Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 30 million adults in the United States (1). 

The disease, commonly called degenerative joint disease, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and bone within the joints. It progresses slowly, yet its symptoms are often debilitating and can include stiffness, reduced range of motion, swelling and pain. 

Those battling osteoarthritis are often given both prescription and over-the-counter medication to deal with pain, yet since medications can produce side-effects (2), the first line of defense is often physical therapy, weight loss, regular exercise, etc. In some cases, surgery is also considered.

As a pediatrician, I see and hear about all sorts of things parents are doing with their kids on a regular basis... the good and the bad. 

In response to this, I have compiled the following eight tips for parents on things any pediatrician would tell you to stop doing. 

1) Stop posting photos of your children on social media without their permission. Funny photos might make you laugh but are embarrassing to your child. Their egos are sensitive. Additionally, unless your posts are private, the whole world (including perpetrators) can see you and where your child is likely to be and when.

2) Stop requesting antibiotics when your child has a cold or other viral illness. This has lessened during the past decade, but we still get many phone requests for antibiotics.

Do you feel a burning sensation in your chest after drinking coffee? 

You are not alone. 

What you are feeling is acid reflux, which many people experience. It might not be due to just coffee; spicy foods and alcohol can also cause this feeling. Some individuals only experience it now and again, whereas others experience it quite frequently and it can affect them during the day or night.

Unfortunately, even just the occasional cup of coffee can cause reflux, because of the acid in the caffeine. The organic acid in coffee beans is what gives it that tangy “hit” that coffee drinkers enjoy so much. Some people’s digestive systems cannot cope with these natural acids and can be left with a burning sensation, accompanied by belching and unpleasant acidic liquid that comes up from the stomach, through the esophagus, and into the back of the throat.

The foods you have in your pantry and fridge may be helping or hindering your brain. 

Dr. Christopher Calapai DO, a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine, explains that the foods we choose have a lot to do with how sharp, attentive, alert, focused and happy we feel after they are consumed. 

Certain foods may taste great have additives in them that literally cloud our brains and leave us sluggish and dull-headed. The opposite is also true. We can eat certain foods and feel a charge of mental energy and focus. 

Dr. Calapai provides a quick list of foods that boost and drain the brain. Which ones will you add and remove from your shopping list?

Thinking about joining a gym to meet your fitness goals? 

There are steps you can take to help save on your membership fees.

Weigh Your Options

The good news is that there are endless fitness facilities around that you can check out. Many of them even offer complimentary trials where you will get the first few days or weeks for free.

After reviewing all your options, it will be easier to make a decision based on the one that suits you the most. It’s more motivating to stick with something that appeals to you.

The name of the game today in cosmetic surgery is fast and non-invasive. 

The reasons are obvious. Nobody wants to be bedridden out of work and off the social grid as they recover. Fast results of a thinner, tighter, younger look within an hour is very alluring. 

How many of these seemingly miracle procedures actually do what they claim to? 

Board certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon, Dr. Kirk Brandow, breaks down cosmetic surgery hype; which procedures are zeros not heroes.

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and instead of making reservations to some over-hyped trendy spot, stay in and prepare a “Lover’s Platter” full of indulgent aphrodisiacs. Pop some champagne, get that romantic playlist ready and feast on these 10 foods to get you in the mood for love this Valentine’s Day. 

Dr. Christopher Calapai, DO, a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine gives us his interesting insights on these aphrodisiacs.

“Aphrodisiacs are foods that have certain chemical properties that could increase pheromones, estrogen of testosterone, estrogen, heightening our interest in sex,” explains Dr. Calapai.

To be considered a true aphrodisiac the substance must be consumed orally, must reliably increase libido or sexual desire and within minutes. 

So, what are these sexual super foods and what is it about them that lights the fire of desire?

The deep connections between gut and brain health are frequently overlooked. 

It’s a fact that alterations in the gut microbiome can lead to a whole host of symptoms, including changes in mood and brain function. These trillions of bacteria are interconnected with the vast signaling and communications taking place between the gut, brain, immune system and hormones. The microbiome even creates many of the biochemicals the brain uses to process emotion and thought. 

When the microbiome is healthy, your mood is lifted and you experience a deep sense of well-being that can never come from a pill. In an unhealthy state, it’s common for anxiety, depression, brain fog, and memory and concentration issues to pop up. For the greatest impact on brain health, look to the microbiome for the answers.

You lose a loved one, a job, a relationship, a pet or get into an accident, have an injury, gain weight, have a baby, return from war or experience something else that just rattles you to your core. You know something isn’t right, you feel a bit off, but continue living your life thinking you’ll get over it. 

We all have been there and often with time we do get over it, sort of. These life scars helps us to grow and while that is great in theory, the pain that comes with growth can take a toll on us. Our mental health is directly connected to our physical health. 

When we see illness we know it’s a clue our mental outlook is out of whack. 

Do you need a therapist? How can you tell?

While most dermatologists and doctors preach the benefits of drinking more water, water gets boring. 

Perhaps you’ve done just about everything to make your plain glass of water more enjoyable. If you’re running out of ideas and are tempted to reach for a caffeinated beverage you’re not alone. 

Top experts suggest the following six fresh infused water recipes that pack a punch of flavor and add health and beauty benefits to your H2O. 

If you’re new to infused water it’s easy. Chop up the ingredients, let them sit overnight in your water pitcher, and sip your way to healthy hydration inside and out.

Although figures are gradually showing signs of improvement as awareness grows, men are not always on top of undergoing crucial tests and screenings.

Missing these screenings at pivotal points in a man’s life may lead to illness and even death.

Here is a look at some of those tests and screenings you simply can’t afford to skip.

Have you ever watched a baby nurse? It’s amazing to watch a cranky, tense, hungry infant instantly slip into a relaxed, sleepy, almost drunken state. 

We sometimes attribute this familiar scene to the beauty of the mother-baby bond. 

But, the truth is, in a benign and loving way, mother’s milk really does deliver a mild drug-like compound to the baby. 

Drug-like compounds in milk? It’s true. Think about it this way: if a baby, a calf, or any other mammal didn’t want to nurse, the survival of the species would be in trouble. So, nature devised these compounds to reward babies for nursing.