Latest Stories

We would all like to live happy, fulfilling lives. So, some scientists recently set out to discover how we could all grab a little more joy in our lives — pandemic or not — and where, with whom or in what our happiness lies. What they found is pretty eye-opening, and I hope you can put it to good use, especially during these trying times…

I’ve never met a cat who doesn’t love playing with laser pointers. And the good news is, these popular pet toys give your cat plenty of exercise. But there’s also something you should be concerned about if you have one of these lying around the house… they could permanently blast away cells in your eyes in just a few seconds…

When you’re feeling sick and just want to find relief, you trust that the prescription your doctor sends you home with is not only going to help you feel better but that it’s also safe. But a word of caution… there is a common antibiotic you need to think twice about if you take other medications regularly, even if your doctor says you need it, or you could end up with a heart attack.

Does a normal weight protect you against adverse health outcomes even if you don’t eat particularly well? And what if you’re obese? Is your outcome equally poor regardless of what lands on your plate? A 17-year study may have finally helped us get the answer that most of us have been struggling with. And it may be the most freeing news you get all day…

If you have diabetes, you’ve probably wrestled with sleep issues from time to time. Diabetics often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and often do not get enough sleep as a result. But even people without diabetes often struggle to sleep well. So is it any worse of a problem for diabetics? Research shows being a night owl or an early bird certainly affects disease management…

Not all fat is created equal. In fact, some fat deposits, like the ones around your abdomen, can be far more dangerous to your health than the fat padding your hips and thighs. This abdomen fat skyrockets your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Now, new research has found a way to lose that fat in just eight weeks without starvation or exercise.

Turmeric is a spice used in curry. It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat any number of conditions. Recent research confirms that it’s also a good substitute for dangerous NSAIDs if you suffer from the knee pain of osteoarthritis.

A 54-year-old man in Massachusetts died after his heart stopped suddenly. The cause? Eating too much black licorice over the course of a few weeks. How could overindulging in candy cause someone’s heart to stop? Well, it turns out black licorice contains a compound that can trigger high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and put your life in serious jeopardy…

Having cancer is scary. But the word “chemotherapy” can be just as worrisome for different reasons, including dreadful side effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, weight loss, fatigue, anemia and infection. Perhaps the worst, though, is when cancer becomes resistant to chemo. What then? Well, research shows a Chinese herb is proving a potent helper in just this situation…

For many, seasonal affective disorder can soon hit hard. The fatigue, sadness, hopelessness and social withdrawal (compounded this year by COVID-19) can make a long winter feel even longer. But if you’re looking for a safe, scientifically-backed way to fend off depression, this fragrant herb can be a big help…

Did you know that how you sleep can keep you from losing weight? Research shows that sleep directly impacts your appetite hormones and your ability to say no to fattening snacks. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to counteract this effect…

If you’re living with diabetes, you already know how important it is to embrace a healthy lifestyle. But there’s one more change you might need to make to be sure you don’t add high blood pressure to your list of diagnoses…

A calorie restricted diet isn’t easy. But they can lower blood pressure and inflammation, balance cholesterol, reduce insulin resistance and promote a longer lifespan. Why is cutting calories so good for you? That’s the million-dollar question, but it may not be the only way to get these benefit.

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…

Want to make your brain 7 years younger? Maybe reduce cognitive decline by 90 percent? Every day you might read something about how to save your brain health. But I can almost guarantee you’ll never again come across a brain-saving tip this easy…

TV commercials tell you when things hurt to reach for a bottle of aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen for relief. Yet there’s a constant stream of clinical studies indicating that could set you up for a big pain in the heart.

It wasn’t a lack of exercise that put belly fat there. It was hormones. You can give up or you can harness your hormones to get the results you want. That means you’ve got to do things differently, starting with how you exercise…

Nourishing your gut bugs can improve bone health, hormone regulation, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, respiratory conditions and more. The key? Bacterial diversity — as long as you try to encourage the beneficial gut bacteria, while keeping the bad bacteria away…

Want to stay healthy longer, be less stressed, and even get stronger bones? Then, it’s time to get a cat. The sound of a cat purring can do everything from preventing heart attacks to healing injuries. Who knew our furry friends were so powerful?

Certain elements, namely heavy metals, are considered systemic toxicants — meaning they don’t just poison one area of your body… they’re known to spread and induce multiple organ damage even at lower levels of exposure.

