There are so many yes’s and no’s during the fertility, pregnancy and postpartum phase of life for women. But have you heard about the one food item that has plenty of health benefits? Turns out, consuming dates could be the secret food you need to help in that final...
Intermittent fasting is a buzzworthy lifestyle pattern in which you schedule when you eat and when you don’t eat. Two terms: eating and fasting. Do you think about how and when you want to eat? Or do you just wake and open the refrigerator and start eating? Or vice...
Dietary expert Albert Abayev, RD, of Cedars Sinai is our go-to source for all things macros. We previously learned from Abayev what macros are and how they guide your body in using calories. We know that protein builds muscles, carbs provide energy, and fats support...
In the dietary realm, there is constant buzz around the words calories and macronutrients (“macros”). It is commonplace for individuals to either be “tracking macros” or “counting calories.” We all know what calories are and they are relatively easy to count. There...
How many times a day are you seeing a new health trend take over social media? It is time to set the record straight. I am grateful that Elissa Goodman, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, is sharing her expertise and wealth of knowledge on this topic. I knew she was...
If you were to ask ten people what important things you need to do in order to live a healthy life and feel healthy, most would probably say exercise and eat healthy. What if I told you that there is something bigger than that and is frequently overlooked? This one...
In the dietary realm, there is constant buzz around the words calories and macronutrients (“macros”). It is commonplace for individuals to either be “tracking macros” or “counting calories.” We all know what calories are and they are relatively easy to count. There...
I’m going to let you in on my secrets to help make the third trimester of your pregnancy easier. We are basically superheroes, but I don’t need to tell you that! Carrying a baby, delivering a baby, and learning all the things once baby has arrived is a big,...
When it comes to our health there are decisions to be made when it comes to what approach and treatment makes the most sense for any given condition or diagnosis. Let's breakdown the basics of Eastern medicine vs. Western medicine. As with anything, it’s crucial to...
Pregnancy is a unique period of time and you can choose to live in a positive or negative frame of mind. It’s a period of growth, reflection, education, and opportunity to gain inner strength. These are the five most important things that I learned through my own...
If you have or are at risk for diabetes have you been informed of the #1 food swap you should make? The key focus of a Harvard initiative shows promising outcome on the diabetes front. Providing vital information to diabetics or potential patients of the disease, I...
Have you been diagnosed with diabetes? According to the 2021 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 38.1 million adults in the US have been diagnosed. We can safely assume prevalence is higher today. If not diagnosed with diabetes, have you been told...
Once you get a positive pregnancy test, nothing will quite prepare you for the fatigue that is about to take over your body and mind. Be aware, the level of fatigue you experience is highly individual. Johns Hopkins Medicine* is always one of my trusted sources when...
A healthy pregnancy, a sustainable pregnancy, a fit pregnancy, a pregnancy without complications… what does your pregnancy “wish list” look like? Becoming pregnant and maintaining a pregnancy can be tedious in itself. But once you get into the thick of pregnancy and...
Experienced pregnancy loss? Undergoing test after test at a fertility clinic? Eager and hopeful to find a solution and sustain a pregnancy? In “1 million pregnancy losses suffered annually in United States,” Dr. Harvey Kliman discusses how prevalent pregnancy loss...
What is the pelvic floor? “The pelvic floor is 3 layers of muscles that sit at the base of the pelvis,” Molly Bachman, DPT, explained. Are certain people more prone to pelvic floor issues? Pelvic pain can present itself and be a little difficult to determine its...
I had the opportunity to interview Harvey Kliman, MD, PhD, a physician scientist at the Yale University School of Medicine, who has an inside perspective to infertility. What does he want you to know as you navigate infertility? #1 “Research and find a reproductive...
SI joint problems can be elusive, disabling and are more common than you may realize. To kick things off, let’s understand: What the medical term is, The definition, and What the symptoms are “Sacroiliitis is painful inflammation in the joints where your spine...
Making decisions regarding a child's health seems to be a constant. Have you ever wondered when should a child go to a chiropractor? Does your child have any of these symptoms? Trouble latching Acid reflux Gas Difficulty pooping Colic Recurrent ear infections Bed...
