We’ve talked about the sun being a double-edged sword. Similarly, so is sunscreen. While sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays in the short term, there are concerns about how the chemicals impact the body, and our environment, over time. It’s a catch-22 that’s enough to make you want to hide inside all summer! […]
Too Much Sun or Not Enough? The Vitamin D Dilemma
The sun is a double-edged sword. We hear about the dangers of overexposure: premature aging, decreased immunity, and skin cancer. Yet, not getting enough sun leads to vitamin D deficiency, which affects 42% of Americans (and may also increase the risk of cancer!). So…should we get less sun or more sun? The answer is not […]
What’s that Rash: Athlete’s Foot
If you’ve ever gone to a public locker room, gym, swimming pool, or sports club, you’ve probably been advised at some point to wear flip flops or shower shoes. There’s a good reason for that: protecting yourself from athlete’s foot. What is athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot goes by the formal name of tinea pedis. It’s […]
Tips to Avoid Bee Stings this Summer
When the warm weather comes and flowers start to blossom, they inevitably signal our buzzy fuzzy friends: the honeybees. Honeybees are a crucial part of our food ecosystem and are generally gentle insects. But, if you’ve ever gotten stung by one of them, you know firsthand the downside to honeybees. Bee stings can be painful, […]
How Can I Prevent Shin Splints?
Shin splints are one of the most common injuries for runners, dancers, and other athletes. Known medically as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints occur from repeated stress of impact on the shinbone (tibia). It manifests as pain and tenderness along the front of the leg. Shin splints can be painful, but thankfully they are […]
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, afflicts at least 75 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It’s a condition that can have widespread effects on the body, and as of 2013, costs the nation $52 billion per year in healthcare and workforce costs. What causes high blood pressure, and why is it so […]
What’s that Rash: Swimmer’s Itch
It can be tempting on a hot summer day to go wading in a nearby lake or take a dip in the ocean. While this is an enjoyable way to cool off, there’s one thing to keep an eye out for afterward: swimmer’s itch. What is swimmer’s itch? Swimmer’s itch goes by the formal name […]
How Much Exercise Do I Really Need?
We all know we’re supposed to eat healthily and exercise. With today’s hectic lifestyles, that’s easier said than done. Between work, family, and community commitments, it’s easy to allow busy schedules and convenience to rule the day. However, we challenge every person to make their health a priority — so you can live life on […]
Feeling the (Heart)Burn?
Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. But, burn it does. This burning sensation that occurs in the chest afflicts millions of Americans every month. While it may be common, it’s important to know when heartburn can be treated on your own or when it merits a visit to the doctor. […]
Allergies — What’s the Deal?
You wake up one day with a scratchy throat, itchy eyes, and non-stop sneezing. Hellooo, allergies! People who have never had allergies before are often surprised when they “suddenly” develop them. What’s the deal? Here’s what’s going on… Respiratory Allergies vs. Food Allergies Food allergies Food allergies are extremely common, and likely affect someone you […]
