Over the last few decades, there has been an interesting shift in how we perceive cosmetic procedures. In the past, public opinion toward these procedures was overwhelmingly negative and people seeking them often had to do so discreetly if they wished to avoid harsh judgment and shaming from others. Of course, those who had already undergone cosmetic procedures were understandably reluctant to talk about it.

Special thanks for all the kind comments I received from readers on last month’s column about healthy eating with diabetes. Now, to play off last month’s issue of HLN—which was packed with great articles on preparing for the holidays, ranging from avoiding overindulgence, to coping with grief, to preparing the perfect turkey—let’s discuss how to make the holidays healthy and happy by eating smart.

Medicines for the treatment of various diseases and ailments historically have come from plants. Aspirin was originally found in the leaves of willow trees. The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered in mold growing on petri dishes. Digitalis, a drug that makes the heart beat stronger, was first extracted from the foxglove plant. There have been many expeditions to jungles and other exotic places throughout the world charged with bringing back samples of different plant species to test their effectiveness as new drugs.

Though most of the clients currently taking advantage of the Super Slow Training method offered at TriggerPoint are in their 40s, this evidence-based, time-efficient exercise solution is gaining popularity among people of all ages—including individuals well into their senior years.

Seniors often go to considerable lengths to reduce the risk of falling inside the home—eliminating tripping hazards such as throw rugs and extension cords, installing grab bars in bathrooms and railings on stairs, applying a non-skid surface to the bathtub, and so on. Then, along comes Old Man Winter to turn all of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan into one big slip-and-fall hazard. Area seniors who aren’t especially cautious and vigilant at this time of year can all too easily end up experiencing a painful—and potentially debilitating—fall on icy or snow-covered surfaces.

We’ve all had the experience of being together with family during the holiday season and seeing Aunt Jane sitting quietly in the corner by herself. You might think she isn’t feeling good and wants to be left alone or is mad because she didn’t get the sweater she really wanted. But did you ever think she may be suffering from a hearing loss that is making her anxious and quiet? For those who suffer from hearing loss, this time of year can cause anxiety. The numerous dinners and get-togethers can cause listening difficulties right up through the New Year.

Every hour, diabetic retinopathy causes three Americans to become legally blind (unable to read the big “E” at the top of the eye chart, even with glasses or contact lenses). Almost 10% of the US population now has diabetes, resulting in 24,000 new cases of diabetic blindness every year. This number will only increase as more people develop diabetes. What can be done to prevent this oncoming tidal wave of diabetic blindness?

For most of us, the holiday season inspires feelings of warmth and joy. But for some people, this time of year can evoke feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression, often referred to as the “holiday blues.” Even people who love the holidays can experience the blues during this busy season.

Recent headlines about “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek battling stage-4 pancreatic cancer have helped raise public awareness of this very serious illness that, according to the American Cancer Society, accounts for about seven percent of all cancer deaths in the US and has a five-year survival rate of only nine percent when all stages are combined. Considering these rather grim statistics, it’s understandable that many people view pancreatic cancer as one of the more worrisome forms of cancer and fear being diagnosed with the disease. But is this perception entirely accurate?

No matter your fitness level, the decision to participate in an organized run or walk, such as the Medical Mutual Polar Paws and Santa Claws Holiday 5K at the Toledo Zoo, is a great first step toward getting into shape.