Wellness LetterWellness Advice

Wellness Advice

The Joy of Laughter Yoga

What is laughter yoga, and does it have health benefits as claimed? Also known as Hasyayoga—from the word hasya, meaning laughter in Sanskrit—laughter yoga has...
air fryer

The Allure of the Air Fryer

I just bought an air fryer. Is this really a healthier way to cook—or just a lot of hype? These countertop cooking devices, whose creation for commercial use in the...
enlarged lymph nodes

Enlarged Lymph Nodes After a Covid Vaccine

My sister had enlarged lymph nodes seen on a mammogram that were ultimately attributed to a recent Covid vaccine but caused her much worry in the meantime. Can the...
naturopath

What is a Naturopath?

A friend of mine recommended I see a naturopath for my headaches. What exactly are naturopaths, and how qualified are they to treat medical conditions? They are practitioners of naturopathy...
Happiness

Small Acts of Kindness = Increased Happiness

During my years of practicing medicine, I often received gifts from my patients—things like homemade cookies and similarly thoughtful offerings. And while I absolutely enjoyed the cookies, it was...
what your doctor should not say

When Words Hurt: Here’s What Your Doctor Shouldn’t Say

I’m going to cut to the chase here: Doctors are not always good communicators. I do believe most of us are compassionate, and try to convey that. Still, we...
How Healthy is Duck

Duck: Good, Bad, or Somewhere In-Between?

I saw duck fat spray at my local supermarket for the first time. That got me wondering—how healthy (or unhealthy) is duck compared to other types of poultry? It’s a...
hiatal hernia

Hi Hiatal Hernia, What’s Up?

I’ve been told I have a hiatal hernia that is causing my heartburn. What can I do about it? A hiatal hernia doesn’t cause heartburn, but it is often associated...
Laser cap for hair loss

Laser Caps for Hair Loss?

I went to a reputable hair loss clinic where, as a woman, I was diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. The dermatologist there recommended I try a laser cap—but it’s expensive...
blood sugar monitoring

Blood Sugar Monitors for Everyone? Not So Fast

Imagine if, any time you indulged in a piece of cake or a bowl of chips, you could know what those carbs were doing to your blood sugar levels...
voice change as you age

Why Is My Voice Changing?

My voice seems to be changing as I get older. Is this normal? Vocal cords age along with the rest of the body. These twin bands of connective tissue are...