School is back in session in most places, and the cold and flu season is almost here. We all need to be aware, but people with diabetes need to be extra vigilant. Those with diabetes, even when well-managed, are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. In recent seasons, about 30% […]
People are constantly being told to watch their weight, but perhaps the advice should be watching their muscle mass. Research recently published in The American Journal of Medicine suggests that muscle mass index serves as a better predictor of long life than weight. [1] Most health care professionals are trained to focus on body mass […]
A study published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that higher blood glucose levels may increase the likelihood of dementia. [1] This statement holds true even for those who do not have diabetes but consistently exhibit higher than average blood sugar tests. The ability to stay physically active is an important component […]
Insufficient or low-quality sleep may be more than an annoyance. It can be a major health concern meriting a visit to your general practitioner or a sleep specialist. Difficulty sleeping that impairs activities of daily living and lasts greater than three months meets the clinical definition of insomnia. Insomnia can be a disorder or a […]
Anybody who’s ever weeded a row of turnips, planted petunias, or mowed a thriving lawn knows that gardening can be hard work. That hard work pays off in more ways than having the best roses on the block or a tasty salad. Gardening in its various forms has a multitude of benefits: Increase hand strength, […]
Anybody who’s ever weeded a row of turnips, planted petunias, or mowed a thriving lawn knows that gardening can be hard work. That hard work pays off in more ways than having the best roses on the block or a tasty salad. Gardening in its various forms has a multitude of benefits: Increase hand strength, […]
What does it take to find long-term happiness? This is a question many people may ask themselves. Is happiness the new car, finally owning our own home, having the perfect job, or having a million dollars in the bank? Harvard has one of the longest studies, the Harvard Study of Adult Development[1]. The study started […]
Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, a neurologist and director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Wake Forest Baptist Health, states preventions are “not just for preventing stroke, but for preventing dementia as well. You can do the same things to prevent both.” These are five ways to start on prevention: If you smoke, quit. Smoking is one […]
A stroke can be a scary thing to experience. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke may assist in being able to take quick action and perhaps save a life. The signs of a stroke are: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body. Sudden […]
With cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the leading cause of death[1] in the United States, and obesity and physical inactivity being at epidemic proportions, there is a great need for novel strategies and interventions to reduce the risk of CVD. Accordingly, the benefits of pet ownership have received considerable attention from the Centers for Disease Control […]
