Latest Stories

You probably consider yourself to be level-headed, right? Sure, you like to be adventurous, but you draw the line at risky behavior because it’s the smart thing to do. But if you’re among the 1 in 4 who turns to a popular OTC pain reliever for minor aches and pains, you’re unknowingly putting something in your body that can muddy your perception of risk…

The common cold is far from dangerous, but it still makes you miserable by walloping you with a cough, a headache, congestion, a low-grade fever and that awful fatigued feeling you get when you’re sick. But the next time you’re laid up with a serious cold, you have a big bright side to think about… colds may be able to prevent the more dangerous flu virus from infecting your airways…

It’s been drilled into our heads for decades that fat is bad. With obesity comes a higher risk of all kinds of disorders, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers. But recent research has found that fat may not always be a harbinger of a health problem on the horizon. In fact, if you’ve got thick thighs, you may breathe a sigh of relief…

In 1972, the United States banned the use of the pesticide DDT. But other endocrine-disrupting pesticides have taken its place and are still in use. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself from exposure to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals that cause breast cancer.

Reduced muscle mass can lead to a lack of mobility, lower quality of life and even steal your independence. Now though, there’s a new weapon in your arsenal that could make all the difference — a simple and delicious way to kick your muscle strength into gear by stimulating the production of special cells in your body that boost muscle growth and repair…

If you don’t have asthma, you probably know someone who does and know they keep an inhaler close by. Oral steroids can be part of asthma management, too, since inflammation is a troublesome component of the condition. But experts fear these medications are being overprescribed and are leading to some very serious side effects…

Anticholinergics, also called antispasmodics, treat everything from Parkinson’s to COPD and asthma to irritable bowel syndrome. Some are even found in over-the-counter allergy medications. But at least three recent studies point to a strong connection between anticholinergic use and cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.

If you’re a “social smoker,” you may think your health risk from lung cancer and other tobacco-related diseases is much smaller than if you smoke a pack a day. But is that true?

A lot of anxiety sufferers find ways to improve their symptoms, but they never quite slay their inner anxiety demon completely. If you can relate to this struggle, you need to know that the root of all those sleepless nights, panic attacks and anxious sweats may be your thyroid.

For over a decade, experts have waffled about whether omega-3 intake can help you stay heart healthy. Now, the largest meta-analysis to date has found conclusive proof that whatever amount you might get through diet, you should consider supplementing for ample cardioprotection…

Have you ever wondered if you’re going to end up with Alzheimer’s and when? The truth is that while there is genetic testing for the disease, having or not having the gene won’t answer those questions. But there is another indicator that Alzheimer’s is likely in your future…. one that you can turn around.

Everyone is trying to curb chronic inflammation nowadays. That’s because science has clearly identified it as a major contributor to disease and pain. Popular approaches to dousing it include anti-inflammatory diets and drugs. But a kind of mental therapy can significantly slash your levels — no diet changes or drugs needed!

Based on all the latest research, your vitamin D levels may be a window into your future. They can determine your risk for conditions like heart disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes. The free, circulating vitamin D levels in your blood may be the best indicator of whether your vitamin D levels are in the danger zone.

When you’re living with chronic pain, it’s easy to find yourself giving up activities that you love. But that decrease in your get-up-and-go could actually be due less to the pain itself and more about how you think and feel about your pain. Here’s what you need to know about the pain catastrophizing trap and how to escape it…

Diabetes tends to run in families. In fact, your doctor will tell you that if your mom, dad or grandparents have blood sugar problems, you’re at higher risk. But, does that mean your fate is sealed? The answer is no. There’s a completely changeable factor that plays a much bigger role in whether or not you end up with diabetes.

Chronic kidney disease is surprisingly common. People living with the disease have damaged kidneys that are unable to filter out bodily wastes and fluids efficiently. This leaves harmful levels of wastes circulating in the body, which can damage other organs (like your heart and brain). So, how can you keep your kidneys safe and healthy? Follow these six lifestyle changes…

Have you ever heard of honeybee venom therapy? It’s the use of honeybee venom for medicinal purposes (either through injections or intentional bee stings). A lot of people think it’s just a new age health practice, but it’s been used for over 5,000 years to treat a variety of conditions ranging from gout to chronic pain to multiple sclerosis. Fighting breast cancer may soon be added to that list…

Carrying excess fat around the midsection raises your risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic disturbances, dementia and, in women, breast cancer. Now, at least two recent studies have connected visceral fat with prostate cancer. Not just prostate cancer, but the advanced kind that normally proves fatal.

