‘Tis the season for outdoor endurance sports! While gearing up with the best apparel, shoes and playlist is essential, don't overlook the power of nutrition. Learn how to properly fuel your body with carbohydrates, fluid and electrolytes during endurance activities that last longer than an hour.

Muscle Glycogen: Your Energy Source

Understanding Muscle Glycogen and Energy Utilization

During exercise, your muscles rely on muscle glycogen as a primary energy source. As your…

With summer in full swing, you may be looking for any reason to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Which includes exercising outside.

However, for older adults this comes with an added risk for heat related-illnesses. Individuals over the age of 60 have a decreased ability to regulate their body temperature thus leading to an increased risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heat stroke. To limit your risk, keep your structured exercise inside during the summer…

Statistically speaking, the truth is men don’t live as long as women.

That’s why it’s critical that men of all ages recognize potential health risks and start taking precautions early on. While they can’t change their genes, they can change some of their risk factors by taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle.

Some of the biggest health concerns facing men today include heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),…

For people with ovaries, having a period is a fact of life, but so too is losing it. Menopause is a normal part of aging and natural transition all females experience. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and the reproductive hormones decline — marking the end of menstruation and fertility.

For most females, menopause begins between the ages of 40 and 55. However, it can start earlier for individuals who experience premature ovarian failure or have surgical…

Dr. Kevin Spear leads a discussion on what you need to know about vasectomies, including the procedure itself and post-procedure care.

When it comes to hydration, it’s a simple rule: Drink eight glasses of water each day, right? Wrong. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding hydration, including this common myth, which can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.

Water is essential for healthy bodies, as we are made up mostly of water. Getting enough water enables our bodies to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infection, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organ…

Holidays are a time for family fun, celebration and good food! But if you’re not careful, unwanted pounds can quickly sneak up on you.

Sticking to a healthy diet during the holidays is easier said than done, but it’s not impossible. Holiday weight gain is not inevitable.

Summa Health offers 12 ways to make your holidays healthier — without sacrificing the tastes of the season you look forward to year after year. Instead of cutting out your favorite treats…

Testosterone is what makes a man look and feel like a man. It’s the male sex hormone responsible for a man’s puberty, fertility and his sexual desire.

Produced in the testicles, testosterone works to help boys develop male characteristics, such as body and facial hair, a deeper voice and muscle strength during puberty. Men also need the hormone to produce sperm. In addition, testosterone ensures adequate levels of red blood cells and bone density, boosts mood and…

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: you’re pregnant! With so much to do to get ready for baby — purchase a crib, choose a name, install the car seat — where should you begin?

First things first: Choosing the right provider to partner with you on this magical 40-week journey should be a top priority on your to-do list. Having a strong relationship with your obstetrician (OB) or certified nurse midwife(CNM) is important in promoting a healthy…

Falls are an unfortunate, yet frequent complication for people with neurological disorders. From Parkinson’s disease and Diabetes Mellitus to neuromuscular disorders, and from brain tumors to multiple sclerosis, neurological disorders affect the brain and central nervous system. This can cause paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, pain and much more. 

Because of the mobility challenges, instability and other symptoms, people with…

Elizabeth Boes, D.O. provides an educational overview of erectile dysfunction. Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.

Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Fiber has many health benefits, including:

• Playing a role in lowering blood cholesterol
• Helping to control blood sugars
• Aiding in preventing constipation
• Contributing to weight management

According to the Institute of Medicine and USDA, women should aim for about 25 grams of fiber per day, and men should aim for about 38 grams per day, or it is recommended to have about 14 grams for every 1000 calories. …

Do you often find yourself replying, “Say that again,” during a conversation? Do you have difficulty understanding words while in a crowded place? Does it seem as if your loved one is mumbling or talking quieter than usual? These could be signs of hearing loss.

As we age, hearing lossis a common problem. In fact, nearly 25 percent of people ages 65 to 74 and half of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of…

Do you often find yourself replying, “Say that again,” during a conversation? Do you have difficulty understanding words while in a crowded place? Does it seem as if your loved one is mumbling or talking quieter than usual? These could be signs of hearing loss.

