Orthopedic Health in Men and Women

Although no one is immune to orthopedic injuries, men and women differ when it comes to orthopedic health.

Bariatric surgery a viable option for significant weight loss

Dieting is frustrating for most of us, but for some, it’s nearly impossible. Bariatric, also known as weight-loss surgery, can be a viable option.

Beer: A healthier choice than wine?

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages, but its health benefits have been largely ignored, while the benefits of wine have come to the fore. But some studies now show that beer is actually healthier than wine.

FOOD & FITNESS: An herb that curbs emotional eating

Cravings can derail a well-intended diet plan quicker than anything. Heather Hausenblas, Ph.D., of the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance, says that snacking has changed dramatically since the 1970s and may in part explain the increase in overweight and obesity. “N…

Curcumin: An ancient remedy for cancer prevention and survival

Patients undergoing cancer treatment often look to augment their health through alternative means. Many integrative medical interventions can make a real difference in cancer prevention, recovery and survival. Supplements are a popular choice, although they can sometimes lead to a buyer-bewa…

THE BODY SHOP: Kinesio tape supports healing

If you watched the summer Olympics, you probably noticed colorful tape and intricate patterns adorning some of the athletes’ bodies. These designs weren’t for aesthetic reasons; rather, it’s an elastic therapeutic tape called Kineseo tape. The tape was created over 30 years ago for sumo wres…

Facing Endometriosis: Painful ailment can cause infertility

Endometriosis is a health issue that can cause pain and infertility in women of childbearing age. The name comes from the tissue that lines the uterus, called the endometrium, but endometriosis can be found on or in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, lining of the pelvic cavity, and on the uteros…

Yard work doesn't have to stiff weekend warriors

As the days grow warmer, the weeds grow quickly, and weekends are taken up tackling yard and garden. But Dr. Jay Lipoff, a chiropractor and national expert in spinal injury prevention and the author of Back at Your Best—Balancing the Demands of Life with the Needs of Your Body, says weekends…

A look at the latest devices for treating sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that occurs when you can't get enough air into the lungs during sleep because of a collapsed airway. OSA can be serious, with each pause in breathing lasting ten to twenty seconds, and these can happen frequently in one hour, even as many as thirty…

Innovative sleep study at home

Studies to determine sleeping disorders are usually conducted at a clinic, but now there is a new FDA-cleared medical device called SleepView that meets all American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CSM) guidelines for Type III Home Sleep Test …

John Wayne Cancer Foundation formed to bring awareness to statistics before it's too late

Men are 49 percent more likely to die of cancer than women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That's a sobering fact, and it's a number that needs to go down, but it will only happen by getting proactive and having cancer screenings.

Camp it up: With school wrapping up, there are many options to keep children busy this summer

Summer is a great time for kids to get outside and play, and one of the most endearing things about summertime childhood is the summer camp. Ask any grownup about their summer camp experiences and you'll most likely be treated to fond memories of swimming, nature hiking, crafts, making new f…

Keep bones and joints healthy through wise food and supplement choices

Vitamin D and calcium are needed to build strong bones, says Vanessa Provins, RDCD, from Porter Health System in Valparaiso. "You need vitamin D to help increase the absorption of calcium into the bones," she says. "So it's a combination of the two."

Support system: A comparison of orthotics to over-the-counter shoe inserts

We depend on our feet to get from place to place. Putting pressure on them day in and day out can take its toll over time, resulting in a long list of ailments ranging from a limp to a hammer toe. The simplest way to correct and ease foot problems is by using an orthotic shoe insert. By taki…

The Benefits of FloWalking: Low-impact technique reprograms the body's motions

FloWalking helps increase the benefits of exercise, but it will also help you as you move through your day.

The Benefits of FloWalking: Low-impact, natural technique reprograms body's motions

Walking is a fantastic exercise, and it's beneficial for all ages and fitness levels. But like all exercise, if you don't do it correctly you won't reap all the benefits, and worse, you can exacerbate existing injuries and even create new ones.

Hidden architectural gems are landmarks in their own right

Every city in the world boasts its architectural wonders, but often the lesser-known buildings get short shrift. Our region is filled with world-renowned structures built by important architects.

Hidden Architectural Gems

Every city in the world boasts its architectural wonders, but often the lesser-known buildings get short shrift. Our region is filled with world-renowned skyscrapers, museums and houses built by important architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis H. Sullivan. Although the bigger buildi…

Sweet standouts: Make the day unique with customized wedding foods

Everyone wants to make their wedding truly unique. One way to make your special day memorable is to offer custom foods during your reception or pass them out as favors.

FYI on BMI: How and why to calculate your body mass index

The number on the scale isn't the only thing to take into consideration when determining weight and health risk. Doctors, trainers and dietitians also look at the body mass index, or BMI.

Debunking weight-loss myths: Local dietitians shed some light to help you lose pounds

Weight-loss myths abound these days with fad diet authors and blogs weighing in with the latest ways to shed pounds. Our dietitians and trainers bust some of the top weight-loss tales.

Debunking weight-loss myths: Local dietitians shed some light to help you lose pounds

Weight-loss myths abound these days with fad diet authors and blogs weighing in with the latest ways to shed pounds. Our dietitians and trainers bust some of the top weight-loss tales.

Importance of foot care for diabetics: Regular checks are vital for healthy living

Our feet are our foundation, and it's important to take good care of them. But good foot care is even more crucial for a diabetic. Diabetes isn't just a blood sugar problem; the disease affects the entire body, and that includes nerves and circulation to the feet. However, foot problems ofte…

Exercise your heart just like any other muscle

Exercise is high on the heart disease prevention list because the heart is a muscle, and exercise helps to keep it strong.

