“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.” […]
When most people hear the words “heart attack,” a dramatic image of someone (usually a man clutching his chest) typically comes to mind. This dramatic perception is what the American Heart Association calls the “movie heart attack.” And while it is true that many heart attacks are sudden and powerful, most begin with more subtle […]
People will often say they order salads in restaurants when they are trying to lose weight. They believe eating a salad will decrease their calorie intake … but not all salads are created equal. If you are not careful, your salad could have as many calories as a burger! However, the right kind of salad […]
When it comes to avoiding germs, your smart phone may not be so smart. Experts say cell phones are hot spots for bacteria growth. As we head into the height of cold and flu season, it is important to be aware of where germs lurk and some practical ways to avoid these germs and stay […]