Age-related memory loss vs. dementia
There are times when we can’t remember where we placed our keys or the TV remote, or when we realize we have forgotten a person’s name. It can be embarrassing and not something anyone would like to happen to them, especially in front of others. Being forgetful is usually synonymous with being old, as whenever a forgetful moment happens, it is referred to as “having a senior moment.”
While it is true that as we get older our memory declines (it is an inevitable part of the aging process), all the important executive functions usually remain intact, with our mental abilities and cognitive skills being largely unaffected. Continue reading…
4 ways to improve liver function
A healthy liver can increase your energy, give you clear skin, and even positively affect your mood and mind. While it’s common knowledge that too much alcohol can damage your liver, we don’t often think about what promotes liver health. Below are four healthy habits to improve your liver’s function that will leave you reaping the benefits.
Change your diet. Just like alcohol, consuming an excess of inflammatory foods with sugars and fats can damage your liver. Change up your diet and be sure to include plenty of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, fresh herbs, and antioxidant-rich fruits to encourage better liver function and prevent damage from occurring. Try to limit and avoid items that contain caffeine and alcohol, sugary drinks and snacks, and refined grains in order to reduce inflammation. Continue reading…
Type 2 diabetes may be reversible: Study
Type 2 diabetes may be reversible in as little as four months according to a study conducted by researchers at McMaster University. Type 2 diabetes is generally considered to be long-term and worsens over time, requiring increasingly complex management strategies that include medications, dietary restrictions, and careful exercise.
It occurs when a patient’s pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to control the blood glucose levels, or the patient’s body is unable to properly process the hormone. Insulin is vital as it helps convert glucose—or blood sugar—into energy. Continue reading…
Mood swings in men (irritable male syndrome): Causes, symptoms, and prevention
As men age, their bodies produce less testosterone. Approximately 40 percent of men over the age of 45 have below normal levels of testosterone, but can this affect their moods and result in irritable male syndrome? Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, founder and director of Men’s Health Boston medical clinic commented on the potential connection, stating, “Men with low testosterone find that their emotional reserves are lower. They have a shorter fuse. In popular culture, people link male anger with high testosterone, but as a rule, we see it more in men with low testosterone – most commonly when levels are dropping. That’s when men get cranky.” Continue reading…
Massive stroke: Signs, treatment, and recovery tips
When the blood flow to an area of your brain is inhibited, you experience a stroke. The lack of blood causes your brain cells to starve for oxygen, ultimately resulting in their death. A massive stroke, however, is more serious and results in severe brain damage or death. By massive we mean that a huge area of the brain was affected and a lot of damage was done.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. This is unfortunate, as strokes are largely preventable through a healthy lifestyle. However, we usually don’t take preventative measures until it’s too late. Continue reading…