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How many harmless outpatient procedures or tests do you think you’ll undergo this year? If your answer is even just one, you should be aware that you have more to be concerned with than what the procedure reveals about your health… and it has to do with contaminated instruments used in healthcare settings.

Scientists know that light plays a critical role in heart health. Past studies have even shown that heart attacks increase dramatically during dark winter months — like those around the corner. But the latest research shows how you can use light for some big heart protection in just 30 minutes a day…

Tramadol is far less addictive than some “big gun” drugs. In fact, when it was first released, it wasn’t even classified as an opioid (but that’s changed). Tramadol also has fewer side effects than other painkillers. Or so we thought… As more people turn to this “safe” pain reliever, risks are bubbling to the surface…

If you have diabetes, you have a higher risk of cancer. That’s just the way it is. It doesn’t matter if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman. (although, if you’re a diabetic woman, your risk is even higher). Because here are the cold, hard facts…

If I don’t eat lunch by 2:00 pm, I feel lightheaded. But I still haven’t written off the idea of fasting. How can I when I keep reading studies that show it’s an effective way to fight chronic inflammation… the stuff that puts you at risk for cancer, autoimmune diseases and pretty much every other health condition.

Thyroid hormone balancing is confusing for mainstream doctors including endocrinologists (but they may not admit it). That’s because they use only lab tests. The problem with that is there are many medications that affect your thyroid hormone and confound the interpretation of standard thyroid tests…

Sleep apnea is a common problem for both men and women. And that diagnosis comes with some other very serious worries… If you have it, you’re at much higher risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke, and even atrial fibrillation. Now you can add three kinds of cancer to that…

The nutritional content and disease-fighting power of mushrooms is unparalleled. In fact, they might just be the perfect food. They act as natural antibiotics and contain beta-glucans that boost your immune system. But if you cook your fungi the wrong way, you’re destroying all of that before it reaches your plate!

Most of us didn’t know what celiac disease was 20, 30 or 40 years ago. But nowadays, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of this autoimmune disease triggered by gluten. Why is celiac disease’s spotlight bigger than ever before? Let me tell you, along with the “other” problem it causes…

The keto diet kicks the body into ketosis, causing it to burn fat. It’s thought to induce weight loss because keto food fills you up. It also helps burn more of the calories you do eat. These are big weight loss benefits, but keto has also been shown to have some pretty powerful effects on several health conditions…

If you’re about my age, the beginning of puberty for you was probably a long, long time ago. And, you may be wondering why it even matters now. Well, it matters now, because we’re at the age where our bone strength really matters — a lot.

I love animals — dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and even reptiles. (I wouldn’t want to cuddle with a snake, but I think they’re fun to watch from a safe distance.) If you’re an animal lover like me, I’m guessing you have a few furry, feathered or scaled family members in your household. And if you do, I have good news…

Living with chronic pain can turn your world upside down. I’ve been there. That’s why I’m excited about some hopeful news for anyone living with depression, pain, or both. Science has uncovered something that may offer a way out of pain and depression, without the risk of becoming addicted to the cure.

Your autonomic nervous system controls many of the bodily functions that you don’t even have to think about. But, as you age, that balance begins to tip to your sympathetic nervous system. This imbalance makes you more susceptible to the unhealthier side of aging. But there’s a novel way to get balanced…

Drug and chemotherapy treatments for early-stage cancer have become more successful in recent years. Up to 30 percent of women show no signs of cancer following chemo. But how do they know their cancer has truly gone into remission so they can live without that terrible worry hanging over their head?

You want to get in shape. So, you go to a boot camp exercise class in a nearby strip mall gym, and it kicks your butt. Sure, challenging exercise has its place. But people who struggle with moderate or intense exercise, shouldn’t get discouraged. Low-key exercise can pay off big time too…

I know fried food isn’t healthy. But I let myself indulge in it more often than I probably should. Unfortunately, all fried food is equally unhealthy in one important sense — the oil. You may not know most oils are unstable and produce a chemical linked to cancer. It can also make tumors double in size…

When most of us think of arthritis, we probably think of the classic stiff, achy joints of the most common type of the disease, osteoarthritis. But, there’s another type of arthritis that’s a whole different animal, an autoimmune disease that attacks your joints, leaving them painful, swollen and even disfigured.

