A recent article in Time Magazine revealed that friends not only make us feel good but positively impact our health. Socially isolated people are twice as likely to die from heart disease than those with a solid social circle. Strong relationships also support mental health, which ties into our immune functions and reduces stress. With the onslaught of social media, it may seem like making friends is easier than ever before. However, virtual friends do not predict one’s healt

It’s Spring Break and, even if you can’t get off from work or afford a trip, don’t let that discourage you from taking a break with your children. A week with the children at home is more than an extended weekend – it’s an opportunity for families to improve communication, teamwork, and unity. The family is the first and most important place to learn compassion, confidence, responsibility, and trust. Taking time away from your busy life to focus on your family is an investmen

Working with obese patients has been eye-opening to the stigma they face in their daily lives. In a culture where thin is highly valued, career promotions, dating, and travel are limited due to your size. It’s no wonder that anxiety, depression, and addictions are higher in individuals struggling with their weight. I asked several people who struggle with their weight about the emotional impact on their lives. These were a few of their comments: Your children are embarrassed

The recent statistics from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has reported that about one-third (33.8%) of U.S. adults are obese. That number rises every day, and keeping up with it is more difficult than keeping up with your stocks. I work with the finest bariatric surgeons in the U.S. They are dedicated to helping their patients lose weight in an effort to thwart diseases, and minimize current disease progression. I also run several 12-step food addiction g

We all know the warm feeling we get from thanking someone and making them feel good, but new research shows that gratitude physically helps you and the person you’re grateful for. Clinical research found that gratitude lowers blood pressure, improves immune function, and facilitates restful sleep. A study from the University of California found that people who were more grateful through their words and actions had better heart health with less inflammation; essentially, grati

No one considers the effects of chronic illness on their relationship, but those who live with illness can tell you there is a big change. The sooner couples talk about their fear, anger, confusion and guilt to the more support and increase in intimacy they’ll experience. Sharing these feelings and concerns with your partner helps you and your partner feel more like a team and draws you closer. Infertility, impotence, a colostomy bag, the loss of a breast or in the case of Mu

When we talk about menopause we think of older women, hot flashes, irritability, night sweats, and a miserable time. Those symptoms are a reality for many women during this time. However, not all women experience the physical symptoms. An estimated 6,000 women in the United States reach menopause every day, and with increasing life expectancy, women will spend up to 40% of their lives post-menopausal. This does not mean they will continue with the physical symptoms, but it m

The majority of women enjoy being in a relationship, but a large number of them also gain weight in relationships. Research has found that although relationships cause weight gain in women, it causes weight loss among men, especially within the first year of the relationship. 6,000 women were followed for ten years in a study recently mentioned in the New York Times. Women with partners who had children gained an average of 20 pounds, while women in relationships who didn’t h

In our weight conscious society and a generation of obese children, it’s easy to begin placing one’s worth on their weight. In fact, girls especially are obsessed with the scale and feel judged according to their weight. It’s common to see morning news anchors or talk show hosts growing thinner and thinner. There comes a point, as with any obsession, when you cross the line between looking good and looking unhealthy. The host of Lifetime Television’s show, “How to Look Good N