Happy Thanksgiving! So much to be grateful for—I know you’ll be reflecting on God’s goodness in the coming days, as will my family and I.But it seems there is this tradition surrounding the “big meal.” Oh yes, the turkey, dressing, and all the fixings…but what about those post-meal hours?You know…those post-indulgent hours where you feel…well…stuff…

Nothing is worse than seeing a child suffering from illness.Whether they have a fever from a common illness, or a more severe condition, you (and I) want to do everything we can to help ease their suffering.But sometimes our help can turn to harm. Especially when it comes to getting the right dose.An astounding new study showed that 8 out of 10 wel…

Are you, like me, a fan of healthy eating?Do you look for options like salad bars and other healthy alternatives?If so, there is a subtle danger lurking out there. And a recent scientific study just showed just how surprising that danger is!And it affects a particular organ…but probably not one you’d expect.…

Have you made your plans for getting your flu shot this fall?Do you know the best time to get the flu vaccination?Are you aware of which flu vaccine is best for you?Before you schedule that appointment, I think you’ll want to invest a few minutes and tune in to this week’s 5 Minutes to Health podcast!…

Are you concerned about Alzheimer’s disease?Perhaps you’ve noticed a subtle memory or cognitive decline in a family member or close friend. You want to encourage them to seek help, but are not sure where to start.If that concern has crossed your mind, then this week’s podcast is for you.By J. Scott Ries, MD

Do you dine out frequently?Maybe you or a family member travel for work or conferences, and find yourself entertaining clients over a meal?It’s no surprise that the temptation to eat less-than-healthy when dining out is strong.But just what impact does it have on your health?That’s the topic of this week’s 5 Minutes to Health podcast.…

Last month, I did a 5 Minutes to Health Podcast sharing “The Big Fat Problem with Artificial Sweeteners” which generated some great feedback and questions.One of the most often asked questions from this podcast was, “Is Stevia safe?”It’s such a great question, that I’ve made it the topic of this week’s podcast…

By now you’ve heard that not only do we have Zika virus cases in the United States, but we have Zika carrying mosquitos as well.But quite honestly, that’s not the big news. We knew they would be here…it was just a matter of time.However, in the last few weeks there have been three different developments that have changed our perspective of Zika vir…

A lot of things happen when you see your doctor for your physical examination.But one critical thing is often overlooked. And that one thing could be a life-saver. Literally.In fact, new science has shown that your doctor is 400% better at doing this than you are.But that is only helpful if it actually happens.And that one thing…is the focus of thi…

When is the last time you thought about what is in your pantry?I don’t mean whether you need to run out to the grocery store to stock up on supplies, or grab some cereal for tomorrow’s breakfast.When is the last time you really thought about not only what is in your pantry…but exactly what it does to your body and your brain when you eat it?Not lon…

What time do you put your children down for bed?Now that the school year is again upon us, kids everywhere are begrudgingly climbing under the sheets wishing for just a little longer to enjoy the summer weather.So how important is bedtime to your child’s health?Very.You need to know about a surprising link between your child’s bedtime and a concern…

Can artificial sweeteners increase your weight?The answer to that question just might astound you.But I believe it is actually one of the most important questions facing how we eat today. And it is critical for you to understand the answer.The key is not just what you are eating…but what happens to a critical organ in your body when you consume art…

No one ever expects it to happen to them. But when does, the results can be devastating.The truth is that 90% of all strokes are caused by factors that are entirely preventable. In fact, 9 out of 10 strokes are caused by a very small list of just 10 factors.So here is my question to you this week—do you know what those 10 factors are? “The Secret t…

There is no question that your weight affects your health.But have you ever stopped to consider how your weight may be affecting your child’s health? What if being overweight not only affects the health of your child, but increases their risk of cancer?“The Cancer Risk Obese Men Pass to Their Daughters” In this week’s 5 Minutes to Health podcast, I…

I have always wondered when this day would come.The day that a patient becomes infected with bacteria that is not only resistant…but resistant to our last resort antibiotic.And that day has now arrived. In this week’s 5 Minutes to Health podcast, I’ll update you on the sobering case of a woman infected with that concerning infection, and I will als…

You’ve been hearing about the Zika virus in the news and on social media. But what is the real issue with Zika?And perhaps most importantly, what can you do to prevent becoming infected?In this week’s 5 Minutes to Health podcast, I’ll share the latest insight into the Zika virus, how it can affect you, and most importantly how you can becoming infe…

Happy Independence Day weekend!No doubt you have some fantastic plans to celebrate with friends and family. And I’d like to help you be sure your celebration is a safe and healthy one.In this week’s 5 Minutes to Health podcast, I’ll give you some helpful tips to celebrate this festive weekend’s 3 F’s: Fireworks, Food, and Frolic!“Must Know Tips for…

Do you have a new baby in the family? Or do you know someone with a precious new addition on the way?If so…you’ll want to be sure to take 5 minutes to listen in on my new podcast this week.The technique of swaddling babies has been around for centuries but is coming under new scrutiny based on the findings of a recent study.While swaddling may prov…

Trying to find a great doctor?Perhaps you’ve recently moved to a new community. Or maybe you’re helping a friend get established with a reputable physician.Or maybe it’s just time to find a doctor that is the right fit for you and your family.Whether you are in need of a new doctor, or know someone who is, I hope you’ll take a listento this week’s …