More Columns From This Author

Vitamin D-fish-ency
February 1, 2012

Vitamins are essential for normal function of our bodies. The word comes from the roots vit- meaning life and –amine which refers to a chemical component of many biological molecules. They are “vital” because most vitamins cannot be made by the body. These nutrients must be obtained by outside sources, that is, food.

To catch a cold
January 18, 2012

Our respiratory system is designed primarily to exchange gases. Each time we inhale, oxygen is brought into the lungs to be absorbed into our blood stream and distributed throughout the body for energy production. When we exhale, carbon dioxide, a byproduct of normal metabolism, is eliminated.

Walk it off
January 4, 2012

The average American gains five to ten pounds during the holidays. The New Year is the perfect time to focus on getting back on the health track. Regular exercise is among the most beneficial health-promoting activities we can do for ourselves.

Fruited medicines
December 21, 2011

Grapefruits are high in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. So they’re good for us, right?

Peripheral arterial disease
November 23, 2011

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) refers to a condition wherein the blood flow to the legs is diminished due to blockage in the arteries. It affects about 5% of the U.S. population. Symptoms and changes related to the disease can be very subtle, making it difficult to diagnose in a timely fashion.

Get ahead of lead
November 9, 2011

Lead poisoning has occasionally surfaced in health news due to toys containing lead. Lead toxicity has generally decreased in the U.S. since the 1970’s when lead was removed from house paints and in the 1990’s when lead-containing gasoline was banned.

Concussion discussion
October 26, 2011

The long-term effects of concussions have been at the forefront of sports news over the last several months. They have been responsible for rule changes and new guidelines from high school leagues on up to pro sports.

Listeria
October 12, 2011

Over the last couple of months, several food poisoning illnesses and deaths have been linked to cantaloupes infected with Listeria. The contaminated cantaloupes were reportedly shipped out of Colorado at the end of July and the beginning of September.

Gallbladder
September 28, 2011

The gallbladder is an organ that is largely ignored and poorly understood by many, that is until it starts acting up. Individuals can have their gallbladder removed without any major health consequences – much like the appendix.

The soundness of sleep
September 7, 2011

Sleep is one of the most important daily functions in regard to our general health and well-being. It’s like the body’s mental and physical recharge when the battery gets low from daily use. Like a reboot when you computer starts going haywire. But most Americans probably are not getting enough sleep each day.