Matthew Solan

An annual health self-assessment—a full analysis of your well-being—is a way to evaluate your status, taking into account both what you have accomplished and where you may be able to improve.

In an unhealthy gut, the lining of your intestine weakens, causing bacteria and toxins to leak into the body, triggering inflammation. The most common causes are genes and diet, with age playing a role as well. But diagnosing the condition is challenging, and may require trying different treatment approaches.

Research shows that regular social interaction can lower risk for heart disease, depression, and early death, but not everyone is comfortable in social settings. If this describes you, there are still ways you can socialize without going beyond your comfort zone.

If you find yourself feeling like you are tired and lack energy, your body may be trying to tell you that you should make some changes to your health habits.

Art therapy can be an effective tool in the treatment and management of pain when used as an adjunct to medication. Taking the brain’s focus away from pain improves mood and helps people regain control of their lives.

Moderate alcohol consumption can have a beneficial effect on heart health, but the “moderate” part is the key. One drink a day is recommended as the safest amount that offers a heart-health benefit.

As we age, we are more likely to lapse into a sedentary lifestyle, but lack of physical activity is to blame for many health problems among older people. Making the effort to move more each day is one of the best things you can do to prolong your healthy years.

Yoga helps many people alleviate their low back pain, but unfortunately doing yoga can also be the cause of back injuries, particularly in older people. Learning to do the movements properly and safely is essential, especially if you already have back pain.

Growing older can bring feelings of a loss of self, but making the effort to create a record of your life can be a therapeutic pursuit, and can also be welcomed and appreciated by other family members.

If you’ve ever passed a kidney stone, you’ll probably do anything to avoid doing having to go through that again. There are some simple things you can do to help you sidestep the misery of a kidney stone altogether, or at least lower the chances of getting another one.