Before you can get started with a physical fitness program, de­cide what type of equipment you want to use (free weights, machines, Nautilus, Cybex, etc.) and where you want to train (home, health club, hard-core gym, office, etc.).  The best choice for you is the facility and equipment that fits you and your lifestyle best and…

When thinking about diabetes and dysmetabolism, we look at a number of tissues such as adipose, liver, muscle and pancreas, but are we considering enough the role of the gut? Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of physiological abnormalities that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include a…

By: Providence Health Team As hard as it may be to get kids to stop watching TV or turn off their electronic devices before bed, there are more reasons than ever to do so, according to science. Not only does staying up late make children groggy during the day, but a study conducted at King’s College in the…

Did you know that more than 45% of Americans experience pain on a regular basis? Are you one of them? Unfortunately, people tend to fall into bad habits as the body adapts to, and becomes familiar with, persistent pain (Duhigg 2012). Learn what you can do mentally to better handle chronic pain. Justin Price, MA,…

Too much of a good thing—in this case, hot weather—can lead to dehydration and heat stroke.  When it heats up outside, follow these guidelines: Drink plenty of water, using your thirst as a guide.  If you have children, offer water frequently. They may not ask, even when they’re thirsty. If you’re being active, drink some…

Walking for at least 40 minutes several times per week at an average to fast pace is associated with a near 25% drop in the risk of heart failure among postmenopausal women, according to new research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 67th Annual Scientific Session in March. The benefit appears to be consistent regardless…

Medicare is invaluable for many seniors; however, it provides little coverage when it comes to assisted living or nursing home care. While Medicare covers acute care costs for seniors, financial support for long-term facilities is rare. Because long-term care costs might not be covered by Medicare (or by Medicaid), it is important to start planning…

We all need to practice some sort of oral hygiene routine daily. Gum tissue is often overlooked as an important part of overall health. There is a lot to be learned from observing gum tissue. Here is a quick overview of gum tissue, disorders that can be associated with gum dis-ease, and supplemental support. Gum…

As energy drinks become more and more popular, questions about their safety and efficacy are growing. Safety concerns associated with energy drink consumption include adverse effects on the cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, renal, and endocrine systems, as well as psychiatric symptoms. For example, cardiovascular complications associated with consumption include elevated blood pressure and heart rate, arrhythmias,…