Mehmet C. Oz's Blog, page 26

Good News for Sore Feet: As the Economy Tiptoes Up, Heels Inch Down

You don't have to be a fashionista to know that women's heels have gotten taller than Heidi Klum. Upshot: Foot pain is rampant. It's not just bankers who are getting rich in this economy. Foot docs are doing fabulously, too.

In Cold Weather, Home Workouts Make Achy Joints Feel Better

Ask anyone with achy, arthritic joints what they do on cold, short days and the answer is, "Stay inside and stay warm." No argument there! Just add a third "stay" to your list: stay active.

Can Chewing Gum Help You Lose Weight?

It sounds so promising: Chewing gum for 20 minutes three times in the morning makes you naturally eat about 70 fewer calories at lunch. Do it for a year and you'll lose 8 pounds without even trying.

Why You Need a Couple of BFFs

How many best friends do you have? We ask because there's been a brouhaha about a new Cornell survey that found your number of BFFs (your through-thick-and-thin friends) has dropped from three to two.

Sugar vs. Artificial Sweeteners: Which Is Healthier and Safer?

Ever do the sweetener cha-cha-cha at the coffee shop? You know, when you dance between the sugar shaker and the pastel packets, thinking, "What’s the more healthful choice? The no-cal fakes? The full-calorie hard stuff? Help!"

Healthy Pregnancy: How to Reduce Baby’s Chances of Childhood Obesity

My mom has struggled with weight all of her life. So have I. I've just found out I'm pregnant with a girl. I don't want my daughter to spend her life fighting fat, too. How can I make her body different?

Simple Back Stretches that Relieve Lower-Back Pain

I’ve had lower-back pain for years but it's recently gotten worse. My doctor says take stronger pain meds, which I don't want to do. I know back stretches are supposed to help, but I'm afraid they'll make it worse. What should I do?

Minimize Noise to Protect Against Hearing Loss and Heart Stress

'Tis the beginning of the noise-pollution season (deafening airports, roaring traffic, wall-of-sound parties), when even people with healthy ears start worrying about hearing loss. Worry about heart stress, too.

Give Thanks

If Thanksgiving weren't synonymous with such foods as gravy and butter, it would be the healthiest holiday around. That's because it's about gratitude, family and friends, and all make you (and them) healthier.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy to Track Down Polyps May Get Easier

Everyone who watched Dr. Oz prepare for his colonoscopy on TV, kvetching all the way, knows the colonoscopy isn't the tough part. The tough part is the colonoscopy preparation the day before.