Americans spend almost 60 billion dollars annually in pursuit of weight loss with gastric bypass surgery being the most common type of weight-loss surgery; an option that isn’t for everyone. 

Like any major procedure, gastric bypass has significant health risks and side effects. In addition, to be a candidate for the procedure, one must have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher. 

The fact is, a huge percentage of the population are only between 15 to 50 pounds overweight without any other options besides diet and exercise. 

Dr. Stanley Poulos, a San Francisco board certified plastic surgeon is an early adoptor of the nonsurgical balloon weight loss method approved by the FDA in 2016. Following the two-part program, patients lost an average 3.1 times the weight compared with diet and exercise alone.

Less than a decade ago, the standard treatments for acne included salicylic acid, retinols and, in severe cases, antibiotics –- medications which are not without side effects and which had consumers yearning for a safer, more effective approach. 

One treatment that is producing what beauty writers are calling ‘insanely good results’ is fractora: a fractional radio-frequency microneedle device that first burst onto the scene in 2011. 

Beauty writer, Megan McIntyre, notes, “I have been fighting moderate acne since my late teens. And I have tried literally every single one of those treatments with not one of them providing a lasting result.” Her testimony is just one of many independent reviews of a treatment that takes a ‘shortcut’ to clear, smooth skin.

Summertime is the peak of gardening season, and whether you consider this a pleasant pastime or necessary chore, it is easy to forget that this can put a serious strain on your body. 

Recent studies show the most common source of neck and back pain during the warmer months is largely due to yard work. 

Gardening often involves digging, lifting and moving heavy objects while standing in unfamiliar positions that can cause pain or injury. The aches and pains can be easy to overlook until the pain problem escalates. 

It’s best to first identify triggers of muscle pain and soreness and to try lifestyle modifications and remedies from Mother Nature before turning to numbing pain medications.

My cancer story begins after a long walk around my neighborhood in 2012 when I noticed I had terrible pain in my leg. 

Many doctors’ appointments and CT scans later, I learned that I had ovarian cancer. 

It took many appointments with many doctors to develop the treatment plan that was right for me. But, I was so lucky that I had a great relationship with my oncologist -- she made me feel so comfortable. 

After a few appointments, my doctor suggested genetic counseling. My daughter, son and I went to the appointment and tests revealed that I was indeed carrying the BRCA mutation which explained some family history of cancer. After reading up on ovarian cancer, I realized I had all of the symptoms. 

Not surprisingly, my daughter’s tests also came back positive for the BRCA mutation.

There’s no question that receiving an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2012 made me terrified, especially venturing into the great unknown of surgery and chemo. 

But, even after treatment and stabilization, another kind of fear set in: Being cut loose by my medical team and thrust back (without a net) into my “normal” life. 

How could my life ever be normal again...at least how I once defined normal?

Ovarian cancer. It’s not what any woman wants to hear as their diagnosis.

Because of its subtle symptoms and less than favorable (but climbing) survival rates, being told you have ovarian cancer can immediately feel hopeless. 

For those of us as who are care partners, the desire to help can only be matched by our frustrations of not being able to cure or “fix” our loved ones. We may feel less than productive. Even though we can’t wave a magic wand and fix what hurts those we love, there are incredibly positive and powerful ways we can give back and aid them, even throughout the darkest moments.

After my best friend received her diagnosis of ovarian cancer, she told me of the many gestures and acts of kindness from friends, coworkers, and neighbors that helped her the most. I’m blessed she shared them with me as it helped me better understand the most effective and positive ways to better care for her as well as others diagnosed with cancer after she was.

Over the years, several marketing gimmicks have brought to light “miracle pills” that supposedly help in melting away your fat. 

While the validity of such claims is unlikely, it is possible to lose weight with more natural and familiar ways.

Use the following strategies to burn fat without having to dabble in dubious pills and supplements.

Typically, when you hear PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), you may think of military veterans who experience vivid and often debilitating panic-inducing flashbacks of their time at war. 

With June 27th being National PTSD Awareness Day, a condition resulting in over 3 million cases in the U.S. annually, it's the perfect time to gain some clarity. 

Dr. Sanam Hafeez shares some common causes of post-traumatic stress disorder and how to cope.

Some of the best parts of summer are edible, however indulging in some of the season’s most popular foods at picnics, barbecues and on boardwalks can lead to double trouble when it comes to your health. 

It seems like everyone these days has some sort of sensitivity to food. Is it made up or a real phenomenon? 

The most popular foods of summer include ice cream, citrus fruits, red wine and cheese and we tend to overindulge in them especially during the summer because they are more readily available, and it seems like everyone else is eating them too.

Fitness experts have predicted that this year will see more people doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as more Americans are finding ways to get fit and healthy. 

But, for seniors, trying to do HIIT exercises can be a challenge as it involves bursts of high-intensity exercise, and the risks of sustaining an injury are greater with this type of workout. 

Moreover, overly intense forms of exercise may trigger an older adult's pre-existing medical conditions, such as arthritis, which is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. 

Though HIIT and other forms of rigorous exercise—long runs, stair climbs, and deadlifts—can potentially cause injury to older adults, there’s no reason why seniors should avoid working out altogether. According to the CDC, older adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, and there are lots of ways to get fit without straining one’s joints or muscles or triggering arthritis symptoms. 

Here are a few gentle yet effective fitness routines to keep seniors active and happy.

The words "root canal treatment" successfully instill fear in the bravest of us, to a point where people might choose living with the pain instead of going through the procedure.

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a badly decayed or infected tooth. During this procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the dentist cleans and seals the inside of the tooth. Without root canal treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

Here are a few symptoms and situations where you may need a root canal treatment.

Eighty-seven percent of adults over 65 would prefer to stay at home as they age, aaccording to AARP. 

Modern technologies and improving assistance programs are helping older adults to "age in place" instead of transferring to an assisted living facility. 

Adults who stay at home into their golden years not only tend to be more content, but also maintain their cognitive health longer.