Blog

Extreme heat can be problematic for your health, especially if you’re active outdoors. At the beginning of each summer, I educate my patients on how to prevent heat-related issues. Here’s what I tell them.

I preach to my patients the importance of eating a gut-friendly diet. Poor gut health can lead to digestive issues, a weak immune system, skin problems and sleep disturbances. Where should you begin? Start by incorporating probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics into your diet. Here’s what you need to know.

Most of my patients are not familiar with phthalates. These “everywhere chemicals” are found in many household and personal care items, and leach into the environment. They’re problematic because they can disrupt the endocrine system, damage the reproductive and neurological systems, and have been linked to obesity, asthma, allergies and some forms of cancer. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to lower your exposure to phthalates. Here’s what you need to know.

I always encourage my patients to get between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night. However, some of my patients like to burn the midnight oil and take naps when needed. That’s not a healthy approach. A recent study found that people who nap regularly have higher blood pressure. Here’s what you need to know.

Practically half of my patients have high blood pressure. You’re probably aware that lowering your sodium intake can help lower your blood pressure. But you may not be aware that increasing your potassium intake also helps control it. If you’re struggling to manage your blood pressure, let’s talk. In the meantime, read this blog to learn more.

Did you ever wonder why I always check your vitamin D levels and ask if you’re taking your supplements? When it comes to keeping our bodies functioning, Vitamin D plays a starring role. Often called the "sunshine vitamin," it's one of the 13 essential vitamins our bodies need for growth and maintenance. Yet, despite its importance, more than 40 percent of American adults don't get enough of it. Here’s why Vitamin D matters so much and how you can ensure you're getting an adequate supply.

I warn my patients to limit their processed foods. Many brands use questionable ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, excessive salt and added sugar. There’s also a wide range of preservatives used - some are deemed safe, while others should be avoided. Here are five preservatives that may have ties to cancer.

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, there’s a good chance it’s related to stress. In fact, the combination of insomnia and stress is problematic for many Americans, according to a recent Gallup poll. If stress keeps you up at night, talk to me about it and check out these tips.

Women have been using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for years to help ease menopause symptoms and lower their risk of menopause-linked conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia. However, many women have a misunderstanding of Hormone Replacement Therapy and avoid HRT. As a result, some of these women try supplements, but that might not be the best alternative.

Many of my patients want to lose weight quickly, and I can’t blame them. But rapid weight loss is difficult to sustain; in fact, it’s usually followed by rapid weight gain. Here’s more on the importance of losing weight gradually.

I talk a lot about heart disease to my patients because it’s been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for more than a century. Despite public health efforts to lower the rates, they continue rising. Here’s an overview of a recent report on heart disease, along with tips to help you keep your heart healthy.

Many of my patients have heard me talk about the Mediterranean and Dash diets. But there’s another valuable diet that you can follow for brain health; it’s the Mind diet. Here’s how the Mind diet can help lower your risk of dementia.

Kidney disease is rising in the U.S. Currently, 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, but 90% are unaware of it, as its signs and symptoms are unnoticeable in earlier stages of the disease. This is why I educate my patients on how they can lower their risk. Here’s what you need to know.

Some of my soda-loving patients are now drinking prebiotic sodas because they taste like soda and are available in typical soda flavors but have added fiber and fewer calories and grams of sugar. Are they worth the hype? Here’s what you need to know.

Losing weight and keeping it off is not easy. When one of my patients decides to go on a weight loss journey with the intention of losing a significant amount of weight. I warn them they may not reach their goal weight, but they will be healthier (and possibly happier) for trying. Here’s why.

Most cancer cases have a higher survival rate when they’re detected early. However, there are more than 200 types of cancer, and only five have early screenings. As a result, more than 50 percent of cancers are diagnosed in an advanced stage. A new type of test may change this dynamic. Called liquid biopsies, these multi-cancer early detection tests may help fill the gaps left by the five standard cancer screenings. They may also be combined with those standard screenings to provide a more comprehensive approach to early detection. If you’re curious about this test, let’s talk at your next appointment.

Let’s talk about coffee. Most of my patients drink coffee daily, and a large percentage of them purchase coffee (or another beverage) from a coffee shop every week. Coffee shops can be very enticing, rolling out festive, seasonal flavors, particularly during this time of year. But these drinks may be taking a toll on your wallet, and more importantly, your health. Here’s more on coffee shop coffees.

Many of my patients switched from dairy milk to a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk. However, not all alternative milks are created equal – and this is especially true of almond milk. Here’s what might be in your almond milk.

(MEN: This article is a good read. The information for this article is from the Women’s Health Initiative, so the information can only be used to assess the risk in the study group. But poor sleep and AFib are concerns for men as well.) Sleep deprivation can lead to various chronic health conditions, exacerbate stress and anxiety and contribute to mental health issues. A recent study has also linked lack of sleep to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation in women. Here’s what you need to know.

About two out of three Americans have some level of cognitive impairment by age 70. Currently, cognitive decline is not preventable or curable; however, there are tactics you can take to protect your brain health, such as exposure to scents while sleeping. Here’s what you need to know.

My patients ask many questions about bone health. It’s understandable – osteoporosis is a debilitating health condition that affects many older women and men, as well.. A commonly overlooked risk factor is excessive alcohol consumption. Learn more about the connection between alcohol and bone health.

Do you sit for hours? Most of my patients do. Many of them have desk jobs and then watch TV at night; hobbies such as knitting, sewing and painting are also popular. And doom scrolling on phones has become part of most people’s daily routine. But sitting for hours can take a toll on your body. These tips can help offset the negative effects of sitting.

Many of my patients have a love-hate relationship with red meat. On one hand, it may be one of their favorite foods, but they also realize that regular consumption raises the risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Red meat does have some health benefits. In fact, studies say you don’t have to skip eating it if you make healthy choices. Try these six tips the next time you're eating red meat.

A heart‑healthy diet supports lower cholesterol, balanced blood pressure, and long‑term cardiovascular wellness. Learn how nutritious foods protect your heart.

Dive into the significance of preventive care for women's health, exploring key screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle factors that contribute to overall wellness and disease prevention.

Explore various mental health challenges individuals face and provide practical strategies for coping, emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues.