"Comfort food" - it has a pleasant inviting sound to it, but it refers to the inappropriate use of food for purposes other than to satisfy nutritional needs or hunger. Research has shown that weight gain is strongly associated with emotional eating, even more so than with any lifestyle factor. Tying emotions to food can happen quickly be reinforced unwittingly. What did you learn about food and feelings growing up? Are you passing the "use food for comfort" message to those you love? Boredom,…

If you're flopping on the couch at the end of the day instead of tackling your to-do list, try these tips:

• Revive with 20 minutes of exercise.
• Take a 25-minute nap. (Studies show a short snooze is perfect for improving alertness.)
• Stave off afternoon blahs with snacks of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and protein. Avoid candy and chips.
• Become a better night sleeper by easing into bed. Read, take a hot bath, and avoid computer screens before bedtime.

Try these four strategies…

Studies have shown that worry can take years off your life. Lack of sleep, for example, can be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Personal strategies for managing worry are therefore as important as diet, exercise, and not smoking. Cope with worry by taking action with questions and exercises that help you gain control of the target issue.

• Talk about what's worrying you with a significant other, spouse, partner, or trusted friend.
• Get sound facts about the "what ifs" so worry does not…

Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers dominate our lives. Could you use a "digital detox"? A digital detox is when you switch it all off - eliminate texting, posting, chatting, and snapping for an uninterrupted break. Sound good? If so, try it for a few hours at first. Work your way up to a day or two. Begin by sharing your plan with others. Pick a realistic time like a weekend, and prepare to feel anxious, fearful, guilty, or a little selfish. It's part of the experience and it might…

Is it too simple? New research found people who counted bites over a month's time lost roughly four pounds - just about what the CDC recommends for "healthy" weight loss. Those in the pilot test counted the number of bites they took each day and then committed to taking 20 to 30 percent fewer bites over the next four weeks. Participants who stuck with the task saw results despite changing nothing else about their eating and exercising routine. "This study confirms what we already knew:…

Walking for exercise is getting plenty of research attention - right down to the recommended miles per hour! A recent study of people averaging 73 years of age showed a 50% decrease in cardiovascular disease (CVD) for those who walked 3 mph versus those who walked only 2 mph. The group of 4,207 walkers were followed for ten years. Walking longer also produced similar results for those walking 7 blocks versus 5 blocks. "Even late in life, moderate physical activity such as walking is linked to…

Holidays can be exciting, but reducing stress continues to remain a common concern for many people. Holiday decorations, nostalgia, memories, and commercialization can easily paint an unrealistic picture of what your family get-together and experience should look like. Caution! Holiday excitement and anticipation are healthy and renewing things, but if anxiety and pressure to perform and get everything "perfect" are taking the cheer out of your season, then here's a tip: Use perfection and…

Millions of people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a mood disorder associated with depression and related to seasonal variations of light. Discovered 35 years ago, the condition affects over 4% of the population in the United States and upwards to 20% of Canadians at some point in their lives. Only about 1.5% of Floridians experience the condition. Use of a light box (easily purchased online) to increase the amount of daily exposure to light has been a recommendation of the American…

When January rolls around, will you be satisfied and proud that you did not let your diet get out of control? Here are a few time-tested tips from the American Association of Diabetes Educators to help you manage seasonal stress and the holiday food parade. (1) Decide that you will enjoy the fun but still be healthy this season. Spend a few quiet moments planning out this goal. (2) Make a written contract with yourself -literally, in writing, and sign it to help you stay motivated. (3) Plan…