More than 45 million Americans experience mental illness every year. That’s about 1 in 5 adults. There’s so much stigma surrounding this ailment that people go to great lengths to hide their mental health condition, including failing to seek or dropping out of treatment. A huge chunk of the negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding mental…

It’s SO confusing! With so many new diets and workout routines popping up all over the place, especially around January 1, it’s hard to know which is the “right” one. Should we go with Paleo? Gluten-free? Vegan? Vegetarian?  Should we join a spin class, buy a Peloton, take up Pilates, enroll in yoga, or become…

1 in 68 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of conditions known to cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges. They include autism – which is the most common, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Early Symptoms Autism appears in early childhood. Symptoms typically include: Communication problems such as speech…

We’re living in the age of health and fitness technology. From the fitness bands telling us how our workout is going to the calorie trackers telling us how our diet is coming along, technology has earned its place in health and fitness. There are hundreds of thousands of fitness apps in the app stores, with…

Physical fitness gets a lot of attention and for good reason. It can literally keep the doctor away by preventing obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other diseases that are caused by unhealthy lifestyles. However, being physically fit is only half the battle; the other half is emotional fitness. What is Emotional Fitness? Do…

After 40, some parts of our bodies become tighter and stiffer while others become rounder and squishier! There are a couple of reasons why this happens. The metabolism slows by about 5% every decade after the age of 40. You will have to eat 100 calories less every day to maintain your weight, and much…

Social media is a big part of the lives of teens today. It provides them with a sense of community and enables them to connect with people worldwide. However, social media is not all sunshine and roses. Studies suggest that heavy social media usage is likelier to develop a negative body image, low self-esteem, and…

The term “bipolar” is sometimes used in jest to describe personality traits. However, bipolar is a serious disorder that affects more than 5 million Americans. It’s a brain disorder that causes manic-depressive episodes, which are characterized by unusual and extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These episodes can affect a person’s ability to…

Tracking your weight can be frustrating, especially if you have more than a few pounds to lose. Besides, body weight can fluctuate by a few pounds a day, making it even more frustrating! When you’re thirsty, your body panics and retains water, causing you to weigh more. When you’re adequately hydrated, your body drops the…

Pets. There’s just something about them that makes us feel good! So good, in fact, that pet owners visit their doctor less often than non-pet owners. While this is true, few people know the reasons why, until now. Healthier Heart and Lower Blood Pressure Pet ownership, especially dog ownership, is associated with a lower risk…

More than 8 million people run 5Ks every year, making it the most popular race in America. If you’re not a runner, you’ve probably wondered what’s so special about a 5K.   The K in 5K stands for kilometer; a 5K is basically a 3.18-mile run. It’s the perfect run for a beginner because it…

Here’s why you felt weak and crummy after that cold, flu, or stomach bug. It’s because your body worked extra hard to fight off the illness. It’s the job of your white blood cells to regenerate and repair the daily wear and tear of the muscles.  But when you’re sick or get an infection, they…