Alcohol

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The promising mushroom treatment for alcohol dependency

Psilocybin, an active compound in magic mushrooms, has shown promise in treating anxiety and depression thanks to its power to enhance well-being and create change in areas of the brain. Now it may lend a hand to those who need it to give up addiction…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Wine or beer: which is safer for your heart?

AFib is a condition that causes heart palpatations and carries a higher risk of stroke or heart failure. If you have AFib, drinking alcohol is a big no-no. And drinking too much can cause the condition to develop. But if becoming a teetotaler is not on your bucket list, research says all alcohol is not created equally.

Joyce Hollman

The heart condition you can get from one episode of heavy drinking

A drink with dinner — no big deal. What about two or three beers? If you’ve had enough to drink that you get a hangover the next morning, you’re setting yourself up for a potentially fatal heart problem, even if you’ve never had heart issues before.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Esophageal cancer doubles in adults under 65

We hear a lot about breast, liver and even lung cancer. But no so much about esophageal cancer. It causes minimal symptoms, so it’s often not suspected before it becomes advanced. And its rates have almost doubled. While experts figure out why — it’s important to know your risks…

Joyce Hollman

When it comes to pros and cons, not all alcohol is equal

Alcohol has a reputation as a double-edged sword. But when it comes to health, not all alcoholic drinks are created equal. Research is teasing out some of those differences and one, in particular, may be why, depending on your poison, alcohol has both benefits and risks…

Joyce Hollman

4 behaviors that put you in line for heart failure

Heart failure is an often misunderstood diagnosis. It doesn’t mean your heart stops working. But it can be deadly. Here’s a primer on risk factors, symptoms, behaviors you can change to lower your risk, and a few science-backed ways to make improvements if you’ve been diagnosed.