As we age, hearing lossis a common problem. In fact, nearly 25 percent of people ages 65 to 74 and half of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of…

Do you often find yourself replying, “Say that again,” during a conversation? Do you have difficulty understanding words while in a crowded place? Does it seem as if your loved one is mumbling or talking quieter than usual? These could be signs of hearing loss.

As we age, hearing lossis a common problem. In fact, nearly 25 percent of people ages 65 to 74 and half of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of…

Dr. Dankoff provides an overview of testicular cancer. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.

We’ve been told time and again all fats are unhealthy, multigrain is healthier than white bread and fruit juice is a good replacement for the whole fruit. But, are these facts or myths that have been ingrained in us? 

With so much conflicting information, it can be difficult to make the healthiest choices and the unfortunate truth is we often fall victim to food myths.

We might reach for a food commonly believed to be healthy, but in actuality, it could be harmful to…

Iriel Hopkins and Marlo Schmidt discuss ways in which Summa Health System contributes to a healthier community.

You may have heard heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 killers in women. But did you know that heart disease and stroke disproportionately affect African American women?

It’s true. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 49 percent of African American women aged 20 and older have heart disease and they have almost two times the risk of stroke than Caucasians. Sadly, African American women are more likely to die at an earlier age when compared to other…

High blood sugar can cause gradual, unassuming symptoms that can sneak up on you. Frequent urination and excessive thirst — the telltale signs of type 2 diabetes — are often mild and can easily be attributed to other factors.

In fact, most people don’t even know they have high blood sugar until they’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetesis a chronic condition that causes glucose (or sugar) levels in the body to rise. The problem is ignoring or…

High blood sugar can cause gradual, unassuming symptoms that can sneak up on you. Frequent urination and excessive thirst — the telltale signs of type 2 diabetes — are often mild and can easily be attributed to other factors.

In fact, most people don’t even know they have high blood sugar until they’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetesis a chronic condition that causes glucose (or sugar) levels in the body to rise. The problem is ignoring or…

High blood sugar can cause gradual, unassuming symptoms that can sneak up on you. Frequent urination and excessive thirst — the telltale signs of type 2 diabetes — are often mild and can easily be attributed to other factors.

In fact, most people don’t even know they have high blood sugar until they’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetesis a chronic condition that causes glucose (or sugar) levels in the body to rise. The problem is ignoring or…

High blood sugar can cause gradual, unassuming symptoms that can sneak up on you. Frequent urination and excessive thirst — the telltale signs of type 2 diabetes — are often mild and can easily be attributed to other factors.

In fact, most people don’t even know they have high blood sugar until they’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetesis a chronic condition that causes glucose (or sugar) levels in the body to rise. The problem is ignoring or…

Study after study has shown the positive effects of light-to-moderate physical activity and the negative effects of little or no exercise. Regular exercise is one of the most beneficial (and cost-effective) activities you can do to better your health.

Some benefits include:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: Stroke and heart diseaseare two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. According to the CDC, just 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity can put…

Dr. Jospeh Dankoff and Dr. Kevin Spear lead a discussion on prostate health.

Last winter, the community took several precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. From masks and social distancing to virtual work and school to cancelled events, an unforeseen positive side effect was a less intense flu season.  

Flu cases documented during last year’s flu season were historically low by a wide margin. Medical professionals haven’t seen anything like it.  

So with many precautions still in place amidst an ongoing pandemic, you may be…

Last winter, the community took several precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. From masks and social distancing to virtual work and school to cancelled events, an unforeseen positive side effect was a less intense flu season.  

Flu cases documented during last year’s flu season were historically low by a wide margin. Medical professionals haven’t seen anything like it.  

So with many precautions still in place amidst an ongoing pandemic, you may be…

Last winter, the community took several precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. From masks and social distancing to virtual work and school to cancelled events, an unforeseen positive side effect was a less intense flu season.  

Flu cases documented during last year’s flu season were historically low by a wide margin. Medical professionals haven’t seen anything like it.  

So with many precautions still in place amidst an ongoing pandemic, you may be…

Did you know skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and men 65 or older are twice as likely to develop melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — than women.

