Being stuck in the house can feel mighty isolating and frustrating, even if you’re a homebody, like me. I mean, there comes a time when it’s nice to get a change of scene and see that a world outside your own four walls truly exists. But for now, that world is a scary one, filled with unknown pathogens and dangers. (Sorry for the strong words, but from time to time my spirits sag a bit; I’m … [Read more...] about Your At-Home Survival Kit
How to Keep Calm During the COVID-19 Pandemic
At first, I was not all that worried. I carefully listened to the facts and stats, feeling relatively safe. I didn’t stop taking public transportation, nor did I cancel meetings and events. But then, the news cycle accelerated, as did the spread of the Coronavirus. And although I like to have information – it makes me feel safer, in a way – I began to feel anxiety. Memories of a movie I’d seen … [Read more...] about How to Keep Calm During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Alzheimer’s and Women: My Conversation With Maria Shriver
Writers don't just stay home all day and write. Sometimes, we're fortunate enough to go out to interesting events and meet interesting people. VERY interesting people. Yes, that's me with Maria Shriver! The occasion was the Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM) luncheon, where grants were awarded to the brilliant researchers who are on the cutting edge of brain science. They're all … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s and Women: My Conversation With Maria Shriver
A Coming Public Disaster
That's what Jane Brody writes about our weight. Because, by 2030, nearly one in two adults will be obese; in some states one in four severely so, she says. Some other scary facts cited in her article for the New York Times: In as many as 29 states, the prevalence of obesity will exceed 50 percent. Severe obesity will become the most common weight category among women, … [Read more...] about A Coming Public Disaster
Are You at Risk for Any of These 5 Sight-Robbing Eye Conditions?
Many Americans fear losing their sight more than they fear cancer, stroke or heart disease. And many don’t know the symptoms of major eye conditions and diseases, says Aleksandra Rachitskaya, M.D., vitreoretinal specialist and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner College of Medicine. A lot of conditions can be prevented with regular exams with an ophthalmologist and … [Read more...] about Are You at Risk for Any of These 5 Sight-Robbing Eye Conditions?
When is Vaginal Discharge Abnormal?
Experiencing frequent vaginal discharge is usually a normal phenomenon. Fluids manufactured by the glands inside your vagina and cervix are merely doing their job: they're flushing away dead cells and bacteria. Consider it their way of keeping your vagina clean, lubricated and free of infections. And this discharge can vary in terms of color, odor and quantity. A lot of that is dependent on … [Read more...] about When is Vaginal Discharge Abnormal?
What Every Woman Must Know About Heart Disease
February might make you think about Valentine's Day, but while you're at it, think about your heart from a health angle, not just a romantic one. The fact is, we need to know how to protect this precious organ, roughly the size of a large fist, weighing in anywhere from eight to 12 ounces in humans but weighing as much as 1,500 pounds(!) in blue whales. You need to work hard to keep your heart … [Read more...] about What Every Woman Must Know About Heart Disease
The 5 Best Diets to Help Manage Your Weight After 50
Hoping to lose weight this year? 45 million Americans are right there with you. Here’s what you need to know to do it right. Who hasn’t been tempted to jump-start a new year by embarking on one of those popular “miracle” diets that are all over the news? Not so fast! Turns out that many fad diets eliminate entire food groups and may lack essential nutrients necessary for good health … [Read more...] about The 5 Best Diets to Help Manage Your Weight After 50
What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus (2019 nCoV
The number of infected people from this virus that originated in Wuhan, China is swiftly rising, as are the number of deaths from it. Currently there are 830 people who are sick with the virus and 25 who have died. What is the coronavirus? These viruses are known are known as a large family of viruses called zoonoses. What this means is that they can infect certain animals and spread to … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus (2019 nCoV
How to Ditch Dieting for Good
Year in, year out, people diet. A lot of people--that number is estimated to be 45 million. And since we're talking numbers, Americans invest about $33 billion each year on weight-loss products. Then why are nearly two-thirds of Americans overweight or obese? Clearly, too many people are losing their battles. Dieting may help them lose weight, but one thing it doesn't do is help them keep … [Read more...] about How to Ditch Dieting for Good