For several years now, we’ve been talking about the startling increase in colon cancer in people under the age of 50. Now, new evidence from the American Cancer Society published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that it has moved into first place as the leading cause of cancer deaths for that young age group. From 1990 to 1994, it was in 5 th place.   Among the 5 leading causes of cancer deaths in people under 50, all but colorectal declined during th

You’ve probably seen ads for supplements like Juice Plus and Balance of Nature promising you all the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables in dried powder capsules. But what does the research show? Can you really pop a few pills instead of eating your daily servings of fruits and vegetables and expect the same health benefits? In a word, no. But their commercials are compelling. Testimonials from athletes and active older people living their best lives - all because of B

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 just came out last week and boy are they enthusiastic! There are both good and bad changes plus an overabundance of optimism about how these guidelines are going to save Americans from decades of a junk food diet that has rendered us sicker than ever. Guidelines are great. But without policy, practices, and programs that help people eat healthier foods, they most likely won’t have a big impact on our health. In fact, that’s exact

1.     Ditch the Big Protein Push Protein was big, too big, in 2025. Influencers told you that you weren’t getting enough, food manufacturers added protein to cereal, water, snack foods, and protein supplements. Get Caught Up on Today’s GDA! You can revisit my blog post from April 2025 Power Up on Protein: Truth or Trend?   to assess your protein needs and to see if you are getting enough protein from your foods. Chances are, you get enough protein from your foods and don’t

Hi Everyone! So sorry for this delayed posting from last week’s Good Day Alabama. I have been resting up from a COVID infection that got me mid-last week. Luckily, it is mild with few symptoms. I got my latest COVID vax in October which likely protected me from a more serious infection. I may now have what’s called “hybrid immunity” – a robust protection from COVID thanks to getting the vaccine and then having a mild “breakthrough” infection. So, here’s what we talked about

I get many requests at this time of year asking how to make the Thanksgiving meal healthier. My advice? Don’t bother. Thanksgiving is just one day – or two or three if you have leftovers! I think we should enjoy the traditional dishes that make this day special to us. One day is not going to make or break anyone’s healthy living plan. But if you’re struggling with your weight, or actively working on losing weight, you want to avoid weight gain over the holidays. So here are m

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. So, let’s talk about some encouraging new research findings that can help you prevent progressing from pre-diabetes to diabetes. In 2021, an estimated 38% of Americans (that’s 1 in 3) had pre-diabetes. When you have pre-diabetes, your body is becoming less adept at controlling your blood sugar. So, your blood sugars are above normal, but not yet high enough for your doctor to diagnose diabetes. Take a look at the arrow on the rig

Many years ago I worked at UAB Spain Rehab as their clinical dietitian. We saw a lot of traumatic head injury patients. Head injuries impact both patients and their caregivers. Getting topnotch medical care is essential for recovery and coping. If you struggle with a head injury or take care of someone who does, this Brain Chats seminar is for you! It's tomorrow, Saturday, November at 11:00 am at the Avondale library. UAB's Dr. Rachel Teranishi will be talking about hope and

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s all about promoting screening to reduce your risk. There are 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer worldwide every year.  Let’s separate fact from fiction so you can protect yourself from this disease. MYTH : Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease or a genetic mutation. FACT:  Only about 10 to 15 percent are inherited. While having a family history of breast cancer increases your risk, mo

A newly published study in Nature Medicine shows how what you eat might help protect your brain — especially if you're at high risk for...

Today is my 4 th  “Rebirth Day”. Four years ago today, I had my stem cell transplant to treat and possibly cure my acute lymphoblastic...

It’s the newest social media nutrition trend. Move over protein, here comes fiber! And once again, some influencers are taking a good...

This was just one of many headlines that hit the health news last week. Here's the CNN Headline : Eating Minimally Processed Meals...

Wellness & Healing Retreat at New Water Farms People who have had cancer want to do everything they can to keep that cancer from coming...

Welcome new subscribers and a big THANK YOU. This morning on Good Day Alabama , we talked about nutrition and brain health. Brain health...

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy continue to make headlines across the country. But what do they really do? If you've been...

One of the biggest risk factors for getting cancer is aging. But in recent years, we’ve seen cancer cases in younger adults increasing....

It’s one of my favorite months: Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month! I spent two decades as the patient educator in the UAB...

Protein is trendy right now. Influencers, authors, and even some doctors have been pushing people to eat way more protein – up to three...

Vitamin A supplements and cod liver oil (which is high in vitamins A and D) have been in the headlines – touted as a treatment or even a...