Have you noticed that the pace of our society seems to get faster all the time? People report having less in-depth, meaningful conversations, yet have more breadth of connection--more "contacts" in their online Rolodex. Twitter, Facebook and other new media tools have given us the ability to connect at an...

It might not be much of a surprise when we read about how eating broccoli can lower the risk of certain cancers, or how loaded with antioxidants fruits and vegetables are. It seems that virtually every day we see a report of a newly-discovered health benefit of a fruit or...

In last week's blog, Susan Smalley, Ph.D., founder of the Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) at UCLA, shared with us her fascinating journey. After 25 years as a research scientist, she experienced a personal challenge that changed her life and eventually led her to founding MARC.

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I recently attended a gathering of supporters of the Mindful Awareness Research
Center (MARC) at the University of California, Los Angeles. During this event, I
heard MARC founder (and Huffington Post blogger) Susan Smalley, Ph.D., speak. Dr.
Smalley, a research scientist for 25 years, shared...

No doubt health care reform is a serious and important matter. Politicians on various sides of the issue have been working day and night to hopefully find a way to solve our nation's health care concerns. Looks like they're finally making some headway.

I was fortunate enough to be privy...

When one thinks of the medical oncology unit at a major hospital, the inhalation of uplifting aromas, a feeling of sanctuary, opportunities for centering and relaxation, and guidance through restorative yoga poses are usually not what first comes to mind.

It could be a reality if you were at the...

The riveting documentary Food, Inc. (opening in select cities tomorrow) presents elements of the food industry that can put profit ahead of food safety, workers' rights, animal welfare, the sustainability of the environment, and the livelihood of the family farmer.

How much do we really know about the food...

"It is better to give than to receive" is a phrase that has become so commonplace, it's easy to take the meaning lightly. Many of us have felt that wonderful feeling that accompanies making someone's day a little brighter. Have we really thought about how powerful giving can be --...

As a clinical nutritionist, I spend my days reminding my patients of the virtues of balancing protein and carbohydrates, eating organic when possible, and having a good breakfast. They are often in search of losing a few pounds, lowering cholesterol, and preventing such maladies as heart disease and diabetes.

Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with autism. In a study of select populations around the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that one in 150 children has the condition. According to the Autism Society of America, this is the fastest growing developmental disability with a...

The cat, er, the dog is out of the bag. The "top secret" arrival of the First Dog is finally here! His name is Bo and he is a 6-month old Portuguese water dog.

I have been on Obama Garden Watch for the past few weeks, as those...

It seems that our culture's most popular flavorings are sugar, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard. A common attempt we see at using a fresh culinary herb is the sprig of parsley on our plate that is perceived as a garnish!

Yet as gardeners and foodies often know, there is a...

"Hope won" took on new meaning for me when I found out that Michelle Obama was planning a 1,100 square-foot kitchen garden on the south grounds of the White House. Seriously, I see almost everything through a health and wellness lens. During the time of the inaugural balls and parties,...

I just finished reading the latest about how celebrities "detox,"--pretty much by starving themselves. I cringe when I see these articles. What other group of people could make deprivation seem attractive?

Seriously, what really concerns me is that these extreme programs are misleading. You simply cannot "detox your body"...

Spring is definitely in the air. Daylight Saving Time allows many of us to leave work to find the sun still shining. Here in Southern California, seeds are sprouting, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming. People seem to have an extra swing in their step, and that "happy for...