Wellness LetterWellness Advice

Wellness Advice

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association Turns 100!

You would be hard pressed to find an American adult who hasn’t heard of the American Heart Association. But while we may have heard of it, many of us...
climate change

Climate Change: Bad for the Planet, Bad for Humans

The planet is getting hotter, and 2023 was no exception. In fact, in the 174 years since global temperatures have been documented, 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded....
melasma

Blotchy Brown Patches on Face?

I have blotchy brown patches on both cheeks and on my nose. What could they be? It sounds like melasma, caused by overproduction of melanin (skin pigment). This hyperpigmentation typically...
ostrich meat

Stick Your Neck Out for Ostrich Meat?

Is ostrich meat a healthier alternative to beef—and better for the environment? Yes and yes. These enormous, flightless African birds are raised on farms around the world for their meat,...
Are colds contagious?

How Long Are You Contagious When You Have a Cold?

I have a cold and don't want to infect my family and friends. How long am I considered contagious? As a general rule, adults with a cold will be able...
sugar alcohols

Sugar Alcohols: Neither Sugars Nor Alcohol

I see “sugar alcohol” listed on quite a number of food labels, often on products boasting low sugar or low calories. What is this ingredient? Also called polyols, sugar alcohols...
Annual Wellness Exam

The Annual Wellness Exam: An Ounce of Prevention

On National Public Radio, there used to be two brothers, “Click” and “Clack,” who would talk about cars. Their show, Car Talk, was funny, and you could learn a...
Argan oil

Argan Oil Is Edible—Really?

I use soap made with Moroccan argan oil, but I’m wondering if the oil is also edible. If so, is it a healthful oil? Body care products containing argan oil—from...
High cholesterol

High Cholesterol a Concern No Matter Your Weight

If I’m thin, do I need to worry about my high blood cholesterol? I feel fine, am in good physical shape, and don’t want to take medication for what...
Impostor Syndrome

Are We All Impostors?

Do you ever feel as if you’re a fraud, you’re not as smart or accomplished as others perceive you to be, or you “lucked into” your successes rather than...