As we head into the summer months, most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen in the hot, blazing sun. But what you may not realize is the importance of…

Nothing says summer like the classic American barbeque: hamburgers, hot dogs and macaroni salad with berry pie for dessert. Cookouts with family and friends are a favorite summer pastime to enjoy good food, the great outdoors and warmer temperatures.

But considering on average a person consumes upwards of 2,000 calories on typical barbeque fare, it’s not a bad idea to switch up this year’s cookouts to include healthier options. Who said cookouts had to be unhealthy…

Chances are good at one time or another you have experienced unpleasant symptoms — an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea or bloating — after eating a delicious meal. Reactions from food are common, but it can be challenging to understand the cause.

Food intolerance can trigger some of the same physical symptoms as a food allergy. But, understanding the difference is vital to your health. Eating a food that your body is intolerant to can leave you feeling uncomfortable, but eating…

Endometriosis is not PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. It is not pain from your period because endometriosis overlaps with a woman’s cycle, many chalk up the symptoms to just a “bad period.” Severe endometriosis may even lead to pain outside of your period.

Endometriosis is caused by endometrial (uterine) cells located elsewhere in the pelvis, outside the uterus. If you’re suffering from endometriosis, tissue that is similar to the uterine lining —…

Obesity and the need to lose weight is a deeply personal journey. With many new medical options available, it can be difficult to select the best individual approach to be successful with long-term weight loss.

Obesity is the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years, especially in the state of Ohio is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem. In…

February is Black History Month, when we recognize African-Americans and those of color who have played major roles in shaping our present culture. February is also American Heart Health month – a time to raise awareness of heart disease. While these two events are different, they are linked in healthcare. Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans, and African-Americans are 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.

We do not…

February is Black History Month, when we recognize African-Americans and those of color who have played major roles in shaping our present culture. February is also American Heart Health month – a time to raise awareness of heart disease. While these two events are different, they are linked in healthcare. Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans, and African-Americans are 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.

We do not…

February is Black History Month, when we recognize African-Americans and those of color who have played major roles in shaping our present culture. February is also American Heart Health month – a time to raise awareness of heart disease. While these two events are different, they are linked in healthcare. Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans, and African-Americans are 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.

We do not…

Bladder cancer is the most common urologic cancer in both men and women. Each year, about 57,000 men and 18,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But, urologic cancers don’t only affect the bladder. They also can affect the kidneys, ureter (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), urethra, and specifically in men, the penis, prostate and testicles.

In fact, the CDC states prostate…

Bladder cancer is the most common urologic cancer in both men and women. Each year, about 57,000 men and 18,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But, urologic cancers don’t only affect the bladder. They also can affect the kidneys, ureter (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), urethra, and specifically in men, the penis, prostate and testicles.

In fact, the CDC states prostate…

With so many celebrations centered on food, it’s easy to lose track of how much we’re consuming — including our sodium intake. In fact, it’s not unusual for a typical holiday meal to meet or exceed our recommended daily value for sodium.

But, what’s all the fuss about? Sodium, or salt, is a mineral that’s essential for life. It’s regulated by your kidneys and is required for nerve and muscle function and maintaining your body’s…

You’ve seen it on the soccer field or basketball court: a player plants a foot, twists and goes down grabbing a knee. The problem is most likely tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Both can be extremely painful and sideline an athlete for months of recovery.

A tear usually requires more intervention than a strain or sprain.

A knee strain is a stretch or partial tear of a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a stretch or tear of a…

You’ve seen it on the soccer field or basketball court: a player plants a foot, twists and goes down grabbing a knee. The problem is most likely tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Both can be extremely painful and sideline an athlete for months of recovery.

A tear usually requires more intervention than a strain or sprain.

A knee strain is a stretch or partial tear of a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a stretch or tear of a…

You’ve seen it on the soccer field or basketball court: a player plants a foot, twists and goes down grabbing a knee. The problem is most likely tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Both can be extremely painful and sideline an athlete for months of recovery.

A tear usually requires more intervention than a strain or sprain.

