Health Tips

If you’ve ever glazed over at all the herbs and supplements on health food store shelves, you’re not alone. As confusing as they may seem, there is a growing body of medical evidence suggesting that some of these therapies are effective when used properly. UCF Health’s new integrative medicine physician, Christopher Smith, M.D., who is…

With the Memorial Day holiday upon us, it’s that time of year to plan outdoor celebrations and activities. However, with more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually in the United States (90 percent of which are caused by overexposure to the sun), it’s also time to think about outdoor protection. If you…

While sniffing and sneezing is most commonly associated with the winter months, the classic commercial that exclaimed “summer colds are the worst” may have been on to something…sort of. Symptoms of a true cold virus can last up to 10 days, with the first two or three being the most contagious. However, during the summer…

Research shows that most American’s don’t even come close to getting the recommended 32 grams of fiber each day. Most popularly known for its digestive health benefits, fiber helps move food through the digestive tract, absorbing water along the way and easing bowel movements. Since the digestive tract contains more bacteria than cells in our…

Tetanus, also called “lockjaw,” differs from other diseases that can be prevented by vaccinations because it isn’t spread from person to person. Most often contracted when the skin is cut or punctured, tetanus can occur when an object is contaminated with bacteria from soil, dust or manure. Rusty nails are common sources of tetanus, as…

Ever reach for the B vitamins when you need an energy boost? Beyond being a great pick-me-up, the eight B vitamins -often sold as a B complex-work great as a team, as well as by themselves for specific needs. B1 (Thiamin) helps the body produce new cells. It has the ability to protect the immune…