When you meet someone, online or in person, you might think the worst possible thing that they can say to you is no. The absolute worst thing I’ve ever heard/read in a dating situation is “I don’t know.” For me, indecision is the worst situation because if you can’t decide if something in your life is worth it, it probably isn’t.  So, when I read a profile, on Bumble for example, and the guy answers the question, “What are you looking for?” with “I Don’t Know,” I swipe left!  That may seem like a shallow reason to do so, but let me tell you why. Being indecisive is a choice. ... Read More

Have you heard of a Pegan Diet?  It is a blend of paleo and vegan. I know that may sound crazy, since paleo is very meat focused and vegan is no animal products at all! Pegan is the middle ground between the two. The term was coined by Dr. Mark Hyman who recommends dietary guidelines that combine the best of both “paleo” and “vegan” ways of eating. Dr. Hyman is a physician and best-selling author of books such as Eat Fat, Get Thin: Why the Fat We Eat Is the Key to Sustained Weight Loss and Vibrant Health.  He is also the founder and medical director of The UltraWellness Center in Massachusetts. Here... Read More

People often struggle to find ways to preserve health and happiness when they live in stress-inducing urban environments. Recent research suggests parks have a unique capacity to enhance physical health and foster a sense of community for city dwellers. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, used information from the Gallup-Healthways Well-being Index, the U.S. Census Bureau, and a variety of other sources and combined this analysis with city-level data on park quantity, quality and accessibility... Read More

Sugar is both a delightful treat and the bane of our existence because, while it is delicious, it also seems to be addictive. Scientific evidence is mounting to suggest that too much added sugar in our diets could lead to true addiction. Sugar is linked to addiction because when we eat it, dopamine and opioids are released into the bloodstream. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that creates a reward associated with addictive behavior. Once dopamine is released into the system, it gives us a pleasurable “high.” Why do we crave sugar? The main natural source of sugar is fruit. Thousands of years... Read More

Thanksgiving kicks off weeks of eating, shopping, parties, and family gatherings. Most people feel a mix of joy and anxiety right before and during the holidays. Statistics show that up to 69 percent of people are stressed by lack of time, 69 percent are stressed by a lack of money, and 51 percent are stressed out about the pressure to give or get gifts. A British study examined people’s stress levels and other behavior during the holiday season. For anyone feeling less than on top of things, the turning point from mild to severe stress comes on December 18 and peaks on Christmas Day. According... Read More

This month’s blog was going to be about something else entirely, but then I read a piece about a woman who won a law suit against her ex. The ex broke up with her and then shared her nude pics and videos with her friends, classmates, and pornographic websites.  This story persuaded me to write about the hazards of sharing suggestive media with anyone, even your significant other. A federal district court in California last week entered a default judgment against a man and ordered him to pay $6.45 million in damages after he was accused of spreading an ex-girlfriend’s naked pictures and videos... Read More

Over the past decade there has been growing interest in natural childbirth. As part of that debate many have questioned whether doctors should dispose of a placenta after birth. Many mammals consume their placenta — referred to as placentophagy — and there are proponents who argue that humans should also engage in this practice. What is the science of placentophagy? Is it safe to consume a placenta? Is it beneficial? The placenta is an organ shared by a pregnant mother and her growing fetus, functioning as the lungs, gastrointestinal system, liver, and kidneys of the developing child. Proponents... Read More

It’s Movember, the time when men grow mustaches to raise awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and big health issues for men. The Movember Foundation is dedicated to improving quality of life for men, 60% of whom don’t go to the doctor and only 7% of whom actually talk about their health. Men still die an average of six years earlier than women, due to health conditions that are largely preventable. Compared to women, men are more likely to: Smoke and drink Make unhealthy or risky choices Put off regular checkups and medical care If you have family and friends,... Read More

A 2015 survey found that two out of three U.S. teens owned an iPhone. For this reason, the generation of kids born after 1995 is called iGen, coined by author Jean Twenge, author of a book on the subject. According to the Pew Research Center, smart phone ownership crossed the 50 percent threshold in late 2012 – right when teen depression and suicide began to increase. These increases in depression, suicide attempts and suicide appeared among teens from every background, across all races and ethnicities, and in every region of the country. The bottom line:  iGen teens are much more likely to... Read More

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by redness and often small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. Over 3 million people are estimated to have rosacea and the signs and symptoms may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then diminish for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction or other skin problems. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it could be due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. A number of factors can trigger rosacea by increasing blood flow to the surface of your skin. Some of these factors include: Hot drinks Spicy foods Alcohol Temperature... Read More