Did you get the flu this season, even though you were vaccinated? As of February 9, the CDC estimated 7.2–8.4 million people sought medical treatment due to flu-like symptoms. First, understand that getting an annual flu shot is strongly recommended and your healthcare professional can determine a best choice You + Health Advocate = Expert Care [...]
Looking for healthy, beautiful skin that is achieved through nourishing your own microbiome? The growing body of evidence shows that maintaining the balance of good and bad bacteria in your skin’s microbiome is how you can not only obtain more beautiful skin, but achieve overall well-being. What is microbiome? [...]
We all know that we feel good when we’re active, eat well, and have enjoyable jobs and social lives. However, we don’t always realize how important good lifestyle choices are for our bodies and brains. Is it possible, for example, to have “stronger” brains that improve our ability to remember [...]
There are two kinds of vein conditions that most of us are aware of. There are “spider” veins that resemble “granddaddy long legs” and may be unappealing to some who have them. They are strictly a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins—which cause discomfort—are the kind that protrude and can look almost like a rope beneath the skin.Dr. Ray Workman, with Novant [...]
What happens in the body that causes aging? Scientists have discovered a fundamental process of aging in our cells that occurs on the strands of our DNA. This discovery, which won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 2009, is important to our everyday life. Why? The reason is we now know the speed of aging can move faster or slower, [...]
By Barbara Nicklas, PhD Question: I would like to start an exercise program, but I just turned 73 and I'm afraid that I'm "too old." Can a man or woman in their 70's really benefit from starting a regular exercise program? Answer: Exciting new research show that it is never too late to start enjoying regular exercise. A recent study [...]
Sleep apnea can be a gateway to heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Julian Parra knew something wasn’t right when he began waking up several times a night gasping for air. He also noticed that he felt unusually tired and sleepy at work and during the day. At age 39, he suspected he might have sleep apnea because his dad has [...]
Todd McDiarmid, MD, holds advanced certification in family medicine and geriatrics. He practices at the Cone Health Family Medicine Center. Our changing memory is a normal part of aging. Just as we have different amounts of reserves in our body that help us cope with aging or illness, we also have different amounts of memory reserves that help us deal [...]
Joe and Becky Miller celebrated 34 years of marriage on Valentine’s Day shortly after Becky retired from teaching physical education and coaching sports at Davie High School in Mocksville. But the big reason the couple were smiling and laughing again, they say, is because Joe is back to his old, cut-up self following a life-changing LVAD heart procedure at Novant [...]
Coffee aficionados already know a bunch of reasons why coffee is good for you like it's the raison d'etre to get up in the morning. If that's not your reason, you may pick one of the following or add yours to the list. • Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which help to fight inflammation • Coffee may help boost cognitive [...]
