Be proactive about lead exposure for babies and children

Parents have enough to worry about! Toxic metals shouldn’t be one of them. However, whether we like it or not, lead is all around us -- in drinking water, lipsticks, older paints, foods, soil, air and dust. Although it’s a naturally occurring heavy metal found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust, it can be toxic to your health and even more toxic to your little ones.

How to give up sugar and still feel good

Love your sweets and just can’t get enough? Then you’ve probably been warned about the risks of too much sugar plenty of times (obesity, diabetes and heart disease, to name a few). But have you ever thought about the way your sugar habit affects your mood?

Where can vets turn when VA hospitals fail to provide psychiatric care?

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., serving 8.76 million veterans each year. But as we’ve seen over the last few years, the system is far from perfect, with its fair share of scandals such as long wait times and cover-ups.

New study: Replacing male doctors with female doctors could save thousands of lives

If we replaced male doctors with female doctors, at least 32,000 senior citizen lives could be saved each year, according a new study published in JAMA International Medicine, a recent LA Times article reports.

It’s time to kiss lead in lipsticks goodbye

Consumers and advocates have raised concerns over some of the ingredients in beauty products, like phthalates, parabens and, in the case of lipsticks, lead. It’s really become an issue where you as the consumer have to be proactive instead of relying on government agencies and regulations. That’s because overall, with the exception of coal-tar hair dyes, your cosmetics don’t need FDA approval to hit the shelves.

Could more proactive patients be the answer to all our health care problems?

The average patient faces many challenges coordinating his or her own care and treatment. For example, you may have to follow up on referrals to specialists, fill and manage medications, comply with physical therapy or other regimens, and shuttle records and data (like X-rays and test results) from one provider to the next. But … it’s not really working.

Lower incomes tied to high blood pressure rates: Why nutrition and education may be key

High blood pressure is a global health issue, affecting over a billion people, and it’s only gotten worse. The number of people with high blood pressure has nearly doubled over the last 40 years. But believe it or not, the United States, Canada and South Korea actually have the lowest rates in the world, according to a new study published in The Lancet, which examined worldwide blood pressure trends from 1975-2015.

Caddy Max Zechmann dies at age 55 from sudden heart attack: Is golf actually a dangerous sport?

A popular golf caddy Max Zechmann recently fell ill on the 13th hole while caddying for a French golf player in Dubai. He was 55 and suffered a heart attack, dying only a few hours later in the hospital. There have been a few other caddy deaths during professional golf tournaments in recent years: Ian MacGregor, age 52, in 2014 and Scott Steele, age 55, in 2012. Each experienced heart attacks.

Superfood chayote: Why this staple in Jamaica should be a staple on your table

Chayote is a fast-growing, sun-loving, nutritious vegetable that, left untethered, can completely take over a garden, fence or tree in your yard. In fact, that’s what happened to me. I recently found vines of chayotes sprawling across several of my trees! I totally forgot that I had bought one from Whole Foods a few years ago and planted it in my yard. I was able to pick three mature chayotes from the tree to eat -- a little taste of home.

Toxic chemicals that you should banish from your home before they mess up your hormones

If you’re like most people, there are so many different chemicals in your home. Cookware, cleaning products, shower curtains, furniture, carpet and paint are just a few of the items in your home that may contain toxic substances. But while “chemical” has become somewhat of a dirty word, not all chemicals are “bad.” There are natural chemicals found in fruits and veggies, for example, in very small amounts. It’s more so the amount you are exposed to that you need to be cautious of -- especially if they are “endocrine disruptors.”

Is guava a superfruit? The health benefits may have you searching high and low for it

Guava is a tropical fruit with light green or yellow skin, and a tasty inside that ranges in color from white or yellow to its infamous bright coral pink. If you’re wondering what guava tastes like, it’s been described as a mix of pear and strawberry – but nothing quite compares to trying this fruit for yourself! If its vibrant color and unique taste don’t have you convinced, then read on to learn a little bit more about the many health benefits of guava.

Can your hospital stay trigger delirium? The startling truth you want to know

Delirium, a sudden onset of confusion, affects around 7 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. each year, the American Delirium Society reports. These patients have longer hospital stays, higher mortality rates, and higher risks for developing dementia. Their condition may go unrecognized and undiagnosed during their hospital stay, and their symptoms -- such as hallucinations, delusions and inability to focus -- can persist for months.