Have you seen What the Health? It’s a Netflix vegan documentary that critiques the meat and dairy industries. I've gotten a lot of questions about it lately and I thought I’d share some of my insights.

Keep in mind that What the Health? is a movie produced to promote veganism. And like other movies, it doesn’t require the same level of “proof” that scientific publication needs to show before it’s published. 

For years high blood pressure was defined as a reading of 140/90 or higher. Now 130/80 or higher is considered high or hypertensive, according to new scientific guidelines released by the American Heart Association. Although 120/80 remains normal, systolic readings (top number) between 121 and 129 are now elevated. The American Heart Association graphic below summarizes the changes.

Giving the gift of health to your family and friends can be expensive. But this year, you can be a “Healthy Santa," with our list of wellness gift ideas that won’t break the bank.    

An Herb Mill is a thoughtful gift for someone who cooks or is trying to cut down on salt. Herb mills quickly and safely chop fresh herbs without bruising or crushing them. They’re easy to use, usually dishwasher safe and generally run between $10 and $20.

1. Extra virgin olive oil: 
Get in one to two tablespoons daily of cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil. (Why olive oil? Here are my reasons.)

If you pay attention to nutrition news, you’ve probably heard just about everything about eggs. The good, the bad and the half-boiled! Here’s the latest: Eggs aren’t the pariah they once were. 

In January 2020, the journal Circulation published a science advisory from American Heart Association Nutrition Committee that states eggs may be included as part of a healthy eating pattern. 

I encourage my patients to increase healthy fat intake. Along with fish, certain nuts and seeds, avocado, and even a few saturated fats like coconut oil, I strongly advocate for daily intake of extra virgin olive oil. Most patients know that olive oil is healthy, but are confused about how to incorporate this oil into their everyday diet. More on that shortly.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you know just how annoying — and invasive — testing your blood sugar levels are. Every time you test, you have to prick your finger and bleed on an expensive blood glucose meter strip.

Diabetes is not a rare condition – in fact, it’s an epidemic in the U.S. More than 30 million Americans have type 2 diabetes and another 84 million have prediabetes, a condition of elevated blood sugar levels that often leads to type 2.

Why do so many Americans have type 2 diabetes? Experts say this major public health problem is due to an aging population, increasing obesity rates and rising sedentary lifestyles.

Sudden cardiac arrest is scary: Someone collapses. They have no pulse, they’re not breathing, and they have a complete loss of consciousness. Their heart has suddenly and unexpectedly stopped beating. Usually, they die. In fact, about 350,000 Americans will suffer a sudden cardiac arrest this year, and only 10 percent will survive.

And what’s really frightening about sudden cardiac arrest is more than 50 percent of men and 70 percent of women who experience one do not have a prior history of heart disease or even warning signs of an impending problem.

The average American gets about 10 percent of their calories from added sugars. Added sugars — from high fructose corn syrup to honey — are sugars and syrups that manufacturers add to processed foods. Ten percent may not seem like very much, but added sugars are empty calories that can lead to weight gain. Some Americans get a lot more than 10 percent of their calories from added sugars. Diets comprising 25 percent or more added sugar are linked to dental problems, obesity and insulin resistance.