Local cardiologist helps clear up cholesterol confusion
by Judy Stringer By now, most of us have heard that there is “good” and “bad” cholesterol. Understanding the differences between “good” and “bad,” however, and how measured levels of one or the other – or both – affect our overall cardiovascular health can be confusing. Summa Health System Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Justin Dunn shed […]
Turning the page on an old lifestyle
Weight-loss surgery helps patients get a new lease on life by Melissa Martin When Gary Martin looks in his closet these days, it’s like flipping through the pages of a memory book – a story of where he’s been, where he’s headed and, most importantly, where he wants to be. Front and center is the […]
Functional fitness exercises train body for everyday tasks
by Laura Bednar People looking to get fit may think the only way to exercise is by using machines at the gym, but there is a type of exercise that promotes full body health just by mimicking everyday movements. Functional fitness is not a new exercise, but rather a newly identified form that causes people […]
Rethinking drinking: It may be time to step away from the ‘quarantini’
by Judy Stringer One of the many unfortunate consequences of the coronavirus pandemic was a noticeable uptick in drinking. A nationwide survey by Rand Corp., released in September, found that American adults reported imbibing 14% more often in spring 2020 than the same period the previous year. Women respondents reported a whopping 41% increase in […]
Dedicated spaces and regular movement aid in productive, safe telework
by Judy Stringer Many companies were forced to quickly adopt remote working capabilities as states, including Ohio, issued stay-at-home orders earlier this year. Even as coronavirus restrictions are being eased, however, a significant portion of office employees continue to work from home, or do so more often than in pre-COVID times. Industry watchers say it’s a trend here to stay. That means it’s […]
The skinny on fasting: Taking long breaks from eating has many benefits
by Laura Straub While “intermittent fasting” – which restricts eating periods to certain days or times – is among one of today’s trendiest diet and wellness strategies, it’s “not quite as new as it would seem,” said Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager, chair of the department of family medicine at the MetroHealth system and associate professor of family medicine […]
Prevention and education keys to proper foot care
by Erica Peterson When it comes to maintaining one’s overall health, proper foot care should not be overlooked. Podiatrists, working in concert with other health care providers, provide an important piece of the wellness puzzle. For example, diabetic foot care is one of the most popular treatments sought by Dr. Jeffrey Halpert of Podiatry of Greater Cleveland in Broadview Heights and Parma. That includes […]
Counties target social, racial disparities among key issues impacting health
by Jacqueline Mitchell In working to foster better health in their respective communities, Summit County Public Health and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health have identified key priority issues affecting county residents. The agencies outlined several programs that are aimed at decreasing disparities that lead to poor healthy outcomes and increasing access to health care […]
Limiting teens social media use can help their mental health
by Erica Peterson The statistics surrounding child and teen depression and suicide are sobering. A study published in the March Journal of Abnormal Psychology reported significant increases in mental health disorders among young Americans over the past decade. The rate of individuals reporting symptoms of major depression increased 52 percent from 2005 to 2017 in […]
Cure-all claims of CBD oil lack research
by John Benson When it comes to cannabidiol (CBD) oil, we’re living in the non-regulated and wild, wild west world of the marijuana industry. Also, keeping up with the 19th century theme is the notion of snake oil liniment providing a cure-all for anything and everything. Currently the cure and elimination of pain, anxiety, inflammation […]