What Really Causes Cancer?

It’s tempting to think you can avoid cancer by cutting out sugar or switching off your Wi-Fi, but the disease is very complex and influenced by genes, hormones and many other factors. “You can make certain lifestyle changes that reduce your cancer risk,” said Chisom Onuoha, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist/oncologist at Archbold’s Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center. “However, some things you read about online or on social media will have minimal, if any, influence on...



The Hidden World of Hernias

Hernias can be painful, but they can also go unnoticed. Here’s what you need to know if you have one. Hernias are most common in men older than age 40, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and they occur most frequently in the groin, where they’re known as inguinal hernias. Hernias can also form in other areas, such as at a previous surgery site (incisional hernias) and near the top of the stomach (hiatal hernias). “Hernias develop when tissue or portions of...



Why Your Heart Loves Exercise

Exercise strengthens muscles by stressing them, and the heart – a muscle itself – is no exception. A strong heart is better able to pump oxygen-rich blood to every area of the body. “Physical activity benefits the entire circulatory system by widening capillaries and preventing plaque buildup in the arteries,” said Jason NeSmith, MD, primary care physician at Cairo Internal Medicine. “This makes it easier to more efficiently deliver oxygen-rich blood to tissues and remove more...



Falling for Your Heart

When there’s a problem with your heart, you have a higher risk of developing dizziness or losing consciousness – and experiencing a potentially serious fall. The reasons have to do with circulation and circuitry. Not Enough Blood Going Around “The heart sends oxygenated blood to the brain, which needs an adequate blood supply to function,” said Kelechukwu Okoro, MD, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Consultants of South Georgia. “If the heart can’t supply enough...



Are Adaptogens the Trick to Weight Loss?

With warmer weather around the corner, you may be considering ways to get ready for your best wingsuit season yet. Have you considered introducing adaptogens into your everyday diet? Not only can adaptogens help you kickstart your summer body, they can also help you de-stress and energize. Keep reading to learn more about nature’s multi-purpose remedy! Adaptogens: What They Are & What They Do According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Adaptogens are found in certain plants and mushrooms,...



Chronic Stress? You May Be at Risk for Cancer-Related Death

Stress is an inevitable part of life that we all experience to some extent. However, a recent study conducted by the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University suggests that living with stress for a lifetime is associated with an increased risk of cancer-related death. The study, published in the SSM Population Health journal, followed over 40,000 people for 22 years and found that those who reported high levels of stress throughout their lives had a higher risk of dying from...



Women's Health Month: A Time to Focus on YOU!

Get the kids to school. Prep for that big work presentation. Pick up the dog at the vet. Don’t forget to bring cupcakes to the soccer game. Did you ever schedule that doctor’s appointment?! We get it! Sometimes a woman’s “to-do” list is neverending. Whether you’re juggling kids and carpools or have a dedicated 9-5 office job, life is just plain busy! May is Women’s Health Month, and it’s a great time to share a few tips to ensure that you, and the women in your life,...



You Heart Needs a Good Night's Sleep

Sleep – it’s an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge and leaves you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Not only is sleep a vital function in maintaining our physical and mental health, but it’s also essential for overall well-being. But it turns out that getting a good night’s sleep is just as important for your heart health, too. In fact, the American Heart Association has recently added sleep to its list of important factors for maintaining...



A Gut Feeling: Why Are So Many Women Living with GI Issues?

From bloating and heartburn to chronic constipation, gastrointestinal issues are a common health concern for many people. However, recent studies show that women are more likely to experience these issues than men. So what’s with the gender bias? According to the American College of Gastroenterology, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and diet are a few of the factors that contribute to the higher prevalence of gastrointestinal issues among women. What are common symptoms of...



Ultra-Processed Foods: What They Are and What They Can Do To Your Body

Is an easy, fast food meal really that harmful to your body? What about a quick snack binge in the kitchen? Research shows they may pose more danger than you think! According to a 2022 study published by The British Medical Journal, ultra-processed foods commonly available at fast food drive-thru windows or in the snack aisle of your local grocery store have the potential to cause major bodily damage in young adults, including colorectal cancer. What is Ultra-Processed Food...



For a Healthier Heart and Longer Life, Drink Coffee

Is there anything better than the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning? If you’re like billions of people across the globe, there’s no better feeling than taking that first sip of a warm, delicious cup of joe that gives you the energy to tackle your day. It may be the chosen vice of many, but did you know coffee consumption can contribute to a healthier heart and longer life, too? Here are just a few science-backed health benefits that are linked to your favorite morning...



Skip Out on Seltzer Season? 4 Myths About "Healthy" Booze

You probably know drinking too much alcohol isn’t good for you. When it comes to consuming alcohol, most medical experts agree that moderation is key. But is it possible to incorporate your favorite alcoholic beverage into a healthy lifestyle? The truth is alcohol really shouldn’t be considered a “healthy” beverage at all. And that includes some of the most popular hard seltzers that are marketed as low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, and low-sugar alcoholic drink options. The...