Did you know that running improves your joint health, retrains your brain to need less sleep, gives you more youthful muscles and may even reduce your risk for cancer? To get started, make sure you follow these 7 safe and healthy tips…

Back in the 90s cardio kickboxing came into vogue. But how about something more holistic, like whole-body exercises that work the core, balance, endurance and strength – using body weight at all levels? Let’s get started!

Overactive bladder can be stressful. But one of the most common prescription medications for overactive bladder comes with some serious side effects that are much worse than all the urinary urgency, frequency, stress or incontinence in the world…

If you’ve ever suffered from hay fever, you know it’s no walk in the park. In fact, it can turn a mere walk in a park into an unpleasant, sneeze-and-sniffle-filled ordeal that, it turns out, may be caused by an imbalance between different types of immune cells. Here’s how to fix that…

In many areas, concentrations of air pollutants exceed “healthy” levels. When you’re doing your regular activities, you may be inhaling fine particles of pollutants known as ambient particulate matter. And it’s these particles that can do major damage to your heart…

If you were to ask me what type of exercise I consider the most complete, most challenging, and most fun, I’d give an answer that might surprise you…

There’s a game I see people play when dining out. Everyone puts their smartphones in the middle of the table, and the first one to use their phone during dinner has to foot the bill. But there’s another very important reason for putting your smartphone away…

Americans keep gaining weight. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity or being overweight is a key factor associated with increased mortality rates in adults — as well as elevated risks of heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Whether you work in an office, behind a cash register or in a classroom, it never fails… The clock strikes 2 p.m. and your energy and productivity take a dive. You can barely keep your eyes open, let alone finish out your workday. Next time it hits, try this…

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are real fears that all of us face… the idea of one day losing your mind, the ability to recognize loved ones, perform daily functions or take care of yourself — that’s just not a thought any of us want to entertain.

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who can’t wait to lace up their running shoes daily, and those who would rather get a root canal than run a mile. Love it or hate it, running is hands down the best exercise for adding years to your life…

Spanish explorers named it “Copa del Oro” or “Cup of Gold” because its petals looked like they were filled with gold. But, this gorgeous blossom has more going for it than beauty. If it’s golden slumbers you wish to fill your eyes, you might fill your tummy with golden tea…

Like people, ticks love the warm weather, which means “tick season” is here. If Lyme disease is detected early, most courses of treatment entail a heavy round of antibiotics. However, delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to chronic, exhausting symptoms that can persist for years.

When it comes to cancer-fighting compounds, which are the most effective and where do you find them? Here are eight that are shown to be particularly effective and, as it turns out, these anti-cancer compounds can be found in everyday foods you consume…

A few years ago I started using ginseng to help with my fatigue. And, it’s been such a lifesaver for me that I’ve never stopped using it. However, I recently discovered four other amazing benefits this super herb has to offer…

You’ve heard all about the best brain drinks… like tea, pomegranate juice, blueberry juice and coffee. But what’s the point of drinking brain-boosting beverages if you’re going to turn around and drink something that damages your brain and increases stroke risk?

Sometimes illness is the first sign of mineral toxicity. In fact, exposure to aluminum, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are linked to many disease states. Some of these include…

Science has brought us a long way. We are living longer healthier lives, thanks in large part to scientific discoveries. As great as science is though, it’s not infallible. But people who go against the scientific grain are treated like blasphemers. And the reason why is disturbing…

Spasms and cramps account for much of the daily chronic discomfort and pain we feel. Although they are more common than they should be, the good news is that most muscle spasms and muscle cramps can be relieved naturally…

Everyone knows that the little green tree known as broccoli is an incredibly healthy food. Now, a recent study has revealed that broccoli has super cancer-fighting powers. But how much should you eat to benefit?

Range of motion is very important… Think about backing out of a parking space. Sure you can use your mirrors, but to be safe, you need to be able to also look over your shoulder just to be sure. And it’s surprising just how restricted that simple motion, and many others, can become over the years.

Your rate of bone loss skyrockets in the 10 years following menopause and can leave you living in fear of breaks and fractures. However, there is one vitamin that most doctors overlook that when taken along with calcium and vitamin D can help increase your bone density.

It’s no wonder men are confused… Over the past few years, various different medical organizations and professionals have changed their minds and recommendations about if and when men should get a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.

These standing core exercises can be more than a simple solution for someone who has an injury or limitation in getting to the floor and back up. And the icing on the cake: they’re gentle on joints, but hard on the muffin top!