March 17, 2015
A sprinkle here and a dash there… What harm can a little salt do? Plenty. Most people consume about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, more than twice the 1,500 milligrams recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). This can lead to multiple cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure and damage to the heart, kidneys…
March 11, 2015
Electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes, have made their way into the hands of smokers of all ages. These battery-operated devices turn chemicals, including highly-addictive nicotine, into an aerosol that is inhaled by users. As its popularity rises, so do questions about its impact on public health. There are countless debates among health experts who share…
February 17, 2015
Medical evidence suggests that 50 to 75 percent of suffering can be eliminated with a healthy diet. In fact, good nutrition can help those suffering with diseases like arthritis, boost your overall mood and outlook on life, and even improve your quality of sleep. However, there’s so much conflicting information about food that it’s hard…
February 17, 2015
With February 14 right around the corner, you can’t help but notice Godiva, Russell Stover, Whitman’s and Hershey’s everywhere. But before you grab one of these Valentine’s Day boxes of sweetness, consider what’s inside. Not all chocolates are created equal. When it comes to your health, choose dark chocolate – also known as bittersweet or…
February 3, 2015
While food provides essential nutrients for the body-from fats and proteins to vitamins and minerals-not all food is created equally. Today there is a lot of talk about “super foods,” which is essentially a marketing term for a category of food that provides extraordinary benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Research is…
February 2, 2015
Why do some people succeed at making healthy behavioral changes like losing weight and lowering cholesterol, while others struggle and relapse time after time? The answer might lie in their willpower. “Willpower is like a muscle. However, it can be fatigued through use,” said Barbara Fritzsche, Ph.D., associate professor in the UCF Department of Psychology.…