Researchers at the Yale Schools of Public Health and Medicine have discovered a new tick-borne disease, with many similarities to Lyme disease. A report published in the Jan.17 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that 18 patients in southern New England and neighboring New York were infected by it. This is the first time the yet unnamed disease has been confirmed in humans in … [Read more...]
When I came down with the fierce and lingering cold seemingly plaguing the nation, I decided I wasn’t going to give into the consuming bog of mucus nor the chest-rattling cough. Despite the fact that so many of my friends and their families were also being felled by colds and the flu, I had a couple of holistic weapons up my sleeve—in addition to plenty of the tissues. First up, I wound up making … [Read more...]
As we welcome in the New Year, what more tempting a time it is to consider turning over a new leaf in life. We look back on the experiences of the past year, some amazing and beautiful, others we’d much rather forget. We look back on the chances we didn’t take or the promises we made to ourselves that we broke, and we swear to ourselves that this year will be different. The year ahead of us … [Read more...]
GMO Free CT will be sponsoring a free showing of the documentary, Genetic Roulette, at two libraries in the Greater Hartford area on Wednesday, Dec. 5. The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center in Middletown and the Farmington Library on Monteith Drive will be showing the film at 7 p.m. The 85-minute film, which highlights the health dangers of genetically engineered (GE) foods, is by the … [Read more...]
The Centers for Disease Control confirmed Thursdau that tainted vials of a steroid from the Mass.-based compounding pharmacy, New England Compounding Center (NECC), are the source of the fungal infection that is responsible for the recent meningitis outbreak. The most recent death, Michigan, brings the nation’s total to 20. Sixteen states have reported 257 infections: Florida, Idaho, Illinois, … [Read more...]
With sales totaling more than $20 billion last year, dietary supplements are big business in the United States. With 80 percent of American adults using supplements, it is not surprising that the industry, with uneven regulation, has come under scrutiny over the years in the name of consumer health. A new, government analysis of weight loss and immune system supplements—quickly growing segments of … [Read more...]
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than a third of U.S. adults are obese, driving a number of the leading causes of preventable death, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. In addition to lack of proper physical activity and higher calorie intake of less nutrient dense foods, nutritionists have long suspected a causal relationship … [Read more...]
As someone with very sensitive skin and almost immediate negative physical reactions to certain scents and chemicals, finding the best skincare products that don’t give me a rash or a headache can be a nightmarish process of trial and error. So when I find that extremely rare product that is not only fragrant-free and chemical-free, but also pleasantly and effectively cleanses and moisturizes my … [Read more...]
On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) publicly amended its position on circumcision for the first time in more than a decade, moving to support the procedure in light of recent research supporting its health benefits. In a Circumcision Policy Statement published in Pediatrics, the organization listed the transmission of certain sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), … [Read more...]
As children head back to schools across the country in the coming weeks, many will be facing menu changes in school meals as new significant nutritional standards take effect in the National School Lunch Program for the first time in 15 years. Some districts, like in Tolland, have already made concerted efforts to provide healthier menu selections for students to help combat the rise in childhood … [Read more...]