Olive Oil

Olive oil is healthy but it needs to be fresh. Some of the components that contribute to health degrade quickly. Treat olive oil as you would fruit juice.

Aging

Aging is a complex process and many factors influence the process. Skin seems to top the list with cosmetic companies, plastic surgeons and dermatologists profiting from the concern. The aging process that has more to do with general health and physical and mental capability has more to do with lifestyle.

Choices During Pregnancy

Women bear a responsibility during pregnancy that choices they make can influence the health of their baby. It is not always clear exactly what those choices are but much is known about the mechanisms by which those choices can make a difference.

Health Care Value System

Hospitals are an interesting perspective on the health care value system. Much too often it is not about the value of the health care. Marketing has distorted the perspective and moved health care to the front of the line in the consumption culture.

Blueberries and Red Grapes

The sugar consumed by eating whole fruit is not the same as refined sugar contained in soda. And the nutrition content of fruit is beneficial.  It has been noted that eating fruit does not aggravate blood sugar for diabetics like eating junk food. Blueberries, apples, grapes and grapefruit appear to be beneficial for diabetics. Blueberries and red grapes may work with vitamin D to boost immunity.

Antibiotics and Resistant Infections

Overuse of antibiotics is leading to a serious problem with infections resistant to treatment. Also, antibiotics can result in side effects, especially some of the newer ones. Individuals and society must be cautious about the use of antibiotics. A significant, if not most of the antibiotic use in the U.S. can be demonstrated to be of no benefit for health. The risk is not worth the limited benefit.  

The Pathway To A Better Life

The pathway to a better life that includes better health passes through education. This article makes a good case for paying more attention to education earlier in life. 

Changing Our Ways

Teenagers are beginning to be more physically active and to eat more vegetables and fruit. At the same time the incidence of obesity and overweight is beginning to level off from its previous increase. If this holds give public and community health the credit. That this is occurring the the younger population gives hope it will hold.

Modern Culture

As modern culture spreads throughout the world there is a health price to pay. People can either pay the price or change their ways. The United States leads the way in pay the price but we don't have the money anymore and others can't afford to get started. The best way to learn from the US about health is don't follow our example. Change your ways!

What Would Martin Luther Do?

"It is time to rein in the hype and take a more realistic look at the taboos and myths surrounding infertility and science's ability to "cure" it." This statement could be applied to all of medical care. The infertility enterprise is one small part of the medical industrial complex. Indeed, what would Martin Luther do?

Exercise and Appetite

Intense exercise can reduce appetite. Exercise of any intensity is beneficial for health and some people cannot or will not engage in intense physical ativity. It is better to think of exercise in terms of health rather than weight control. Start walking and don't stop. Periods of more vigorous physical activity are good. This can be achieved gradually and consist of walking faster, walking up hills, climbing stairs, running and/or biking faster and up hills.

Make The Best Of It

Make the best of it is old advice but it can lead to greater internal peace. Sometimes goals and success are not how they were originally defined.

Gut Bacteria

Different gut bacteria are present in obese and thin people and these bacteria can cause mice to be obese or thin. Diet is a major factor in determining the composition of gut bacteria. Transplanting feces, like gastric bypass surgery, can lead to weight loss but it will be sustained only if the recipient changes their lifestyle. 

Only So Much Help

God help you if you have a heart attack because medical care an only do so much. I don't say this to frighten people but to open eyes to the fact that primary prevention is the best path through a long and healthy life. Too often medical care is thought to have mystical capability that it does not possess. 

Use It Or Lose It

Well designed video games are shown to improve brain function of older adults 60+ years old. Maintaining physical activity also improves health and prolongs life span. Retirement does not mean going out to pasture but entering a new phase of life to be equally as active as previous life, perhaps even more so. Get up, get out, get going.

Great Expectations

People often expect more from drugs than they experience benefit. This is no more true for any class than the drugs used in mental health. It is difficult to define the mechanism of action for these drugs and many of them don't function as described.