Social Activity Impacts Longevity

Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai

Having an active social life is good for you.

A study published earlier this year in the American Journal of Public Health found that social isolation can impact how long we live. Researchers studied almost 17,000 adults who took part in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that social isolation increased the risk of death as much as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Back-To-School Checklist

This fall, help your kids start the school year right. Instead of dreading the back-to-school shuffle, take this opportunity to make positive changes that will set them up for academic success. Here are my top 5 strategies for good mental health and a school year to look forward to.

Cooked

"You want Americans to eat less? I have the diet for you. Cook it yourself. Eat anything you want - just as long as you're willing to cook it yourself."

This quote from Harry Blazer, food industry market researcher, in Michael Pollan's new book, Cooked, sums up a novel solution to the current epidemic of chronic disease in the United States.

Pollan points out that obesity rates are inversely correlated with time spent cooking: The more you cook your own food, the less likely you are to be obese and suffer associated health problems. So in an effort to cook more, Pollan explores the "previously uncharted territory" of his kitchen, along with the transformative powers of nature: fire, water, air, and earth.