Why those with busy brains may be at risk for weight gain and how to stop it

Feel like you are always hungry? Science may finally have an answer. Turns out, a busy brain can lead to feelings of hunger, which can lead to weight gain if you don’t realize what’s going on. Think back to your college years. Those late night papers and study cram sessions likely helped you gain your requisite freshman 15.

PTSD linked with mental decline and dementia among September 11 first responders

On Sept. 11, 2001, selfless rescuers and first responders rushed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. It was a day of terror in New York City, rattling the nation as many of us watched the scene unfold on TV. As rescue efforts continued amidst the rubble, stories of hope emerged, thanks to the efforts of first responders. Now, over a decade later, the aftermath still lingers in their minds -- and it’s affecting their health, according to a recent study.

What you should know before reaching for the calcium supplements

Calcium supplements are pretty popular, but they may not be helping your health like you think they are. Many people take them for their bones, but research shows “the more the merrier” just isn’t the case with calcium. Taking in excess calcium (more than you need) in the form of supplements or food won’t make your bones less likely to break. Plus, calcium supplements may cause bloating, constipation, interference with medications, and particularly in men, greater heart attack risk (due to vascular calcification).

5 reasons you need the health benefits of omega 3s

We hear a lot about healthy fats and how good they are for our bodies. In fact, they’re a mainstay of the praised Mediterranean diet, with staples like olive oil, whole grains and avocado. One of the reasons the Mediterranean diet is often recommended is due to the healthy omega-3 and omega-6 ratio, with more omega-3s in the diet than omega-6s. The typical Western diet gets plenty of omega-6s, but not enough omega-3s, and this can cause inflammation and disease.

Omega-3s: What’s the difference between DHA and EPA?

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their brain and heart health benefits, but then you see terms like DHA and EPA thrown around in the same sentence. These types of omega-3s each serve unique functions. So what is the difference between DHA and EPA?

Why older patients could be worse off after going to the hospital

Imagine arriving to the hospital with injuries from a fall, hoping to be treated and released so you can get back to your home and your life. But bad turns to worse. You’re almost entirely immobile the whole time, stuck on bedrest, tethered to your IV and oxygen. You’re not eating or sleeping well, and it doesn’t help that you’re in a noisy ward, having your vitals monitored at all hours of the night.

A new option for reducing anxiety and depression - probiotics!

Anxiety disorders and depression are among the most common mental health conditions in the U.S., with anxiety affecting 18 percent of the adult population and depression affecting an estimated 1 in 10 U.S. adults. These conditions take a toll both now and in the future. In fact, some scientists have noticed anxiety and depression cause shorter telomeres in DNA -- a telltale sign of a shorter lifespan. So, what to do?

Best foods for depression?

Depression is more than simply “feeling down.” It prevents people from enjoying activities they once enjoyed, robs them of motivation and energy, isolates them from family and friends, and interferes with their overall health and happiness.

Want to improve your memory? Try a cup of blueberries

It’s blueberry season! And if the taste alone wasn’t incentive enough to go get yourself a carton, new research shows that blueberries may be quite the superfood for your brain and memory. Two new studies show that eating blueberries may improve thinking and memory skills in older adults with memory issues.

Don’t let stigma of memory loss stop you from proactively discussing issues with your doctor

A study that looked at government data on more than 10,000 people aged 45 and up with memory complaints found that just 1 in 4 discussed these concerns with their doctor at a routine check-up. And with increasing age, people were even less likely to talk about their memory issues. The memory loss was often serious enough to affect activities of daily living, such as work, volunteering and/or household chores.

Concussion playbook: Fuel up on nutrition for healing and recovery

Will Smith recently starred in Concussion, a biographical movie about a doctor who studied and raised awareness about football-related head trauma. While performing an autopsy on a retired pro football player, Dr. Bennet Omalu, played by Smith, discovered neurological deterioration similar to Alzheimer’s – red flag. He called the condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy and published a paper in a medical journal about it. But as he saw more football players receiving the diagnosis, he had to speak up.

Exercise programs for older adults: A growing trend that can help you enjoy a healthier life!

Fitness programs for older adults find themselves among the top fitness trends in the country, and for good reason! In the past, this population has really been underserved by the fitness industry. There’s no reason why everyone shouldn’t be able to enjoy the many health benefits of working out. Before beginning a workout plan, it is important for the older adult to consult a medical professional with knowledge of their medical history. Even though this advice applies to exercise enthusiasts of any age, it is a crucial first step for the older adult.