For many years we have heard about the benefits of olive oil to help lower the risk of heart disease, but its connection to decreasing risk of death has been less clear. A recent study of approximately 92,000 US men and women examined whether olive oil is associated with total and cause-specific mortality (death from … Read more
We all experience moments of indulgence that lead to overeating. If it happens once in a while, it’s nothing to worry about. If it happens frequently, you may wonder if you have an overeating problem or “food addiction.” Before you worry, know that neither of those is considered an official medical diagnosis. In fact, the … Read more
Berries and watermelon in the summer, kale and beets in the winter. The recipe for anti-inflammatory foods to enjoy can change with the seasons. Your heart, your brain, and even your joints can benefit from a steady diet of these nutritious foods, and scientists think that their effects on inflammation may be one reason why. … Read more
Do cold, cloudy, snowy, or rainy days keep you inside? Are you waiting for warm, sunny weather to lure you outside and nudge you to become more active? You’re in good company, if so. But there are ways to get you outside and moving in the chilliest of temperatures. And staying active is essential for … Read more
Quick health quiz: how bad is inflammation for your body? You’re forgiven if you think inflammation is very bad. News sources everywhere will tell you it contributes to the top causes of death worldwide. Heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer all have been linked to chronic inflammation. And that’s just the short list. So, what … Read more
For many of us, a trip to the doctor’s office produces anxiety: What do my blood results mean? Will my doctor think this bump is cancer? The physical exam can make us feel vulnerable and may involve mild discomfort, so we may shower, shave, and put on better-than-average clothes before heading out for our physical … Read more
Having a baby is an exciting and life-changing event. Yet it takes a lot of time and energy to care for infants, especially if you’re juggling both family and work. So even the happiest and proudest parents might like to wait awhile after the birth of one child before welcoming another. You may have heard … Read more
Let’s face it: inflammation has a bad reputation. Much of it is well-deserved. After all, long-term inflammation contributes to chronic illnesses and deaths. If you just relied on headlines for health information, you might think that stamping out inflammation would eliminate cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and perhaps aging itself. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Still, our … Read more
We are in the midst of a pediatric mental health crisis — and parents need to take action. Over the past couple of years, the pandemic has not only killed hundreds of thousands; it has also shut us inside, cut off social contacts, taken parents out of work and children out of school. The consequences … Read more
Normally, our blood is designed to clot when necessary to prevent every minor cut or bruise from becoming a life-threatening hemorrhage. A complex system of blood cells, proteins, and blood vessels keeps blood flowing properly and prevents clotting — except in the right time and place. Yet certain health problems sometimes cause blood clots in … Read more