Bringing wholesome healthy tips
Does exercise benefit your heart? What kind of question is that you might be thinking? Doesn’t everyone know by now that we need enough physical activity to protect our heart from cardiovascular disease, and that sitting too much makes you a sitting duck for a heart attack? But how does that work, exactly? Most of us assume that our heart muscle gets stronger with exercise, just like any other muscle.…
Olive oil, the fat source at the heart of the Mediterranean diet, is one of the healthiest oils you can put in your body. All olive oils are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), particularly oleic acid. This omega-9 fatty acid may improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. But if you want to reap the full health benefits of this miracle oil, not just any olive oil will do… Differentiating…
I still remember the day my friend told me her husband had just been diagnosed with colon cancer. He was in his mid-40s, the same age as my husband and I, at the time. Even though it came as a shock, it shouldn’t have. In my work, I see the data regularly and know that colon cancer has been on the rise among people under 40 for several years now.…
If you’re type 2 diabetic, you may be wondering why your blood sugar is so high in the morning. Every other time you test, your levels seem to be within range… But those morning levels, sometimes they are sky high and it puts you in a panic, questioning what on earth you may be doing wrong. Firstly, stop panicking — morning rises are a common occurrence in diabetics. However, it…
For many folks my age, the specter of cognitive decline and dementia is far more frightening than any physical disease. But one factor related to cognitive decline, brain aging and dementia is quite physical… It’s brain shrinkage — also known as brain atrophy. People with brain atrophy experience a decrease in brain volume, brain cells and connections between brain cells. This leads to problems with thinking skills, memory and even…
Anyone who lives with heart disease or heart failure can vouch that it takes a toll on your mental health. Having to worry about your blood pressure, taking medicines, going to multiple doctor visits and even spending time in the hospital can skyrocket your anxiety level. And the physical limitations that come with heart issues can leave you feeling depressed. Yet, these are symptoms that the medical community tends to…
I was talking with a friend the other day about getting older. We both were quite clear on being proactive about how we age — because who doesn’t want to maintain their quality of life and independence for as long as possible? We know what we’re up against… particularly, four conditions that have been identified as roadblocks to healthy aging: Thankfully, you don’t have to sit back and let these…
The Mediterranean diet is a clear winner, literally. For several years in a row, it’s held the top spot for Best Diet. One reason is because it’s easy to stick to. In fact, it’s not really a “diet” at all, but more like a lifestyle choice that‘s more about choosing the right foods than restricting what you eat. But in all of this, there’s more talk about the food and…
Despite all we know about the dangers of smoking, nearly one in 12 U.S. adults still use cigarettes. That means that approximately 28.3 million adults in the United States currently smoke. And while many of them may want to kick the habit, for some the worry about weight gain keeps them reaching for those cigarette packs. However, according to in the scientific journal Addiction, choosing to continue to smoking to…
Since the 1960s, it’s been common practice for doctors to prescribe a drug known as a beta-blocker to patients recovering from a heart attack. They’re an inexpensive medication and prevent future heart attacks. A no-brainer, right? But, as with most things medical, time and research have proven this wisdom to be … well, not so wise after all. Here’s why you might want to think twice and discuss with your…