Why Americans Have Shorter Longevity Than Europeans
The United States is one of the richest, most technologically advanced countries on earth. It also spends more on health care than any other nation. Yet Americans, on average, die younger than people across much of Europe. In 2023, U.S. life expectancy was about 78.4 years. Across the European Union, it was about 81.5 years, […]
What Is Healthspan? The Science of Adding Healthy Years to Your Life
People often talk about their desire to live longer, extending their lifespan. What they really mean is not just living longer but living better. Measuring lifespan is straightforward. It’s the time from birth to death. Yet a long lifespan can include decades of chronic illness, pain, and functional loss. A better way of thinking about […]
When to See a Primary Care Doctor vs. an Integrative or Functional Medicine Doctor — Or Both
It’s one of our top questions: when should I see a primary care doctor vs. when should I go to an integrative medicine or a functional medicine doctor? Ultimately, the right choice depends on goals, current concerns, and personal preferences. Each clinician type brings unique strengths. Yet in many cases, they work best together to […]
5 Harmful Foods To Avoid For Better Health & Weight Loss
When people decide it’s time to eat healthier to lose weight or manage a health condition, they ask the same question: What should I eat? Answers typically come in the form of which diet to follow: keto, paleo, plant-based, Mediterranean or something else. But here’s a better question and one that may lead to bigger, longer-lasting change: What […]
5 Ways To Reduce Side Effects In Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro And Zepbound
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound transform care for obesity and diabetes. They reduce food cravings and lead to weight loss. They lower heart disease risk and improve glucose control. Yet all drugs have downsides. GLP-1 side effects are no exception to this rule. For example, GLP-1s cause nausea, vomiting and bloating especially […]
Why academic studies in integrative medicine often seem less rigorous
After more than two decades in emergency medicine and having published hundreds of academic papers, I’ve seen firsthand how the medical establishment evaluates scientific evidence. Now, as I transition into delivering care as an integrative medicine physician (our practice is in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia), I am faced with a fundamental tension: the most effective treatment […]
5 Wellness Trends That Lack Sufficient Scientific Evidence
Many wellness trends are driven by a desire to take an active role in health and well-being. There is a plethora of products and practices, sometimes driven by social media and directed advertising to wellness enthusiasts. But not everything out there is backed by science. Some popular trends have little to no evidence behind them. […]
Summer Insomnia Troubles? Here Are 10 Ways To Sleep Better
Some people have no trouble sleeping on winter nights. But when summer hits, sleep troubles start. This phenomenon is called “summer insomnia”. It’s like regular insomnia — defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep three nights a week for at least three months plus next-day fatigue. Yet summer insomnia is triggered by seasonal forces: the extra daylight, […]
Is Whole Body MRI Worth It? Here’s What The Research Says
Can a one-hour scan offer peace of mind — and maybe save your life? That’s the promise behind whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is now being marketed directly to health-conscious consumers by digital health startups. Through Prenuvo, for example, you can undergo a radiation-free scan from head to thigh and receive a full […]
Aging Is Inevitable. Physical Decline Isn’t
Every day in emergency departments around the world, the toll of aging is evident: falls, fractures, strokes, and heart attacks in older adults. Even when patients survive the initial event, hospital stays are often prolonged. Rehabilitation may follow, but in many cases, the result is a permanent loss of independence. These outcomes are frequently the […]