We are all works in progress, don’t you think? Day in and day out we are working on: Bettering our health Have you heard about the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage? Gaining support Processing and continuing to push through tough times Qualified professionals can...
Meet Soley, she lives in Iceland, and had been through the ringer with pregnancy loss. Not only with her body, but her experience with those who had treated her during the losses. The best decision she made was to find the right, most qualified and compassionate...
If you were curious if anyone else is struggling to maintain a pregnancy or has even a clue of everything you have gone through, Harvey Kliman, MD, PhD, a physician scientist at the Yale University School of Medicine, sheds much-needed light on the subject. “Pregnancy...
I’ve fired doctors in order to improve my health. I wanted doctors who care. I wanted the best professional team in my health circle. Why have I fired doctors? To get solutions, feel healthier and improve health conditions. Plain and simple, certain doctors I’ve had...
With many classifications of migraine, the knowns and unknowns, hereditary link, the one-off in the family, triggers, testing, treatment, and more, many look for new solutions and options to fold into their wellness plan. As a chiropractor, Dr. Mandi McCoy said,...
Injectable weight loss drugs gained widespread media attention in 2023 and the attraction and conversation doesn't appear to be slowing down. We see more and more “before” and “after” pictures. We hear some information about the side effects. But educated minds should...
“Agricultural scientists echo the same sentiment – the human population is increasing,” Dr. Arun Bhunia stated. This, in turn, means we need to safely feed more people. What is food sustainability? The National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture...
It all changed when high fructose corn syrup was “introduced to the food market in 1970.” Shortly after that, “the obesity epidemic began to take off,” said Dr. George Bray, a renowned expert in the field of obesity. In the 1960s new technology allowed starch to be...
Have you considered chiropractic care for acid reflux? Dr. Mandi McCoy details helpful facts and advice: Know that treatment varies and is dependent on age. For the infant population, the focus is on: #1 - Their latch #2 - Mouth “As these can trigger their reflux if...
Did you ever stop to think that every bite of food you eat comes with its own set of health risks? Given that studies have indicated we spend a little over one hour a day eating – isn’t it worth educating yourself on best practices, as well as tuning in to how...
How can I be healthy? What are simple ways to be healthier? Dr. George Bray, a pioneer in the fields of obesity and diabetes, with endless accomplishments shares his personal tips to living a healthier, happier, and longer life. #1 –Don’t smoke #2 – Don’t drink...
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Obesity in the US affects 100.1 million adults and 14.7 million children.”* Given the fact that in 2022 the total US adult population was almost 261 million, that means over one-third of our population is overweight. With...
Dr. David B. Reuben has great news to report for dementia patients and their families. “For the first time in Medicare’s history, it will be paying for support of caregivers!” Reuben clarified, “This will not be 24/7 home care paid for; but there will be much more...
“Dementia is an epidemic,”* primarily affecting the older population. Dr. David B. Reuben, an expert in geriatric care who practices at UCLA Health, explains the crucial facts you and yours need to know. Dementia is a disease defined by: A chronic acquired decline in...
So much influence and impact stems from our childhood. Take a moment to reflect on yours. Can you identify areas of your life that align with your childhood experiences? I can. I can also identify how I have made some adjustments for my life and the future...
Are you struggling as an adult and just can’t pinpoint what the cause is? It may be partially rooted in your childhood. While your parents and caregivers may have tried their best, they may not have realized that there can be life-long effects of childhood stress....
First of all, everyone needs to be aware that “supplements are unregulated,” said Dr. Brooke Pearce. Given that it only makes sense for your health to lay it all out on the table, if you are with the right doctor, he or she will thank you. Your doctor should be...
In 2022, the melatonin market size was valued at $437.9 million.* What has caused melatonin purchases to surge? Individuals’ focus on healthy habits / diet Perceived nutritional benefits Growing rate of insomnia Advertisements Societal influence What I find most...