A knee strain is a stretch or partial tear of a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a stretch or tear of a…

It’s no secret that meatless meals are becoming more popular. While this is certainly not anything new for our vegan or vegetarian consumers, terms like “plant based” and “meat alternatives” are quickly becoming more mainstream. Wildly popular, meatless burgers are even entering the fast food market with Burger King’s addition of the “Impossible Whopper” to their regular menu. But, are veggie burgers actually healthier than a…

Cholesterol normally gets a bad rap, but is it really as bad as it sounds? 

Cholesterol is essential for your body — in healthy doses, of course. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver, which your body needs to build cells and produce certain hormones and vitamin D. 

Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs to function. The problem is many people don’t only get cholesterol from their liver. They also get high amounts of…

Dr. Adrian Dan discusses obesity as a metabolic disease.

Dr. Cipriani discusses tips on maintaining physician health during the pandemic.

As we grow older, wrinkles, fine lines and gray hairs aren’t the only aging factors we need to be concerned about. The real health indicators we should be tracking can’t be found in any mirror — and they affect our heart and other vital organs. 

These are critical heart health numbers that should not be ignored and include blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for…

As we grow older, wrinkles, fine lines and gray hairs aren’t the only aging factors we need to be concerned about. The real health indicators we should be tracking can’t be found in any mirror — and they affect our heart and other vital organs. 

These are critical heart health numbers that should not be ignored and include blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for…

As we grow older, wrinkles, fine lines and gray hairs aren’t the only aging factors we need to be concerned about. The real health indicators we should be tracking can’t be found in any mirror — and they affect our heart and other vital organs. 

These are critical heart health numbers that should not be ignored and include blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for…

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced by the liver and has many important functions in your body. Your body uses it to protect nerves, make cell tissues, keep your cells flexible and produce certain hormones. In addition to your liver making cholesterol, there are many foods that contain cholesterol, including eggs, meats and dairy products. Eating too much of these foods can add too much cholesterol to your body and have negative side effects. 

Too…

The desire to lose weight and the process chosen to go about it is a deeply personal journey. With many new options on the market, it can be tough to understand the best approach to reaching long-term weight loss.

Obesity is now ranked as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem. It is also important to note that Obesity has been proven to increase the risk for cancer including Colon and Breast cancers. Weight loss is an important cancer risk reduction effort for many patients at higher risk for cancer and a component of cancer survivorship plans as well.

In the last decade or two, protein powders have become increasingly popular among physically active and health-conscious individuals.

Protein powders are concentrated sources of protein — the essential building block for muscle, tissue, bones and blood — made from either animal or plant sources. While whole foods come complete with the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber you require, protein powders are an easy, convenient way to bolster your protein intake when…

Obesity has been deemed a disease of worldwide epidemic proportions. In the United States, obesity directly affects 40% of the adult population and an additional 30% are considered overweight. Obesity is now ranked as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem.

When talking about obesity, it is very…

From mother to wife, and from businesswoman to caretaker, women wear many hats on a daily basis. So, it’s understandable why many of us put off our own needs; there’s just not enough time in the day. However, when it comes to your health, it should always come first.

Maybe you’re too busy to stop and see a doctor, or you’re hoping a symptom will just go away on its own. But, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t possibly perform at your…

Eat healthy. Exercise. Lose the extra holiday L-Bs. These are some of the most common goals many of us try to accomplish each year. But, it’s just about the time of year when these all-too familiar New Year’s Resolutions start to fall by the wayside.

Life can get in the way, temptations arise and we can default to old habits. So this year, let’s try something different. Instead of listing the same goals year after year, let’s put to practice lifestyle…

As a general goal, it is recommended that we get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, more if you’re looking to lose weight. However, some people find it hard to carve out those 30 minutes every day. Some may only have time for a short 10-minute workout. So, is it still worth exercising even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time?

Studies have shown that short workouts throughout the day are just as beneficial as long continuous ones.

 

In this…

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms as well as bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

In many men, the prostate continues to grow throughout life. This continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause BPH, which means they have urinary issues or their urine flow is significantly blocked.

The symptoms of BPH often vary,…

The holidays can be tough for anyone on a diet with all the celebrating, snacking and treats. Those with diabetes have to be especially careful around the holidays because gaining weight or rising blood sugar could be dangerous to your health.

