It certainly can! Glycyrrhizin, a compound found in licorice root, can raise your blood pressure significantly. Consuming too much licorice can cause the body’s potassium levels to fall, which …
This is frighteningly true for some people, especially those living with heart disease or other cardiovascular issues. Living in New England, we are all too familiar with shoveling out …
The shorter days of winter, with their grey skies and reduced sunlight can really affect people’s mood, leading to what is often called the “winter blues.” Fortunately, light therapy, …
Many of us looking forward to an annual holiday party probably wish this were true. However, the fact is that alcoholic drinks can contribute to weight gain during the …
You may only be used to eating shelled pumpkin seeds bought in a store, but’s it’s perfectly fine to eat the whole seeds too. They make a delicious snack …
Vitamin D is an important vitamin when it comes to our health, helping to prevent fractures and osteoporosis as well as bolster the immune system. While it’s true that …
By Linda Dylewicz, PT Director of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Many people who wear fitness trackers set a goal of reaching 10,000 steps per day as part of their …
By Felipe Fernandez del Castillo, MD Division of Nephrology It’s true, in certain instances overhydration (also known as water intoxication) can be a real health danger. In fact, there …
Chances are, you’ve heard of Ozempic and similar medications such as Wegovy that have been all over the news and social media recently. Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable drug …
According to a new study of physical activity, disease risk, and mortality, the answer is yes. The findings showed that just 11 minutes of exercise per day can lower …
For many years, it has been widely accepted that dietary fiber intake is important for proper gut health and to promote regular bowel movements. However, are there any relevant …
Growing up, our parents sometimes warned us that cracking our knuckles will “cause arthritis.” Fortunately, those who like to lean back in their chair and give their knuckles a …
Moderate alcohol consumption has long been known to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, does red wine offer more protection to the heart than other alcoholic beverages? Fortunately …
After enjoying adult beverages around the holidays, did you participate in the popular annual challenge called “Dry January,” a month of abstinence from drinking alcoholic beverages? While abstaining from …
Well, not exactly. These plants, which are very popular around the holiday season, do have some low toxicity to people and animals (as do many other plants). However, they …
Yes, it’s true, you really can have an allergic reaction to cold temperatures, with symptoms such as an itchy rash, redness, swelling and hives. Known by healthcare providers as …
Fortunately, this is false. Even though falls are a big risk for older Americans, they are not an inevitable part of aging. By taking preventative steps, everyone has the …
Fortunately, most jellyfish stings while very painful are not life-threatening. However, a few species are deadly and the venom from their sting can kill a person in a matter …
Can Salt Water Really Heal Wounds? The answer to this question is yes. This is because salt water helps to clean and promote healing by a process called osmosis. …
When you are outdoors on a cloudy day, it may be tempting to skip the sunscreen, but that would be a mistake. Clouds only partially block the invisible UV …
Myth: A Bull’s-eye Rash Always Occurs with Lyme Disease By Alwyn Rapose, MD Division of Infectious Diseases This time of year, it’s important to know the common signs and …
Fortunately for berry lovers, this is not true. After having your strawberries or blueberries for a few days, it’s not unusual to notice a moldy berry or two. The …
By Dr. Michael Jacobson Division of Urology Kidney stones are a real pain (ask anyone who’s had one). Fortunately, changing your diet (as well as taking certain medications) has …
This is not true. According to the CDC, it’s perfectly fine to get COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at the same time – in fact, they encourage people to do …
This is false, despite the rumors that circulate every year around the flu season. Vaccines cannot cause flu illness because they contain an inactive virus or virus particles. Some …