As with many health-related symptoms, getting to the root of the problem is most beneficial and a great goal to have. As Dr. Mandi McCoy explains, “With sciatic pain, it is all about figuring out what exactly is causing the pain. Since the sciatic nerve consists of...
UC Riverside has issued research results that impact you. Your state of health may be being significantly altered by the flippant disregard of practices used in restaurants, fast-food chains, and the like. Soybean oil “is by far the most widely produced and consumed...
Dizziness and vertigo series: Part 2 of 2 If you are experiencing dizziness or vertigo and you have been taking medication for another health reason, you should look into whether or not the medication is causing the dizziness. “If you Google dizziness, most...
Chiropractic care can be beneficial through all stages of life. In this interview, Dr. Mandi McCoy focuses on its benefits during pregnancy. When asked the top 3 areas in a pregnant woman’s body that can find pain relief from chiropractic care, she stated: Lower...
Dizziness and vertigo series: Part 1 of 2 Most people have experienced the feeling of dizziness at some point in their life. Whether in your childhood after spinning on the merry-go-round, being on a boat in rough water (seasickness), or perhaps when taking a new...
I think so and here’s why. Through conversations with those a few generations older and wiser who have had a multitude of experiences with the medical community, and found their way, the consensus is: Years ago many of their doctors were strongly against Eastern...
You’ve been asked this question before. Where do you rate your pain on a scale from 1-10? Do you know what each number means? It’s confusing but clarity will soon be yours. Most medical facilities use the Stanford Pain Scale (1-10) as a reference guide. Pain tolerance...
Treating patients with chronic pain on a daily basis, Hana Doustar, offers her expertise, approach, and advice to individuals living with chronic pain and anxiety, as well as combating stress. The top three root causes of pain she sees firsthand? 1 – “Headaches from...
Psychology Today defines gaslighting as “an insidious form of manipulation and psychological control.”* As a victim of gaslighting you “are deliberately and systematically fed false information,”* which may make you question what you know to be true (not about them,...
Just because I’m traveling does not mean my health should go on holiday too. In fact, I’ve found my best travel experiences and memories pair well if I’m staying on track and finding a healthy travel routine. Consistency turns out to be key yet again. When we take an...
Accept things and never ask questions; Debate things and go back and forth; Decline things after a thorough analysis. We likely could all say each of those hypotheticals have occurred in our medical lives at some point in time. Is there a solid theme amongst your...
Treating patients with chronic pain on a daily basis, Hana Doustar, founder and head clinician of the Clinic for Pain and Anxiety, graciously shared her expertise, approach, and advice to living with chronic pain and anxiety, as well as combating stress. The top three...
I’ve been getting a lot of blood work done lately. So much that maybe I’d qualify for a VIP parking spot at the lab. I think many of us are familiar with the basics of the process and why we get our blood drawn, so this article is dedicated to hopefully sharing some...
You are likely familiar with at least a few of the common categories that may be marked on your lab order – white blood cell count, red blood cell count, cholesterol, blood glucose (sugar), etc. What you may not know is that the short amount of time it takes to prick...
Our bodies can be described in many ways. Before you dive into this article, choose three adjectives to describe your body at this exact moment in time. I’ll go first: a bit tired, capable, and awe-worthy. Thinking about the past year alone and what my body has been...
Most of us are familiar with chiropractic care, where a trained and educated specialist uses their hands or small instrument to adjust the spine in order to reduce nerve interference, relieve pain, and improve body function. But how many of you have heard of Cranial...
If I told you how at one time in my life, in the span of a single month, the number of emergencies, life events, and situations that required fast action on my part, an extra dose of hope, and unconditional love and support, your head would spin. If you’ve ever felt...
It’s amazing to learn that as many as 40% of women trying to conceive end up having a miscarriage; in some cases, more than one. It’s very common, but not commonly discussed. “Loss of pregnancy still remains a heavily stigmatized taboo subject, and its impact on a...
The value of a specialist cannot be minimized. Just as a person with heart issues is best served by a cardiologist (Dr. Steven Nissen has insight that can make a positive impact in your life), an individual who appears to have immune system disorders is advised to see...
