Will Weightlifting Make You Smarter?

A complete weight training workout can be performed with a pair of adjustable dumbbells and a set of weight disks (plates). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A group that performed a previous study showing that strength and weight training could postpone the onset of dementia in elderly women has done a follow up study that shows […]

Whooping Cough In The News Again

Bordetella pertussis on Charcoal Agar – detail (Photo credit: Nathan Reading)

I’ve written about whooping cough (pertussis) before. One time recently was when it was announced that it was being recommended that adults over the age of 65 also get pertussis vaccinations. Another was about a study that hinted that the current pertussis vaccine […]

When You Go Out To The Woods Today You’re Sure Of A Big Surprise. Ticks. Lots Of Ticks.

Adult deer tick, Ixodes scapularis.

Experts are predicting a big jump in black-legged tick (aka deer tick) infestations this year because of a strange chain of events involving white-footed mice and acorns. Basically the white-footed mouse is a favored carrier for black-legged ticks because it is common, low to the ground and has few […]

Popcorn: It’s Good For You

Popcorn (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It turns out that one of the most maligned snack foods is actually pretty good for you – as long as you don’t load up on the salt or butter. Popcorn has been found to have a high density of polyphenols, a category of antioxidant that prevent damage to cells […]

Whooping Cough – Is It Time To Vaccinate Everyone?

Bordatella pertussis (Photo credit: AJC1)

An influential panel at the CDC, called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that Whooping Cough (Pertussis) vaccinations be extended to all adults as well, including those aged over 65. The recommendation is in part because it is recognized that adults get the disease and then pass […]

Need A Break From Winter? Time For A Bargain Trip To Peru

Are you feeling the post-holidays blues and the days stretching away before you can travel? Winter can be a tough time and there are some good medical strategies. If you don’t spend your days outdoors you should probably be taking vitamin D. Because if you don’t ever go outside, even the greatest free drug isn’t […]