Retinoids in Skin Care
What Are Retinoids? Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A, a vital nutrient for skin health. Retinoids come in various forms, such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and prescription-only tretinoin. These potent substances boast an impressive range of benefits for the skin and have been a staple in dermatology for decades. How Do […]
Exercises for the Pool
Looking to implement low-impact exercises into your summer routine? Look no further than the pool! The buoyancy of water supports your body, thus lessening the pressure on your joints. Plus, the water provides resistance to movements, which helps strengthen muscles even without the use of weights.1–3 Individuals with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, […]
Skin Cancer—Types, Detection, and Risk Factors
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States (US), and an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.1,2 Many types of skin cancer exist, and they can be categorized into two types: nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma.2 This article will provide information on the various […]
Preventative Nutrition in Skin Cancer
There are many nutrients that can enhance your skin’s natural defenses against cancer. Here are a few examples. Beta carotene This is a type of carotenoid, a group of pigments that give fruits and vegetables their color. Beta-carotene boosts the immune system by converting itself to vitamin A, an important nutrient in the body’s […]
Sunscreen Types and Formulations
Chemical Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays before they can cause damage. They contain active ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens are easier to rub into the skin than physical sunscreens, and they do not leave a white cast.1,2 Physical/mineral Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, […]
Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning on a Budget
A cost-effective but healthy weekly grocery shopping list can vary depending on your preferences, dietary needs, availability of item, and where you live. However, here are some general tips and examples to help you shop for healthy groceries while tight on cash. Choose seasonal and local produce when possible. They are usually cheaper and fresher […]
Superfood Spotlight—Mushrooms
A mushroom is a spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus—a simple definition for a rather complex group of living organisms. Indeed, mushrooms and other fungi are considered neither plant nor animal—they comprise their very own self-named kingdom within the Eurkarya domain of the taxonomy of living things.1 In fact, recent studies indicate that fungi are […]
Know Your Nutrients—Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It plays a vital role in body structure, but it has other critical functions in human physiology. Ninety-nine percent of whole-body calcium is incorporated into the structure of bones and teeth. The remaining one percent is distributed throughout the body. Many cells contain calcium channels […]
Asthma—A Primer
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in the world.1 The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)defines asthma as “a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation…[with] a history of respiratory symptoms, such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough, that vary over time […]
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Chronic respiratory disease (CRD) is an umbrella term for diseases that prevent the lungs from working correctly, often affecting the airways, lung tissue, or lung circulation.1 Environmental and/or genetic factors can increase the risk of developing a CRD.2 Since most CRDs are incurable, the goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, prevent further lung damage, […]
Exercising with Chronic Respiratory Disease
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease (ILD), affect lung function, making it harder to breathe. Though individuals with CRDs might become more sedentary due to their symptoms, low levels of physical activity can decondition skeletal muscles, leading to increased breathlessness, and leg muscle deconditioning can […]
How to Do Navasana (Boat Pose)
Navasana, or the boat pose, strengthens and tones the abdominal and lower back muscles. It also builds mental focus because this is a challenging pose and requires you to push through the discomfort to open and stretch your body. There are two stages—Stage 1 takes physical effort and mental focus, but it is not as […]