There are a lot of eye problems you can fall victim to as you get older. But perhaps the most concerning is glaucoma. It’s one of the few that can cause permanent and complete blindness. On the bright side, it’s possible to reduce your odds of ever developing the disease in the first place. One of the most effective ways is a popular diet…

While the term processed food is one most of us have heard, the concept of ultra-processed food is a litter trickier. These zero nutrition foods have been linked to everything from diabetes and high blood pressure to cancer. And a recent study has more bad news. they speed up your biological aging…

The human body was designed to sleep during the night and stay awake during the day. Mixing that up leads to problems. In fact, research shows there may be certain critical functions that your body will only perform during a nighttime sleep session… like clearing all the dementia-causing wastes out of your brain.

Holding strange neck positions over and over again, only to find little to no lasting relief? We’ve all been there, but now, we finally know why… and what is not going to help, like stretching. If you really want to get the root of your neck problem, and experience lasting relief, give this a try…

Every move we make throughout the day causes our cells to stretch and deform. The problem is that these stretched and misshapen cells could lead to permanent DNA damage and even cancer. So how are we able to keep moving without destroying our cells? New research tells us that the answer lies with calcium…

After surviving a heart attack, making lifestyle changes to prevent a second attack is vital. Yet, even with the motivation a heart attack provides, actually giving up bad habits and replacing them with new, healthy ones can be a challenge. Luckily, a new study has found a simple way to more than double your chances of success.

Once you’re over 50, you lose about one percent of your muscle mass per year. Not only can it lead to frailty, but it’s also linked to a higher risk of physical disability and even type-2 diabetes. So how do you prevent your muscle mass from slipping away with age? The answer may be simpler than you’d think…

Roughly 36 million people in the U.S. alone take cholesterol-lowering medications, also known as statin drugs. Yet, with the massive number of statin prescriptions doctors write, is there truly evidence that they save lives? New revelations are that inconsistencies and contradictory evidence has been swept under the rug…

People with stomach cancer (gastric cancer) often don’t show symptoms until the disease has reached advanced stages. The common bacterium H. pylori causes stomach cancer, but even if you carry this germ in your digestive tract, your diet can help keep you from falling victim, especially if you’re a fan of cranberry juice…

The next time you get the urge to crack open your favorite soda, think again. These drinks can irreparably damage your teeth, and it’s not just the sugar. With every sip they’re interfering with an important protective mechanism in your mouth….

Napping can come with big benefits like helping you relax, improving your mood and keeping you alert when you need it most. But lying down for a snooze in the middle of the day isn’t necessarily harmless. If your naps go long they could actually have a negative impact on your heart…

Eating a lot of sugar and refined grains is hard on your liver. But one type of sugar seems particularly harmful where your liver is concerned — fructose. It triggers a chain of events that leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can then lead to liver damage, liver cancer or even liver failure.

They’re called “obesogens.” They come into your home on the products you buy and wind up in your household dust for you to inhale, ingest, and absorb through your skin. According to research, just three milligrams of this dust resulted in fat production.

Reports say this is the worst tick season yet. Add to this, mosquitoes and gnats and a host of other bugs, and a nice summer day or night can turn from amazing to a disaster. Here’s a way to make an effective, non-toxic, natural insect repellent with essential oils…

How often do you use time as an excuse not to exercise? If you’re like most people, probably too often. You figure if you can’t do a full-blown thirty to sixty minute workout, you just should just forget it altogether. But, you shouldn’t, and I’ll tell you why….

If you’re diabetic already, or prediabetic, maintaining tight blood sugar control is extremely important. That’s why you should take advantage of the most effective blood sugar control tools at your disposal. All you have to do is look to simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen…

Heartburn, reflux, ulcers and indigestion… If you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter medication to treat any of these common health complaints, you could be taking a chance with your life.

Mussels… They may not be at the top of your shopping list but they are a powerhouse of nutrition for men… And if your aim is more muscles — and better health for your brain, heart and more — eat more mussels.

Sometimes migraines come out of nowhere. Other times, it’s one of a list of many “triggers” that sets them off. Now, research says you can add too much or too little weight to that list. So is there a weight “sweet spot” that can help prevent your migraines?

