Herbals & Plants

All about anti-aging ingredients Find the formula that works for your skin’s specific needs Science has come a long way in developing and formulating ingredients that can be added to creams and serums to help slow and sometimes even reverse signs of skin aging. While there’s no true “facelift in a jar,” there are many products available that can help replenish and restore the skin’s texture and appearance. Keep the following ingredient terminology in mind when you’re shopping for the best combination of products for your skin type and specific concerns: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA):  Water-soluble acids that include glycolic, lactic and malic acids, among others. These chemical exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and smooth skin texture. They have a moisturizing effect and can be a good choice for dry or sun-damaged skin. Antioxidants:  A broad term for a wide variety of beneficial ingredients meant to fight the damaging effects of free radi...

Ask the Doctors By  Dr. Andrew Ordon Can nasal surgery help solve breathing problems? To understand how undergoing surgery of the nose can help with better breathing, it helps to know a little bit about the physiology of the nose and how air moves through it. Our nasal cavity has a wall or partition in the middle that divides it into two equal air passages, which helps air flow better and also serves to filter and warm the air as it goes in and out. You want that partition, called the septum, to be as straight as possible because that makes breathing more efficient. The septum is made up of both bone and cartilage, and either one or both of those components can be crooked, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. When we do septal surgery, typically we’re manipulating and straightening the cartilage, the bone or both. There are two other parts of the nose we also address in surgery: the turbinates, which are like little shelves on the outer wall of the nasal cavit...

Superfood Spotlight: Artichokes Although artichokes have been around since ancient Greek and Roman times, they aren’t  necessarily a staple in many households. However, given their versatility, powerful nutritional  profile and mild, delicious taste, it’s time for them to take a place on the table! Artichokes are actually the bud of a plant from the thistle family. Inside the bud is the pale green heart, topped by the “choke,” a fuzzy section that is not eaten. Covering these are deep green petals, which protect the heart while the artichoke grows. When raw, the petals have tiny thorns at the top — these can be trimmed, if desired, but soften during cooking. Baby artichokes, which are not a different variety but simply a smaller version of a regular artichoke, are grown on the lower part of the plant. They don’t grow the choke portion, so they are fully edible. Artichokes are low in calories and have almost no fat. They have one of the highest total anti...

Women's health screenings Throughout the course of a woman's life, a few standard precautions are necessary for her health and well-being. Some tests are geared toward specific age groups, as risk of disease varies with lifestyle and behavior, and some deseases just aren't prevalent at certain ages.  There are several screening tests aimed at women's health that are recommended by Womenshealth.gov. Guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Forc (USPSTF) (see chart below) are evidence-based, meaning they are scientifically proven to be crucial to a woman's longevity. The USPSTF is made up of primary care providers, such as internists, pediatricians, family physicians, gynecologists/obstetricians, nurses and health behavior specialists. The Centersfo Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also endorse this information as part of its Healthier Worksite Initiative.  In addition to these tests, it's crcial cfor women to get screened for thyroid disea...

Have another Cup Coffee has long been known as a rich source of antioxidants. For diabetics who also enjoy a hot cup of java, there's even more good news. Anew study from Harvard School of Public Health over a four year period reports that people who upped their daily coffee intake by more than one cup were found to have an 11 percent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Conversely, participants who decreased their coffee consumption by more than a cup had a 17 percent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Further evaluation of multiple study data revealed that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee yield the same benefits. One cause may be bioactive and phenolic compounds in coffee such as chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to improve glusoce metabolism in animals. 

Chia seeds Chia, you mean that fuzzy plant? As a matter of fact, yes. Although chia seeds are used as fun, playful items, they are also edible and extremely nutritious. Each 3 tablespoon serving of chia seeds contains just 160 calories and is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Add to that chia's 5 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber, 20 percent of your daily value of calcium and iron, 10 percent of your daily value of vitamin A, and 8 percent of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, and you'll find it easy to include a serving with every meal. Studies suggest that eating chia slows down how quickly our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, making the seed a perfect meal add-in for diabetics. The sedds can also assist with overeating issues, chia helps you feel fuller longer, while blocking a small amount of calorie absorption due to its gelling tendency within the gastro intestinal track. Chia also helps the body stay hydrated by absorbing liquid...