We often hear about avoiding the foods and beverages that can raise our risk of developing diabetes such as alcohol, fast food, processed meats, high-sugar foods, soft drinks and so on. But according to the October 2006 issue of Shape magazine, here are six things you should add to your diet to arm your body's defenses in this battle: read more

7:00PM EST 11/30/2006

A group of more than 100 centenarians living within an eight-town radius of Boston, were the subjects of a study initiated in 1994.

The co-directors of the New England Centenarian Study (NECS)-Thomas Perls, M.D., M.P.H., and Margery Hutter Silver, Ed.D.-have published their observations in the medical literature and in a popular book titled Living to 100: Lessons in Living to Your Maximum Potential at Any Age (Basic Books).

You can see some of the important characteristics they share below: read more

8:00PM EDT 7/31/2006

One way to avoid putting on weight, according to fitness trainer Dino Nowak, is to stop eating mindlessly, particularly while engaging in other activities such as watching TV. In his book The Final Makeover (Siloam), Nowak suggests that if you eat in front of a TV or computer screen you do not pay attention to how much you are consuming and can easily exceed a healthful amount. If the snack you choose is not good for you (potato chips, cookies, ice cream), the negative effects of the indulgence are that much worse. So from now on, use your head when you go to the pantry: Select a nutritional food, put only one serving on a plate or into a bowl, and eat it purposefully--to satisfy hunger--rather than out of mere habit or a need to keep your hands busy during a sedentary activity. read more 8:00PM EDT 5/31/2005

You've probably never thought of apples as a significant part of a weight-loss regimen, but apples are a great source of fiber, and fiber not only improves digestion but also encourages weight loss. A medium-sized apple contains about five grams of fiber, more than most commercially made cereals--even the health food store variety. They also have almost no fat or cholesterol, so they are a healthy choice for a snack or dessert. read more

7:00PM EST 3/31/2005

If you’re celebrating more but enjoying it less, a few small changes will help you enter into the joy of the season.

When I entered the exam room, I found Erin staring blankly out the window. She looked as if she was in another world. The note from my nurse said only, "Post-holiday depression. Wants to talk."

As I pulled out my stool and had a seat, I greeted her. "Good morning, Erin. What's up?" read more

7:00PM EST 11/30/2005

One key in developing a cancer-free lifestyle is ongoing, moderate exercise. Research indicates that those who use up 2,000 calories or more in physical activity each week have a third less risk of getting all types of cancer as compared to sedentary individuals. One study found that women who exercise an average of four hours per week reduced their risk of breast cancer by 50 percent compared to that of age-matched inactive women. Exercise may also help boost the immune system and even help promote such healthy habits as getting a good night's sleep.

And the best exercise may not be as strenuous as you think. Brisk walking, not jogging or pumping iron, may well prove to be the perfect exercise. This form of exercise provides the ideal opportunity for worship and prayer as well. Just take along a tape player loaded with your favorite worship music, and you're off to a healthier physical and spiritual life! read more

2:41PM EDT 7/1/2010

Scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Children's Hospital Boston found that children who spend more time watching television are more likely to eat the high-calorie foods they see advertised. Previous studies have linked children who watch more television to obesity, but this study (results appear in the April 2006 issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine) breaks new ground by providing evidence explaining the connection. read more

10:37AM EDT 6/10/2010