Deep in the lower part of the neck is a small butterfly-shaped gland that produces a hormone that influences every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. It’s called the thyroid gland, which is the great and powerful Oz behind the curtain — unseen but mighty. The thyroid gland is heavily involved in nearly every…

Cheryl Ladd’s go-go-go life makes it crucial that she stay strong and fit. “I do light weights because I like to keep my muscles toned up,” she says. And for the best exercise to keep her slim and sculpted, she turns to her trainer, Alec Penix. “This routine strengthens the entire body to help you…

Teresa Pfa , 56, was plagued by stomach issues, until she discovered the sneaky culprit — and the inexpensive cure — that gave her back her life. “My son’s eyes filled with concern as he took me aside at our family picnic. ‘Mom, are you okay?’ he asked. ‘You’ve been heading to the bathroom every 20…

If you’re struggling to get rid of excess body fat in your later years, you’re not alone. In the U.S., 73 percent of all women who are overweight or obese are between the ages of 60 and 64. Losing weight when you’re older can feel increasingly difficult, due to age-related muscle loss, hormonal changes, and…

Did you know that eating oats can improve your health and even help you lose weight? There are so many benefits of oats — they’re loaded with fiber, minerals, and other nutrients that boost your body in more ways than one. Luckily, if you’re not a fan of oatmeal, you can still add oats to…

“This is ridiculous. I can’t even walk up one flight of stairs without having to rest,” Courtney Allen-Gentry sighed. For months, she had been battling unexplained exhaustion, and now when she glanced down, Courtney noticed a new health concern: Her ankles were very swollen. A former registered nurse, Courtney knew this could be a sign…

Baru nuts are one of the tastiest superfoods you’ve never heard of until right now. But considering how many health benefits — not to mention delicious flavors — that baru nuts have to offer, you’ll definitely want to give them a try. According to the Food Network, baru nuts traditionally grow wild in savanna regions…

If you catch colds every year but your friend or family member always seems to escape them, you might feel pretty jealous. You may also be wondering what his or her secret is to avoiding that pesky illness. Well, recent research suggests that our likelihood of getting a cold may have something to do with…

You know that old saying about life handing you lemons? This is my lemonade story. At 29, I woke up one early-February morning with a numb left foot. It had been hanging off the side of the bed while I slept, so I didn’t think much of it. I was sure that within a few…

What’s not to love about mushrooms? They add a delicious umami flavor to just about any savory dish and fare beautifully on their own — whether they’re roasted, sauteed, grilled, or tossed into soup. The best part? You don’t have to go out of your way buying fancy varieties to reap important health benefits. Research…