Benefits of strength training for women

Strength training, also called resistance training or weight training, is any exercise that causes the muscles to contract against an external resistance with the expectation of increases in strength, tone, mass and/or endurance. Even though researchers have demonstrated the benefits of weight training for women for years, the number of women who are following this recommendation is still quite low. Research shows that only about 20 percent of women practice strength training weekly, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Understanding lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance comes from a deficiency in an enzyme needed for digesting lactose, called lactase. Lactase is an intestinal enzyme that breaks down lactose to glucose and galactose, which are simple sugars. Lactase concentration is high at birth but declines steadily in most people of non-European ancestry after weaning. This normal decline occurs to a greater extent in some people than in others.

Why your doctor said no to the antibiotic

You’ve got a cold and some body aches. You believe you may need an antibiotic, but your doctor doesn’t want to write the prescription. When doctors say not to take an antibiotic, they aren’t necessarily “denying” their patients. Rather, it’s a sign that they did a good physical exam and medical history, and determined that a virus is the cause of illness. Generally, the term “antibiotic “refers to medicine that is designed to kill bacteria.

Be proactive! Do your research before using male herbal supplements

You may have heard about the recent case of a famous athlete who was found unconscious after taking excessive amounts of sex-enhancing herbal supplements. Even though we may never know the whole story, we know there are inherent risks with excess use of stimulants, even if they are “herbal.” There are also risks of possible drug interactions, supplements being laced with undeclared sexual enhancers like Viagra- and Cialis-like substances, and possible contamination with unhealthy ingredients.

Let’s talk about mental health: Bipolar disorder

October recently brought us World Mental Health Day. So let's look at a commonly misunderstood mental disorder -- bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by prolonged "highs" and "lows" in mood. During "highs," or manic states, people with bipolar disorder might be talking a mile a minute and have many ideas. They may seem to be tripping over their own words, sleep very little and spend large amounts of money. They may have high confidence and experience interpersonal problems.

Toddlers with Type 2 diabetes?

Did you know that even 3-year-olds can get Type 2 diabetes? Chronic diseases aren’t just for adults anymore. For many reasons, pediatricians are now having to handle Type 2 diabetes, a condition that most doctors considered to be an “after-40” type of disease. So what’s contributing to the surge in diabetes in children?

Too much of a good thing? Make sure you’re not overdosing with vitamin D

There are new studies every week, it seems, linking low vitamin D levels with various illnesses and diseases. And with deficiency being so widespread, it’s no wonder vitamin D sales are booming. But even with vitamin D, you can still have “too much of a good thing” and end up overdosing from taking too many supplements. Interestingly, you don’t have to worry about vitamin D overdose from sunshine exposure, because your skin stops making it from sunlight when there is enough. So, how much is too much vitamin D?

Loading up on excess calcium isn’t doing much to prevent bone fractures, studies show

Did your mom tell you to drink a glass of milk with every meal? Seems calcium has gotten a big push, touted as the best way to grow strong bones and prevent bone fractures. And while calcium is an important nutrient, if you’re loading up on supplements and calcium-rich foods for your bones as an adult, you may not be reaping as many benefits as you think. So we dug a little further to learn more.

Are your supplements a health benefit or health risk?

If you’re interested in vitamins and supplements, by now, you’ve probably seen the shocking headlines that thousands of people end up in emergency rooms each year due to dietary supplements. Many news media organizations seized this study as a reason to declare that supplements were dangerous.

Bad food, bad brain?

When you think about your diet, you probably think about what it does to your figure. You blame those quick French fry stops after work for your love handles, or you thank that kale and quinoa salad for the way you look in your little black dress. But while it’s true that what you eat affects your appearance, there’s something else you should know. What you eat may also affect your brain!

Taking Synthroid? Be proactive for your thyroid!

Many patients with hypothyroidism are given a prescription drug called levothyroxine sodium (one of the branded versions is called Synthroid), a synthetic hormone replacement for the hormone normally produced by your thyroid (T4) to regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. According to research firm IMS, Synthroid is the most prescribed drug in America, at 21.6 million prescriptions between April 2014 through March 2015.

Why mercury is sinister

What is mercury? Other than being a silver liquid in dangerous old thermometers, mercury is a toxic metal occurring naturally in the earth. You may have heard phrases like “mercury toxicity,” making you wonder how mercury can hurt us. So, let’s find out what mercury does in our bodies.