Health and Fitness

I turned 60 on July 7. I did not wake up that morning suddenly craving kale, although I like kale. There was no magical transformation in aisle seven. I didn’t swear allegiance to broccoli, or suddenly start examining avocados with the wisdom that apparently comes with six decades of life. But turning 60 did make me realize something.

I recently had my annual physical and after all these years, I started to detect a rhythm. I fast overnight, get weighed, roll up a sleeve, then wait. Usually, the answer arrives as one line in the portal. All results within normal limits. That is good news and I take it as such. But there are times when I read that line and something in me does…

Last month, I shared news of my scheduled reverse shoulder replacement surgery. The damage in my right (dominant) shoulder joint had driven me to multiple courses of physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and an experimental procedure. I coped with daily pain, but my limitations overwhelmed me…

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer to support lifelong health is, “don’t let a health set-back become a new health set-point.” Healthy habits aren’t just a one-time choice. They’re a series of small choices made day after day, week after week…

When I received the results of my recent bone scan it wasn’t good news. I’ve always been physically active, but I am slightly built, a major risk factor for osteoporosis. While drugs are effective for some, side effects are severe for others…

Sue had recently retired and was enjoying the freedom that came with having more time for herself and her family. One morning after a swim, Sue noticed a suspicious dark spot on her shoulder that she had never noticed before. Her husband encouraged her to have it checked, so she made an appointment with her primary care provider (PCP)…

A healthy brain means a healthy you! You already know that your brain is your greatest asset – it helps you get through every day, make good decisions, and keeps you healthy. Having a healthy brain as you age is not something…

As a body confidence coach and fitness presenter, one thing that I know for sure is that we have to find ways to do and enjoy the things that we love doing. For me, this is movement. I trained as a dancer and fitness presenter in my early life…

I’m going to tell you something that should not surprise you: Diets don’t work. After all, if they did, we’d all be skinny – and healthy. As a physician, I see many patients who are following one diet or another. In fact, it’s the exception for me to see…

Summer is here! Time for all the outdoor fun. But summer comes with its own medical issues. Here are some health problems associated with summer and how to prevent or handle them when they occur. Sunburns can range from mild irritation to medical emergencies requiring hospitalization. The best way to avoid sunburns is to avoid the sun…