The best diet for weight loss

What's the best diet for weight loss? Image shows two pieces of bread on a plate smeared with hummus and topped with peppers and radishes; fruit on either side of bread on the plate

Losing weight and getting healthier is a common goal among Americans; we spend $60 billion dollars a year on weight loss books, gym memberships, apps, programs and special diet foods. Yet, collectively we are getting heavier, which leads to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The […]

Variety of factors increase risk of developing MS

What causes multiple sclerosis? Drawn image of a brain, with black lines representing various branches

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes multiple sclerosis, or MS, in people who don’t have it in their family? ANSWER: The exact cause of multiple sclerosis isn’t known. But it’s clear that a variety of factors can increase a person’s risk of developing this disease. Along with genetics, those risk factors include age, sex, a medical […]

Picking the healthiest fruits

A pile of blueberries, one of the healthiest fruits, on a wooden table, shot from above.

Anyone who thinks healthy food can’t taste good clearly doesn’t understand the power of fruit. Sweet, juicy and delicious, grab-and-go fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber associated with an impressively long list of health benefits, including heart health, weight control, digestive health and lowered dementia and diabetes risk. If you’ve heard you […]

Joint cracks and pops usually not cause for concern

Joint sounds: shot of man's hands with fingers linked together

It’s not unusual for your body to make “popping” or “cracking” sounds as you lean over, twist or reach for something. Fortunately, it’s also usually not a cause for worry. Aman Dhawan, M.D., an orthopedic sports medicine specialist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, said complaints about such joint sounds are common, […]