It is time for reinforcing health and nutritious eating habits.  But a good reminder is to always check with your doctor before making any dietary changes. Here are some tips to help you get started making healthy choices.

• Ditch the diet mentality. Healthy eating is a way of life, not a quick fix. There are many types of "diets" and not every diet is going to work for every person. Listen to your body and experiment with different foods to see what works best for you.
• Set healthy, realistic…

Alcoholism has been called a 'disease of denial' for decade, which is why education about denial is essential in addiction treatment programs. It's the #1 roadblock to self-diagnosis for those whose drinking is contributing to life problems. A common description of denial is found in the statement, "I don't have a problem with alcohol, because I can take it or leave it. I can quit drinking at any time."Of course, any who drinks can do these things. It's "staying stopped" -- which is what's…

It's easy to dismiss dips in mood, sleep issues, or suppressed appetite. But these could be subtle symptoms of depression. People with mild depression are six times more likely to slip into major depression. So, if you notice these types of symptoms, or others like sadness and waning interests in activities lingering for a couple of weeks, see a mental health professional or your EAP. Major depression can have long-term effects on your body, even contributing to dementia and heart problems. A…

If you live or worth with someone who abuses alcohol or drugs, you may be consciously or unconsciously enabling their habit. Enablers - also called "codependents" - often try to protect users from their problems, or help hide the problems from others. 

Enabling an addict can have disastrous consequences. Medical and financial issues, relationship or family struggles, injuries, and incarceration may be all serious results of a drug or alcohol addiction. If the abuser is allowed to continue to…

Who Gets Anxiety?

Everyone gets nervous at one time or another. Most of us have had "butterflies" before giving a speech or sweaty palms during job interviews. But when anxiety continues and is experienced on a regular basis, it may be that the individual is suffering from an anxiety disorder. 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a powerful feeling characterized by an uncomfortable sense of inner turmoil. People who suffer anxiety often feel like they have lost control over their lives. They may…

Blue light from technology screens like smart phones is known to interfere with sleep. Suppression of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, is the reason. It helps us fall asleep and makes sleep restorative. Researchers recently demonstrated that blue light also interferes with your body's ability to naturally reduce its temperature at night, which also enhances restorative sleep. During the night, this temperature drop hits its low at about 4 a.m. As body temperature returns to normal, you…