Daily Health News Blog

Certain medications and conditions can cause damage to your strands by Kim Hayes, AARP Full and luxurious hair can be a good sign that you are getting proper nutrition. While many of us only focus on the aesthetic pleasure of having flowing shiny locks, the fact is that dull, limp strands, or hair loss, can sometimes indicate a health issue. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Hair loss and graying While thinning and graying hair can be a standard part of aging for both women and men, a recent study of 2,000 men in India showed that participants who had coronary artery disease were more likely to be prematurely bald or gray. The study, conducted by the European Society of Cardiology on men under 40, discovered that the 50 percent of participants with coronary artery disease were more likely to have gone prematurely gray, versus 30 percent of a healthy control group, the BBC reports. The participants in the heart condition group were also more likely (49 p

By Colleen McCleery, MD, OB/GYN—Exuberan® by Virtua Menopause is a mixed bag of little surprises. While most women look forward to saying goodbye to tampons and pads, far fewer are excited to now experience hot flashes and night sweats. And it’s probably fair to say that weight gain is the least popular and often least expected “side effect” of this hormonal shift. Considering many women struggle with their weight on a good day, it’s not surprising that this is the number one complaint from patients who are going through this transition. The biology of menopause During the late 40s to mid-50s, a hormone called FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) increases and no longer performs its job to regulate the ovaries. During this increase in FSH, other hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone decrease. A decrease in testosterone can lead to weight gain and decreased energy. And, not surprisingly, estrogen loss has far-reaching effects beyond hot flashes. It contribut

10 Easy Ways to Love Your Liver by Jess Kuh In today's world it seems that it takes more effort to be healthy. Our daily lives are spent more inside than out in the sun. We exercise less because we have sitting jobs. Our foods come from depleted soil, and we fight being bombarded with chemicals. Yikes! Not a very encouraging picture is it? One advantage we do have, though, is more access to knowledge! There are ways to keep your body healthy and one of the best things you can do is keep your liver happy. The liver is a pathway to detox for your body, so if it isn't working properly, it is very easy for your body to get backed up. This can cause a cascade of other health issues. Thinking about doing a liver detox intimates to me so I like to add things to my daily routine that will help keep my liver happy. They are easy to get used to and help keep my liver working properly. 10 Easy Ways to Love Your Liver 1. Drink Enough Water Our bodies need water. It help

By Michelle S. Hunt, PsyD, LCADC Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Virtua Medical and Bariatric Weight Loss People with food addiction struggle every day with a loss of control or inability to stop eating foods that are high in carbohydrates, fat, salt, sugar or artificial sweeteners. They also suffer from painful feelings of shame and embarrassment when it comes to their food behaviors. Food addiction is a relatively new topic. But, it’s a complex condition that has similarities to other types of addiction, such as drugs, alcohol, shopping or gambling. However, help is available. Understanding the causes and signs of food addiction can help you lower your risk and change potentially problematic behaviors. What causes food addiction? Consuming “highly palatable” foods, or foods that are high in carbohydrates, fat, salt, sugar or artificial sweeteners, triggers the pleasure centers of the brain and releases “feel-good” chemicals such as dop