Credit: iStock/lostinbids A person’s body changes in many ways during pregnancy to support a growing baby. One change involves how the body controls blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that helps transport sugar from the blood into cells so it can be used for energy. During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that make the pregnant … Continue reading Spotlight On: Gestational Diabetes
Chronic Disease
Why Sleep During Pregnancy is a Health Issue, Not a Luxury
Credit: iStock/AsiaVision Many people assume poor sleep during pregnancy and the weeks after giving birth is simply part of the experience. The physical changes of pregnancy—and the demands of caring for a newborn—can make rest feel out of reach. But research shows sleep does far more than fight fatigue. It plays a direct role in … Continue reading Why Sleep During Pregnancy is a Health Issue, Not a Luxury
Going Gluten-free: Is It for Me?
Credit: iStock/SeventyFour Gluten-free products are taking over grocery store shelves and social media channels, with market growth expected to increase by $8 billion by 2033. People who have celiac disease and gluten intolerance used to be the only ones who followed a gluten-free diet. But recently it has become a trend that attracts younger generations, … Continue reading Going Gluten-free: Is It for Me?
Spotlight On: Parkinson’s Disease
Credit: iStock/Devonyu Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects how the brain controls movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. The condition was first described in 1817 by the British physician James Parkinson. Today it is recognized as one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, … Continue reading Spotlight On: Parkinson’s Disease
Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?
Credit: iStock/Elena Istomina Did you know that the trillions of bacteria residing in your gut actively influence one of the most critical numbers in your life: your blood pressure? For a long time, scientists mainly looked at genetics, diet and lifestyle as the key reasons behind high blood pressure. While these factors are important, there’s … Continue reading Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?
The Quiet Art of Protecting Your Lungs Against COPD
Credit: Amin Mohajeri Take a slow, deep breath. Feel the pleasant airflow entering your lungs, nourishing your blood and fueling your cells. This effortless, automatic rhythm is a priceless gift. With each breath, oxygen flows into the body and carbon dioxide leaves. Yet this delicate exchange can be disrupted over time by long-term exposure to … Continue reading The Quiet Art of Protecting Your Lungs Against COPD
Spotlight On: Metastasis
Credit: iStock/Ekaterina79 Cancer is a scary experience. You may have heard the term “metastasis” in relation to cancer that can spark more worry. You might not understand exactly what metastasis is. It’s the spread of cancer, from its original site,—such as when breast cancer spreads to the lungs or the brain. Read on to learn … Continue reading Spotlight On: Metastasis
Good Morning, Fall! How ‘Falling Back’ to Standard Time Affects Our Body Clock
Credit: iStock/simonapilolla Fall is here—a time for sweaters and scarves, warm beverages and changing leaves. Nights grow longer as the sun sets earlier, and in many parts of the U.S., we “fall back” from daylight saving to standard time to accommodate this shift. We may celebrate the feeling of getting to sleep in, or we … Continue reading Good Morning, Fall! How ‘Falling Back’ to Standard Time Affects Our Body Clock
Exploring Why Alcohol Makes Some People Feel Awful, But Not Others
Credit: iStock There is no shortage of research showing how alcohol harms your body. While there are many long-term consequences to drinking, alcohol also produces immediate negative effects such as drowsiness and/or sedation, loss of balance and coordination, and a depressive mood. Surprisingly, how we react to these symptoms could actually protect us from developing … Continue reading Exploring Why Alcohol Makes Some People Feel Awful, But Not Others
Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Dementia
Credit: iStock/simarik Dementia is a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and cognitive functioning. It is the seventh leading cause of death in older people and affects more than 57 million people worldwide. In recent years, research on this topic has expanded, meaning you may have seen more recommendations (such as healthy eating and exercising) … Continue reading Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Dementia