Is it Worth Taking Opioids for Pain Relief?

As human beings, it is difficult to be patient when we have acute or chronic pain. It is a sensation we desperately try to avoid, and if it hits we do what we can to limit the experience. Julius Caesar said, “[i]t is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.”

Are You Pregnant? Avoid Getting Listeria Bacteria

You have probably heard of food recalls from your local and national news. These announcements warn us not to buy and consume certain foods or products in grocery stores due to contamination with Listeria, a bacterial infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. This infection typically stems from eating contaminated food, resulting in an illness called listeriosis.

Are You Proactive with Screenings for Colorectal Cancer?

March is colorectal cancer month, and each year at this time I am reminded it took the life of my brother at the age of 65. What is even more intriguing is for years prior to his death, he was told by doctors to get a colonoscopy but he never did. I do not think he really appreciated the importance of getting a colonoscopy until after he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Like many of us, he did not take the time to focus on preventive health care because he had no apparent symptoms. There appears to be a human tendency to generally wait until we are sick or have symptoms before we focus on our health.

Making Neighborhoods More Walkable Can Help Us All Enjoy Better Health

According to Walk Score, a website that rates the walkability of neighborhoods anywhere in the United States, Canada and Australia on a scale of zero to 100, “The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 6-10 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling (versus compact) neighborhood.”

Trainer Bob Harper Had a Heart Attack: Does This Mean We’re All Doomed?

When a fitness guru suffers from a heart attack, where does that leave the rest of us? That’s what Bob Harper’s heart attack, just a few weeks ago, is leaving many people wondering. You may know Bob Harper, 51, as star trainer turned host from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” He has authored several weight loss books and appeared in workout DVDs.

Judge Wapner Passed Away at 97! Try These Proactive Steps for Healthy Aging

Reality court TV star Judge Joseph Wapner recently died of natural causes at the age of 97 in his Los Angeles home. He was known for being tough but fair on one of my favorite shows while I attended law school - “The People’s Court.” Judge Wapner was a mainstay on the program for 12 years and more than 2,000 episodes. He has been credited with inspiring the likes of Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown as well as Hot Bench. He left behind quite a legacy, but there is one accomplishment I cannot overlook -- his longevity.

Lychee: The “Dangerous” Fruit With Amazing Health Benefits

You may have heard about lychees in the news not long ago. Children living near lychee orchards in India were waking up screaming and crying beginning in mid-May. They had seizures, comas and even died in about 40 percent of cases. Then in July, the monsoon rains came and the outbreak would end. This happened each year. Finally, scientists were able to pinpoint the cause -- the lychees were being eaten on an empty stomach by malnourished children.

How Much Should I Be Exercising For My Age?

Physical activity is an important cornerstone for a healthy life. We know it can help with weight management, disease prevention, heart health and better sleep -- at any age!

What About Paternal Depression?

We’ve heard about maternal depression but not much about paternal depression! About 13 percent of pregnant women and new mothers experience depression, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. But have you ever thought about how many expectant and new dads experience depression? A new study uncovers some of the reasons for paternal depression.

The Surprising Reason I Need More Vitamin C Than The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

Vitamin C is one of those popular nutrients that I have heard about for most of my life. I have read or been told that I need to eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies to ensure that I get enough of this popular vitamin. And when I don’t have time to eat enough fresh produce, there are many tasty vitamin C supplements that will fill the void.

Depression: Why Is It Not Being Diagnosed?

It is normal to feel down sometimes, be in a bad mood or maybe experience a period of sadness after a tragic life event. However, many people are depressed and although they may suspect they are depressed, they are not being diagnosed or treated.

Don’t lose your mind: Meditate and listen to music!

It’s normal to be forgetful sometimes or have a bit of brain fog. You may have heard people refer to this as having a “senior moment.” However, in older adults, these “senior moments” may be a sign of something more threatening than just the expected memory loss that comes with older age. It could be subjective cognitive decline (SCD).