Published: Jan. 26, 2011 @ 10 p.m.
LINDA CASTOR: The best way to improve your health and fitness is to have fun and mix things up.
How, you ask? Find at least five activities you love and then do them. From bowling to walking to popping in a DVD of your favorite workout, make a list of different, enjoyable ways you'd like to get moving and stay in shape.
Published: Jan. 25, 2011 @ 11 p.m.
Dr. Lavanya Boddu with Springfield Priority Care provides the answers in a Q and A on the differences between bacterial and viral infections and when you might need to be treated with an antibiotic.
Q. Why would you need an antibiotic?
A. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and are not effective against viral infections. They do not help with the flu or a cold. Although, sometimes there can be a superficial bacterial infection involved with a cold or flu and in that case antibiotics would be helpful.
Published: Jan. 24, 2011 @ 11 p.m.
CHRISTINA ROLLINS: Magic pills and miracle diet plans that promise to make you shed excess body fat are a myth.
The best way to improve your physique is to exercise and make good food choices. With that said, incorporating nutrient-rich foods (those high in vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and so on) can help you stay on track by naturally providing what your body needs to thrive.
Published: Jan. 21, 2011 @ 11 p.m.
JULIE KAISER: Sometime before summer arrives, 25 pounds need to disappear from my frame. Unfortunately, this will not happen with the wave of an imaginary "lose weight" wand.
Published: Jan. 21, 2011 @ 11:35 a.m.
Q: I have acid reflux and my doctor says I should get a scope test to see if the cells in my esophagus have changed. Please, tell me what this is all about.
Published: Jan. 20, 2011 @ 11 p.m.
One of the most difficult times for new parents is knowing why their baby is crying. Crying lets you know that the baby needs you to help him. Crying is a form of communication; he may be hungry, lonely, sleepy or overstimulated. Crying is not easily ignored and is not meant to be.
Published: Jan. 19, 2011 @ 11 p.m.
Federal officials have said that Americans are getting too much fluoride and it's causing spots on children's teeth and perhaps other, more serious problems, according to the Associated Press. Dr. Tanya DeSanto, Springfield dentist, provides the answers on what is fluoride, how it helps your teeth, and what are the dangers from too much fluoride in this Q and A.
Published: Jan. 18, 2011 @ 11 p.m.
How does drinking water affect your weight loss? Learn the truth about water and diet from Sara Lopinski, registered dietitian with the Center for Living at the Prairie Heart Institute.
You don't have to drink eight glasses of water every day.
We have been encouraged for a long time to guzzle glass after glass of water each day. Two studies done over the past ten years have found this to be a well-intentioned myth.
Published: Jan. 17, 2011 @ 11 p.m.
MOLLY SUHADOLNIK: Most people know what they should be doing to lead a healthier lifestyle. They should work out harder and more often, eat better, eliminate stressors, get quality sleep, etc. Learn how you can add accountability to help you stay focused on making a healthy change in your life.
Published: Jan. 12, 2011 @ 11 p.m.
BRIGITTE CUTLER: In my practice I hear every excuse why patients stop exercising. Poor weather at this time of year is a very common excuse for not getting outside. For older more frail individuals who are unsteady on their feet, this is a real danger. Poor weather can also be dangerous for younger individuals, but this does not mean that it is not possible to exercise outdoors in the winter. More preparation is definitely required and a few safety issues need to be addressed.
