AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center

Probiotics are more complicated than the label suggests. Many contain common gut bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, but the benefits can be strain-specific and temporary. If you are immunocompromised, ask your clinician before taking them. https://bit.ly/4dRtXxi

What Are You Actually Swallowing When You Take Probiotics? Standing by the counter at the pharmacist waiting to pick up my prescription, I couldn't help noticing the prominent display of probiotics on the counter.

Perimenopause can bring irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, and more. An OB-GYN recommends starting with symptom tracking, clinician guidance, and lifestyle basics like a Mediterranean-style diet, sleep, and movement. https://bit.ly/4vd8W71

Perimenopause tips from a gynecologist: Best diet, other advice Board-certified ob-gyn Sheryl Ross explains how to figure out whether you're at perimenopause, and what lifestyle changes to adopt to to minimise its impact.

Walking after surgery may do more than help you feel better. A study found each extra 1,000 daily steps after surgery was linked to fewer complications, lower readmission risk, and shorter hospital stays. Always follow your care team's guidance. https://bit.ly/4tSXdtj

1000 daily steps may enhance surgical recovery While walking after surgery has long been encouraged as an aid to recovery, new research supports the use of wearable devices and step counts to help clinicians monitor recovery, and potentially serve as a warning sign for intervention.

Hidden fat inside muscle may raise heart and metabolic risk, even in people who look healthy. The practical takeaway: build and protect lean muscle with strength training, daily movement, protein, and blood sugar-friendly habits. https://bit.ly/4veVEXT

AI scans identify hidden fat and risk of heart and metabolic disease A new study adds to growing evidence that intermuscular fat is a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. Using AI-analyzed MRI scans, the researchers identified a link between higher hidden fat levels and greater cardiometabolic risk.

Men's Health Week is a good time to stop putting off the basics. Schedule a checkup, know your blood pressure, ask about labs, talk honestly about stress and sleep, and make movement part of the week.

The FDA is considering removing GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide from the 503B bulk compounding list. If you use a compounded GLP-1, talk with your clinician and avoid unsafe or unverified sources. https://bit.ly/4dN1k4m

FDA moves to remove GLP-1 medications from 503B Bulks List The FDA has proposed excluding weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic/Wegovy and Zepbound from a key compounding list, potentially ‌limiting large-scale production by outsourcing facilities.

Eggs may have a place in a brain-supportive diet. A new study linked eating eggs at least 5 times per week with lower Alzheimer's risk, but experts stress moderation and the full dietary pattern, not eggs as a "silver bullet." https://bit.ly/4afR0Rd

Is it true that eating more eggs could help lower Alzheimer's risk? People who eat eggs at least five times a week appear to have a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease but experts caution that there are more factors to take into account.

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. Brain health starts earlier than most people think. Support your mind with sleep, movement, social connection, blood pressure control, and a nutrient-rich diet.

Not all sitting is equal. A new study found that mentally active sedentary habits, like reading, puzzles, writing, or learning a skill, were linked to lower dementia risk than passive sitting like watching TV. https://bit.ly/4vZ0A4l

Dementia: Keeping your brain active while sitting may help reduce risk Share on PinterestCan keeping the brain active while sitting help lower dementia risk? Carol Yepes/Getty ImagesPrevious research has shown that making certain unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as living a sedentary lifestyle, may increase a person’s risk for dementia. A new study has found that me...

Exercise helps joints more than many people realize. Movement circulates joint fluid, strengthens the muscles that absorb impact, and low-impact options like walking, cycling, tai chi, swimming, and yoga can all help protect mobility. https://bit.ly/4cPsFlO

Exercise Can Protect Your Joints – Here's What You Should Try Growing older has plenty of upsides – but achy joints are not one of them.