FDA Saves Face, Not Lives

By the end of 2011, the FDA had made few friends on the issue of limiting antibiotic use in American livestock. During the holidays, while most people were focused on mistletoe and eggnog, the agency quietly refused to restrict the use of penicillins and tetracyclines. These are two groups of antibiotics the World Health Organization has warned are vitally important to public health and need to remain effective.

Are You Hand Washing Yourself Sick?

About ten years ago, we quietly waged a war against bacteria. We took a surgical scrub called triclosan that had been restricted to the hospital environment since 1972, and started adding it to everything from hand soap and body wash to children’s toys and paint products.
So, when you are washing with anti-bacterial soap, you are undermining your body’s natural mechanism for warding off disease. You are literally participating in making yourself sick.

The Most Effective Vitamin in Preventing Flu Is...

Australia is not happy with the vaccination industry. In an ongoing investigation, they have recently discovered that flu vaccine manufacturers knew two years ago that a 2009 vaccination was linked to a high rate of fever – and in some cases seizures – in children. But they neglected to mention it.

The 7 Ways I Stop Seasonal Allergies

I always know when Spring has arrived by the steady stream of patients coming into my office complaining of itchy eyes, runny noses, and serial sneezes.

The Easiest Ways to Stay Well

If you think cold and flu season is over, think again. The truth is, I see more patients for sniffles and chills in February and March then at any other time of the year.

Is Stress Making You Sick?

If you're feeling stressed out these days, you're certainly not alone. The worry over job losses, rising prices and a poor economy has everyone on edge. But when stress becomes chronic, it can make you sick.

Do You Need A Flu Shot?

When your immune system is working properly, it has a remarkable ability to fight off the flu. Even if an infection does gain a foothold, it’s usually just a matter of time before the immune system mounts an effective counterattack.

The Stuffy Season

About this time every year, my patients start complaining about their sinuses. Between changes in the weather and the rise in ragweed, fall is notoriously hard for those with allergies or sinus problems.

Soothing Sinusitis

About this time every year, I see an up tick in patients suffering from sinus infections. Many blame the changing weather or blooming landscape—and they are right, at least in part.

How Healthy Is Your Colon?

Our digestive system was never designed to handle all the fats, sugar and preservatives commonly found within most every product on our grocery store shelves.

Fighting The Flu

It seems like every day Americans are inundated with news of the H1N1 virus. And that has left many people wondering whether or not they should get the new flu vaccine. Despite the positive spin the government and the media are putting out, there’s a lot of concern and confusion surrounding the safety of the H1N1 flu vaccine.

Wash Away Your Flu Fears

Over the summer, the media spent a lot of time talking about the swine flu—the vaccine for it, the anticipated uptick in cases as we roll into fall, and who is most at risk. But here’s the good news: The CDC estimates that one million people in the U.S. have had swine flu so far, and of those infected, the government has documented only 593 deaths.

Antibacterials- Do They Work?

Antibiotic resistance is only one of many health-related problems linked to Triclosan. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that widespread use of antimicrobial agents may weaken our immune systems.

Effects of Chronic Infammation

When you think about losing weight to reign in inflammation, you probably don’t think eating fat is a smart move. But you would be wrong! Consuming the right type of fat can go a long way toward preventing or reducing inflammation.

Tune Up Your Immunity

With the threat of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) looming worldwide, there could hardly be a better time to talk about the importance of a healthy immune system. It’s a popular topic in our household, since my daughter seems to catch every little bug that comes along.

Syndrome X

The first time I heard about Syndrome X, I admit that I didn't quite buy it. After all, with its mysterious name, it almost sounded like the title of a 1950s-era sci-fi movie.

Fortify Your Defenses

A healthy immune system produces fighter cells, killer cells and scavenger cells that search and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. But this highly complex defense arsenal depends on an adequate and steady supply of nutrients to protect you all season long.

Energy Crisis

It’s a tough disease to diagnosis – and some doctors don’t even think it’s real. I’m talking about fibromyalgia, an incredibly painful, debilitating condition that affects up to ten million Americans.

Vitamin C

Ok, so it's no secret that taking an ample amount of vitamin C can help to ward off  common colds. Yet, even though those of us in the real world know this little bit of wellness wisdom, a surprising number of scientists dismiss this cold preventative as just an old wives tale.

Swine Flu- What You Can Do

Common sense is critical during a health crisis like the swine flu. It can help you sort out fact from fiction. Learn what you can do to help keep yourself safe.

Immune Boost

As you age, your immune support system doesn’t work as effectively as it once did, so you may get sick more often and take longer to heal. Learn some easy ways to kick start your immune system, no matter how the years have undermined your health.

Immune System Health and Common Cold Treatments

Your immune support system can suffer during the holidays, setting you up for a cold, the flu or something much more serious. Taking the right supplements can help bolster your immune system and keep you healthy throughout the New Year.