Bananas, rich in potassium, have long been a nutritional staple, particularly after athletic pursuits. Eating a banana after vigorous exercise helps replace valuable electrolytes lost through sweating. Recent studies reveal other advantages to meeting the recommended daily allowance of potassium, found in a variety of fresh foods. Potassium is critical for maintaining the body’s fluid […]
We all experience changes to our bodies as a natural part of growing older. Adapting to these changes can be challenging. While we cannot stop our body’s aging process, we can proactively address the physiological changes that occur in order to reduce the impact of aging on our general health. Commonly, mobility and balance are […]
According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 90 million adults in the United States snore, which is almost 45% of all adults. Clearly, snoring is a phenomenon that cannot be ignored. It is difficult to imagine just what causes the variety of unusual and sometimes incredibly loud sounds that occur when a person snores. When […]
“Junk foods” tend to be a way of life for today’s on-the-go society, whether it is a quick snack or a fast food meal. Eating while driving or watching television is a common pastime. In both cases, people are distracted and tend not to pay attention to portion sizes or ingredients. The main concerns about […]
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick, easy and efficient screening tool to identify weight problems in adults. While BMI is a strong indicator of body fat percentage, it can vary for age, race and sex. It is important to note that the BMI should only be utilized as a screening tool and is […]
Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, such as gas, constipation or loose stools, are issues everyone experiences at some point. However, if these issues are frequent or persistent, they should not be ignored. For some people, this may be easier said than done. Generally, talking about GI issues and discussing your bowel habits with your physician is outside […]
Hardly a week goes by without a new study touting the health benefits of some food or beverage. Recently the word “superfood” has emerged as a label for an assortment of foods that help boost our health. What are some of these foods and why are they so super? Most superfoods are in the fresh […]
Many people have the perception that type 2 diabetes is a health risk only for overweight individuals. It is true that those who are obese account for approximately 60% of the 17 million adults with diabetes in the United States. However, aging also plays a significant role in increasing the odds of developing type 2 […]
For some of us, an increase in the use of prescription drugs might be a rite of passage as we age. For others who live with a chronic illness, taking several prescription drugs daily is routine. In any circumstance, patients should be knowledgeable about their own medication’s possible side effects, as well as how each […]
Bread and cereal labels beckon you with phrases such as “whole grain guarateed,” “high-fiber” and even “extra fiber.” We know that a certain amount of fiber in our daily diet helps promote good health, but why? Years ago, our mothers called it “roughage,” but even then, they knew fiber was good for “keeping us regular.” […]