Author: healthtost
By Mara Gaudette, MS, CGC, Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby California The chat message came promptly at the morning start time. The words and exclamation points clearly emphasized concern. “I just found out I’m pregnant! Taking statin medication to lower cholesterol since 6th grade! I talked to my doctor and stopped taking it yesterday. But what damage have I already done? I know it’s a class X drug! Need information – please help!” Mae agreed to a phone call and I logged off the MotherToBaby live chat service and called Mae. First, you may wonder why anyone would take a cholesterol-lowering…
Fruit is called nature’s sweet for a reason: It’s the largest source of sugar in minimally processed whole foods. So, when the low-carb diet gained popularity, fruit was targeted by discerning arbiters looking for a nutritional edge. We know Fruits are a good source of valuable vitamins and mineralsbut many people wonder: Is the sugar in fruit bad for you? Read on to better understand the sugar in your fruit and whether it might be a concern. Is sugar in fruit bad for you? In short, no, you probably shouldn’t eliminate that daily banana. Experts want you to consume less…
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCOS affects approximately 8-13% of women of reproductive age and up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide. What is PCOS? Characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, PCOS can lead to various symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne and obesity. The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but people with PCOS often have insulin resistance. One of the most effective ways to manage these symptoms and improve…
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a type of weight loss surgery, kept type 2 diabetes in remission for up to 15 years and most of the weight off for up to 20 years in one of the largest long-term studies of patients undergoing procedure. The study was presented today at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA analyzed diabetes remission rates and weight loss outcomes of 2,045 patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery at their center between 2001 and 2008 and were followed for up to 20 years.…
International Men’s Health Week is usually celebrated during the week leading up to Father’s Day (that’s this week!). In celebration of the men in our lives who make a positive impact, here are some not-so-common tips for men to stay healthy and thrive: Time for a “healthy heart” checkup. What is your blood pressure? Do you have high cholesterol? Have you had the ApoB test yet? High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” and can cause damage to the arteries, heart, kidneys, eyes and brain. Ideal blood pressure is less than 120 versus 80. If you…
Have you been wondering how to perfect your daily skin care routine for glowing skin? Many people know that it is important to wash your face, moisturize and use SPF every day. It’s also a great practice to adjust your hair and skin care routines seasonally to help you look your best. Personally, I find that one of the best additions to my skincare routine are homemade face masks. Facial masks, also known as facial packs, are great ways to take some time out for yourself and relax while giving your skin a little extra care. You will be sure…
Plastering nutrition claims on the front of the package on cereal boxes is an attempt to distract us from the inappropriateness of feeding our children colorful marshmallows for breakfast. The American Medical Association began warning people about eating too much sugar more than 75 years ago, based in part on our understanding that “sugar supplies nothing in the diet but calories, and the vitamins supplied by other foods are absorbed by the sugar to release those calories.” So, added sugars is not only empty calories, but negative nutrition. “So the more added sugars one consumes, the more nutritionally depleted one…
Amanita muscaria mushrooms have important pharmacological properties. They contain muscimol, which is psychotropic, and ibotenic acid, which is not psychotropic. However, both compounds are toxic and can be fatal in high doses. However, none of them are included in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 in the United States or similar laws in other countries. Recent American Journal of Preventive Medicine The study discussed its legal status, safety and availability Amanita muscaria, to improve its regulation. Study: Need for a public health response to illegal sales of Amanita muscaria mushrooms. Image credit: ON-Photography Germany/Shutterstock.com Its history and current availability Amanita…
Our phones know all our secrets. In 2024, it’s not hard to say that our search history, inbox, and screen time on various apps say a lot about who we are, and not all of it is flattering. So what would you do if your partner — the person who, ideally, you it should not keep secrets from — suddenly wants full access to your phone? What does it mean that they ask, and what would it mean if you said yes — or no? This is called the open phone policy, and yes, it is quite controversial in the…
June is Men’s Health Month, a year dedicated to raising awareness of health issues that typically affect men. Statistics show that men are less likely to see a primary care physician and have higher mortality rates from the leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer and injuries from accidents. This month provides an excellent opportunity to discuss healthy habits that can reduce the risk of these health problems. Tips for maintaining men’s health Get an annual preventive care checkup: Regular checkups can help catch minor health problems before they escalate. Your doctor may recommend necessary tests or tests, such as…