If I opened and closed the front door of my house 60 times a minute, it would probably fly off its hinges in a month! But that’s exactly what your heart valves do. There are no medications for treating valve problems. The only way to fix a severely malfunctioning valve is to replace it. But there are a few things you can do to keep your heart valves in tip-top shape…

Kickboxing is a form of martial arts that combines karate with boxing. But don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re too old to engage in such a strenuous activity. For older adults, the benefits in terms of weight loss, stress relief, better balance and improved concentration are hard to beat!

Whole wheat. Sprouted wheat. Gluten-free. And that’s just the beginning. Are you confused about bread these days? I know I was. Until I did a little research. When you understand what some of the words you see on bread labels REALLY mean, it becomes easier to decide which one is right for you.

If you have an autoimmune disease, you know about fatigue. How it prevents you from working, going out with friends, keeping up with your housework and living a normal life — probably more so than any other autoimmune disease symptom. The question is… what (if anything) can you do about it?

You’ve heard us talk here about the health benefits of a periodic detox to cleanse and rejuvenate the health of the body. But, have you ever considered a “digital detox”?

Stem cell therapy has moved from the laboratory to your doctor’s office. You may be pleasantly surprised at how stem cells — from your own body — can transform, improve and remedy problems in just about any part of your body. Here’s more on stem cell therapies and the real-world applications available to you…

If you’ve been suffering from unexplained headaches, bowel troubles or allergy-like symptoms, it may be time to look at your diet and eliminate some of the ingredients in processed foods. Here’s a closer look at each type of additive and the health problems associated with it.

With age, most of us may be on the lookout for warning signs of Alzheimer’s… things like forgetfulness, difficulty following simple instructions, personality changes and problems communicating. But there’s one sign you might not know about… Depression. And its link to Alzheimer’s shows on the brain.

Whatever you think about cannabis, there’s no denying it’s a promising pain reliever — especially in a world where our only options are OTC pain relievers that increase the odds of internal bleeding and insanely-addictive opioids. So why are more people popping aspirin or opioids than cannabis products for their pain?

Did you know that not all types of fat are created equal? And, I’m not talking about the types of fat you eat, but the types of fat you have on your body. Yup, there is such a thing as good fat that you actually want to have more of, especially if you’d like to win the battle with obesity and diabetes…

Have you ever noticed how many expressions that describe anxiety include the word “gut”? “I could feel it in my gut.” “I had a gut feeling that something was wrong.” Turns out that this association between our innards and our feelings of anxiety may have crept into our language by way of actual, biological fact.

Fat around your heart is a dangerous thing. It’s linked to cardiovascular disease and the possibility of early death. But can you slim your heart down the same way you do your body? Research found the best ways to knock off up to 30 percent of two types of dangerous heart fat…

The descriptions I read about vitamin A, and what’s good what for what illness, gets even me confused. What are they? Does it work for skin? What about eye health?

Studies show that the DNA in the mitochondria is especially vulnerable. Your inherent DNA repair mechanisms may not be adequate to the task of dealing with constant insults from free radical-oxidative stress exposures. Fortunately, your body can generate antioxidants to correct that imbalance…

In previous years the flu vaccine has been estimated at 50 to 60% effective. In fact, many people were disappointed that their flu shot did not protect them from getting sick with influenza.

Intentional or not, diet food made with artificial sweeteners is designed to spur cravings… cravings to eat more and more because it doesn’t do the one thing that sugar can for you.

If you’re interested in feeling healthier, living longer and losing weight with the paleo diet, there’s one technique that can get you a long way to your goal.

Here are the five most common mistakes I see people make as they transition towards a Paleo diet.

Most of what we do happens right in front of us and in a range of motion of about 60-degrees. The problem is, life goes on eventfully in the other 300 degrees.

