An estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, and Americans spend $33 billion each year on weight loss products. Yet, nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. 

With all of this money expended, why are so many people unable to lose weight? 

Dr. Christopher Calapai, a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine, says that “People are dealing with dieting information overload. It is hard to know what weight loss advice is actually true and what is a myth.” 

He sets the record straight on some of our most commonly held diet and weight loss myths.

Fourth of July weekend in front of us means it’s officially high summer and most people are gearing up for their vacations. 

For many, that will include air travel, and possibly a long haul flight. 

You know the drill: they give you some pretzels, the drink cart makes a couple of rounds, they bring you your sad little tray of airplane food and then before you know it, it’s wheels down. 

Your flight attendant hands you a moist towlette and you hope it’ll revive your dried skin and make you look a little less haggard but it does neither, and you chastise yourself for not downing more little cups of water. 

But, drinking water on a plane is a double-edged sword. If you don’t, your entire epidermis dries up; if you do, your lower body retains the liquid. 

So, what’s a non-ankle-swell-enthusiast to do?

Dr. Christopher Calapai DO, an anti-aging and stem cell expert and long-time health advisor to the New York Rangers hockey team, tells us how to fight post-flight dehydration with foods.

Too much caffeine caused the death of a 16-year-old high school student from South Carolina who collapsed during class. 

Davis Allen Cripe died from a caffeine-induced cardiac event causing a probable arrhythmia. 

During an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and lack of blood flow affects the brain, heart and other organs. 

The teen consumed three caffeine-laced drinks -- a cafe latte, large Diet Mountain Dew and an energy drink -- in a two-hour period before collapsing in his classroom at Spring Hill High School on April 26.

So, where does this tragic news leave adult java lovers?

The foods you have in your pantry and fridge may be helping or hindering your brain. 

Dr. Christopher Calapai DO, a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine, explains that the foods we choose have a lot to do with how sharp, attentive, alert, focused and happy we feel after they are consumed. 

Certain foods may taste great have additives in them that literally cloud our brains and leave us sluggish and dull-headed. The opposite is also true. We can eat certain foods and feel a charge of mental energy and focus. 

Dr. Calapai provides a quick list of foods that boost and drain the brain. Which ones will you add and remove from your shopping list?

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and instead of making reservations to some over-hyped trendy spot, stay in and prepare a “Lover’s Platter” full of indulgent aphrodisiacs. Pop some champagne, get that romantic playlist ready and feast on these 10 foods to get you in the mood for love this Valentine’s Day. 

Dr. Christopher Calapai, DO, a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine gives us his interesting insights on these aphrodisiacs.

“Aphrodisiacs are foods that have certain chemical properties that could increase pheromones, estrogen of testosterone, estrogen, heightening our interest in sex,” explains Dr. Calapai.

To be considered a true aphrodisiac the substance must be consumed orally, must reliably increase libido or sexual desire and within minutes. 

So, what are these sexual super foods and what is it about them that lights the fire of desire?

While most dermatologists and doctors preach the benefits of drinking more water, water gets boring. 

Perhaps you’ve done just about everything to make your plain glass of water more enjoyable. If you’re running out of ideas and are tempted to reach for a caffeinated beverage you’re not alone. 

Top experts suggest the following six fresh infused water recipes that pack a punch of flavor and add health and beauty benefits to your H2O. 

If you’re new to infused water it’s easy. Chop up the ingredients, let them sit overnight in your water pitcher, and sip your way to healthy hydration inside and out.