From Regulating Blood Pressure to Healthy Skin, Why You Need Cherries in Your Life

Cherries. They are probably one of the cutest, smallest fruits out there, but they pack an incredible amount of nutritional power. There are roughly 1,000 types of cherries grown worldwide, and about 10 types are grown commercially in the United States.

Do the Legwork to Prevent and Treat Varicose Veins

As we approach summer, we are starting to wear more shorts and swimsuits. If you look closely at your legs, you may notice some visible veins that perhaps were not there last summer. They may be varicose veins and are very common. According to Cleveland Clinic, almost 50% of women between ages 40 and 50 have some form of varicose veins, and varicose veins are 4 times more common in women than men.

What Every Baby Boomer Needs To Know About Hypertension

I lost my mom at a relatively young age to complications from high blood pressure (hypertension). For as long as I could remember, she took medications for hypertension and its complications. She visited doctors regularly for this problem in her late 50s, was frequently hospitalized in her late 60s and 70s and died in a hospital from its complications at the age of 78.

Lower incomes tied to high blood pressure rates: Why nutrition and education may be key

High blood pressure is a global health issue, affecting over a billion people, and it’s only gotten worse. The number of people with high blood pressure has nearly doubled over the last 40 years. But believe it or not, the United States, Canada and South Korea actually have the lowest rates in the world, according to a new study published in The Lancet, which examined worldwide blood pressure trends from 1975-2015.

Diabetics can benefit from daily walks, but when should you walk and for how long?

If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may have heard that you could benefit from daily walks. But did you know that when you walk can make a difference? In a new study published in Diabetologia, scientists compared two sets of advice adults with Type 2 diabetes are often given: going for a 30-minute walk each day, or walking for 10 minutes after each main meal. What they found?

Blood pressure drugs linked to increased falling in patients

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may have given you a prescription for a blood pressure-lowering medication, called an antihypertensive. Your doctor may have explained some of the side effects to watch for, like lethargy or swelling of the feet and legs, but there may be another side effect you should ask about – falling.

How to lower blood sugar using just apple cider vinegar

Vinegar comes from the French word vin aigre meaning sour wine. It can be made from almost any fermented carbohydrate - wine, molasses, dates, pears, berries and apples have all been used to make vinegar, with apple cider vinegar being one of the most popular kinds. The benefits to apple cider vinegar are abundant.

Prediabetic? Try exercise to control your blood sugar levels

Staying fit into middle age may be one way to reduce your risk of prediabetes and diabetes, according to a new study published in Diabetologia online. Prediabetes simply means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but is not yet diabetes. It is estimated that half of all U.S. adults have either prediabetes or diabetes.

Are your blood vessels aging gracefully? High-intensity intervals may help

Blood circulation is an important key to your life, health and vitality. It brings oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the entire body. It stimulates metabolism and muscle growth. It helps you detoxify from excess chemicals and harmful substances. It helps repair damaged cells.

How diabetes and foot drop are related

If you have diabetes, or someone you love has diabetes, you are certainly not alone. According to the American Diabetes Association, 29.1 million Americans had diabetes in 2012. That’s 9.3 percent of the population. Among senior citizens, age 65 and up, the prevalence was even higher, at 25.9 percent. As you may already know, diabetes can cause problems with your feet, including “foot drop.” Foot drop refers to the inability to lift the front part of the foot. People who have this condition may be noted to lift their knees higher than normal to avoid dragging their toes.

Your Summer Heart Check-Up: Catch early warning signs before they become serious problems

Summer is a good time to think about heart health. Fresh produce is abundant, providing a bounty of antioxidants. And you can enjoy more time outdoors, soaking up some vitamin D from the sun. Perhaps you're more active, taking advantage of the weather and going for a nice bike ride. Or you just got back from a family vacation, where you finally got that much needed rest and relaxation.

Could periodic fasting improve your blood sugar and weight?

Fasting has been a part of many religions’ traditions for a long time, but some people are fasting for health reasons. Since at least the 1970s, researchers have studied the effects of occasional or "periodic" fasting, or reduction in daily caloric intake, on animals and humans. Now we know that fasting may increase antioxidant activity and help to lower blood sugar and insulin levels. The consensus on the topic is growing, and indicates that fasting can have many health benefits.