Is there anything in your life you’d like to change? If you answered ‘no,’ I’d really be surprised. I might also secretly wonder if you were being truthful with me — but more importantly — with yourself.

Your morning coffee may give you the energy to start your day, but did you also know that daily coffee habit is good for your health, especially your cardiovascular health? Here’s how to get the most from those thousands of health-boosting polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins, bioflavonoids, minerals and more…

Did you know that your chronic pain can be linked to the toxins you swallow, inhale and absorb in your everyday life? Discover a detox recipe that helps your body cleanse and shrug off pain that you probably considered inescapable.

People walking down the street, sitting in their cars, even across tables from each other… staring at their phones, reading and texting, and their heads are almost parallel ground. This chronic forward head position creates a real pain in the neck.

In today’s toxic environment, diabetes may be the biggest health danger we all face. But you can calm the risk of this condition with lifestyle, herbs and natural ways to ease the stress your body faces. Here are the three herbs you must know about to improve your chances of avoiding diabetic complications.

Women and heart disease have a complicated history. What was once considered a man’s affliction is now the number one killer of women, leaving breast cancer behind in the dust.

When it comes to marketing and advertising — images are where it’s at. And no industry knows this better than the foodies. But it’s not the ingredients that are the problem…

You’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and your doctor suggests something called “watchful waiting.” Once you hear that your physician is suggesting you forego medication or another treatment for prostate cancer for now, should you be relieved or worried?

If you really want to do everything in your power to decrease your chances of ever developing breast cancer, there’s one thing new research shows you should absolutely give up…

Doctors embrace the idea that dietary cholesterol is bad for you. But you should know that half the people hospitalized for heart attacks or undergoing surgery have normal cholesterol levels.

Weekend warriors need to find time during the week to elevate their heart rate, work their cardio and move their muscles. This can help keep the body primed for more vigorous physical activity on the weekend — and help avoid injury.

Men can expect to die five years earlier than women, and physiological differences don’t come close to explaining why. But their tough guy attitudes may…

Millions of people know it’s important to beef up your vitamin C intake to strengthen your immune system. But there is another very important reason to get ample amounts of this essential vitamin — it can keep you from going blind.

The foods on your plate can be an important part of your spring detox program. With the right diet and supportive detox supplements, a brighter, cleaner, more vibrant you can sparkle with health in the brightening sun.

Considering that more than 1 in 3 American adults are deficient in vitamin D, you may be wondering what came first, the illnesses or the low vitamin D? So let’s take a long look at the list and get straight on just how vital this vitamin is and why you’re most likely not getting enough to do any good…

The Japanese are doing something very right. They are living longer and healthier — and there’s no reason the rest of us can’t live just as well. All you have to do is balance the way you eat…

They’re not a traditional “cardio” exercise… in fact, they may seem a little old fashioned. But if you want an intense upper-body workout that gives you real world strength using only your body weight, it’s hard to beat…

It is safe to say that many people, both young and old, could do well by developing their overall strength. Most, however, are unable to lift their own body weight. Improving this strength goes a long way in protecting quality of life as you age, especially for women.

Just like prescriptions, OTCs can cause adverse drug interactions. Now a group of medicines commonly-used to treat arthritis pain — available both by prescription and over-the-counter — is proving to be especially dangerous to people that suffer from…

A mid-afternoon nap is my frequent go-to strategy for getting my mental powers back when they start to get fuzzy. If you would like a little more sleep (and the 5 health benefits that go with it) here are some tips for more effective napping.

Depression is not at all uncommon. The doctors are quick to point to a chemical imbalance in the brain and suggest daily medication. But for many of us, the problem could be as simple as a nutrient imbalance.

Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer should take a serious look at their vitamin D levels. New research indicates there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and aggressive prostate cancer, so the faster you deal with vitamin D deficiency perhaps the better your chances of tackling the disease.

This sound may actually help you cut down on the amount of food you eat. If you guessed rap music, you’d be wrong. It’s even more intolerable than that. And if you suffer from misophonia — it would probably work even better on you…