Healthy Living

A CT scan uses a combination of X-ray equipment and powerful computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of your body. The machine itself is a large, donut-shaped device called a gantry that houses an X-ray tube and detectors. As you lie on a motorized table that slides through the gantry, the … Read more

If you carry extra weight around your midsection that seems impossible to lose, stress hormones may be part of the reason. This is often called “cortisol belly” — fat stored deep in the abdomen linked to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The most direct way to reduce it is to lower your cortisol … Read more

If you are backed up and looking for something to drink that helps you poop, the most evidence-backed options are water, prune juice, coffee, and kefir. These drinks work through different mechanisms — some add fluid, some stimulate the gut, and others feed your gut bacteria. Below is a breakdown of what the research actually … Read more

You have probably seen “calories” and “kilocalories” on food labels and wondered if they mean the same thing. They do not. One kilocalorie (kcal) equals 1,000 calories. But here is where it gets confusing: when people say “calories” in everyday conversation, they almost always mean kilocalories. So a 200-calorie snack is actually 200 kilocalories, or … Read more

How Do You Know It Is Time for Assisted Living? Most families wait too long. Research from the Alzheimer’s Association shows that caregivers typically delay placement by nearly a year past when it would have been safest. The reason is guilt. You worry you are giving up. But there are clear signs that staying home … Read more

You blow your nose and suddenly the room spins. Your vision goes dim for a second or two. It is unsettling and it makes you wonder if something is wrong. The short answer is that blowing your nose increases pressure inside your head and that pressure can briefly affect blood flow to your brain or … Read more

Benzodiazepines, often called “benzos,” are a class of prescription drugs that slow down brain activity. They are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Common examples include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam). These medications work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which calms the nervous system. … Read more

AZF deletions are missing pieces of genetic material on the Y chromosome that directly impact sperm production. They are a known genetic cause of male infertility, often resulting in low sperm count or no sperm in the ejaculate. For men with these deletions, the ability to father a child naturally is usually limited, but assisted … Read more

That constant need to clear your throat is annoying, distracting, and sometimes embarrassing. Most people do it because of post-nasal drip, acid reflux, or a habit their body has learned. The way to stop is to treat the root cause—not just suppress the urge. What Actually Causes the Constant Need to Clear Your Throat? Throat … Read more

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics to clear it and prevent complications. If you have a sore throat with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on your tonsils, see a doctor for a rapid strep test or throat culture. Penicillin or amoxicillin are the standard treatments, and you should start feeling … Read more