Health and Wellness

If you feel like you need to take a nice, long nap after Thanksgiving, don’t blame it on eating turkey. Yes, turkey does contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is associated with inducing drowsiness, but that’s not what’s really making us so sleepy. It’s actually from overeating, according to the American Chemical Society. When people overeat, […]READ MORE

Carrying groceries. Lifting children. Pulling doors open. Building strength and muscle mass in your arms – specifically your biceps – isn’t just for show. It’s important to have strong biceps for everyday activities. But which exercise is best for targeting the biceps? A recent independent study, commissioned by the American Council on Exercise, evaluated which […]READ MORE

Is it possible to control a craving for cupcakes, pizza or pie by the way you think about food? Researchers believe we can. In fact, they say they may have found an effective strategy for people who want to stop acting on food cravings. In a recent study, researchers used functional MRI scans to watch the […]READ MORE

If you knew it would take walking five miles to burn off the calories in a 20-ounce bottle of soda, would you be less inclined to drink one? A new study suggests you might. When adolescents saw printed signs explaining how many miles they would have to walk to burn off 250 calories, which is how […]READ MORE

Energy drinks are popular among some athletes but two new studies may lead many to rethink how they fuel their bodies for competitions, games and workouts. Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine, vitamins, and other ingredients for example, taurine, ginseng, and guarana. They are typically marketed as boosting energy and increasing physical and […]READ MORE

Physical therapy after total knee or hip replacement surgery is an important part of a patient’s recovery. But seeing a physical therapist before surgery can also help, according to a new study published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Undergoing physical therapy before joint replacement surgery can diminish the need for postoperative care by […]READ MORE

Many overuse injuries in young athletes can be prevented with simple communication. Teaching young athletes to let their coach or parent know if they’re having any type of pain can help prevent an undiagnosed injury from becoming more severe. Unfortunately, many young athletes are not aware that it’s easy to develop an overuse injury, according to […]READ MORE

Americans face a 40 percent risk of developing type 2 diabetes during their lifetime, a new federal study shows. But they may be able to lower that risk by seeking nutritional counseling that includes how to make lifestyle and dietary changes from a Registered Dietitian, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Health professionals […]READ MORE

Cooking and eating at home more often may be an excellent strategy for anyone trying to lose weight by watching how many calories they consume. Researchers have found that eating out at restaurants often means consuming an additional 200 total daily calories, according to a study published in Public Health Nutrition. When you consider how often in a week […]READ MORE

Summer weather in South Hampton Roads leaves many thirsting for something cold to drink. Sweet tea might sound downright delicious but it’s important to remember that your body needs hydration, not empty calories.  This is especially important for those trying to lose weight and fuel their body with nutritious foods. “With an endless variety of […]READ MORE