Credit: iStock/SDI Productions Cancer and heart disease—one affects cells, the other affects blood flow. You might not think they are connected at all. But these two conditions share more than you might expect. Your heart health and your risk of cancer go hand in hand. Taking care of your heart could also help protect you … Continue reading Cancer and Heart Health: A Surprising Connection You Need to Know
Chronic Disease
Using Physical Activity Levels as a Health Vital Sign
Credit: iStock/money business images Think back to the last time you had a checkup with your health care provider. They likely weighed you, asked your height and measured your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and breathing. The medical team probably also asked questions about your health history, current medications and if you had any pain. … Continue reading Using Physical Activity Levels as a Health Vital Sign
How Many Steps a Day for Better Health? It Might Be Fewer Than You Think
Credit: iStock/Tingting Ji Most of us know that regular physical activity is great for health, reducing risks of heart disease and even lowering the risk of death. Walking is one of the easiest ways to fit in physical activity, and even just a little more walking can make a difference. For example, taking an additional … Continue reading How Many Steps a Day for Better Health? It Might Be Fewer Than You Think
Enjoy Health Benefits of the Sweet-and-Sour Cranberry This Holiday Season
Credit: iStock/gaus-nataliya As trees change colors and shed leaves and the air cools down, many of us cannot stop dreaming of seasonal festivities. You might think there’s nothing more festive than meeting your loved ones for a Thanksgiving feast. Don’t forget to add a side of cranberries while you gobble up your turkey! Besides adding … Continue reading Enjoy Health Benefits of the Sweet-and-Sour Cranberry This Holiday Season
How Exercise Protects You from Dementia
Credit: iStock More than 7 million people in the U.S. live with neurodegenerative disorders. These are chronic diseases of the nervous system that worsen over time. Degenerative disorders are difficult to slow or reverse when nerve cells (neurons) stop working the way they should or die. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and … Continue reading How Exercise Protects You from Dementia
Spotlight On: Breast Cancer
Credit: iStock/tunpungato Breast cancer is the most diagnosed invasive tumor type in women. One in 8 women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Men can also get breast cancer, but the number of cases is much smaller. How does breast cancer begin? Breast cancer begins when breast cells … Continue reading Spotlight On: Breast Cancer
Oh ‘NO’! How Too Much Salt Affects the Kidneys
Eating too much salt is a huge problem. Globally, high salt can be linked to 1.65 million annual deaths from cardiovascular disease. High salt is often linked to high blood pressure, also called hypertension. However, some people who eat a lot of salt and have cardiovascular issues, have no hypertension. So, salt must be doing … Continue reading Oh ‘NO’! How Too Much Salt Affects the Kidneys
Ripples in Childhood, Waves in Adulthood: Early Childhood Stress and Your Health
Credit: iStock/FangXiaNuo Playgrounds, red balloons, lollipops, sandcastles on the beach and jump ropes are just some of the images that come to mind when you think of a happy childhood. Many people grow up with curiosity, play and the building of foundational memories that shape who they become. From learning to ride a bike to … Continue reading Ripples in Childhood, Waves in Adulthood: Early Childhood Stress and Your Health
Blue Spaces: The Surprising Health Benefits of Being Near Water
Credit: iStock/baona We have all heard that drinking enough water is good for our health, but we don’t often hear about the benefits of being in a “blue space” near water. Can you get a boost in wellness simply by being close to a body of water? Blue spaces are outdoor areas with water such … Continue reading Blue Spaces: The Surprising Health Benefits of Being Near Water
What Are the Mayday Signs of a Vasovagal Syncope Attack?
Credit: iStock/bymuratdeniz Lightheadedness, nausea, ringing ears, blurred vision. Suddenly you lose consciousness and wake up on the ground. These are your “mayday” signals when vasovagal syncope attacks. Vasovagal syncope, also known as vasodepressor syncope, is the most common cause of fainting. It can be triggered by various situations, including dehydration, extreme heat or standing for … Continue reading What Are the Mayday Signs of a Vasovagal Syncope Attack?