As the days shorten and sunlight wanes, a familiar foe emerges: the flu season, peaking just after the winter solstice in both hemispheres and receding as longer days return. This post explores the intriguing global patterns of influenza and related diseases, delving into how plummeting vitamin D levels during low-light months fuel vulnerability to infections, while also examining the counterintuitive benefits of heat exposure and fever. Drawing on historical insights from the Spanish flu pandemic, where suppressing fever with aspirin may have worsened outcomes and heat therapies showed promise, we'll uncover the mechanisms behind these phenomena and why embracing warmth could be a key to resilience.
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In this post, I explore a fascinating topic: the average pain levels experienced by healthy individuals across different age groups and sexes. As a dentist, I understand that pain is a complex and subjective experience, even in those without medical conditions. By examining how pain varies by age and sex, we aim to provide you with a clearer understanding of what’s normal and how we can help manage discomfort effectively, especially in the context of dental care. Whether you’re curious about your own pain experiences or seeking to understand what to expect for loved ones, this guide offers valuable insights grounded in research and clinical expertise.
Read MoreApolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein that plays a pivotal role in lipid metabolism, shuttling cholesterol and other fats through the bloodstream as part of lipoproteins. The APOE gene, located on chromosome 19, comes in three main variants—ε2, ε3, and ε4—each with distinct effects on cardiovascular health and other conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. These variants influence how efficiently your body clears cholesterol, impacting your risk of heart disease, stroke, and more. In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind APOE variants, their association with heart disease, and practical ways to manage risks if you carry higher-risk alleles.
Read MoreWatching loved ones lose their strength as they age can be heartbreaking, as everyday tasks like holding a spoon or walking to the mailbox become monumental challenges. Progressive muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, affects countless seniors, often leaving them as frail as someone with severe physical disabilities. This silent epidemic not only diminishes the quality of life but also places emotional and financial burdens on families. In this post, we explore why muscle strength fades with age, the lifestyle factors that contribute, and practical steps—like prioritizing high-quality animal-based protein and exercises such as walking—to prevent and improve this condition. We also shed light on the hidden costs to families and the healthcare system, offering hope and actionable solutions for aging with strength and dignity.
Read MoreIn the world of modern medicine, pharmaceutical interventions like beta blockers have long been hailed as lifesavers, particularly for those recovering from heart attacks. Prescribed to millions worldwide, these drugs promise to reduce the strain on the heart and prevent further cardiac events. However, groundbreaking recent research is shattering this illusion, suggesting that beta blockers may do more harm than good for many patients, especially women. This post delves into the latest findings from the REBOOT trial, exposes how drug companies manipulate data to inflate their products' effectiveness, and advocates for a proactive, natural approach to health through "Prehab" – a regimen of exercise, quality sleep, sensible sun exposure, and nutrient-dense whole foods. By prioritizing prevention over prescription, we can reclaim control over our cardiovascular well-being.
Read MoreEmpathy is often hailed as a cornerstone of human connection, a quality that softens the edges of an otherwise harsh world. It drives us to listen, to comfort, and to stand by those we care about, even when they falter. Yet, beneath its warm glow lies a potential pitfall—what begins as a gesture of kindness can spiral into something more troubling. When empathy blinds us to reality or props up destructive patterns, it risks enabling harm rather than healing it. Take, for instance, the struggle of loving someone caught in addiction: the instinct to help can clash with the chaos they create, leaving us to wonder where compassion ends and complicity begins. This isn’t a call to abandon empathy, but a reminder that even the best intentions need boundaries to truly serve those we love—and ourselves.
Read MoreSleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet it remains vastly under-diagnosed. Characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, it can lead to serious health risks like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and daytime fatigue that impacts everything from driving to relationships. Snoring is often the loudest clue, but many dismiss it as a harmless annoyance rather than a potential red flag. The reality is that those snorts and gasps could signal obstructed airways, and without intervention, the consequences can creep up silently. Fortunately, you don’t need fancy equipment to start investigating your sleep—you might already have a powerful tool in your pocket: your smartphone. By focusing on snoring and simple recording techniques, you can take the first step toward understanding your sleep health.
Read MoreWe live in a world where the abundance of food is both a blessing and a curse. The modern palate, accustomed to the seductive flavors of processed and hyper-palatable foods, often leads us astray from the path of health. Our taste buds evolved to seek out the most calorie-dense foods for survival but now conspire against us, pushing us towards foods that offer immediate gratification but long-term health detriments. Nutrient-dense foods like liver and egg yolks, which should be dietary staples, are often shunned due to their less appealing flavors compared to the sugar-laden, fat-rich alternatives. Are our taste buds trying to sabotage our health?
Read MoreIn the realm of health and wellness, the allure of quick fixes like detox and cleanse diets has captivated many, promising purification, weight loss, and rejuvenation. However, diving beneath the glossy surface of these claims reveals a lack of scientific support and potential health risks. Instead of these fleeting fads, embracing a lifestyle grounded in whole foods, natural bodily processes, and holistic well-being offers a safer and more sustainable path to health. Here, we explore why the detox myth might be more of a health mirage than a miracle, and suggest a scientifically-backed alternative for those seeking true vitality.