When it comes to the immune system, there is no miracle cure or ability to “boost your immune health” through consumption of a magic pill. It has a very simplistic need – balance. “It’s really getting back to the basics of how our body wants to function – and it wants...
This topic can be like diving into the deep end of the pool. It can be a controversial topic, yet that’s not the reason I chose this topic. It’s because alcohol has come up unexpectedly in three separate conversations I’ve been involved in within the past 24 hours....
Our bones compose the framework within the human body that is essential for us to function from top to bottom (brain, heart, and other organs). Bones also store essential minerals (calcium and phosphorous). This serves two functions: 1) To keep our bones strong; and...
We hear the term “clinical trials” quite regularly, but what do these entail and who decides whether these newly developed drugs make it to our pharmacies? What is a clinical trial? A clinical trial is essentially a “test drive” on real people who volunteer to...
In understanding chronic illness, it’s important to not only learn about it from a doctor’s perspective, but true insight comes from a patient willing to share their very personal experience with it. Rachel S. has a story to share and it is one not only of suffering,...
There are individuals that strictly adhere to Western medicine practices and others whom favor Eastern. In my opinion, there is room for both and utilizing both can bring a full range of information for us to consider when it comes to our health. An article which...
I’m pleased to welcome back cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen, recognized as one of Time Magazine’s World’s Most Influential People, for an update on clinical trials underway for treatment of elevated Lp(a) levels. If you missed it, you can read the first installment of...
Our individual makeup is obviously highly unique. Are you the same person you were 10 years ago? If not, how have things changed on all levels: mindset, mental, emotional, and physical? The people in your tightest circle (remember those 5 people that influence you),...
What ends up being ‘the perfect storm’ in your health? We all experience it to some degree. A perfect storm is all the components of bringing on a resulting event. The thought, “I can identify most, if not every part that brought this set of symptoms, circumstances,...
We all can measure our quality of life, but have you considered where your “visual quality of life” falls on the scale? Dr. Kathleen Digre, a distinguished neuro-ophthalmologist and former president of both the American Headache Society and the North American...
The medical term “photophobia,” as it is written, is a misnomer read as “fear or dread of light.” Dr. Kathleen Digre, a distinguished neuro-ophthalmologist and former president of both the American Headache Society and the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society,...
Role model admiration never stops. Even as adults we watch the actions, emotions, responses of whomever we deem as our ‘role models.’ Role models can be present in our life from birth or new ones may come and go as we make our way through the seasons of life....
Are you curious what the likelihood is that you may acquire a disease? Could there be a way to halt it? If already diagnosed, have you thought about what the best course of action may be for your body, based on your genetic makeup? Sharon Terry, CEO of Genetic...
Considering the varying definitions of the term ‘healthy’ is like an intricate spider web. I polled a handful of folks and turns out, we each define healthy differently. For me, at the end of the day, I like to learn from doctors and experts, research, and our very...
“Headache and migraine are in the top 5 diagnoses presenting in the pediatric primary care office,” said Victoria Karian, CPNP-PC, a 42-year veteran of pediatric medicine. “Incidence of migraine in children is reported at 9-10%.” Karian has worked at Boston Children’s...
A very painful and disabling condition, migraine affects all genders and ages. Since it is recognized as a widespread ailment by medical experts, why is it so tremendously under-diagnosed? “Of people with migraine in population studies, only about half of the people...
One of the biggest discoveries in medical research today is that experts are finding solid links between health conditions a person is affected by and their resulting susceptibility to future decline of cognitive function. In the past, cognitive decline was primarily...
Merriam-Webster defines ghosting as, “The act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone … usually without explanation, by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls, instant messages, etc.” In one way or another we’ve all been ghosted, have...
It can and does make a difference when a physician treating us goes the extra mile, spends a little more time listening, and is whole-heartedly dedicated to helping their patients. I am pleased to welcome back Dr. David Clarke, an expert in gastroenterology and...
When the term ‘pain’ comes to mind, you might automatically think of recovery from a surgery or a noticeable physical injury. But what about pain that feels somewhat widespread, achy, and you can’t pinpoint the source? (If you need a refresher on understanding the...
