As a child, you probably learned that animals like bears, squirrels and chipmunks hibernate for the winter. And while humans don’t hibernate, we do need more sleep during the winter. This is often referred to as our “winter hibernation”.

“We need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, regardless of the season. But it’s common to see people sleeping more starting in late fall and through the winter, while needing less sleep during late spring and summer,” says Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer, MDVIP.

It’s hard to believe America’s most recent weight-loss craze started with an endangered lizard. That’s right — Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro all owe their success to something secreted by the Gila monster.

Diet crazes come and go, especially when new medications reach the market. In the 1950s and 1960s amphetamine derivatives were all the rage until concerns about drug abuse and cardiovascular risks led to a decline in their use.

For dieters – and people who just want to lose a little weight – new drugs on the market are giving consumers a choice. While the drugs, which go under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, Trulicity and Mounjaro, seem safe and effective, they are not for everyone.

How the Drugs Work

The drugs are evolutions of earlier injectable type 2 diabetes drugs. At a high level, they work by targeting the areas of our body that regulate our appetite, controlling blood glucose levels and reducing cravings while helping keep energy levels normal.

Herbs and spices are generally considered a healthier alternative to America’s most popular flavoring agent salt, and many, in fact, have health benefits of their own. They may be rich in healthy compounds called phytonutrients including carotenoids, flavonoids and isoflavones.

Unfortunately, some herbs and spices may also be rich in heavy metals, which can be harmful to our health.

Have you switched to plant-based dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk? Whether this switch was for health or because you can’t tolerate traditional dairy, there’s something you should know about your beverage of choice: Not all alternative milks are created equal – and this is especially true of almond milk.

Do you swing by Dunkin’ drive-thru for coffee on your way into work? Or frequent Starbucks for an afternoon caffeine boost? If your answer was yes, you’re not alone. About 73 percent of Americans drink coffee daily and more than 50 percent buy coffee (or another beverage) from a coffee shop at least once a week, spending an average of $21.32 each week. Coffee shops are very enticing, rolling out festive, seasonal flavors, particularly during the holidays. But these drinks may be taking a toll on your wallet, and more importantly, your health.

It’s not news that processed red meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, jerky and cold cuts have a bad health rap. Studies have tied them to the risk of obesity, heart disease, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Some researchers suspect that processed red meat can affect cognitive health, even though study results have been inconsistent.

People often blame their metabolism for weight gain and stalled weight loss. It’s not that simple. Metabolism plays a role when we’re trying to manage our weight, but gaining and losing weight is still mostly determined by how many calories we take in versus how many calories we burn.

The role metabolism plays comes down to a simple measurement: How many calories do we burn when we’re at rest? This is called our Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR. BMR, which is typically expressed in calories, fuels everything from cell division to blood circulation.

Fundamentally, your metabolic health is about how well your body responds to and processes food. Our metabolism’s job is to convert what we eat and drink into energy to power your body’s functions. When everything is working well, your body has the energy to do a range of amazing things – from breathing to circulating blood to creating and repairing cells to movement and exercise.

People have always turned to herbs and spices as home health remedies. Today, 24 percent of Americans use herbal medicines, supplements and tea to boost their health, according to Statista.

One popular herb is turmeric (also known as Indian saffron). Turmeric has been used for centuries to flavor food and as an ingredient in mustard, medicines and cosmetics, and as a coloring agent in some butters and cheeses.