Lots of folks have good results for pain and stiffness in the hip and knee with glucosamine and chondroitin, but the double-blind placebo studies are piling up and saying NAY!  I kept a log for three months and didn’t see any significant results, and you should do the same.  Don’t just keep throwing stuff down because “people say it works.”  Give it a fair shot and then move on to something new – avocado/soybean unsaponifiables.  Mostly available on his web site, Dr. Theodosakis has four good clinical trials for the Avosoy supplement that show promising results for osteoarthritis.  Also make an appointment with a really excellent physical therapist, the kind who operates independently and takes a few weeks to get in to see.  Do what they tell you to do religiously, and of course, (more…)

Researchers discovered that adding alcohol to berries boosts the antioxidants in the fruit and makes them more “bioavailable.”  To celebrate the first crocus, get that martini with blueberries or raspberries or have the bartender throw in some pineapple juice and ice with the vodka and berries and make a slushy.

Don’t use air fresheners to scent the air, even in the guest bath.  Recent research suggests they emit chemicals like formaldehyde, dichlorobenzene, and phthalates, all known carcinogens and lung irritants.  Bag the scented candles too, unless they’re soy with natural oils.