Wellness Advice
Mouthguards: How to Clean and Store Them
If you wear a mouthguard at night—as is advisable if you clench or grind your teeth—be sure to keep it clean. Research has shown that with ordinary use, mouthguards, which...
Does Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?
Is it true that turkey makes you sleepy?
Not quite. This claim likely originated from the stupor-like zone many people find themselves in after a heavy Thanksgiving dinner in which...
Colonoscopy: A Study Rebuttal
You may have heard about a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine that evaluated the effectiveness of colonoscopies in reducing the risk of developing colon cancer...
End of Life: When the Choice Is Yours
Two friends of mine recently released themselves from life. Coincidentally, both had terminal pancreatic cancer. Each had made the decision while still feeling well that when pain dominated their...
Why We Wash Our Hands
We know handwashing is one of the most important actions we can take to prevent many infectious diseases, but I personally observed the critical importance of cleanliness when I...
It’s Booster Time—Again
Two new Covid-19 booster vaccines are now available, from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech (“Pfizer”). Here are some key points about them—including their safety, effectiveness, and who should get them and...
Home Tests for Urinary Tract Infections
I’m prone to urinary tract infections, but getting tested in a doctor’s office isn’t always convenient. Is a home UTI test a reasonable alternative?
Over-the-counter kits that test for urinary...
Moderate Exercise = Healthier Kidneys
If you’re sedentary, ramping up the exercise to just a moderate level may go a long way in keeping your kidneys healthier, according to a recent study in JAMA...
What Are ‘Net Carbs’?
I see “Net Carbs” prominently listed on some energy bars, frozen meals, cereal boxes, tortillas, and other packaged foods. What does the term mean, and is it something to...
Tooth Pics: Say “Ahh” or “Nay” to Dental X-Rays?
How often should I get dental X-rays? I want to minimize my radiation exposure.
It depends largely on your dental health and history, but generally speaking, most people don’t need...
