Do you ever wonder what life will be like in the year 2050? Futurists are notorious for being way off base in their predictions about what’s to come. Let’s face it, we don’t see many flying cars or teleportation devices around us. Fortunately, medical predictions are generally easier to approximate. This is especially true when such prognostications involve health conditions that are largely shaped by lifestyle factors. A current report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one out of every three adults in the US could develop type 2 diabetes in the next 40 years. That’s an enormous leap from the present level of 1 in 10 adults. The most recent statistics from 2007 assign diabetes the seventh spot on the list of leading causes of death in the U.S. What’s more, roughly $174 billion health care dollars were spent managing the disease and its complications. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to do all you can to not become a part of the above statistics. (1,2)
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It’s hard to imagine any community that isn’t profoundly touched by addictive and/or compulsive disorders. The specific behaviors and substances involved vary but the end results are predictably ruinous, unless an effective intervention takes place. Alternative therapies are rarely used as primary treatment options for serious addictions which frequently lead to incarceration or permanent health consequences. However, a relatively new string of scientific studies do point to the utility of complementary approaches as an adjunct to conventional treatment. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to consider mind-body techniques and natural remedies as part of a holistic treatment regime for addictions and compulsive behavior. Read more »

There are two new contributors in today’s edition of Twitter Thursday. This week I’ve included entries by Dr. Belleruth Naparstek, a psychotherapist and world renowned expert in guided imagery and Fredrick Hahn the author of the best selling books, The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution and Strong Kids Healthy Kids. In addition we have a few returning figures from the Twitter health scene: Dr. Jonny Bowden, Rick McGuire and the LA Times.
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One of the most valuable tools we all have at our disposal is perspective. But this vision needs to fine tuned in order to support our efforts rather than sabotage them. We’ve all heard variations of the maxim – “Obtaining anything of value requires some effort”. That’s great as far as it goes. However, there’s more to the following equation: good values + hard work = a rewarding life. Read more »

I happened to hear a segment on the radio program “Marketplace” while driving in my car the other day. The piece that caught my attention was entitled, “The Cure: Remaking Health Care”. The focus of this National Public Radio report was the San Diego-based Sharp Memorial Hospital, a $200 million facility that was built using the principles of “evidence-based design”. But can design alone be responsible for improving health outcomes in patients and saving millions, maybe even billions in healthcare costs down the line? Read more »

There are few things in life that are more devastating than being diagnosed with a malignancy. Over 12 million new cancer cases were recorded worldwide in 2008. According to the World Health Organization, those numbers appear to be growing. In 1975, nearly 6 million people were diagnosed with cancer. In 2000, that number grew to 10 million. By the year 2030, it is estimated that more than 20,000,000 people will have to deal with this reality. On this site, I regularly report on natural therapies that will hopefully offer protection from this unwelcome fate. But it’s also important to have resources available if cancer becomes a personal issue for ourselves or someone we love. (1) Read more »

Nothing can replace the blissful feeling we get after a good nights sleep. On the other hand, tossing and turning for hours or simply being unable to relax enough to fall asleep makes the following day quite a struggle. Sleeping pills can be helpful for the occasional restless night, but shouldn’t be used on a regular basis. It turns out that the solution to this disturbingly common problem may very well reside inside our heads. A group of scientists from Duke University suggest that simply being mindful of your thoughts and quieting your mental chatter may be enough to induce some much need slumber.
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New research has just emerged that warrants updates to three recent columns of mine. I intend to keep the information on this site as current as possible. In order to do so, I’ll regularly draw attention to breaking news that adds something important to previously discussed topics. I encourage you to check out the original posts, which I will link to, as well as the new material that’s being presented.
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Children are among the most vulnerable segment of the health care population. They rely on the good judgment and the care of adults to guide them to the best and safest possible treatments. Part of our responsibility, as adults, is to inform ourselves so that we can participate in a constructive way in that equation. Read more »