If you slip into bad eating habits and they extend well into the New Year, you can do long-term damage to your body. Just a little preparation can go a long way towards keeping your weight and blood sugar down – check out these…

As our loved ones get older, it’s normal for them to lose a little bit of their mental sharpness, and it’s easy to rationalize and gloss over strange behavior. After all – we all forget things once in a while. When memory and mental issues start affecting daily life, it could be a sign of something more serious. While a qualified physician is needed to diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s disease, there are some signs and symptoms that can suggest a…

Billions of dollars have been spent on researching Alzheimer’s, but it stubbornly continues to affect 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65. While we are still waiting for a cure, there have been significant advances that have made an impact on the treatment of Alzheimer's and related diseases:

New treatments and positive trials on the horizon
Currently, the medications on the market for Alzheimer’s only relieve symptoms of the disease. None stop the progression.…

Billions of dollars have been spent on researching Alzheimer’s, but it stubbornly continues to affect 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65. While we are still waiting for a cure, there have been significant advances that have made an impact on the treatment of Alzheimer's and related diseases:

New treatments and positive trials on the horizon
Currently, the medications on the market for Alzheimer’s only relieve symptoms of the disease. None stop the progression.…

Billions of dollars have been spent on researching Alzheimer’s, but it stubbornly continues to affect 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65. While we are still waiting for a cure, there have been significant advances that have made an impact on the treatment of Alzheimer's and related diseases:

New treatments and positive trials on the horizon
Currently, the medications on the market for Alzheimer’s only relieve symptoms of the disease. None stop the progression.…

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common health problem that affects women of childbearing age and is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. Because of this imbalance, the ovaries sometimes develop numerous small collections of fluid and can fail to regularly release eggs.

Who is at Risk for PCOS?

It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of women between 15 and 44…

This recent weight loss trend places more of an emphasis on WHEN you eat than WHAT you eat (but keep in mind that both are important for success). Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating.

Depending on the type of intermittent fasting pattern you choose, your fasting time may be a few hours or a whole day a few times per week. During the fasting periods, you eat either very little or nothing at all.

Here are some of the…

It’s quick, fast, and cheap; it also tastes really good! Americans spend roughly $50 billion on fast food each year. With the availability of food “on-demand” more and more people are opting for prepared foods, whether through a drive thru or delivered to your door.

But have you ever felt not-so-great after eating fast food--maybe a little tired or bloated? Did you notice you became hungry again pretty soon after eating? That’s because although most…

The sweeter things in life are present at most celebrations...weddings, birthdays, work promotions, new baby, office parties...you get the idea. But if you are like many Americans trying to cut back on your refined sugar intake for health reasons and/or weight management, you may think opting for sugar replacements might be a healthier choice.

When it comes to real sugar (sucrose) versus artificial sweeteners, like the ones found in diet sodas and ‘zero-calorie”…

According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders affect millions of Americans, mostly women between 12 and 35 years old. There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder (BED). The focus of this blog post will be on BED.

BED is the most common eating disorder in the US. It can be characterized by recurring episodes in which large quantities of food are consumed (more food than most people would consume over the same…

Most of us know that too much sugar is not good for our overall health. But what you may not know is that growing research is showing what’s bad for the body may also be bad for the brain.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that a group of men between 35 and 55 who consumed more than 67 grams of sugar daily from sweetened foods and beverages were more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and other common mental disorders after 5 years, compared with men with a lower daily sugar intake. In no way does this imply that excess sugar causes mental disorders in the general population; rather this was a select study which also found no similar correlation for the women who participated in the research.

Palliative Care is specialized treatment tailored to those who are suffering from chronic or life limiting illnesses. Some of these illnesses may include cancer, kidney disease, heart failure, dementia, lung disease and many others. Palliative care is a specialized team of doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers and others who work together with a patient’s primary physician and care team. The goal of the team is to improve the quality of life for a patient (and sometimes their caregivers) who has a serious illness or disease. It is appropriate for all ages and stages in a patient’s severe illness.

Paleo, keto, macros, carbs, complex carbs, clean eating, plant-based...we could keep going but I think you get the idea. With so many buzzwords out there, it can be difficult to analyze which ones would be a good addition to your weight loss journey or can help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Let’s explore one of these nutrition buzzwords: Macros.

