StoryMD

Are some people wired to wager? While some can walk away after a few bets, others spiral into addiction, risking everything in pursuit of the next win. The roots of developing a compulsive gambling habit are complex, but we know that genetic and environmental influences are critical to the story. The cycle of gambling addiction can be broken, but it’s better to prevent it by knowing the signs and seeking help before things get out of control. Read more about compulsive gambling. #ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth #CompulsiveGambling #StoryMD #StoryMDHealth https://str.md/5D9Jo8

The six-minute walk test

Food waste is a global crisis, with approximately one-third of all food produced being lost or wasted annually. This has far-reaching consequences, not only for the economy and environment but also for public health. Here, we delve into the causes of food waste, explore its effects on nutrition and obesity, and examine its environmental and economic impacts. Learn how you can reduce your own impact on food waste and help build a more sustainable future. #FoodWaste #FoodLoss #StoryMD #StoryMDHealth https://str.md/5D49WA

Colon cancer is shedding its reputation as a disease of older folks. More and more, we are seeing young people being diagnosed, which is forcing us to reconsider the age at which screening should begin. Even more concerning is the fact that cases are appearing in more advanced states. What’s behind this trend is unclear, though experts have a few suspects. Learn more about colon cancer. #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth #ColonCancerScreening #StoryMD #StoryMDHealth https://str.md/ekgYXX

The human brain is an incredibly complex and adaptable organ, capable of remarkable feats of processing and reorganization. It contains around 86 billion neurons that form trillions of connections, allowing it to perform tasks ranging from memory consolidation to emotional regulation. Neuroplasticity is your brain’s remarkable ability to continuously rewire itself based on learning and experiences. Despite its power, the brain requires sleep to process information and remove toxins, and it consumes a significant portion of the body’s energy to keep functioning. Read more about the wonders of the brain. #AmazingBrain #BrainAwarenessWeek #StoryMD #StoryMDHealth https://str.md/RY6d2W

We could all do with a little more color in our lives, but going to therapy for it seems a little excessive. The Egyptians used colored solarium rooms so they could expose themselves to specific hues that were thought to possess therapeutic purposes. Such thinking doesn’t hold up in modern research, though it remains popular in alternative circles. Outside of some specific and limited applications, color therapy is more of a fun exercise than anything else. Read more on color therapy. #NationalColorTherapyMonth #ColorTherapy #LightTherapy #StoryMD #StoryMDHealth https://str.md/RYJdeQ

Christina Applegate didn’t beat around the bush regarding her multiple sclerosis

The air inside your home could be more polluted than you think. While we’re all aware of outdoor pollution, many of us overlook indoor air quality. From cooking and cleaning to humidity levels, a variety of factors can contribute to poor air quality, affecting your health over time. But don't worry — there are simple steps you can take to improve the air you breathe. Whether it’s reducing pollutants, using air purifiers, or just opening a window for fresh air, small changes can make a big difference. Learn more about how to make your home a cleaner, safer environment for you and your loved ones. #AirQuality #AirQualityAndHealth #IndoorAirPollution #StoryMD #StoryMDHealth https://str.md/5D57vN

You’d think you’d know if one of your organs was diseased, but with the kidneys, it isn’t always so obvious. Some 35 million Americans live with kidney disease, although most are unaware they have it. Poor diets, smoking, and uncontrolled diseases like diabetes are all major contributors. It’s up to us to take control of our health so we don’t sleepwalk into a chronic ailment like kidney disease. Learn how you can secure your kidneys’ long-term health. #NationalKidneyMonth #ChronicKidneyDisease #StoryMD #StoryMDHealth https://str.md/0BpKO4

Toxoplasma gondii is a common pathogen often found in undercooked meat or unwashed fruits and vegetables. In pregnant women, it can pass through the placenta and cause long-term issues for the baby. Properly washing and cooking food is key to reducing the risk. Toxoplasma gondii is just one of many microscopic threats that remain a significant concern during pregnancy. Listeria and Norovirus can both lead to severe complications, such as premature birth or stillbirth. Wise up on food safety during pregnancy. #HealthyPregnancy #FoodSafety #FoodPoisoning #StoryMD #StoryMDHealth https://str.md/b585Yd