Author: Frank Jost

From fitness influencers to health professionals, two methods of managing weight keep coming up in the conversation: intermittent fasting and calorie counting. Both promise results — but through very different approaches. So which one is more effective, and more importantly, which one is right for you? Let’s explore how these strategies work, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which suits your lifestyle best. What is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting (IF) is not a diet in the traditional sense, but rather an eating schedule that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. Popular methods include the 16:8 approach…

Modern supermarket shelves are filled with foods labeled “natural,” “low-fat,” “plant-based,” or “wholesome.” These labels sound reassuring, especially when you’re trying to eat clean. But a closer look often reveals a less sweet reality: many of these so-called healthy options are packed with hidden sugars. From breakfast bowls to post-workout snacks, added sugars can quietly sabotage your nutrition goals. Even if you’re avoiding candy and soda, you may still be consuming sugar in ways you don’t suspect. Learning to identify these hidden sources is a powerful step toward improving your diet without restriction or frustration. Natural sugars vs. added sugars:…

With the return of colder months comes a familiar trio of viral threats: COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Each of these illnesses poses unique risks, especially for older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Now, health authorities are proposing a new approach: combine vaccinations for these three viruses into a single seasonal strategy. The goal? Improve protection, simplify access, and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. As we move beyond emergency measures into long-term prevention, understanding this strategy can help you make informed choices for your immune health. Understanding the triple threat COVID-19 remains a…

At first glance, it didn’t seem like much. Not a trip across the world or a lavish gift, but something simple, heartfelt, and deeply personal. Yet for one hospice patient, that modest wish became a source of comfort, dignity, and joy during life’s most difficult chapter. It was a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make the greatest difference. As both a physician and journalist, I have seen how compassion in healthcare transforms lives—not only through treatments and medications but also through human connection. In hospice care, where the focus shifts from curing to caring, these moments of kindness…

There’s no denying it: the holiday season feels different when families can’t always come together in person. For many older adults, travel may be complicated, health concerns may loom large, or distance simply makes it hard to gather. Yet technology has opened a new door. Virtual celebrations, once seen as second best, are proving to be a joyful, safe, and meaningful way to stay connected. With the right mindset and a little preparation, online gatherings can truly capture the warmth of the holidays. As a physician and journalist, I’ve seen firsthand how emotional well-being influences physical health. Staying connected to…

The excitement for Halloween starts building early for most kids – costumes, candy and goosebumps. But for children with anxiety or sensory processing issues, Halloween presents a unique challenge for parents. Leaha Jones with Memorial Behavioral Health offers these tips to help minimize Halloween stress: Costumes Children with sensory issues may struggle with wearing various types of fabrics or textures like an itchy tag or tight collar. Allow your child to go to the store and touch different costumes. Wash the costume a few times to soften the fabric, which may help with textures. Wear comfortable clothing underneath the costume. Be aware…

Not every heart attack or stroke looks like the ones shown on television dramas. Some occur with less prominent symptoms, but all have the potential to be deadly. This infographic helps you learn the warning signs and ideal responses if you encounter a victim of cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging for the adults in their lives. Their symptoms of inattentiveness, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity can cause disruptions and frustration. It is important for parents and educators to remember the one word that can help make life with a child who has ADHD more manageable: consistency. Here are two examples of consistency Paluska encourages: Consistency in schedules: Having routines is comforting for all children, but for children with ADHD and their parents, routines are a requirement. From the time a child wakes up in the morning until they leave for school, there should…

Snacks can be part of a healthy diet; they can provide an energy boost and supply essential vitamins and minerals.  So if you tend to snack, here are some tips to help you make the best choices: Snack only when you are hungry.  Skip the urge to nibble just because you are bored, frustrated or stressed. Keep portion control in mind.  Have a single-serve container of yogurt or put a small serving of nuts in a bowl.  Eating directly from a multiple-serving package can lead to overeating. Plan snacks ahead of time.  Keep a variety of nutritious ready-to-eat supplies on…