Root canals can save your natural teeth
Nothing looks, feels or functions quite like your natural teeth. They’re designed to last a lifetime and, when properly cared for, they often do. Even in the event of an infection or disease that requires additional care, most Americans agree their natural teeth are worth protecting. In fact, a survey commissioned by the American Association of Endodontists found 61% of Americans would... READ MORE
I finally got screened for colon cancer
For years, I told myself I would get screened for colorectal cancer. Every birthday seemed like another reminder that I should do it. But somehow there was always a reason to wait. I dreaded the preparation for a colonoscopy, and I was reluctant to ask my family to take time out of their day to drive me to and from the appointment. At 74, I had never been screened. Looking... READ MORE
How to choose the healthiest plant-based meat
Whether you’re trying to eat less meat or you’re a vegetarian or vegan, having a plant-based meal once (or a few times) a week is always a good thing. Research shows that eating a mostly plant-based diet can help reduce inflammation, boost immunity and benefit your overall health in so many ways, including lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. But there... READ MORE
These five satisfying afternoon snacks can curb cravings
The time in between lunch and dinner can feel like a marathon. When you’d like to wait until an appropriate dinner time, snacks are a great option to help you feel full. “When it comes to building a snack that will help you feel full throughout the afternoon, it’s important to consider protein and fiber,” said registered dietitian Amanda Blechman, RD, CDN, registered dietitian at... READ MORE
Is it possible to prevent a hunched back?
Having the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis puts you at risk for developing an excessive forward curve in the upper spine called hyperkyphosis, sometimes referred to just as kyphosis. But osteoporosis is not the only factor: Age-related degenerative changes in the spine and poor posture can also cause or worsen the condition. Plus, genetics plays a role in your risk. You can’t... READ MORE
Strategies for scaling back on sodium
Even if you rarely salt your food, chances are you consume way more sodium than is healthy. That’s because 70% of the sodium (a major component of salt) in the typical American diet comes from processed, prepared, and restaurant foods. The biggest sources include bread, deli meats, pizza, burritos, tacos, soups, and salty snacks. The average American consumes around 3,300 milligrams... READ MORE
More people are considering ‘green’ burials
After Moira Cathleen Delaney was diagnosed with an aggressive form of intestinal cancer, her thoughts eventually turned to her eventual death and what she wanted done with her body. Delaney’s love of gardening, birds and the forest inspired her decision to be transformed into soil — literally — through a process known as natural organic reduction. When she died in October at age... READ MORE
FDA approves cholesterol-lowering pill
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a first-of-its-kind pill that can drastically reduce cholesterol in a way that’s previously only been available with expensive, injectable drugs. The drug from Merck was OK’d in July for patients with artery-clogging cholesterol that persists even after taking statins, the standard medications for cutting heart attack risk. Merck will... READ MORE
How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
The eerie glow of an orange sun through thick wildfire smoke might be unnerving, but the biggest risk from the haze is something much harder to see. Tiny particles in the air can cause a range of short-term and chronic health issues, experts say. Wildfire smoke can settle over cities for days — like the recent blanket over parts of the U.S. from burning fires in Canada, which... READ MORE
Why you shouldn’t scratch bug bites
You’ve likely heard it since childhood: Don’t scratch that bug bite or rash, you’ll make it worse. But why would something that feels so good be bad? A lot of things can cause itchiness, sometimes serious diseases. Whatever the cause, doctors have long warned that scratching too much can damage the skin. Now researchers better understand why even a mildly annoying itch could put... READ MORE
