Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone,” because it becomes more abundant when we are faced with a stressful situation. It affects the heart rate, breathing patterns, and other aspects of the body’s “fight or flight” response. But just what is cortisol? And what does it do? Probably … Read More
As a longtime migraine sufferer, I am never too surprised when I get headaches during periods of high stress. Stress is always on the list of common migraine causes. But what has always baffled me is when my migraines get worse when I am finally able to relax after stressful … Read More
Every year, millions of Americans are hit by cold, flu, and other respiratory infections. While the common cold will rarely cause serious complications, the flu and other infections—such as Legionnaire’s, pneumococcus, and mycoplasma—can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications, especially in the young, the elderly, and the chronically sick. … Read More
Irritable-bowel syndrome usually starts in early adulthood, and it affects women more often than men. Irritable-bowel syndrome does not permanently damage the intestines, nor does it lead to serious diseases, such as cancer. No one knows what causes IBS. It cannot be traced to any single condition, but research suggests … Read More
An estimated 40 million Americans—many of them seniors—suffer from long-term sleep disorders that result in sleep deprivation. And because poor sleep takes a heavy toll on the brain, detecting and treating sleep disorders is especially important for those of us who worry about maintaining mental acuity as we age. Researchers … Read More
Tossing and turning during the night is miserable. Whether you can’t fall asleep until the wee hours of the night, or whether you wake up in the middle of the night unable to get back to sleep, insomnia can be frustrating and completely interfere with your ability to function during … Read More
