Wellness Experts

Is My Breakfast Cereal ‘Ultraprocessed’?

Are all breakfast cereals considered ultraprocessed foods—even the basic, non-fancy ones I buy like cornflakes, Special K, and Wheat Chex? There are degrees of “processing,”...
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...
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...
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,...
chronic itchy skin

Solutions for Older, Itchy Skin

Why has my skin become chronically itchy since menopause? What can I do about it? Skin typically gets drier with age due to reduced production of sebum and other moisturizing...
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...
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...
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...
muscle relaxant for back pain

Muscle Relaxants for Back Pain?

I have on- and off-again low back pain. Would a prescription muscle relaxant be a good idea during a flare-up? It might be, depending on the cause of your back...