When it comes to beautiful, healthy skin, hair and nails, the old adage “you are what you eat” definitely rings true. Breakouts, inflammation, brittle nails and dull hair can be improved just by making better food choices. Dermatologist Jordan Carqueville of The Skin Care Center in Glenview and Chicago explains, “Foods containing natural antioxidants help reduce […]
Since the August/September issue of Make It Better is highlighting ways to age well, I’m here to add some fantastic options regarding one of the most common medical issues that, ironically, is also one of the most overlooked: chronic vein disease. Most of my patients have dealt with nagging, aggravating spider and varicose veins for […]
A Stanford University psychologist named Kelly McGonigal gave a memorable 2013 TED Talk about stress and how it’s been proven to be harmful to health—but only when the stress-sufferer believes that stress is harmful to health. She referenced a study of 30,000 adults who were asked to report their stress levels and to share if […]
Have you celebrated your 50th birthday? If so, it’s time for a colonoscopy. If you need some extra motivation to make that (admittedly daunting) appointment, consider this: 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 50,000 people will die from the disease this year, according to the American Cancer Society. The lifetime risk of […]
Chicago is not only an exciting city for foodies—it’s also a mecca for the healthy food-oriented nonprofit movement. That’s particularly important because one out of six people in Cook County are dependent on food pantries, shelters and other nonprofit help, according to an ABC Channel 7 report. Broad swaths of our city are food deserts […]
Kristin Wolski of Oak Lawn lives with chronic debilitating pain and fatigue so severe that she’s no longer able to care for her three young children without help. A self-described “Type A Personality,” Wolski had always succeeded in achieving her goals through determination and hard work. But now her life feels out of control, and she […]
If you know someone who is battling cancer, you may be following his or her progress on social media. Websites such as CaringBridge, a free web community that allows patients and their families to set up an account and post updates on their progress, and (of course) Facebook have become popular sharing platforms for many […]
If you suffer from pain or stress, here are some interesting therapies that could help alleviate your symptoms—or just make you feel healthier and happier overall. These treatments are non-diagnostic, which means that while they can help with a specific condition, they support the whole body…and you don’t have to take your clothes off for […]
Are your healthy New Year’s resolutions now a distant memory? Have you been enjoying far too many decadent meals and over-the-top desserts? Have a few weeks passed since you visited the gym? We understand. But, let’s make today the day we get back on track. Set a plan for the day and the coming week. […]
It’s natural for children to feel worried at times – say, before a test or on the first day of school. Actually, worry can motivate them to excel. But, when it causes a barrage of irrational thoughts that interfere with everyday functioning—“What if mom drops me off at gymnastics and I get kidnapped?”—and provokes them […]
