Category Archives: Medical

13 Bad Dental Habits That Are Wrecking Your Teeth

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Greg Asseff

Everybody knows that maintaining good dental health is a cornerstone of living a healthy and fit lifestyle. At the same time, dental problems are some of the most prevalent health issues faced by Americans. According to the national institute of dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. It’s seven times more common than hay fever and five times more common than asthma. The majority of adults in the U.S. also show signs of gingival or periodontal diseases. Oral health has also been linked to disease prevention in other areas. For example, some research has shown that having periodontal disease could raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. But aside from the obvious brushing and flossing, what can be done to maintain dental health? You should avoid:

Posted in Diet, Health, Health Facts, Medical | 7,889 Comments

Study Says Loneliness As Big a Risk Factor For Early Death As Obesity

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Greg Asseff

When it comes to early mortality, preventable risk factors such as obesity and smoking are widely discussed. For example, one study from 2012 claims that otherwise healthy, non-smoking adults could be hastening mortality by 9.44 years if they’re obese. Information on smoking may be even more prevalent. According to the CDC, smokers have a life expectancy that’s a full 10 years shorter than nonsmokers. Also, quitting smoking before turning 40 can lower a person’s risk of death due to a smoking-related disease by an astonishing 90 percent. But while these risk factors are fairly well understood, there may still be many under-recognized causes of early mortality. Case in point, a new study from Brigham Young University claims that loneliness could actually shorten a person’s life. It’s a big problem, and it could be getting much worse in the near future.

Posted in Health, Medical, Mental Health, News, Studies | 1,441 Comments

Diet Soda Linked to Belly Fat in Older Adults

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Greg Asseff

Abdominal obesity has reached near-epidemic levels in America. Just over 54 percent of the U.S. population now has abdominal obesity, which is up from 46.4 percent around the turn of the millennium. The average American’s waist size now measures 38.8 inches. Besides simple cosmetic issues, though, too much belly fat comes with the risk of more serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and early death. Factors that contribute to an expanding waistline often include stress, poor sleep habits, hormonal imbalances and certain medications. Of course, the biggest factors usually involve poor diet and lack of exercise. Unfortunately, diet soda, intended to be a healthier alternative to a very unhealthy product, may actually be contributing to the epidemic of belly fat in older adults.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Medical, News, Nutrition, Studies, Weight Loss | 7 Comments

A Vegetarian Diet May Lower the Risk of Colon Cancer

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Greg Asseff

According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the U.S. It’s also the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Risk factors often include age, ethnicity and family history. For example, over 90 percent of the people who develop colon cancer are over the age of 50, and the average age at diagnosis is 72. A person who has parents or siblings with colon cancer is two to three times more likely to develop it themselves. Sufferers of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may be more likely to develop the disease as well. The problem with these risk factors is that they’re not necessarily controllable. There’s absolutely nothing you can do about your age or family history. However, as a new study reports, you may be able to control your colon cancer risk by avoiding one thing: meat.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Medical, News, Nutrition, Studies | 670 Comments

Frequent Saunas Can Reduce the Risk of Heart Problems in Men

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Greg Asseff

To many Americans, a sauna is a hot room at a hotel, gym or spa that provides some moments of relaxation after a workout or swimming session. If these types of saunas are modeled after traditional saunas, they typically involve a stove that heats rocks to high temperatures and provides long-lasting heat. However, sauna patrons in hotels and spas are often not permitted to pour water onto the rocks to increase the temperature. Despite the considerable differences, many Americans might also confuse saunas with steam rooms. In Finland, however, saunas are a much more integral part of the culture. Finnish people may take multiple saunas per week at temperatures much hotter than a typical spa or hotel would allow. In fact, most people have saunas right in their homes. According to a new study, all these saunas may be helping Finns live longer.