Harnessing the power of the mind-body connection The mind-body connection means that you can learn to use your thoughts to positively influence some of your body’s physical responses, thereby decreasing stress. If you recall a time when you were happy, grateful or calm, your body and mind tend to relax. Research has shown that when you imagine an experience, you often have similar mental and physical responses to those you have when the event actually happens. For example, if you recall an…

I get so depressed during winter, but my husband doesn’t believe in seasonal mood changes. Is there really a connection between winter and depression?

What Causes Wrinkles? There are many factors that contribute to the onset of wrinkles. Over time, skin begins to wrinkle and things in the environment, like ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, make the skin even less elastic. Gravity can cause skin to sag and wrinkle. The following four factors are the most significant that contribute to aging skin. 1. Aging Wrinkles are a by-product of the aging process. With age, skin cells divide more slowly, and the inner layer, called the dermis,…

Online Health Chat with Dr. Margery Gass July 23, 2010 Introduction Cleveland_Clinic_Host: Female sexual dysfunction is more common than you might think. Several population-based surveys show that approximately 43 percent of American women have some form of sexual dysfunction, from low desire to painful intercourse. In postmenopausal women, several factors can contribute to a less-than-fulfilling sex life. Declining estrogen levels associated with menopause can lead to decreased arousal.…

Why exercise? Exercising is the single most important thing that you can do to keep yourself healthy and to delay the aging process. Keeping physically fit may add up to two to three years to an individual’s life span. The benefits of exercise go far beyond improving cardiovascular fitness and pulmonary function. Exercise helps to: Control blood pressure Protect against diabetes Ward off depression, anxiety, and insomnia Enhance balance and strength (minimizing accidental…

Your cosmetic surgery is over. You’ve been healing for a week or so and by now, you might even have your stitches out. Now it’s time to get back to normal. But what about your appearance? Although the cosmetic surgery or procedure will improve your look in the long term, you still have to get past the initial trauma to your body – things like incision scars, bruising, discoloration, or swelling. It takes time, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide in your house while it all goes away. It could…

The citrus and ginger-soy sauce dressing turn cucumbers, tomatoes and avocados into a splendid salad. Serve this on a warm summer’s day to add the perfect flavor to your next gathering.

What is facial aging and what causes it? Facial aging refers to how the appearance of your face changes with age. Facial aging occurs mainly as the result of skin changes and changes in the deeper soft tissues of the face. Factors that influence external skin changes include natural aging, skin type, sun exposure, facial movement, and routine skin care. Facial fat deeper within the face thins with normal aging and, as gravity pulls on the face, the underlying soft tissues droop. These two…

What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) is examined. A colonoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopies are also performed in individuals without symptoms to check for colorectal polyps or cancer. A screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone 45 years of age and older, and for anyone with…

Enjoy these snacks under 200 calories between meals. Snacking is encouraged and will help you avoid excessive hunger and overeating at meal times. Please keep in mind that these snacks should be included in your daily caloric allotment. Therefore, make sure you account for snacks by adjusting mealtime calories, if necessary. Dairy or Dairy Alternative 8 oz nonfat fruited* or plain yogurt* 8 oz nonfat yogurt* with ½ cup mixed berries 8 oz nonfat yogurt* with 1 Tbsp slivered almonds,…

Leftover cooked chicken turns magically into another easy Southern favorite. This spicy dish can put a kick in your step. Serve over rice. Make your jambalaya spicier with pre-cooked chicken breasts straight from the freezer.

This recipe is featured in Holly Clegg's Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age.

The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is genetic. In fact, heredity accounts for 95 percent of all the cases of alopecia (baldness) in this country. The remaining five percent of the cases can be due to a number of things including diet, stress, illness, and/or medications. Specific factors that can cause hair loss: Medications, vitamins, or minerals: medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart problems, depression or gout; chemotherapy or radiation treatment…

Cardiac Risk Factors Cardiac risk factors are certain conditions that increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease. It is important to know: Some risk factors, called " nonmodifiable risk factors," cannot be changed. Some cardiac risk factors, called " modifiable risk factors," can be modified, controlled or treated. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of each cardiac risk factor correlate with a higher…

A better heart may be as easy as a walk in the park. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But that is precisely what the American Heart Association wants to get across with its "Simple 7" guidelines for good cardiovascular health."Simple 7" Guidelines for Good Cardiovascular Health Get activeControl cholesterolEat betterManage blood pressureLose weightReduce blood sugarStop smoking 1. Get active Aerobic exercise is a crucial factor in managing your cardiovascular risk. It aids in lowering blood…

At least 65 million Americans have high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and kidneys, increasing the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease. High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. It is up to you to take control! By making lifestyle changes, taking medications and working with your health care team, you can control your high blood pressure to help prevent future problems. Important note: These are general…

8 Tips to Successfully Manage Your Weight 1. Cut down on portions Portion your meals in a calorie-conscious manner. One quarter of your plate should comprise a palm-size portion of lean protein, such as salmon or chicken breast; another quarter should comprise a fist-size portion of unrefined grain, such as brown rice; and one-half of your plate should be filled with a variety of colorful vegetables. If you are still hungry after eating your meal, try waiting about 20 minutes to allow your…

If you have salsa, kidney and navy beans, and chicken, then what could be better than a chicken chili? Serve with reduced-fat cheese, avocado and onions.

Reduce Your Risk Factors Following these nutritional strategies can help you reduce or even eliminate some risk factors, such as reducing total and LDL-cholesterol; lowering blood pressure, blood sugars and triglycerides; and reducing body weight. While most dietary plans tell you what you can’t eat (usually your favorite foods!), the most powerful nutrition strategies help you focus on what you can and should eat. In fact, research has shown that adding certain foods to your diet is just as…

Download a blank food diary page Meal or Snack Foods and Beverages Consumed Amount Preparation Method Fat Used * Today’s Good Points: * What I Can Improve: Breakfast (7:00 am) Oatmeal ½ cup cooked Microwave None Skim milk 8 ounces Slivered almonds 2 Tbsp Apple 1 medium …

Exercise is an important part of improving and maintaining normal, comfortable back function. It is important to exercise regularly so that you can maintain your fitness level. What are the different types of exercise? Exercise can be divided into three basic groups: Strengthening— using repeated muscle contractions until the muscle becomes tired Stretching or flexibility— slow, sustained lengthening of the muscle Aerobic— steady exercise using large muscle…