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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.

Lots of people deal with mild to moderate brain fog that keeps them from functioning at their best. That’s because brain fog is a symptom of a wide variety of conditions, which makes you wonder… what’s really causing brain fog in all these situations? Now we know and what to do about it…

You might focus specifically on your heart or brain when you think of your health. While there’s no doubt they’re important, we tend to ignore an organ that’s every bit as vital — one that plays a role in the health of every other part of your body, especially when it comes to stopping disease…

Martial arts were a large part of my early life. I loved the work outs. They were perfect–and I had strength, balance and interval training in those classes–which I now know are excellent for improving nerve growth factors in the brain and improving cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness.

Kidney problems represent a serious issue for many people who are obese and greatly overweight. But researchers with the Laboratory of Bioactive Substance at the Center of Biotechnology in Tunisia have found that grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) may help prevent this type of kidney damage.

Dessert really isn’t the problem. It’s what we’ve done to it. Done right, dessert can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, and the satisfaction it gives you can go a long way in helping you stick to a healthier way of eating.

I’m not saying that eating certain foods will completely eliminate your joint pain. However, if you choose foods that can reduce pain and discomfort in your joints and avoid those that promote inflammation, you could go a long way toward improving your quality of life and your ability to participate in the activities you enjoy the most.

In addition to black and green tea, there are other teas that are used for specific desired health effects. These range from weight loss and increased energy to improved mood and sleep to fighting off a cold virus.

Exercise is one of the essential things humans need for quality of life. It keeps the blood pumping the heart and lungs active, the tendons and joints pliable. And these exercises are great for developing lower body strength, leg strength, stability, balance, and endurance.

School started back this week. Already, my family’s schedule is full. That’s why I rely heavily on my slow cooker and my freezer during this time of the year.

Without a deep core foundation, muscle-targeting exercises can aggravate or cause back pain. But deep core muscles act as your personal girdle to protect and strengthen. So get ready to flatten your belly safely and effectively!

Remember your 40s? I certainly remember mine… And although I’m approaching the middle of my fifth decade, I’m feeling just as good as I did a decade ago.

“It was only the placebo effect.” Scientists and doctors say that often. And every time, it leaves me flabbergasted. Despite what they’d have you believe, the placebo effect is powerful medicine in its own right…

Certain foods have health benefits so amazing that calling them a “superfood” seems like an understatement. Take the simple black seed that’s been revered in the Middle East for thousands of years…

It may start in the gut, but leaky gut syndrome affects numerous organs and systems throughout the body. For those facing leaky gut syndrome and the food sensitivities that fire it, the first step towards regaining good health is …

Everyone is talking about TEAM USA’s purple spots! The latest rage in athletic performance is an ancient technique found in cultures in Egypt, the Middle East and China. It’s referred to as “cupping” and here’s what it can do for you…

I can’t say enough about the healing power of a perfect night’s sleep. But if yours isn’t, take it seriously. Poor sleep sets you up for three strikes that could put you out of the game… permanently.

If you’re still relying on unfiltered tap water to stay hydrated, you may want to reconsider. Because there’s a very good chance you’re getting more than a sip of cancer-causing chemicals with every swig you take…

Back pain is America’s third leading cause to visit the doctor, behind joint pains and skin disorders. Not only is back pain super common, but it affects young and old alike…

My children and I love to hike. Just this past weekend, we went hiking at the Walls of Jericho nature preserve on the Alabama/Tennessee line. Luckily, we packed snacks. It was a 6-mile hike up and down a mountain.

Mushrooms are among the most powerful botanicals known to man. And a growing body of research confirms the immune-boosting benefits of fungi. But if you think that’s where the benefits stop, get ready to be mind blown…

Back pain is quite common these days and pain pills are not the answer. These moves can strengthen your core muscles, keep your back strong and safe, and prevent back pain when performed regularly.

Seniors fear dementia more than heart attack or stroke. But you can play a game to put your mind at ease–preferably the brain-training game that cuts your risk by 50 percent…

While it may seem you can’t run and you can’t hide from cellulite no matter who you are, once you understand a few things about cellulite, you can get the upper hand… without resorting to drastic measures.

It’s not just a matter of being heavy; when your waistline grows, so does your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. That’s why getting stubborn hormones in check matters.

It’s okay if yoga isn’t your cup of tea. Because you can get some of its benefits in a cup of this tea. And studies have shown that some of its phytochemicals can help prevent skin, liver, oral and lung cancers too.

Having a loose and supple waist, low back and hamstrings is one of the best things to reduce injury and increase feelings of wellbeing in the body. There is a simple exercise that can do it without having to leave the home.

Creating more health is the most effective way to reduce health care costs, maintain a robust workforce, and reduce the disease-related drag on our economy.

Up until now, the research on the benefits of beets and beet juice for athletes and athletic performance have centered around the nitrates in this root vegetable. But now the news about beets just got better…

Vitamin D is a miracle worker. Yet, the standard American diet contains very little of this vitamin your body uses as a hormone. In fact, more than 1 in 3 American adults are deficient in vitamin D and face some very serious health risks…

Push-ups are one of the most basic exercises you can do for arm and upper body strength. They’re also the hardest if you don’t have strong arms. But how do you get there? Baby steps…

Coconut oil is a must-have beauty staple for anyone who hates spending loads of money on beauty products that are filled with questionable chemicals and additives. And the results? Glowing, naturally beautiful skin and hair!

The cancer-fighting potential for this snack is through the roof! Plus, if you want help with weight management, a gut health-boost and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes — enjoy it often.