It's well accepted that reduced physical activity and fast food are linked to obesity. But the evidence that these are the main cause of obesity is largely circumstantial. To stimulate debate, experts suggest 10 other possible causes of obesity, outlined in the International Journal of Obesity.   1. Sleep debt. Getting too little sleep can increase body weight. Today, many get less shut eye than ever.   2. Pollution. Hormones control body ...

It’s no secret that antioxidants are incredibly beneficial to good health. It’s believed the antioxidants in food can help prevent cancer, reverse or slow aging, enhance your immune system, increase your energy and improve heart and other organ health. Given all we know about antioxidants and their beneficial properties, it’s amazing more people don’t get enough fruits and vegetables, the primary sources of antioxidants. Experts recommend a minimum of 5 servings ...

Many of us make health-related resolutions, such as to lose weight, stop smoking or join the neighborhood health club. While it is common to set high goals, experts say that setting smaller goals could do more for our health. "Small steps are achievable and are easier to fit into your daily routine," says James O. Hill, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences ...

We all know by now that we should be eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. But knowing and doing are two different things, aren’t they? Sometimes it is just not easy to get them all in there. We are constantly tempted to fill up on convenience and junk food. If your family is anything like mine, they’d much rather fill up on a bag of ...

You’ve probably introduced yourself many times over the years by saying, “Hello, I’m (blank).”  Did you know that the identity you were presenting was shaped by your past experiences? You are the person you are today because of the experiences, both good and bad, that you have had in the past. We use our past experiences to choose how we respond to new situations and people. We make conscious and unconscious ...

When you’re stressed out, the foods that you’re turning to are most likely going to be traditional ‘comfort’ foods – think big meals, take-out, fatty foods, sweet foods, and alcohol. Let’s face it – we’ve all found some comfort in a tasty meal and a bottle of beer or glass of wine when we’ve been stressed out or upset about something. However, this isn’t a good permanent solution.When you’re turning ...

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, wisdom, or personal growth, most often comes from bad experiences like failed relationships or serious illness. How does a person turn these bad memories into personal growth instead of seeing them as a personal failure?  Psychologists believe that your worst memories can be used for personal growth by conscious reflection instead of rumination.Rumination is dwelling on the problems you ...

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition that typically begins developing between the ages of 60 and 70. The disease is usually first diagnosed after mild signs of forgetfulness and slight behavioral changes in older adults. As the disease progresses, it begins to severely impair the functioning of the memory and thinking processes within the brain.Here’s a brief look at how Alzheimer’s disease impairs the brain, the symptoms it causes, and ...