Perk up your mood and energy with light therapy

Light has always had a powerful effect over human life. You are probably well aware of the important role sunlight plays in bone and heart health, autoimmune diseases and cancer. But did you know that –besides sunlight, artificial light can also be used as a form of wellness therapy? It appears that artificial light affects brain chemicals linked to mood and dementia.

Are your tampons toxic?

The tampon was first patented in 1931 by Dr. Earle Haas, who sought to find an alternative form of period protection for his ballerina wife. At that time, tampons were purely made from cotton. However, the ever-increasing need for more absorbency in a smaller package has led companies to use harmful materials to meet the demand.

Why you should care about your zinc levels

Recently, a close relative told me he did some bloodwork and his zinc levels “came back low.” Since I knew very little about zinc except that zinc was somehow involved in the immune system, I did some research to figure out whether he had cause for concern. As a health care attorney, research comes naturally to me, but more importantly, as a health care consumer, I believe it is important for me to be well-informed about nutrition and health issues. So, here is some of the information I found out about zinc.

Go nuts for coconut water this summer

Everyone’s going nuts for coconut water! This specialty drink has only gained mass recognition in the last few years, but its healthful effects have been around forever.

‘Healthy drinking’ -- A myth you should take a shot at, not of

You already know that heavy drinking is bad, and that alcoholism is a killer. Breast cancer, a leading cause of death among women, grows faster with heavy alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking causes weight gain, damages the kidneys over time, dulls cognitive function (causing accidental injury of all types), depletes essential vitamins, and causes cellular damage to the delicate linings of the gut. The more you drink, the higher the risks for serious health issues.

Why you shouldn’t rely on your BMI

Olympian Kerri Strug. NBA player Yao Ming. Actor Peter Dinklage. Model Twiggy. People come in all shapes and sizes, yet doctors have been taught to measure them all the same way for the last 40 years. Yes, we speak of the infamous BMI, or body mass index.

How to get your vitamin D and practice safe summer sun

Now that summer is here, you will likely be spending much more time in the sun. While the sun has many health-promoting benefits, such as vitamin D production, it can also lead to other undesirable effects, including sunburn and cancer.

Paw-some ways dogs make you healthier

Many people own dogs, cats, and other small animals. But few people truly understand how beneficial our furry friends actually are to our overall health and wellbeing. Studies dating back to the 1980s have endorsed the positive health benefits of pet ownership.

Proactive hospitals opt for antibiotic-free meats

Recently, as I was waiting in a hospital lobby, an article in their newsletter caught my eye. It said that they are now serving antibiotic-free meats in their cafeteria. I was elated! Why? Because by serving antibiotic-free meats, the hospital may very well reduce the likelihood of its patients developing a resistance to antibiotics.

Can self-prescribing with calcium supplements do more harm than good?

Calcium is a very important mineral for the body. As you know, it keeps bones and teeth strong, but it does other helpful things as well. For example, calcium plays an essential role in blood clotting, muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmission. Studies further show that calcium plays a role in blood vessel contraction and dilation, which affect blood pressure. Women, in particular, need sufficient calcium to prevent osteoporosis, especially after menopause.

Stay ahead of the curve when it comes to your health

Before penicillin, there was bloodletting. Before asthma inhalers, there were potent morphine syrups for coughing children. Well-meaning doctors have always followed the most current medical guidelines and knowledge available to them. But sadly, their practices have not always stood the test of time. Being a patient, it seems, has always been a risky business.

Vitamin B12: Cure-all or waste of money?

“B12 injections given here!” Doctor’s offices, chiropractic centers and other wellness-focused operations love to advertise B12. And why not? It’s profitable, and patients swear it gives them an “energy boost.” But while a “quick fix” for irritability or fatigue might be tempting, the notion of B12 as a cure-all, and a fast one at that, has a shaky foundation.