According to the National Institute on Aging, heart attacks and strokes are the biggest risks for senior citizens, but the disease seniors fear most is dementia. By far the biggest cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. What happens when a person has Alzheimer’s dementia is an irreversible and progressive loss … Read More
Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Pumpkins mark the fall season with decorative flair on front porches and tabletops as well as in our favorite fall flavors—pumpkin spice has quite a following! It’s boosted pumpkin’s pizazz beyond pies and lattes to hummus, pasta, and even facial scrub. The most popular winter squash—pumpkin and pumpkin seeds—has a … Read More
Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Selenium may have caught your attention, as it’s one among many supplements that has been studied for its potential to treat a variety of conditions ranging from asthma and dandruff to infertility. While it’s true that our bodies need this essential to function properly, it takes very little to do … Read More
Grey Matter vs White Matter Grey matter is where your brain neurons are located. Grey matter is found in the outer areas of your brain. Neurons are the key players in brain activities like thinking, remembering, feeling, and doing. All these functions working together are called "cognition". Loss of cognition … Read More
Flu is a viral upper respiratory tract infection that can usually be diagnosed by its symptoms. Flu symptoms start suddenly and include fever, chills, cough, congestion, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. According to the CDC, most people do not need to see a doctor or take medication. They … Read More
Guaranteed, quick energy in a can or bottle? Sounds too good to be true, right? That’s where energy drinks often come into play, but not without significant potential health risks. These beverages might be tempting when you’re tired but need to keep yourself alert. But are they safe? Are energy … Read More
Before you reach for a Monster energy drink, consider this: Are energy drinks bad for you? A growing number of studies are finding that products like Monster, Red Bull, and 5-Hour Energy can result in a variety of health dangers without offering any unique benefits. The extreme acidity, high caffeine, … Read More
Eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate may benefit health in many ways. In fact, some research suggests that chocolate is now considered an anti-aging, anti-inflammatory “superfood” for the brain and body. Although we need a lot more research before experts agree, some studies examining the health benefits of chocolate suggest … Read More
The brain loves B vitamins and they are an important consideration for improving memory and cognition as well as lowering your risk of mild cognitive impairment (or “pre-dementia”) and Alzheimer’s. A two-year study in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed taking B vitamins for memory improved cognition in older participants. … Read More
Typically, shiny red sports cars or Harley motorcycles come to mind when you hear the words mid-life crisis. Many wives joke that after 50, their husbands begin losing their minds. But, research indicates the term mild-life crisis may have a whole new meaning. You see, as a man ages, his levels … Read More
