New Perspective on Good and Bad Cholesterol
I’ve struggled with high cholesterol for a number of years. Not wanting to depend on a litany of meds, I’ve elected to try to manage it with exercise and diet. Some years, I’ve been more successful than other years. The best I can say is that I’ve raised my ‘good’ cholesterol to a high enough point it seems to counterbalance the also high ‘bad’ cholesterol. I have blood work … [Read more...]
What are the Health Benefits of Caffeine?
In the debate about the health benefits of coffee, a sister conversation usually emerges about the health benefits of caffeine. As the use of energy drinks surges, and the debate of coffee consumption lessens, it becomes important to look at caffeine on it’s own. The caffeine content in coffee varies depending on a number of different factors. Beans differ greatly and how their roasted affect … [Read more...]
Tips to Keep Your Memory Intact
Most of us know someone who has a dementia or is caring for a parent with memory problems. If you ask most baby boomers their biggest fear about aging it’s a loss of memory. I’ve know of several brilliant and engaged individual who acquired Alzheimer's. Most of us heard of legendary women’s basketball coach, Pat Summit retiring because of her Alzheimer's. While dementia is a serious … [Read more...]
Is Painful Sex Affecting Your Love Life?
Millions of women experience pain during sex after menopause. Because many women are embarrassed or ashamed of the condition, they suffer in silence. Or they stop having intercourse. Many women don’t know the condition is called dyspareunia and is treatable. The causes of painful intercourse are numerous. Women may be affected by hormonal changes, other medical conditions, skin diseases, or … [Read more...]
Is Your Spouse an Addict?
Retirement is supposed to be a time of fun and joy for a couple. Even the strongest of relationships go through changes during the transition into retirement. For some people, being retired results in feelings of isolation, boredom and loss of meaning. Many spouses ignore or deny symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse prior to retirement, but can’t after. If you face a spouse with addiction … [Read more...]
Eat Healthier by Choosing Locally Grown Food
An increasingly popular trend in healthy eating is to select locally grown food. Besides being considered positive for the environmental, purchasing food raised locally to you is beneficial to your health. Because locally produced food doesn’t travel as far, it can be picked later in the growing cycle. This means it’s going to have more nutrients than produce picked very green. The next … [Read more...]
The Truth About Artificial Sweeteners
It’s often difficult to know what choices to make about food substitutes. Years ago, you were told butter was bad for you, only to find out later, the alternative margarine was even worse. Because artificial sweeteners don’t have the calories of sugar, they were considered a good alternative. Research indicates that may not be the case. A 12-ounce can of sugar sweetened soda usually … [Read more...]
Going Naked: The Cost of Healthcare in the US Part II
There is always a first time Among world travelers there is a phrase we use when we discuss health insurance policies and whether or not we want to continue holding one and paying the corresponding price tag. It’s called “going naked” or “going semi-naked.” This phrase pretty much describes how it feels when one chooses to let that insurance policy go. One can feel pretty exposed … [Read more...]
Going Naked: The Cost of Healthcare in the US Part I
The ever-present question It is such a fatiguing topic and one that is filled with emotion and fear. As a nation we can hardly get past it and present solutions are sometimes as hard to handle as the problem itself. I’m talking about the price of the administration of health care. High cost and obstacles We know a couple who pays $1,200 a month for a catastrophic, high deductible … [Read more...]
Massage Therapy for Patients, Caregivers and Family Members
Massage therapy has become a common alternative treatment for many cancer patients. It involves the physical manipulation of soft tissues and muscles through various stroking, pressing, kneading and stretching techniques. Massage therapists employ these techniques to relax the body and reduce stress. The Roots of Massage Therapy Researchers trace the ancient practice of massage to … [Read more...]