Everyone has heard about cholesterol. But do we really understand what cholesterol is? Cholesterol is made by our bodies, and it is essential for life, so why do we think of cholesterol as being bad? Like many things in life, too much of it can be bad for us. What…
I have been following the mosquito monitoring reports from my local health department and see that West Nile Virus has recently been found in mosquitoes in my area. The prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses in the US continues to increase as a result of rising temperatures, greater rainfall, and expanding mosquito…
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically develops gradually and painlessly, without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many people are unaware they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has already occurred. That’s why understanding this condition and having regular eye check-ups is so important…
Last week, we talked about some of the dangers associated with grilling food outdoors. We focused on the more immediate risks associated with grilling, such as burns, fires, and food safety. Today, we are going to talk about more long-term health risks associated with grilling. Let’s get started. Can eating…
During the summer, many of us enjoy firing up the grill. It can keep us from heating up the kitchen, or we may just do it for the fun of it. I know my husband loves to grill out. But did you know that grilling, whether over charcoal, gas, or…
Ultra processed foods have become a staple in our diet in the US, and in other developed nations. Unfortunately, they are very dangerous for our health. They contain high levels of sugars, fats, salt, and simple carbohydrates, without much true nutritional value. They are also very easy to eat in…
Recent Research Suggests a Lower Step Goal Still Offers Big Benefits Are 7,000 steps a day the new 10,000? The common advice to aim for 10,000 steps per day has become a cultural touchstone for health and fitness. Many fitness trackers and wellness programs set this figure as the gold…
Last week, we started a conversation about disaster preparedness. Disasters are becoming more common, and we all need to be prepared for the possibility of an unexpected disaster. Let’s get started with the rest of our conversation. How can you ensure that you have everything you need to stay safe…
The recent flooding in Texas was a terrible tragedy. It should be a wake-up call for all of us to think about what we can do to be prepared for a disaster. I know this may not seem like a health topic, but a disaster can be devastating to your…
Last week, we started our discussion about vitiligo, which is a chronic skin condition that is quite common in the US. Today, we will talk more about this skin condition, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. Let’s get started. How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed? If you suspect you have vitiligo, a dermatologist…