Macros are short for macronutrients. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates and fats and make up the caloric content of food.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) first entered the US market around 2007.  Wells Fargo Securities analysts now claim that these products have grown into a $4.4 billion industry. These products have many names including e-cigarettes, vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, and e-pipes among others. Most use a heating mechanism to turn liquid into a vapor that is then inhaled as an aerosol. E-cigs differ from traditional cigarettes because they do not “burn” or contain the 7,000 chemicals present in traditional combustible cigarettes. The tobacco industry continues to develop and market new nicotine delivery devices and without question the controversy over these products is still a heated debate.

Deep, consistent, quality sleep can not only make you feel great during the day; it can also improve your health. Sleep can boost your mood, help you maintain a healthy body weight and help your heart and mind function at tip-top levels.

But, for some of us, a solid night's sleep may seem like a dream. Lack of sleep can affect our brain's ability to react properly; so much so, that our body’s overall health can be at risk.

Deep, consistent, quality sleep can not only make you feel great during the day; it can also improve your health. Sleep can boost your mood, help you maintain a healthy body weight and help your heart and mind function at tip-top levels.

But, for some of us, a solid night's sleep may seem like a dream. Lack of sleep can affect our brain's ability to react properly; so much so, that our body’s overall health can be at risk.

Deep, consistent, quality sleep can not only make you feel great during the day; it can also improve your health. Sleep can boost your mood, help you maintain a healthy body weight and help your heart and mind function at tip-top levels.

But, for some of us, a solid night's sleep may seem like a dream. Lack of sleep can affect our brain's ability to react properly; so much so, that our body’s overall health can be at risk.

Perhaps you and your partner are thinking of a more permanent solution to birth control. If you’ve had the conversation of vasectomy versus tubal ligation - “getting your tubes tied” - you might be interested to learn that a vasectomy is a much easier procedure, is more effective at preventing pregnancy and has a much lower risk of side effects or complications. It’s also much cheaper; tubal ligation requires general anesthesia and surgery; a vasectomy only requires local anesthesia and an oral sedative.

It is never too late to adjust your skincare routine. Think of it like a new exercise routine: with a little dedication, determination and education you can undo or halt bad habits.

Around the age of 30, the body’s collagen production slows down. Collagen plays a big part in the elasticity our skin has. When that production slows down, we tend to see our skin change with the addition of dark spots, larger pores, fine lines and wrinkles.

Atkins, paleo, low-carb, no carb, how do you choose? If weight loss is a priority for you, or if you are just looking to eat healthier, there is an abundance of diets, meal plans and fads out there.

But what exactly are carbohydrates (carbs) and why are some of them so “bad” for us? Below is a breakdown of the types of carbohydrates, what they do to our bodies, which ones we can eat and those to avoid.

Did you know 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease? Every 65 seconds, someone in the US develops this disease. It is the most common form of dementia and affects women at almost double the rate of men. Dementia diseases relate to the brain’s ability to regulate memory and cognitive skills. Other forms of dementia include Parkinson’s and Huntington's disease and vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and mixed dementia.

When you think of February, you may think of Valentine's Day, chocolate and flowers. February also marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is it's also one of the most preventable.

Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart…

When you think of February, you may think of Valentine's Day, chocolate and flowers. February also marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is it's also one of the most preventable.

Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart…

When you think of February, you may think of Valentine's Day, chocolate and flowers. February also marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is it's also one of the most preventable.

Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart…

Medical Nutrition Therapy or Nutrition Education?

Obesity currently affects 34% of all Americans. It contributes to many other conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes, GERD, Sleep Apnea, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Joint Disorders, and a variety of cancers. Improving or eliminating obesity often can improve or cure these conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes.

A registered dietitian can approach obesity through either medical nutrition therapy or nutrition education.

Medical…

We eat for many reasons beyond hunger, which is why learning to eat mindfully helps you maintain or even lose weight if desired. As we celebrate Healthy Weight week this week, here are ten tips that provide some food for thought.

1. Reject the Diet Mentality.Throw out the diet books and magazine articles that offer you false hope of losing weight quickly, easily and permanently. Get angry at the lies that have led you to feel as if you were a failure every time a new diet…