just may be an anti-aging pill…

This bright yellow spice has been revered since ancient times. No wonder researchers are rapidly exploring turmeric’s remarkable potential and demonstrating its powerful benefits for many key areas of health. Here are just a few key highlights among turmeric’s long list of beneficial actions…

If you’re someone who’s exposed to pesticides on the job, your job is downright dangerous. Besides risks like cancer, Parkinson’s and liver damage, a new study shows it has one more scary side effect — it causes your cardiovascular system to crash and burn. Here’s how to protect yourself…

There are a couple of reasons the benefits of fish oil have been so hotly debated. But researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital decided to run a meta-analysis of the research to end all debate. Finally, we have an answer…

In a world filled with confusing and conflicting nutrition advice, you can take solace one piece of reliable, scientifically-proven wisdom… Red and processed meats aren’t good for you. And you should eat less of them. Wait, not so fast… a nutritional controversy is brewing yet again that says that might not be so.

Since testing for Alzheimer’s is practically non-existent, part of the fear is how it sneaks up on you. Because it damages the brain years before the first symptoms, it’s been almost impossible to identify a critical window when early treatment could actually make a difference. Until now…

One in every 24 people, on average, will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). Early detection is key to overcoming a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Colonoscopy is the most well-known screening method for colon cancer. But it’s not your only option…

Vitamin C has an astounding effect on the immune system. It affects the function of a lot of different immune cells, that protect your body from foreign invaders. And more than 148 animal studies show it may ease or prevent infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. But this might be the biggest news yet…

Cancer is challenging; Yet preventing cancer is not necessarily rocket science. In fact, research has shown that the majority of risk of developing cancer is associated with many environmental and lifestyle factors you can control…

Changing your diet is hard. That’s why 95 percent of people who go on diets fall off the wagon eventually. But if you’re one of them, don’t get discouraged. Follow these tips for real success…

Scientists say a world where antibiotics no longer work is not far away… and that’s more than frightening. It turns out the solution to this problem has been under our noses the whole time…

Summer can be a very energetic time of year, a time when you head to the outdoors for increased activities during the longer, warmer days. All the extra activity and time spent outside can do wonders for your health, but at the same time, it’s important to pay close attention during the “season of heat.”

Certain types of cancer are closely tied to obesity, and breast cancer is one of them. But It turns out the relationship between fat and your hormones is what really makes all the difference in your breast cancer risk…

A racing mind contributes to anxiety. But once you help your mind and body relax, release tension, return to equilibrium and rejuvenate your entire being, you’ll be able to direct the path you want in life…

No matter where you go, you can’t get away from it. And research in the journal Cell Biology shows that too much of it could actually be making you older and sicker.

Like most folks with a chronic ailment, you may not suspect that the very foods you are eating could cause your symptoms. Why not? Because you don’t feel an immediate reaction.

Have you heard of blue zones? There are a few of these special places scattered across the globe, and one them is Ikaria, Greece. What makes it and other blue zones so special? Maybe the food…

Learning gets harder as you get older. But that doesn’t mean you should send your brain on a permanent hiatus once you hit middle age. Because, contrary to popular belief, you can teach an old dog new tricks…

Remember being told fats were bad and that was that? Well, the truth is, when it comes to your health, dietary fat has never really been black and white. But it can be easier to understand if you follow three simple rules…

Deodorant, body lotions, and shampoos are just some of the products in your house that probably contain parabens. According to the latest research, these parabens could be screwing with your hormones worse than first thought, especially one in particular.

More research needs to be done to fully understand the health impact GMOs have. But we do know that they are widespread and difficult to avoid in the U.S. That’s why you should take steps towards safeguarding our health.

You’ve probably heard the term “superfood” thrown around a lot in recent years. Blueberries are a superfood. Salmon is a superfood. Green tea is a superfood. And, there’s a reason why true “superfoods” deserve the title…

Breast cancer is alarmingly common these days. In fact, one in every eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. So if you’re a woman, it’s safe to say that prevention should be your top priority.

If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, you can’t help but be enamored of its beauty. But when you get away from the resorts, you realize that the modern native Hawaiian has a very real health problem weighing them down.

Stretching is not enough to get the legs ready to exercise. Often there are old injuries to work through, scar tissue adhesions that bind, and trigger points to release. To do all of this would require visits to the gym, massage therapist and physical therapist. Fortunately, there is a device…

We are urged to do more early screening for cancers and get more aggressive treatments. We are even told to get genetic testing and consider mastectomies (and other drastic preventative surgeries) if the wrong genes are found. But none of those actions prevent us from getting cancer.

A common argument I hear from people who try to forego the over-processed, store brought foods is that they can’t afford to eat healthy food. But after seeing what it does to your body, you’ll be asking how can you afford NOT to…

Most men only think about their gut when they lose the six-pack they once (may) have had. But a healthy gut means much more than abs of steel.

Are you ready to make a small dietary change that will have a big impact on your health? Here are 6 foods which provide you with gut-healing, anti-cancer benefits.

No matter the cause of your fatigue, there is a simple solution that can provide relief. And it won’t even cost you a penny. In fact, it’s a treatment you can give yourself in the comfort of your own home…

Does your upper back feel tired and your head feel heavy at the end of the day? That’s because the muscles of the upper back and shoulders are fatigued from doing countless “forward head” activities, like: texting, typing, reading and the like. To feel better…

Finding the motivation you need to reach any goal can be difficult. To keep working at reaching your wellness goal can often be overwhelming. Even though the payoff can be huge, we feel like we need that “something” that keeps us going.

I’ve been using my iron skillet more and more lately, and I’ve discovered that I like pan-roasting most vegetables in it — including new potatoes. An added benefit of cooking in a cast iron skillet is the additional iron it can add to your diet.

Everything you do in life, you do for one reason: to be happy. But what if I told you that the key to happiness is somewhere you never thought to look — on your plate…

Music’s healing effect has been demonstrated on everything from colds to cerebral palsy. And the latest science suggests you could harness that power to accomplish some pretty amazing things. But some tunes work better than others…

The findings of a new review suggest that dietary omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil fight prostate cancer on several levels.

We all experience those moments from time to time — a forgotten name, a hazy memory, misplaced keys. After all, in today’s age of multitasking madness, it’s easy to lose track of a few details. But when these “senior moments” happen regularly, they become more than just passing phenomena …

When I got a surprise summer cold recently, I went to my local health food store in search of vitamin C. The woman working in the vitamin department saw me trying to decide what type to buy, and gave me a tip that will probably change the way I take vitamin C forever.