Read MoreIn the world of pharmaceuticals, Ativan (Lorazepam), a benzodiazepine, is often prescribed for managing anxiety, aiding sleep, and even controlling seizures. However, the story of its use in my circle of patients, friends, and family sheds a stark light on the pitfalls of long-term dependency on such medications. Here's a look at how two of my relatives, both seniors, have been on this drug for decades, far beyond the recommended four-month period, highlighting the broader issues of symptom masking over root cause treatment.
Read MoreYour metabolism is the engine that powers everything your body does—from breathing and digesting food to maintaining energy and regulating hormones. When it’s running efficiently, you feel energetic, maintain a healthy weight, think more clearly, and keep chronic health conditions at bay. But what happens when you sabotage this critical system? This post dives into all the ways you can ruin your metabolism (whether intentionally or not) and highlights the habits and lifestyle factors you should avoid if you want your body to thrive.
This is not advice to ruin your metabolism—it’s a tongue-in-cheek guide that shows you what not to do.
Read MoreEmotional crying is one of humanity's most mysterious and fascinating traits. Unlike any other species, humans shed tears in response to emotional events—a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists, philosophers, and poets for centuries. From moments of heartbreak to overwhelming joy, emotional tears are deeply embedded in the human experience. They reveal much about who we are as social, empathetic, and moral beings. In this exploration of emotional crying, we will uncover its origins, functions, and the reasons why this behavior is so uniquely human.
Read MoreIn this sixth part of The Incredible Human series, we’ll explore our unique ability to create and appreciate art. This capacity for art, which spans painting, sculpture, dance, and beyond, reflects an essential aspect of human existence. Like music, art is present in every culture and has persisted through history, suggesting its integral role in human biology. But what is it about art that has captivated humans for thousands of years? From cave paintings to modern installations, art has served as a means of expression, communication, and connection that resonates across boundaries of language and time. We’ll dive into the reasons behind our drive to create and connect through art, how our brains perceive it, and the benefits art brings to our health and society.
Read MoreMissed appointments can be a common frustration for medical practices, especially dental offices. While most patients understand the importance of showing up for their scheduled visits, a small number of patients—often referred to as serial offenders—routinely fail to attend, even when they claim to be in pain. This not only disrupts the practice's schedule and finances but can also negatively affect the patient's health. In this post, we’ll explore how missed appointments impact dental practices, examine how the Pareto Principle applies to this issue, and discuss strategies to help reduce no-shows, including my own "same day only" designation for habitual offenders.
Read MoreDiscover the hidden epidemic of "Processed Food Syndrome" and how it links our modern diet to a range of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. This post uncovers the alarming rise in these conditions, exploring the dangerous role of processed foods, toxic additives, and industrial chemicals like atrazine and vegetable oils. Drawing insights from leading experts like Dr. Robert Lustig, Dr. Chris Knobbe, and Calley and Casey Means, learn how our food environment is sabotaging our health and what you can do to protect yourself. Click to read and take the first step toward reclaiming your health!
Read MoreIn my teenage years, I, like many others, dealt with the occasional acne breakout. It wasn't anything too severe—just a few pimples here and there, both on my face and back. However, my mother, concerned about my appearance, decided to take me to a dermatologist. At the time, I had no idea that my journey with acne treatment would involve years of daily antibiotics. The dermatologist quickly prescribed either tetracycline or erythromycin (I can't remember which came first), and I ended up taking antibiotics daily for at least four years. Looking back, I now realize the potential damage this regimen may have caused. This blog catalogs some of the issues associated with chronic antibiotic use.
Read MoreI just started doing "sun salutations" in the morning after a prolonged layoff from doing them. I had moved on to other forms of dynamic stretching, especially when I was doing CrossFit. I have been doing more sprinting, bicycle riding, and farmer's carries, and my back and legs were starting to get very tight, especially in the morning. I did a few minutes of what they call sun salutations this morning, and the results were immediate and close to miraculous. In this post, I will describe what they are and why they are a very worthwhile addition to my morning routine.
Read MoreIn the United States, data has consistently shown that individuals with a college education tend to live longer than those with only a high school education. A report from the National Center for Health Statistics found that in 2017, men with a college degree lived an average of 8.6 years longer than those with just a high school diploma, while college-educated women lived 4.2 years longer than their less-educated counterparts. The factors contributing to this disparity are multifaceted, with diet, lifestyle, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors playing key roles. This post will cover some of the reasons why the disparity exists and what to do about them.
Read MoreIn this post, I am using type 2 diabetes as an example to highlight the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses despite significant research and pharmaceutical intervention. The true cause is often overlooked due to the enormous profits associated with treating the illness, leaving prevention and the actual cure sidelined. I will explain the reasons behind this phenomenon later in this post. First, let's examine some type 2 diabetes statistics.
In 1977, George Engel's revolutionary call for a new medical model helped pave the way for a holistic approach to chronic pain. He advocated for the integration of social, psychological, and behavioral dimensions of illness. This model allows for greater flexibility in understanding and treating pain by moving away from the simplistic correlation between pain and tissue damage and recognizing that psychosocial factors often play a substantial role. His ideas became known as the biopsychosocial model. This post will cover what it is and how it can help address the complications of chronic pain.
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