Did you know that the largest organ of your body is your skin? You may have heard that beauty is more than skin deep, and it’s true. When properly cared for, our skin helps fight free radicals and acts as a barrier between our bodies and many irritants. Take Off Makeup Every Night Sleeping with makeup on your skin can lead to premature aging and clogged pores and expose your skin to free radicals. Read on →

Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but most commonly the lungs and lymph glands. People with sarcoidosis develop abnormal masses or nodules within their organs, called granulomas. The granulomas are made of inflamed tissues and sometimes change the structure or function of affected organs. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. It is classified as an autoimmune disease which generates abnormal immune response, but the triggers are still uncertain. Read on →

Did you know that March is colorectal cancer awareness month? Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States. It is vital for adults to know their family history in regards to colorectal cancer, and, beginning at age 50, all adults should receive a screening. Earlier screening may be recommended by your medical care provider if you are determined to be at high risk due to your family history. Read on →

When’s the last time you thought about your kidneys? If you’re like must people, you probably don’t think about organs like your kidneys, unless you know something is wrong. However, kidney diseases are known as silent killers, and it’s vital to become educated about kidney health to help protect your quality of life. Here are just some of the tips you can follow to avoid kidney disease or failure: Get on the Move for Kidney Health Individuals are encouraged to move their bodies regularly to help them stay fit and lower their blood pressure to avoid kidney problems. Read on →

A stroke is an emergency situation where every minute counts. Quick treatment can significantly reduce the amount of brain damage that a stroke can cause. Do you know the signs of stroke? Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly limited to one side of the body Sudden confusion, impaired speech, or difficulty understanding others Sudden vision difficulty in one or both eyes Sudden problems with walking, perhaps dizziness and loss of balance, or a lack of coordination A sudden, severe headache with no known cause Since the most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the initial symptoms, it’s critical to act fast and get to the hospital immediately. Read on →

Fatty fish—like salmon, sardines and mackerel—are filled with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower the risk for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) and high triglycerides. Soluble fiber acts like a sponge in the digestive tract to soak up cholesterol and eliminate it from the body before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Oats are particularly high in this sort of fiber, but try to avoid instant oatmeal with added sugars, and instead choose steel-cut, old-fashioned, plain quick-cooking oats or oat bran. Read on →

Winter’s cold and flu season is hard on everyone, but especially parents and children. Check out our tips to help keep your kiddos healthy and comfortable this season. First things first, always make sure your children get their flu shot every year. Even if they catch another strain of the bug, the vaccine will help reduce the overall severity of illness. Prioritize frequent hand washing. Teach little ones to lather up with soap and water, then wash for 20 seconds. Read on →

Did you know that January is weight loss awareness month? This January, many adults will be making New Year’s resolutions to improve their diets, and some of those people will be seniors who have special dietary needs. Here are some of the best tips for seniors trying to lose weight. DASH, TLC and Mediterranean diets are all considered well-suited for seniors because they’re successful at treating diabetes and high blood pressure. Read on →

Poor circulation can affect anyone. Babies and children, pregnant women, young adults, and the elderly can all struggle from the discomfort and complications of poor blood flow. Poor circulation means blood flow has become restricted in certain parts of the body. People most often notice it within the extremities of the body like their toes or fingers, but it can affect any area of the body. A common cause of reduced blood flow is the build-up of plaque on the insides of blood vessels and capillaries—usually due to fatty build-up on inner cell walls. Read on →

Digestive woes are a common complaint, especially as we age. If you would like to improve your overall wellbeing by strengthening your digestive health, try some of our tips below: Emphasize High-Fiber Foods Eat a high-fiber diet to help food move more easily through your digestive tract and avoid constipation. High-fiber diets have been shown to prevent or treat a variety of digestive disorders, including diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and IBS. You need to eat both insoluble fiber (also known as roughage) and soluble fiber (which draws in water). Read on →