We all know what “snow” is on a television screen when a satellite or cable connection is lost, right? Imagine that happening to your vision. Visual Snow and Visual Snow Syndrome, conditions that are under-represented and under-diagnosed, are still being heavily...
The men and women who have served our country have made numerous sacrifices and deserve our respect, but veterans like Greg Peterman are in a special category. Greg, now a veteran Green Beret,* began his Army career in 1993 and served 7 tours, in places like...
I thrive in silence, yet I know many who prefer background noise. Which describes you? Or do different days dictate your downtime preferences? I’d attribute my love for silence to my upbringing. Only child, calm household, learned to self-entertain with books, toys,...
Do you have the occasional migraine, or have you been experiencing them for a while? Does your headache include debilitating facial pain? Are you actively being treated and getting relief? Or are you trying to figure out who might be best qualified to treat your...
I recently read that we are each a combination of the five people we are closest to, interact with, or spend the most time with. Think about that. Our traits, our quirks, our mannerisms, our actions vs. reactions, our habits. It’s true. We are a blend of who we are...
Recognized as the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States*, allergies come in many varieties and affect both children and adults. Foods, medicines, pollens, and more bring about coughing, sneezing, hives, rashes, headaches, itchy eyes, a runny...
As patients we are so impressed when we connect with a high-quality physician and see the difference it makes in our life. Imagine the level of respect for one of those who is also an innovator in his field. Dr. Bryan Marascalchi, an accomplished anesthesiologist and...
“In 2020, about 68 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere in the United States.”* To put this in perspective in a layman’s term example, one ton of ear corn equals 1,475 pounds. Multiply that times 68 million! While we have moderate control over...
Given that 25% of adults in the United States have reported experiencing lower back pain in the prior three months (CDC), it is important to know that many options exist to help alleviate this pain. Dr. Bryan Marascalchi, a pain management expert who is an assistant...
When getting ready to have surgery, we are used to being briefed by our surgeon, the nursing staff, and the anesthesiologist as to what will take place during the operation and what to expect afterward. But, have you ever wondered what’s really going on with your body...
In recently talking with Dr. Deborah Friedman, a talented neuro-ophthalmologist with UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, I learned there are several conditions seen in headache medicine that are greatly underrepresented in the media. Friedman agreed that...
The Internet is littered with the term “ocular migraine,” and Dr. Deborah Friedman, a neuro-ophthalmologist with expert credentials said, “We have an international criteria for headache disorders that defines the terms and there is no such term as ocular migraine.”...
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. There are many contributing factors that add to this significant number. “Diabetes, heart disease, problems with thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood...
Pain is truly a pain. As I write this, I am presently in recovery mode from sinus surgery. From a sinus infection, facial pressure, and headache standpoint – I feel a world better. From a pain perspective – I think I could draw you a picture of exactly where the...
While no chronic illness is easy to navigate, individuals afflicted with diabetes are recognized as having a notably stressful and high-maintenance disease. Dr. Rashmi Mullur, an endocrinologist and integrative medicine expert with UCLA Health and the Greater Los...
Diabetes has reached “a crisis level over the last several decades,” according to Dr. Rashmi Mullur, an endocrinologist with UCLA Health. A common link appears to be the primary culprit. “We are still experiencing what we consider our obesity epidemic that has been in...
The Cleveland Clinic states, “rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 1.3 million people in the United States.”* No age bracket is excluded, yet it is considered rare for those under age 18 to experience an onset of the disease. Simply stated, arthritis equates to...
The decision when choosing a doctor and deciding to continue care with one is not a one and done decision. Recently, I was initially very pleased with a specialist I was referred to. The doctor was proactive, listened to my concerns, had a positively aggressive...
Dr. Todd Davenport’s empathetic understanding of chronic illness is profound and gratifying. “The hard thing about all of this is that this is all invisible,” he explained. “So you wouldn’t know that somebody has a migraine unless you knew what you were looking for....
COPD, formally known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the fourth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This is a disease that deserves a look back in time as...
