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.

Be proactive: Know which nutrients are depleted by your prescription drug

Nutrients – you can’t function without them! Critical nutrients – such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbs and water – are essential for metabolism, energy and repair. They are the fuel that keeps your body functioning. As these nutrients are used up by the body’s metabolic activities, they need to be replaced – or you may end up with problems. But did you know that common medications may deplete the body of vital nutrients? It is very important that you be proactive and make sure you understand which nutrients are being depleted by the medications you take.

Be an informed patient: Statin among top-prescribed drugs

In 2014, the No. 1 most prescribed drug in America was branded rosuvastatin, or Crestor. IMS Health conducted a survey of the most commonly prescribed branded drugs, and this cholesterol-lowering pill came out on top with over 22 million prescriptions. FDA-approved in 2003, Crestor has been marketed as the most potent statin. Statin drugs stop an enzyme from making cholesterol in the body, sending LDL levels downward and making cardiologists and internists happy. But it’s not enough to just change a blood test result.

Be proactive about overuse and misuse of antibiotics in nursing homes

Approximately 4.1 million Americans are admitted to or reside in nursing homes and long-term care facilities each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Although there are many health challenges these residents face, one of them is risk for infections, due to their age and disability. Unfortunately, the overuse and sometimes inappropriate use of antibiotics to treat suspected infections has led to antibiotic resistance, making the drugs less effective and complicating treatment.

Is vitamin D deficiency to blame for your slipping memory?

Are you still as mentally sharp as you used to be? Do you feel like you are more forgetful? Are you less decisive? If so, you may be experiencing what is called mild cognitive decline. Losing your wallet and finding it in the fridge may be funny the first time, but after a while, not so much. You rely on the people around you to remind you of something obvious. You miss appointments. Your work performance and personal relationships take a hit. You chalk it all up to stress and lament that a tropical vacation would resolve all your troubles.

Get the facts on bile duct cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, 2,000 to 3,000 people in the U.S. develop bile duct cancer per year and the incidence has been rising steadily during the last twenty years in the United States, Europe, Australia, Japan and Asia. It has been reported that this cancer affects mostly the older population -- the average age being 70. However, we have become increasingly aware of its effect on much younger individuals, including Daisy Llewelyn and, more recently, Japanese actress Naomi Kawashima. It is therefore critical that we learn about this cancer so we can be proactive.

Drug price super spike? Be proactive about toxoplasmosis to avoid it

By now, you’ve likely heard about the pharmaceutical company that raised the price of the drug Daraprim from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill, sparking widespread outrage and a media firestorm. In response, the CEO has gone on record to say the pill price will indeed be lowered, but just how much is still yet to be seen. Drug companies understand supply and demand, but as a consumer, you’re the one left with the bill. So let’s look at some ways you can be proactive.

Your chair may be your liver’s worst enemy

More and more research is pointing toward an unsuspected silent killer … your chair! You’ve probably heard the news about studies linking prolonged sitting and inactivity with obesity, diabetes and heart disease -- but a new study from South Korea published in the Journal of Hepatology says there’s also evidence that all that sitting may be increasing your risk for liver disease.

Are you at risk for shingles? Be proactive

A diagnosis of shingles, also called “herpes zoster,” is one of the most common in the primary care and urgent care settings. The CDC says 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will develop it at some point in his or her lifetime. What can you do to recognize this infectious disease?

What exactly is the “afterburn” and are you getting any?

Nowadays, many fitness programs are being marketed with the latest and greatest buzzword, “afterburn.” They say that you too can experience this post-workout phenomenon if you exercise a certain way. And it sounds great, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t want to burn extra calories long past your sweat session? So let’s take a look at what exactly this afterburn effect is and how you can get it.