Smart food choices can lower your risk for heart disease

Fuel the body with the right food and you'll be rewarded with good health, especially good heart health.

Smart food choices can lower risk for heart disease

Fuel the body with the right food and you'll be rewarded with good health, especially good heart health.

Exercise heart just like any other muscle

Heart disease is the No.1 killer of men and women in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Simple things can help prevent heart disease, such as eating a healthy diet, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol. Exercise is high on the disease prevention list becau…

Sweet standouts: Make the day unique with customized wedding foods

Everyone wants to make their wedding truly unique. One way to make your special day memorable is to offer custom foods during your reception or pass them out as favors.

Dyer facility offers wellness fitness program

We all want results through diet and exercise, but sometimes they just don't happen and we're left wondering why. Michael Sena's Pro-Fit: Program Fitness for Results, in Dyer, helps its clients achieve success by using cutting-edge techniques paired with personal training.

Avastin: A tumor-starving cancer drug

A tumor-starving cancer treatment is available for cancer patients. The drug, called Avastin (bevacizumab) blocks angiogenesis—the growth of new blood vessels.

Kefir: It does a body good

With 30 species of beneficial microorganisms, kefir is one of the healthiest drinks in the world.

Combat cancer with 'superfoods' rich with nutrition

Eating the right kinds of foods can help reduce your cancer risk. These foods are often referred to as "superfoods," which is a nod to their power-packed nutrition.

Hospice helps patients cope at end of life

Hospice care has proven to be a great comfort and relief to patients and their families, because caregivers can tend to individuals in their homes or in homelike clinics.

Camping with kids in Northwest Indiana

Summer is nearly over, but there's time for one last getaway with the kids. How about going camping? Even novices can have a great time in the outdoors with just a little preparation and planning.

Hospice helps patients cope at end of life

The philosophy of hospice care began in England during the 1950s. No longer would patients have to spend their final days in a sterile hospital away from the comforts of home and the presence of family, friends and pets. Instead, caregivers could tend to patients in their homes or in homelik…

Innovative cancer treatment in Northwest Indiana

Cancer patients don't have to travel to Chicago or Indianapolis for innovative treatment. Northwest Indiana has many hospitals and treatment centers with new technology and groundbreaking therapies.

New therapies for bladder problems

Bladder problems can really cause chaos in a woman's life, and many turn to surgery or medications for help, but Dr. Julia Garcia, urologist at Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Michigan City, says these methods don't have to be the solution, because there have been great strides in the field…

Feeling depleted? There's a reason women get depressed

Many women often feel depleted, unhappy or slightly depressed. Many times we can chalk this up to stressful times in life, but more often than not, the "blahs" stem from physical reasons.

Extended wear of high heels can cause foot damage

High heels make you look great, improve your figure, and are the final touch to a fashionable look, but if high heels do wonders for your appearance, they don't do a lot for foot health.

Michael Puente: A familiar voice

Faithful listeners of Chicago public radio's WBEZ 91.5 are probably familiar with the dulcet tones of Michael Puente, who is the radio reporter for all the pertinent news coming out of Northwest Indiana and even farther afield. Whether it's a recent mayoral race in Gary, the season opening o…

The Pilates Magic Circle increases variety in your workout

Joseph Pilates, the founder of the groundbreaking eponymous stretching and strengthening exercise program, developed several tools to augment his full-body workout. The elastic bands and the reformer are probably the best known, but one trend emerging in Pilates is the ring, or what Pilates …

Finding happiness at work

Americans spend on average 2,000 hours a year at work. That's a great fact if you love your job, but not so great if you're unhappy with it.

Throwback summer activities with the family

There are lots of things for a family to do in Northwest Indiana in the summer, and they don't have to be expensive and high-tech. Choose from a day at the local zoo, miniature golfing, hiking in one of the many parks in the region, ice cream at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, or a truly …

Beach Body Workouts: Why exercise is more effective on sandy grounds

Exercising out of doors is full of benefits: the changing scenery keeps your mind engaged, and the fresh air is good for your emotional well-being. But the beach, in particular, is a great place to work out because the sand and water offer their own unique challenges.

Finding your career path

It's never too late to change careers. Everyone has a career DNA that is unique, and putting your whole heart behind your career choice will give you the greatest personal fulfillment.

Letting go of limiting beliefs

Inside every one of us lurk insidious limiting beliefs set to detonate when we attempt a goal. You start doubting yourself; you think you aren't talented or worthy enough to achieve the goal, so why bother? Here are some tips on how to stop the sabatoging self talk.

The hottest new items in the indulgence market

Luxury is more than just a perk that only wealthy people can afford. Luxury can be a pleasure, a gift you give yourself that is out of the ordinary. For some people this can be as simple as a soak in a hot bubble bath; for others, a massage; still others, a piece of jewelry that enhances a s…

Airbrush tanning for brides

No bride wants to look pasty on her wedding day, but how do you get a sunkissed look without tan lines? Most brides turn to tanning beds or tanning products, but tanning beds hold the same health warnings as lying in the sun; tanning products are healthy alternatives, but these can result in…

Your Get-Fit Timeline

Fitness is more important with bridal fashions than ever before. Gone are the poofy leg-of-mutton sleeves (thank goodness) and high collars so adored in the '80s. Nowadays women are embracing their assets with figure-hugging mermaid gowns and strapless dresses.

Echinacea to relieve anxiety?

Echinacea, or coneflower, is a native prairie plant, and it's usually found growing in gardens. "For years we've been selling it as an immune booster," says Mylese Tucker, co-owner of Nature's Cupboard in Chesterton and Michigan City. "It's also been discussed as to whether you should take i…