Health and Wellness

If you find it challenging to understand the convoluted and sometimes conflicting information regarding your healthcare, you’re not alone. Because the U.S. healthcare system is so complex, sometimes it can be a struggle for patients and even doctors to have clear, transparent information about the costs of medications and how they are covered by insurance….

New Year’s resolutions are often hard to maintain, especially if you are trying to make healthier food choices after indulging in treats during the holidays. According to a 2019 Marist Poll, 44 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. For those who plan to make a resolution, two of the top resolutions are losing weight…

When looking ahead to the rest of the year, so many get excited about the latest trends, gadgets or gizmos getting the most attention as they look for what they might be interested in for themselves or their family. The world of health and fitness is an area that is always evolving to the point…

Conquer winter itch with dermatologist tips The chill, the dryness, the itch: As temperatures drop, winter can wreak havoc on your skin. Fortunately, you can fight winter’s wrath by taking a few smart, proactive steps. Winter skin woes are common, with 83 percent of Americans saying their skin feels differently during the winter than it…

When the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) was founded in 1953, little was known about cancer and even less about the immune system. CRI was the first – and for many decades the only – research funding organization that believed that we could one day harness the immune system as a powerful weapon against cancer. Since…

With few having the time to devote to cooking an elaborate meal, a collection of delicious and dependable 30-minute recipes for a quick but satisfying meal can be handy. What else keeps things simple? Having fresh staples such as California table grapes on hand helps brighten up any recipe and fuel up after activities. Mediterranean…

Jan. 1 marks the official start of the new year and is our annual reminder to set resolutions, such as eating healthier, practicing mindfulness, getting organized or finally joining a gym. It’s the perfect excuse to hit the reset button to lead a healthier lifestyle. Whether that’s waking up to a glass of celery juice…

When you’re living with type 2 diabetes, there is a lot to think about when it comes to your health. Most people know that eating healthy, staying physically active, and following a prescribed treatment plan are important to successfully manage the disease. What many people may not know is that it’s also important to understand…

‘Tis the season for cookies, cakes, candies and more! Those delectable treats are an iconic part of celebrations big and small. Whether you want to cozy up by the fire with your favorite confection or bring a few batches to the school bake sale, you’re bound to be baking like crazy this time of year….

For many families, health care is a major expense, even with health insurance coverage. There’s a great solution that can help financially prepare you for out-of-pocket costs, and it may be right there in your wallet: A health savings account. “A health savings account is a valuable tool that can help you manage health care…

Medicare Open Enrollment is in full swing. For most people enrolled in Medicare, the annual Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7) is the only opportunity to make changes to your existing Medicare coverage. Even if you are happy with your Medicare coverage, you should take the time to explore your options. There may…

If you’re like many Americans, you’re diligent about maintaining your health by eating right, exercising and regularly seeing your doctor. But even the most health-conscious people are often unaware of daily behaviors in their lives that could be straining or even damaging their eyes. That’s surprising, given that 21 percent of Americans believe severe vision…

By Dr. Kevin Williams (Chief Medical Officer, Pfizer Rare Disease Unit) The “Ask Dr. Kevin” series is brought to you by Pfizer Rare Disease in collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to increase understanding of sickle cell disease. With National Sickle Cell Awareness Month just next month, I’ve been thinking a lot about…

If you’re like many Americans, you’re diligent about maintaining your health by eating right, exercising and regularly seeing your doctor. But even the most health-conscious people are often unaware of daily behaviors in their lives that could be straining or even damaging their eyes. That’s surprising, given that 21 percent of Americans believe severe vision…

Although anyone can develop a mental health problem, African Americans sometimes experience more severe forms of mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Common mental health disorders among African…

When someone tends to look drastically different or lose an excessive amount of weight, hearing comments about being too skinny or thin is something my clients, colleagues, fitness competitors and I hear so much.  These types of negative comments about weight loss not only come from acquaintances, but some of the people closest to us….