Mediterranean Diet Wins Glowing Reviews

It seems as if people are always looking for the perfect diet. But, it often alludes us. We either feel deprived of food or don’t want to eat what we can have. Worse yet, there are the diets that just don’t work! For years, I have been hearing good things about the Mediterranean diet. This is the diet primarily followed by people that live in the southern regions of Italy, Greece, and Spain. It includes a lot of fruit and vegetables along with olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fish, dairy, meat (but not red), and yes, even wine. The diet … Continue reading →

Stop Binge Eating – Part 2

Yesterday, I was talking about something I am often guilty of – binge eating! How do you stop it? One way to stop bingeing is to take smaller bites, enjoy your meal, and extend the time if you can. Set a timer if needed. The longer you draw out your meal, the more chance your stomach has to realize how much food is in it and stop you from eating more. If you don’t believe this, just think back to the last time you eat a lot of food and felt miserable. You probably ate quicker than your body could … Continue reading →

Stop Binge Eating – Part 1

Do you binge eat? I know I do. I’ll promise myself that this is it – I am going to stop eating so much and start exercising. Next thing I know, I am sitting in my recliner, stuffing a pepperoni pizza in my face and watching television. Not a good plan! But, how can you stop it? First, you need to realize that some dieticians frown on diets because they are not teaching you healthy lifestyle changes. If you are thinking of going on the Atkins Diet and sit there thinking “I can never have another piece of bread, ever … Continue reading →

Why Marriage Keeps Your Brain Healthy

The next time your spouse drives you absolutely crazy, keep in mind that he, or she, is probably helping to keep your brain healthy. That is because the challenges that our spouses give us, along with the love and support, may actually be protecting our brains. In fact, according to a recent study, sharing a life with another person means that we are less likely to develop cognitive impairment than single people who are not married. The study took place in Scandinavia and included 1,400 men and women. Married people are simply less likely to develop dementia than single people. … Continue reading →

Exercise Helps Back Pain

Lately, I’ve had a lot of trouble with lower back pain. It isn’t something that started suddenly. I remember the first time I really felt like I hurt my back. I was 42 and bending over the bed to change my baby’s diaper. Yes, I realize having a baby at 41 probably put enough strain on my back alone. Anyhow, I bent over and something went kapow and I could hardly stand up. I walked funny for about a week until it cleared up. Just from bending over! (The copyright holder of this work released this work into the public … Continue reading →

Are You Sleep Deprived?

When I was younger, I never understood what the big deal was about sleep. I’d hear older people complain about not sleeping good and I’d think “I never have a problem!” I had no problem as a late teen getting by on three or four hours of sleep a night. I guess I am officially “older” now because my sleep patterns range from “like a baby” to “not at all.” Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently did a study that showed the states that are most sleep deprived. Southern states ranked highest, which doesn’t surprise me. The study showed … Continue reading →

Link between Your Walking and Dementia

If you’ve read any of my blogs, you probably know I am getting close to “that age” – the one the most women dread. And, I know that brain fog is to be expected, but sometimes I worry that maybe it is worse than it should be. I think as Baby Boomers age, many are worried about dementia. This week, I read about a study conducted by the Boston Medical Centre that shows a link between slow walking, a weak grip, and poor mental health in the future. The study looked at 2,400 men and women around the age of … Continue reading →

Bad News for Baby Boomers

We all know that Social Security is slated to run out of funds if the whole program is not fixed soon. But, that’s not the only governmental program set to run out of funds that could send baby boomers reeling. Estimates are that Social Security gives out about $40 to $50 million more than it takes in each year. That’s right – each year! But, maybe just as scary if not more so, is the fact that Medicare seems to be doing downhill as well. While the projection is that Social Security will run out of funds by 2036, estimates … Continue reading →

Study Shows Lack of Sleep can Raise Blood Pressure

As I get older, I realize just how much sleep, or lack thereof, can affect you. For whatever reason, lately I’ve been having trouble sleeping. I know that lack of sleep can make you grouchy and irritable, but today, I read that a study may show that lack of sleep can do even more harm by raising your blood pressure. The study, published in Hypertension, the journal of the American Heart Association, was authored by Dr. Susan Redline, Professor of Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston. The … Continue reading →

Tinnitus Hope?

I have always loved music and I love to have it loud. Back when I was younger, it was a matter of just liking it loud. Nowadays, it is more a matter of not being able to hear it. Yes, apparently all those years of loud music and even louder concerts have taken their toll on my rapidly aging ears and given me tinnitus. Tinnitus (I like to call it Pete Townshenditus because The Who guitarist suffers from it) is a ringing in the ears. It can be anywhere from slightly annoying to debilitating. It can be caused by loud … Continue reading →