Health and Wellness

The cost of caring for dementia patients has now surpassed that of heart disease ($102 billion) and cancer ($77 billion). The $109 billion annual cost is expected to double by the time the youngest Baby Boomers reach their 70s. A study conducted by researchers from Rand Corp. and the University of Michigan, estimates 15 percent…

While Southern diets are full of “comfort foods,” there’s nothing comforting about an increased risk of stroke. Foods typically associated with a classic Southern diet include fried chicken, fried potatoes, bacon, ham and sweet tea. According to research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2013, these diets have three major factors working…

Staying physically fit during middle age has been linked to reduced chances of developing dementia later in life. Dementia is the inability to process thought. This deterioration is significantly greater than what is typically experienced during the normal aging process, and can result in Alzheimer’s disease. Even if you don’t have time to visit the…

Most people understand the health benefits of eating fruits and veggies, but a new study reports that these foods can actually help protect the kidneys of patients with chronic kidney disease. Western diets containing high amounts of animal and grain products can lead to metabolic acidosis, an excessive acid build-up in the body. This is…

Stress levels among those in the Millennial generation, ages 18-33, have hit an all-time high, according to a new survey by the American Psychological Association. On a 10-point scale, the average stress level of Millennials was 5.4, compared to the national average of 4.9 for other ages. And 20 percent of respondents reported experiencing “extreme…

It’s generally understood that highly caffeinated energy drinks — the beverage of choice for many teens — can cause a variety of health problems ranging from dehydration and insomnia to obesity and tachycardia. But now doctors are sounding the alarm about a new teen trend: mixing energy drinks with alcohol. The average cup of coffee…