Overview A substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUDs. Researchers have[…]
Wellness is such a buzzword these days. It seems like everyone is talking about it, and with good reason. Taking care of yourself needs to be a top priority in your life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I know that you may feel stressed and overwhelmed with work, family, friends, or other commitments, but[…]
Talking about mental illness can be hard. There is a stigma that surrounds mental health and mental illness. It can prevent people from getting the support and help they need. But mental illness is a common problem. In fact, about 1 in 5 people will experience some sort of mental illness in their lifetime. So,[…]
What is cholesterol? Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your arteries and narrow or even block them. This puts you at risk for coronary artery disease and other heart diseases. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. One type, LDL,[…]
Track the Numbers If you’re allergic to mold, you may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. Mold thrives in so many places, indoors and out. But you can take steps to limit your exposure. Pay attention to outdoor spore levels. When they’re high, don’t spend as much time outside. The National Allergy Bureau sends[…]
New Research Reveals Negative Health Effects of Late Night Eating Eating dinner later in the evening could contribute to weight gain, and also set you up for potential health impacts like higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Researchers studied[…]
What’s a Cramp? If you’ve ever had a “charley horse” — that odd pain in your calf — you’ve had a cramp. But they can happen anywhere in your body at any time, even when you’re asleep. No matter where you get them, what’s going on inside is the same: Your muscles suddenly tighten up[…]
As a dietitian, I am well aware that grocery shopping can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience for many people. For example, many of my patients don’t know where to begin when in the grocery store and aren’t sure which foods to add to their cart. Plus, with seemingly endless food choices available —[…]
This summer, you can make most any meal diabetes-friendly — fast. It may be as easy as portion control, or as simple as getting more whole grains. Here’s how you can help keep blood sugar stable and enjoy yourself, too. Summer’s all about parties. This year, you can make most any meal diabetes-friendly – fast. It[…]
Physical activity can promote a sense of purpose in life, creating a virtuous cycle that keeps you moving. Our exercise habits may influence our sense of purpose in life and our sense of purpose may affect how much we exercise, according to an interesting new study of the reciprocal effects of feeling your life has meaning[…]