Living Well Blog

At the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, experts warned Americans with chronic conditions to take extra precaution to lowering their risk for COVID-19. One of the conditions highlighted in this warning was high blood pressure, a serious condition that can damage your heart, brain and kidneys.… See more

The number of Americans growing their own food has risen 200 percent since 2008, according to the National Gardening Association. Harvesting your own fruits and vegetables is often more affordable than buying organic produce and healthier than packaged foods. Gardening also is a great workout that… See more

Do you sneeze, cough, wheeze and have a runny nose throughout the year? Maybe you chalked it up to a pollen allergy. But it’s possible the real culprit is mold.  Mold is a year-round problem for homes -- whether it’s winter dampness, summer humidity, spring rain or autumn wind. But the worst… See more

There has been a precipitous drop in medical visits and preventive testing since shelter-in-place orders went into effect in March, even though many doctor’s offices, urgent care centers and hospitals are still open. Since early April there has been a 49 percent decrease in adult primary care… See more

With the media focusing on COVID-19, you may have missed the news: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced new nutrition fact labels. Next time you are grocery shopping, pick up a packaged food item and check out the updated label. They’ve changed to include information on… See more

Mediterranean diet has been linked to lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes. One reason it works is by altering gut bacterium linked to healthy aging and lower inflammation in older people, according to a study published the BMJ… See more

Using herbs and spices is one of the easiest ways to enhance the flavor of your food. And they’re certainly healthier than adding salt or sodium-laden condiments such as soy sauce, salad dressings and dips. Because they’re plant-based, they’re also high in antioxidants and minerals and can boost… See more

It’s an important question -- especially now, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re experiencing symptoms possibly related to COVID-19, another illness or an injury, where do you go? Your primary care doctor office? A walk-in clinic? Urgent care? Or an emergency department? Each… See more

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. The event may be shocking, frightening or dangerous, which is why many of us associate PTSD with war. While it’s true that recent veterans are more likely to have PTSD than the rest of us, anyone can get it. During a… See more

Some states that issued stay-at-home orders in the wake of COVID-19 are starting to reopen for business. If it’s safe for you to go get your hair cut, shouldn’t that mean it’s safe for you to see your grandchildren? Maybe. Maybe not.  Base your plans not only… See more