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Lifestyle Medicine

Thrive Carolinas / Lifestyle Medicine (Page 3)

How to Spot Credible Health Information on Social Media

[caption id="attachment_12816" align="alignleft" width="196"] Harlee Palmer, PA-C[/caption] With AI becoming increasingly adept at creating content (including the image above), how can we spot credible health advice online? Written by: Harlee Palmer, PA-C Edited by: Thrive Carolinas In today’s digital age, health advice is everywhere, especially on social media. While this accessibility can be empowering, it also leaves many people wondering: Who can I really trust for health information? Studies show that patients often leave their healthcare visits with unanswered questions. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can help fill in the gaps, but not all advice you see online is accurate or safe. Here’s how to identify reputable health sources and protect yourself from misinformation.   1. Check Credentials Reliable health advice comes from qualified professionals, such as: Doctors (MD, DO) Registered Dietitians...

Why 10,000 Steps a Day Isn’t the Magic Number

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD You’ve probably heard the popular health advice: “Get 10,000 steps a day.” But is this daily step goal rooted in science? The Origin of the 10,000-Step Myth Surprisingly, the 10,000-step recommendation didn’t come from medical research; it originated from a Japanese pedometer marketing campaign in the 1960s. Since then, it’s been widely adopted by health apps, fitness trackers, and wellness guidelines—despite lacking clinical evidence. What the Research Really Says A 2023 meta-analysis published in The Lancet reviewed multiple studies from 2014 onward, analyzing the impact of daily step counts on chronic health conditions. The researchers found that significant health benefits occur at much lower step counts than 10,000. In fact, just 7,000 steps per day was associated with the following risk reductions (compared to 2,000 steps/day): ...

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Summertime and The Fire Element in Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture

[caption id="attachment_11875" align="alignleft" width="226"] Dr. Scott Greenapple[/caption] Summer is now officially here.  In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Fire element governs summer, the season of the highest heat and outward expression. In TCM, this is considered the most Yang time of year. Yang distributes function and energy.  The season, when we are in balance, rewards us with abundant energy, growth, fun-filled activities, and meaningful connections.  As the days grow longer and nature reaches its full bloom under the intense sun, the Fire element, as it relates to us, supports our bodies with vitality, joy, and hopefully, our capacity to show love for one another and the universe at large. Each element in Chinese medicine is associated with what are known as meridians or channels, which are named after...

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How to Stay Illness-Free During Summer Travel

As summer travel season heats up, a new Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1, has been making headlines. Though it’s the dominant strain in China and some surrounding regions, early data shows it remains uncommon in the U.S. Still, it’s a good reminder that staying healthy while traveling requires a few thoughtful strategies. What You Should Know About NB.1.8.1 This emerging strain is part of the Omicron lineage, but it hasn’t been classified as a new variant in the U.S., since it lacks the number of mutations required to meet that definition. So far, most symptoms have been mild and have resolved within 2 to 3 days. One standout symptom is a very sore throat, often described as feeling like "razor blade irritation." While not more severe than previous strains, it may...

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Functional Medicine: The Future of Healthcare Transformation

By Dr. Nancy A. Palermo This year’s International Conference for the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) brought together over 1,500 forward-thinking healthcare professionals from around the world, all focused on a powerful theme: Transformation. As someone deeply committed to the principles of Functional Medicine, I was inspired by the conversations and research presented, ranging from AI in healthcare and cognitive decline reversal to regenerative agriculture, mitochondrial health, and muscle-centric medicine. These topics share a common goal: to redefine the way we approach health and healing. Why Functional Medicine Matters Now More Than Ever The data is overwhelming—new medical research is doubling every 76 days, yet conventional medicine continues to fall behind. Despite spending 17–30% of our GDP on healthcare, the U.S. ranks among the sickest nations in the developed...

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Keys to Longevity: It’s Not That Complicated

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas In today’s world of biohacking, cold plunges, IV drips, and influencer-endorsed supplements, it’s easy to assume the path to longevity is complex and out of reach. But the truth may be much simpler, and far more accessible than we think. What Is Longevity, Really? Longevity isn’t just about living longer. The focus has shifted to health span, how well we live during those extra years. Influential voices like Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman have helped spark widespread interest in optimizing the aging process. But if we want answers rooted in real life, we may need to look beyond Silicon Valley and turn our attention to the world's centenarians already living long, healthy lives. The Real Longevity Experts: Centenarians From Sardinia...

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Are Hidden Chemicals in Your Food Packaging Harming Your Health?

More than 10,000 chemicals are still approved for use in food and food packaging materials in the United States, and many of them may be doing more harm than good. A growing body of research shows that many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your body’s hormonal systems. These disruptions can contribute to a wide range of health problems, including developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. Where Are These Chemicals Found? These harmful substances often hide in everyday items like: Plastic bottles (disposable and reusable) The linings of canned foods Cosmetics and personal care products Detergents and cleaning products Toys Thermal paper receipts Food packaging and wrappers Chemicals to Avoid in Plastics Here are some of the most concerning chemicals still commonly used: Phthalates: Found in...

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How Stress Impacts Your Hormones and Your Health

    By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by Thrive Carolinas We all know stress isn’t good for us, but understanding exactly how it affects our hormones may be the wake-up call we need to take it seriously. While stress impacts every system in the body, it’s especially disruptive to your hormonal balance, and that disruption can lead to a cascade of health problems. The Hormonal Stress Response When your body experiences acute stress, it releases adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones that trigger the well-known “fight or flight” response. You may feel a racing heart, increased energy, and sharper alertness. This is helpful short-term, but when stress becomes chronic, these hormones begin to take a toll, increasing anxiety, fatigue, and even straining your heart. At the same time, your body increases production of...

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The Power of Color: Why a Rainbow Diet is Essential for Your Health

Fuel your body with color, and discover how phytonutrients support whole-body wellness. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — Hippocrates Are You Eating Enough Color? Most Americans aren’t. According to the CDC, the average adult consumes just 1 servings of fruit and 1.6 servings of vegetables per day—well below the recommended 1.5–2 cups of fruit and 2–3 cups of vegetables. Even more concerning, many people stick to the same few foods, often prepared in processed forms. Think fries, ketchup, and iceberg lettuce. Why Eating a Variety of Colors Matters Eating a wide range of colorful plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grains, legumes, and nuts ensures your body receives diverse phytonutrients. These powerful compounds help: Support immune function Fight inflammation Boost heart and brain health ...

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How Antibiotics Affect Your Gut Microbiome—and How to Rebuild It

Written by: Harlee Palmer, PA-C Edited by: Thrive Carolinas When to Take Them, What to Avoid, and How to Heal Antibiotics have transformed modern medicine by saving lives and effectively treating bacterial infections. But like all powerful tools, they come with trade-offs—especially regarding gut health. Since 2000, global antibiotic use has increased by 66%, much of it unnecessary or misused. As a result, many people are experiencing unintended consequences—most notably, disruptions in the gut microbiome. What Is the Gut Microbiome? Your gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that live in your digestive tract. These organisms: Aid in digestion Produce essential vitamins Regulate the immune system Maintain a healthy gut lining Break down fiber and polyphenols How Antibiotics Impact Gut Health Antibiotics don’t distinguish between...

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