Americans spend almost 60 billion dollars annually in pursuit of weight loss with gastric bypass surgery being the most common type of weight-loss surgery; an option that isn’t for everyone. 

Like any major procedure, gastric bypass has significant health risks and side effects. In addition, to be a candidate for the procedure, one must have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher. 

The fact is, a huge percentage of the population are only between 15 to 50 pounds overweight without any other options besides diet and exercise. 

Dr. Stanley Poulos, a San Francisco board certified plastic surgeon is an early adoptor of the nonsurgical balloon weight loss method approved by the FDA in 2016. Following the two-part program, patients lost an average 3.1 times the weight compared with diet and exercise alone.

Less than a decade ago, the standard treatments for acne included salicylic acid, retinols and, in severe cases, antibiotics –- medications which are not without side effects and which had consumers yearning for a safer, more effective approach. 

One treatment that is producing what beauty writers are calling ‘insanely good results’ is fractora: a fractional radio-frequency microneedle device that first burst onto the scene in 2011. 

Beauty writer, Megan McIntyre, notes, “I have been fighting moderate acne since my late teens. And I have tried literally every single one of those treatments with not one of them providing a lasting result.” Her testimony is just one of many independent reviews of a treatment that takes a ‘shortcut’ to clear, smooth skin.

Summertime is the peak of gardening season, and whether you consider this a pleasant pastime or necessary chore, it is easy to forget that this can put a serious strain on your body. 

Recent studies show the most common source of neck and back pain during the warmer months is largely due to yard work. 

Gardening often involves digging, lifting and moving heavy objects while standing in unfamiliar positions that can cause pain or injury. The aches and pains can be easy to overlook until the pain problem escalates. 

It’s best to first identify triggers of muscle pain and soreness and to try lifestyle modifications and remedies from Mother Nature before turning to numbing pain medications.

Over the years, several marketing gimmicks have brought to light “miracle pills” that supposedly help in melting away your fat. 

While the validity of such claims is unlikely, it is possible to lose weight with more natural and familiar ways.

Use the following strategies to burn fat without having to dabble in dubious pills and supplements.

Fitness experts have predicted that this year will see more people doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as more Americans are finding ways to get fit and healthy. 

But, for seniors, trying to do HIIT exercises can be a challenge as it involves bursts of high-intensity exercise, and the risks of sustaining an injury are greater with this type of workout. 

Moreover, overly intense forms of exercise may trigger an older adult's pre-existing medical conditions, such as arthritis, which is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. 

Though HIIT and other forms of rigorous exercise—long runs, stair climbs, and deadlifts—can potentially cause injury to older adults, there’s no reason why seniors should avoid working out altogether. According to the CDC, older adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, and there are lots of ways to get fit without straining one’s joints or muscles or triggering arthritis symptoms. 

Here are a few gentle yet effective fitness routines to keep seniors active and happy.

The words "root canal treatment" successfully instill fear in the bravest of us, to a point where people might choose living with the pain instead of going through the procedure.

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a badly decayed or infected tooth. During this procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the dentist cleans and seals the inside of the tooth. Without root canal treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

Here are a few symptoms and situations where you may need a root canal treatment.