Author: healthtost
By: Lisanne Meiners McCuller, PT, DPT, Pelvic Health Specialist at the Woman’s Center for Wellness Pelvic problems, such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction, can be life-changing for women and men. As a pelvic therapist, my goal is to give individuals the freedom to continue a normal lifestyle. This all starts with strengthening the pelvic floor and core muscles. A weakened or damaged pelvic floor can cause the following symptoms: Urinary: Urinary leakage, incontinence, urgency, increased frequency or difficulty emptying the bladder Prolapse of the pelvic organs Intestine: Constipation, difficulty passing stool, or pain associated with bowel movements and incontinence Women’s…
Our bodies use protein to build and repair muscle (and to provide energy and break down food and support growth and development). But if you’re looking for other sources of protein—especially ones that don’t add a lot of extra fat and calories—where should you start? How much protein (and how many calories) you need is different for everyone. But there are rules around what can be called “high protein.” A food should provide 20% or more of the Daily Value (DV) or 10 grams based on a 2,000 calorie diet. However, a food product Protein content is not generally listed…
More than a million people die each year from infections with antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, and the problem is growing. Meanwhile, the discovery of new antimicrobials that can help stem the tide has not kept pace. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin see promise in a class of natural antimicrobials called microcins, which are produced by bacteria in the gut and help them compete with rival bacteria. In a pair of recent papers, researchers identify the first known microkinin that targets strains of bacteria that cause cholera and describe a method of finding microkinins in bacterial genomes with the help…
Many doctors mistakenly rely on blood serum B12 levels to screen for vitamin B12 deficiency. There it was two cases of young, strictly vegetarian subjects without known vascular risk factors. One had a stroke and the other had multiple strokes. Why? Probably because they weren’t taking vitamin B12 supplements, which leads to high levels of homocysteine, which can attack our arteries. So that’s it eating plant-based foods that fail to supplement with B12 may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, as you can see in the chart below and at 0:47 in my video How to test…
Obesity not only exacerbates the effects of COVID-19 but also significantly increases susceptibility to infection after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for increased prevention efforts among at-risk populations. Study: Obesity and age are risk factors for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection among exposed individuals. Image credit: Studio Romantic / Shutterstock.com Obesity has been shown to worsen morbidity and mortality outcomes among individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In a recent study published in PNAS Nexus, Obesity also increases the risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, researchers reveal. Does obesity increase sensitivity?…
Every now and then in life something goes wrong with our bodies. They are incredibly complex and subject to a huge number of external influences, as well as a few genetic problems. Gynecological problems are very common, but they can still be quite annoying. Changes can happen seemingly overnight, leaving you baffled as to what went wrong. Vaginal tightness is a common complaint from women of all ages. If you’re wondering why you’re suddenly feeling tight down there, we’ve got some possible answers for you. There are a number of reasons why your vagina may suddenly become tight, so it…
September is here and with it comes National Skincare Month—a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of taking care of our skin. While it’s fantastic to have a month to focus on skin care, the truth is that maintaining healthy skin shouldn’t be limited to just one month. Our skin is our largest organ and deserves attention every day of the year. Here are some ideas for effective skin care.Why skin care matters all year roundContinuous exposure to environmental factors: Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental aggressors such as UV rays, pollution and climate change. These factors can contribute…
Why do teenagers not grip the tires? In alarming news, the World Health Organization recent international research of 250,000 15-year-olds found prophylactic usage has declined significantly between 2014 and 2022. TThe agency has since raised concerns about the potential health risks of this behavioral trend, including increased risk sexually transmitted infections (STDs) and unintended pregnancies. All of which means it’s more important than ever to have an open and honest conversation about what’s stopping the latest generation of lovers from protecting themselves and their partners. When used correctly, condoms are highly effective in reducing the risk of infection such as…
Booking a Disney VIP tour can be a complete game changer for your trip—no long lines, exclusive experiences, and personalized attention. But as magical as it is, there are still a few things that can trip you up if you’re not careful. After learning from my own experience, here are five mistakes I made when booking my Disney VIP tour that you should avoid! 1. Trying to do too many parks in one day With a VIP tour, you might feel like you can conquer all four parks in one day — and technically, you can. However, trying to do…
The importance of nutrient-packed after-school snacksLast week, in preparation for the first week of school, we talked about making school lunches and how this can be a struggle for many families. For many of us here in my town, we are entering the second week of school and parents are reminded of how hard our “little ones” are working at school by the size of their appetites when they get home. After a long day at school, kids often come home in a frenzy, making after-school snacks a new part of their eating routine. However, the snack should be balanced…