Why red meat eaters may be at risk for kidney failure

If you love your steaks and BBQ pulled porks, you may want to cut back on how much you have. A recent study from Singapore suggests that eating red meat (mostly pork, in this case) may boost your risk for kidney failure, especially if you eat a lot of it. The more you eat, the greater the risks, researchers found.

The importance of getting healthy sleep

Poor sleep quality and sleeping too long can cause inflammation in your body, according to a new study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry. Inflammation is a hot topic these days, and for good reason! It has been shown to be connected to a wide variety of health concerns, illnesses and diseases.

Why fish eaters may be less likely to suffer a heart attack

Being proactive today may save you tomorrow -- especially when it comes to protecting your heart! Did you know 1.5 million heart attacks occur in the U.S. each year, with half a million deaths? With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the U.S., heart attacks are unfortunately all too common. One way you can reduce your risk? Eat more fish, a recent study says.

How to form healthy habits and stop feeling guilty about slacking off

Do you suffer from health guilt? It’s that uneasy pit in your stomach when the latest headlines say your bad habits are setting you up for all kinds of diseases. Or when your oh-so-healthy friend posts yet another photo of her dramatic weight loss. Or when you “Netflix and chill” instead of going to the gym, again. You feel bad and think, “I should do something about this.” But hey, life gets in the way. We’ve all been there! An interesting NPR article calls out all this health guilt.

Try this to reverse prediabetes and avoid getting diabetes

You’ve been putting on some weight lately. It’s nothing crazy; it’s just a little bit each year. You know that it probably has something to do with your diet, or maybe that soda habit. Besides dusting off the old basement treadmill in January, you aren’t big on “working out,” though you know you probably should. You are out of breath much quicker these days so you make a mental note to self to try to walk more. Otherwise, you feel reasonably healthy, maybe a little high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Is testosterone replacement therapy a health risk or benefit?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently warned that testosterone replacement therapy may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. However, this recommendation was based on outcomes from short-term testosterone treatment. So, a recent study published in The Lancet journal posed the question: What would happen if someone underwent testosterone therapy for a longer period of time?

Why the crazy cat lady isn’t so crazy: 40% lower risk for stroke than her peers

The doctor is in, and he’s furry, four-legged and eager to please. Yes, we’re talking about pets! A recent study suggests having a pet in the family may be good for your health. Researchers looked at data for adults 50 and over, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 1988 to 1994, and who reported having a pet.

Be proactive with screenings for colorectal cancer

If you are middle aged, there’s a good chance your doctor has mentioned the C word to you -- colonoscopy. Why? Because of that other C word -- cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). In 2016, an estimated 134,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease, and about 49,000 will die from it.

Exam gloves can put you at risk for hospital-acquired infections

Getting an infection during your hospital stay is the last thing you want to deal with after combating an illness or undergoing a medical procedure. But unfortunately, it is something you need to be aware of.

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.

Hooked on hookah? Side effects of hookah not as safe as you think

As more people quit smoking cigarettes, other forms of smoking – like hookah – are gaining popularity. Hookah pipes allow users to draw tobacco smoke through water, so some people may think it’s a “healthier” alternative to cigarettes.

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.