Every week, the average American unknowingly consumes a credit card-sized amount of plastic. For those living near the coast, the risks may be even greater. Recent research reveals a troubling connection between coastal living and increased rates of serious health conditions—and microplastics appear to be the culprit.

When you think about maintaining your bone health, taking calcium and vitamin D are probably the first things that come to mind. But there's another nutrient that deserves attention: vitamin B12. Research suggests that low B12 levels may affect your bone density, increasing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.  

When you hear the term “insulin resistance,” you probably think of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. While it’s true that insulin resistance is at the root of both these conditions, its impact goes far beyond blood sugar control. Insulin resistance is linked to a wide array of health issues—ranging from heart disease and obesity to Alzheimer’s disease and even certain cancers. Understanding insulin resistance as a systemic health issue is essential for protecting your long-term well-being.

If you've ever experienced a migraine, you know it's far more than just a bad headache. For the approximately 36 million Americans who suffer from migraines, these neurological episodes can be debilitating, disrupting daily life with intense pain and a range of accompanying symptoms.  

You can find Melatonin gummies, capsules and tablets in virtually every health food store and supermarket supplement section. They help promote sleep and are available over the counter. They are usually made from synthetic ingredients and mimic the effects of natural melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep cycles.  

There’s a handful of fluids commonly used for post-exercise rehydration.  Each type of fluid serves a specific purpose and should be selected based on the intensity and duration of your workout. 

For most people and most workouts, just drinking water is enough. But if your workout is very long, intense or performed in hot temperatures, you may need more than water.

Here’s a breakdown of rehydration fluids.

Hydration plays a vital role in exercise performance, body temperature regulation and recovery. Even small changes in your fluid balance can affect endurance, strength and perceived exertion, especially if you’re an athlete. 

Research shows that proper hydration isn’t just about drinking plenty of water. The frequency with which you drink and the types of fluids you consume are also important. You also must consider the intensity and duration of your workout, as well as weather conditions.  

You’ve probably heard the term “biomarker” being bandied – especially around prevention and longevity. What does the term mean?

There’s a technical definition used by the National Institutes of Health: A biomarker is “a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process or of a condition or disease.”

When you raise a glass to toast a special occasion or unwind after a long day, cancer risk probably isn't the first thing on your mind. Yet the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer is more significant than many people realize. Understanding this connection could be one of the most important health decisions you make.  

There are those of us who exercise nearly every day and those of us who exercise … um … less frequently. In fact, only about a quarter of U.S. adults meet recommended guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise.

Generally, federal guidelines suggest that people between 18 and 64 get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week and at least two sessions of resistance training or weightlifting.