Bringing wholesome healthy tips
When my mother first started taking statins for her high cholesterol, she was blindsided by absolutely crippling pain deep in her leg muscles. It was so bad that she stopped taking the medication without talking to her doctor first (never a good idea). Yet, when my husband had to start taking a statin because of his cholesterol, he didn’t have any muscle pain at all. I wondered what the difference…
How old is your brain? That may seem like a simple question. After all, isn’t it just the number of years you’ve lived? However, the truth is, your brain may be younger or older than you think, depending on your health and lifestyle. In fact, it’s well known that chronic pain actually accelerates brain aging, increasing your risk of cognitive decline. But the reverse is also true: certain lifestyle factors…
According to doctors at Northwestern Medicine, “Most U.S. adults have a ‘heart age’ several years older than their chronological age — sometimes by more than a decade.” Sadly, this epidemic of advanced cardiovascular aging leaves many struggling as their heart cells give out and the organ struggles to pump efficiently. Daily tasks, like going up a flight of stairs, become more difficult, dizziness and shortness of breath set in, and…
Think cavities aren’t a big deal? Think again. As someone who had a bunch of cavities as a kid, I’m dealing with the consequences now. Some of my older fillings are breaking down, leading to the installation of a couple of crowns, the occasional root canal and, in one case, complete tooth loss. And this is even with being extra-rigorous about my dental care since reaching adulthood. I only wish…
Circadian rhythm is an internal time clock or pattern that influences processes throughout the human body. Along with the sleep-wake cycle, our circadian rhythm affects changes in blood pressure, basal body temperature, hormonal release and organ function. Daylight and darkness greatly influence these rhythms and the 24-hour cycle it follows. And when our circadian rhythm is off, it can result in a world of hurt. Case in point… Because…
When you smell freshly baked cookies or get a good hug from a friend, the “feel-good chemical” dopamine is released in your brain. Without dopamine, you wouldn’t take much pleasure from those wonderful sensory experiences. But dopamine is more than just our “feel-good” chemical. It regulates all of our voluntary movements. Without dopamine, you couldn’t pick up a pencil or walk across the room without stumbling. It’s no surprise then…
We know type 2 diabetes can lead to poor heart health. What we don’t know is why. It’s true that people with diabetes often have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Those are both risk factors for heart problems, so it makes sense that the potential for heart failure and stroke is also higher. But what about diabetics who don’t have those risk factors? Why are they also at risk…
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, can develop on the lips, gums, tongue or inner lining of the cheeks. It’s most commonly diagnosed in people over 60. Unfortunately, even with treatment, just 68% of patients live five years or longer after diagnosis. So, it’s vital to understand risk factors for oral cancers, which have been steadily on the rise since 2013, starting with this common habit… Just one drink……
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Not only does it “hold you together,” it regulates temperature and protects against infection and injury. It receives sensory information, stores water and fat, and is integral in converting UVB rays from sunlight into vitamin D3. So taking care of your skin is about more than fighting the signs of aging… it’s pretty serious stuff. But doing both? I’m on board.…
Dry, red, irritated eyes that sting and burn, leaving you feeling uncomfortable and even desperate… That describes chronic dry eye — a condition that affects up to 15% of Americans. Dry eye can raise your risk of eye infections, cause minor scratches or surface damage, and, over time, lead to impaired vision. You can reduce your risk of complications with eye drops specifically developed for the condition. Daytime drops can…