Wellness LetterWellness Advice

Wellness Advice

Aging Neck

Remedies for an Aging Neck?

The older I get, the more noticeable these vertical bands on my aging neck become. What are they, and can I do anything to minimize their appearance? As Nora Ephron...
certified menopause practitioner

Menopause Practitioners: Is It Time to See One?

I recently saw a reference to a “certified menopause practitioner.” I’ve never heard of that credential but am intrigued by the thought. Is it worth a visit to one...
Concierge Medicine

Is Concierge Medicine Worth the Price?

Looking back on my years caring for patients, one thing I always wished for was time—more time to spend with each individual during an office visit, without the pressure...
antiperspirants

Antiperspirants: Bad for Your Kidneys?

I noticed that my antiperspirant has a label that states “Ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease.” Why is that, and should I be concerned that...
Stuttering

Stuttering: The Courage to Conquer

What causes stuttering, how is it treated, and does it indicate any kind of underlying cognitive issue? Stuttering (also known as stammering) is a disruption in the  normal flow and rhythm...
chatbot

Trust Your Doctor Over a Chatbot

Chatbots can instantly offer answers to your burning questions, but if you’re looking for medical advice, stick with your doctor. That’s my advice after reading a recent study in...
Sunscreen SPF

SPF on Sunscreen: Is Higher Always Better?

My drugstore’s shelves are lined with sunscreens of all different SPFs. Is higher SPF always better? Once SPF (sun protection factor) is over 50, the increase in protection is negligible,...
marmite

Marmite … Anyone?

Over the years, I’ve heard about Marmite but have never tried it. What exactly is it, and is it particularly good for you? This thick, dark, savory spread, made primarily...
Healthwashing

Healthwashing: Don’t Be Duped

I can still recall hearing some tall tales about food when I was a child. Carrots would give me eagle-eye vision, and spinach would supply me with Popeye-like biceps....
Fire Blankets

Are You Prepared to Be a Fire Hero?

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of ads for fire blankets, especially on social media. Are they really better than fire extinguishers for home use, as the ads imply? Fire...