Pain, whether short-term or long-term, is debilitating and in the United States, 20 million people live with the type of pain that frequently limits their life or work activities. No wonder pain is the number one reason Americans seek medical help, according to the...
The more medical experts study disease, the more frequently inflammation seems to rear its problematic head. Shedding more light on that subject and more for us is Dr. Christopher Snell, former chair of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee to the U.S....
In researching the effect migraine and other chronic health conditions (non-heart related) may have on one’s cardiovascular health, I was very pleased to get top-rated cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen’s opinion. Nissen was very forthcoming and said that topic is a...
I walked out of a recent primary care doctor visit with an unexpected bit of genetic family history! After a cursory review of my fasting blood work results, he told me high cholesterol runs in my family. He caught me off guard. He doesn’t know my family! I didn’t...
Top-notch cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen, recognized as one of Time Magazine’s World’s Most Influential People, has a suggestion that may help add years to your life. A seldom-used simple blood test, which reveals genetic destiny, can reveal whether an individual is...
Dozens of thoughts run through our minds every minute, but how vital to life are they? One of the biggest players in our overall health is all around us, yet easily overlooked – the quality of the air we are breathing. Air pollution is real. And it takes everyone...
The interview this month is with Dr. Payam Soltanzadeh, who specializes in neurology and neuromuscular medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Soltanzadeh has shared his expertise and provided clarity on the condition Myasthenia Gravis (MG). “In...
It is vital that we work to continually build up our mental, physical, and emotional resilience. If you have to take a sick day off work, do you feel guilty even though you are legitimately too ill to physically go in to your job? “Patients with migraine are...
Invisible illnesses – migraine, Fibromyalgia, lupus, Crohn’s disease, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme disease – just to name a few. While they may be “invisible” on the outside, we know they are incredibly active internally. It’s a lot to digest. From a slower than...
As you likely realize by this stage, bringing awareness and fostering conversation on overall health, especially chronic conditions is what drives me. Many of these conditions cause patients to feel significant fatigue. In some cases, the fatigue is so profound that...
Are you in pain? Are you okay? Pain – whether short term, chronic pain, or intermittent pain can be one of the toughest symptoms we have to manage in life. Pain can be all-consuming. Millions of people experience significant pain every day. What is the true definition...
The interview this month is with Lauren, a neurological intensive care RN. Lauren specializes in neurology, neurosurgery, migraine, headaches, strokes, brain tumors and other trauma related to brain and spine. Lauren’s experience with migraine started very early on in...
A large number of our U.S. military troops are deployed internationally during wartime to protect America’s interests. Little did many know that after stepping up to serve their country, they would have another battle to fight. This battle unfortunately can be more...
My experiences and those of others I know is proof that medical providers can also be rated on a 1 to 10 scale (just like pain). However, in rating doctors, one is the worst case scenario and 10 is the best. If you feel your doctor is less than a “10,” I suggest a...
There may come a time when it’s necessary to “fire” your doctor to achieve your best health. It’s important to ask yourself, “Do I genuinely feel that my doctor has my best interest at heart?” The doctor you choose to entrust your health with is vitally important. The...
Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. However, I will say that experiencing migraine and meningitis have provided me with the ability to gauge pain better. Do you have a good understanding of the pain scale? If you have a condition that causes pain, you will...
In regards to one’s health, it’s common to have an understanding of family medical history and whether or not you are living a healthy lifestyle. But how aware are you of the chemical content in the food you ingest day after day? Weighing in on this topic is Dr. Nancy...
In this personal interview, Judy, a warm and friendly 92-year-old great-grandmother, successful real estate investor and businesswoman, shares her experience with migraine. Judy is an individual who suffered from migraine for over 25 years, with experiences of having...
I am pleased to share an exclusive, three-part interview with highly respected expert, Dr. Nancy Klimas, who holds multiple noteworthy positions including Director, Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University. Klimas specializes in myalgic...
This personal interviews is with Mike, a youthful and active 65-year-old father of two and grandfather of three. Mike’s lifelong career is that of a general building contractor, involving homes, commercial properties, and multiple unit developments. Mike is an...
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