When Neil Kaplan walked into the office of internist Dr. Kevin Monahan in Boca Raton, complaining of headaches and facial numbness, the doctor knew from one look at his patient that something wasn’t right.

A former competitive hockey player, Mr. Kaplan attributed his symptoms to his dental implants. Finally, one morning his wife insisted he make an appointment. By 1:30 that afternoon, he was in Dr. Monahan’s office.

As Mr. Kaplan described his symptoms, a nurse took his blood pressure. It was 135 over 115. “I know you,” Dr. Monahan said. “This needs attention.”

More than 80 percent of Americans consider prescriptions drug costs to be unreasonable, according to a recent survey conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation. It’s such a concern that it’s become an important area of health policy. 

The good news is you don’t have to wait for legislative action to save on prescription medication costs. There are steps you can take now.

We live in a fast-paced, hectic world in which remembering details can sometimes be difficult.  And when you add the demands of the holiday season with travel arrangements, busy social calendars and exhaustive shopping lists, your memory can be affected. 

Recent studies suggest that adopting a few simple lifestyle changes can help preserve your memory. If you are struggling to remember everything on your holiday to-do list, try these four tips.

1. Strength train for 20 minutes

Holiday celebrations are a tempting trap. The holiday table overflows with food that’s as delicious as it can be challenging for those with health risks or chronic illnesses.

If you suffer from diabetes, high cholesterol, heart or kidney disease, are overweight, or have any other illness about which your doctor has warned you to “watch what you eat,” then eat smart.

Katie Coombs was the picture of health. Or so she thought.

The radio and media personality, business owner and mother of six led an active lifestyle. She ate in moderation and made sure her home was stocked with healthy food.

Every year, she had an “executive physical” during which everything from her weight, vital signs and cholesterol to a variety of key functions was checked. Sure, she had a few aches and pains, a few extra pounds and some sluggishness that she and her doctor at the time chalked up to being in her early 40s.

Now that the holiday season has ended, many of us will begin focusing on New Year’s resolut

Eating healthier foods is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. However, good intentions can backfire if you are selecting foods with hidden unhealthy ingredients. Before buying packaged food items, be sure to read the labels to see if the following red-flag terms are listed among the ingredients. 

For decades, our public health system, healthcare providers and media have touted that lifestyle behaviors like a high-fat diet and elevated cholesterol levels can lead to  coronary artery disease, raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke. However, recent studies have ignited debates between experts as to what really contributes to heart disease. Below are three questionable prevention tactics and the truth behind them. 

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S.? It’s true, but the good news is that better diagnostic tests and treatments continue improving early detection and survival rates. Further, studies have revealed several ways you can try to help prevent this disease.