As most people are aware, Seasonal Affective Disorder (fittingly shortened to SAD) is a depressive illness, caused by lack of sunlight, that strikes in winter and can be treated by light therapy. However, light therapy is not a cure-all -- at least not on its own. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly half of all SAD sufferers don't respond to light therapy alone. These people may be helped by antidepressants or psychotherapy, with or without light therapy.
There's also a more natural, less expensive treatment that can help -- the hormone melatonin. This is secreted
Melatonin for SAD
by Jane Wangersky November 29th, 2010 | Medication, Mental Health, Sleep Read More
Athletes & Protein
by MPK November 26th, 2010 | Nutrition
While we are told to eat a balanced diet, one might ponder what makes a diet balanced. Especially in times when carbohydrates are declared bad and proteins are favored, one needs to know how much protein is needed. For athletes who are burning more calories, protein intake is especially crucial.
The general recommendation for protein is that 10-35 percent of one's caloric intake should consist of protein, according to the Mayo Clinic. Of course, with a range that broad it can be difficult to determine exactly how much each athlete needs.
Speaking with Shara Aaron, a registered dietitian and certified fitness
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The general recommendation for protein is that 10-35 percent of one's caloric intake should consist of protein, according to the Mayo Clinic. Of course, with a range that broad it can be difficult to determine exactly how much each athlete needs.
Speaking with Shara Aaron, a registered dietitian and certified fitness
Tackle the Flu
by Chang Song November 22nd, 2010 | Medication
Usually around this time of the year, people are frantically scrambling to gather and assemble materials for the big Thanksgiving dinner. It also usually gets a little chilly out there, so it is no surprise that many of us can get hit with a little cold and, unfortunately, the dreadful flu. Being sick is probably one of the most unfortunate things in life because with some of your luck, it might be 85 degrees outside and sunshine while you are sick. However, the popularized NyQuil will be able to tackle your illness for you and help you recover much
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Safe Food Preparation and Storage
by Louise November 15th, 2010 | Diet, Nutrition
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. The grocery stores are stocked with an unusually high amount of turkeys, potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing mixes, and pumpkin pies, which will rapidly make their way into many American kitchens. Then, when the holiday passes, the leftovers of these Thanksgiving staples will find their way into most of our refrigerators, to be saved for a later meal. Wouldn't it be unfortunate if improper food preparation and storage caused food poisoning on this happy holiday? Ensure a healthy holiday by taking special care to heed these general food safety rules:
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- Use a food thermometer (inserted into
What’s in YOUR turkey?
by Bea November 12th, 2010 | Diet, Diseases, Health NewsNow that Halloween has passed the holiday season is almost upon us. Before it's time to make all your favorite holiday dishes, let’s take a look at some not widely published information.  Each year the CDC takes a look at the amount of fecal matter found in retail meat.  We will focus on three common viruses found in meat: Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. Coli.
Starting with Salmonella:Â last year the percent of retail meat samples, which included chicken breasts, ground turkey, ground beef, and pork chops, with the highest positive finding of Salmonella was ground turkey. Â Ground turkey came in
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