Most people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years without major lifestyle changes, including diet changes and exercise. But there is a simple dietary trick that most doctors completely neglect in helping patients avoid diabetes…

You’ve probably heard that blueberries improve brain function, strengthen your bones and fight cancer, among other things. But there’s another berry that won’t be outdone by its blue brother. In fact, it may be one of the best age-defying, disease-fighting berries around…

Does this sound familiar… You’re working hard at losing weight and the pounds are steadily dropping, and then bang… nothing for weeks. You’ve suddenly stalled and those extra pounds just don’t want to budge. It’s certainly frustrating but one thing is for sure, you’re not alone…

A stroke hits when either oxygen or nutrients carried to the brain are blocked. While most people know that stroke is a serious issue, what is less known is that some commonly prescribed medications can increase your risk of stroke anywhere from 25 percent on up to almost 80 percent.

Did you know, that ongoing sleep issues increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression? And then there’s the connection between poor sleep and dementia. That one’s a real doozy…

Ah, summer. Or, should I say, “Ouch, summer!” Summer is little like a rose bush… It’s quite appealing and you can get lost in it. It’s the stuff of fond memories and adventure, but just like a thorn, an unexpected sting, pain or itch can put a quick stop to your fun…

The most common form of skin cancer beats out breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. So take precautions this summer and find out how research says eating more tomatoes should be part of your efforts to reduce your risk of skin cancer…

The flowers of the immature female hops plant have long been used to add flavor and bitterness to beer. It was from there it was discovered that the plant alters its structure and is capable of providing many health benefits — including blasting belly fat at its core. But what about beer belly?

When your skin absorbs UVB rays from the sun, it triggers a reaction in your body that allows your skin cells to create vitamin D. So the sun is literally supplying your body with the vitamin D it needs to stay healthy. But there may be another reason for vitamin D’s sun-related nickname…

The average American gets conflicting messaging about how to eat to avoid the insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes. Very few items represented as health foods, actually are… and certain industries try awfully hard to lead us astray from other…

The power behind cleansing lies in the ability to give your digestive system and your detox organs time to rest and to lighten the load. This brief period can be an amazing rejuvenator! But, before you start any cleanse…

From fatigue and joint pain to weight gain and autoimmune disease, your health issues could be caused by a single thing: your leaky gut. Leaky gut may begin in your gut but its ill effects don’t stop there. Before it’s too late, check these symptoms and causes and start repairing your gut asap!

Loss of strength can sneak up on you, and you know what that means… loss of independence can be around the corner. The little things, like taking a few minutes a day to do one good strengthening exercise can make all the difference. Here’s how to get started…

The evidence supporting medicinal marijuana is in its early stages. But now that more and more states are saying yes, research is turning up some intriguing benefits… like the fact that marijuana could help fight cancer, not just ease symptoms.

Since the majority of people with prediabetes eventually develop full-blown diabetes, scientists have been interested in ways to prevent this from occurring. Now, a study reveals that individuals who take an exotic spice can avoid it, and more…

Men and women dream of having thicker, lustrous, more beautiful hair. Before you start using a prescription or messy topical solution that may not work, think again. Side effects range from headache and dizziness to sexual and neurological problems…

For many years it’s been feared due to its high fat content. But, like many foods, the much-maligned avocado has just been misunderstood. Instead of causing harm, it actually has the ability to heal. Eating avocado each day is heart-protective…

Starbucks and the likes keep the coffee cups filled, much like a “coffee pharmacy” dolling out grande-sized cups of what may very well be a longevity prescription. Because the proof is pretty solid that a coffee habit prevents disease and extends life. But if you want to know…

The sniffles, congestion, headache and body pains that come with a summer cold can leave you stuck indoors right when you want to be out enjoying the fun. And, to add insult to injury, summer colds tend to last longer than the ones you catch in the winter and have a higher chance of recurring.

Intricate mechanisms that occur within the hippocampus region of your brain make it possible for your stored memories to become part of your long-term memory. This process is known as memory consolidation, and it’s important to prevent conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Without sleep…

You probably already know that getting enough vitamin D is essential for fighting disease. It can improve your heart health, ward off cancer, keep your bones strong, balance your blood sugar and more. But here’s the thing….

Remember the days before cell phones? You could eat a meal in peace, catch up with a friend — uninterrupted, and go on vacation without being bombarded by work emails. Those were the good old days. But if you want to power up your brain, you may need to power down your phone…

Are you noticing more wrinkles every day? We all want to look younger, but I hope you’re not as desperate as a group of people who want to defy aging so badly that they’re forking over thousands for an infusion of teenage blood. I’ve got a cheaper, proven solution, that won’t make you feel like a vampire…