Over 20 years of experience crafting evidence-based content for consumer health sites, medical professionals and health care brands. Got a project? Email me at adrienne@writeradrienne.com
11 sneaky ultra-processed foods you should avoid if you're over 50, according to doctor
The health risks associated with ultra-processed foods have been getting a lot of attention recently. Not only have they been associated with higher risk of obesity and several other chronic conditions, but new research is shedding even more light on the negative impact they can have on your health.
What’s more is that Canadians are consuming more ultra-processed foods than ever, with these products making up 43.4 percent of the daily energy intake of adults 20 and older, according to a recen...
Dermal fillers below the belt: What's safe and what isn't
Injectables such as fillers and neuromodulators have dominated the landscape of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures for more than 20 years. Most people are familiar with their effects on faces, like smoothing wrinkles and plumping lips, but did you know injectables have ventured below the belt, offering aesthetic and functional benefits when applied to male and female genitalia?
Fillers, Botox and injectable platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are being used to increase penile girth, address the ae...
Your Guide to Fibroids: Everything You Need to Know and Then Some
Here because a doctor told you that you have fibroids? Did you sneak a peek at your ultrasound results online, see the word “fibroid” and panic? Maybe you Googled your symptoms and fibroids popped up as a possibility, along with cancer and all kinds of other scary conditions? Whatever the reason, we’re glad you’re here and have created this handy guide on fibroids to answer all your questions.
What Fibroids Are and What They Aren’t
Fibroids are a common type of benign tumor made of smooth mus...
How old is “too old” for plastic surgery?
The number of Americans over 65 is rising, and all Baby Boomers will be over 65 by 2030. Consequently, the number of Baby Boomers seeking plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments is also growing. In 2024, this age group made up 59 percent of all facelifts performed in the United States and 61 percent of people who had skin resurfacing treatments.
If you're a Baby Boomer – or Baby Boomer adjacent – you may wonder if you're too old for plastic surgery from a safety standpoint. Well, it turns out...
Men over 50 should know about these 9 sneaky health problems — low testosterone, heart disease and more
If you’re a man over 50, chances are you’ve noticed some of the more obvious signs of aging, like grey hair or wrinkles. But there can be some not-so-obvious changes due to age that can lead to sneaky health issues, even for men who lead a healthy lifestyle.
As the years pass, everyone’s cells and the systems that repair them wear down, which can make you more vulnerable to certain health conditions. “It’s like your body’s maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,” says Dr. Angel...
Lipedema Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide
Lipedema is a challenging and often misunderstood condition marked by disproportionate and painful fat buildup that can change your appearance and limit movement. Beyond the physical effects, it can deeply affect self-esteem and may lead to social isolation and depression. Unfortunately, it’s frequently mistaken for simple weight gain, which may cause a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Lipedema surgery can offer relief by removing the diseased fat — since it does not respond to diet and exercise the way regular fat does — easing symptoms and improving physical function and psychological well-
The One Difference Between STIs and STDs — and How to Minimize Your Risk
STIs and STDs aren’t the same thing. Really!
If you thought they were, you’re not the only one. The terms are often used interchangeably even though they’re different conditions.
So, what’s the diff and why does it matter? We’ll get to that and answer some of your other STI and STD questions here.
What’s the short answer?
STIs are sexually transmitted infections. STDs are sexually transmitted diseases.
An STI is only considered a disease when it causes symptoms. That’s it. That’s the one diff...
Hair Transplant Cost and Procedure Guide
Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons. While some people are comfortable living with thinning hair, others prefer to restore it. Hair transplant surgery offers a natural-looking solution for those seeking to regain their hair and confidence.
Read on to learn more about the different types of hair transplant procedures and what they cost.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that relocates healthy hair to areas where hair is missing.1 It can be used to tr...
Which Weed Strains Are Highest in THC?
It’s hard to pinpoint which marijuana strain is highest in THC because strains aren’t an exact science. They can vary across sources, and new ones are popping up constantly.
Then there’s the issue of THC and CBD, two of the most well-known compounds in marijuana.
THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the high marijuana produces. When people say that a particular strain of weed is very strong, it’s likely a high-THC strain.
High-THC strains will produce strong psychoactive effects and may be beneficial for:
reducing nausea
increasing appetite
reducing pain
decreasing inflammation
Corner Lip Lift Cost and Procedure Guide
Do you look grumpy even though you feel anything but? It can be a drawback of having lips that droop downward. Even just slightly downturned lips can make you appear sad, tired or just so serious.
Maybe you were born with downturned lips, or perhaps it’s the toll of gravity and aging causing the corners of your mouth to sag. The good news is that a corner lip lift can turn a frown upside down by elevating the corners of the mouth for a naturally happy and more youthful appearance.1
What Is a ...
Beard Transplant Cost and Procedure Guide
Don’t underestimate the power of a beard and the impact it can have on your confidence. The ability to grow a beard if you want one isn’t a given for everyone and may feel frustrating and embarrassing if you can't. Genetics, hormones, scarring and certain health conditions are just some of the factors that can keep you from growing the beard you want.1
Thanks to improvements in hair restoration technology and the ever-increasing interest in beards and beard transplants, the opportunity to hav...
Managing the Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Managing your symptoms through medication and effective home remedies can greatly improve your quality of life and possibly prevent future flare-ups.
Symptoms
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis can cause a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms, including:
urgent bowel movements
frequent bowel movements
abdominal pain and cramping
diarrhea
nausea
bloody stools
fever
rapid heartbeat
iron deficiency
Stubborn knee fat? There are several solutions for that
No part of the body is immune to the effects of genetics, aging, gravity or weight fluctuations, including your knees. Excess fat, sagging skin or wrinkles – or all of them – can develop on and around the knees, affecting the overall contour of your legs and aging them.
Knees might not be the most obvious choice for cosmetic surgery, but more people are seeking out procedures targeting this often-overlooked area, driven by growing interest in anti-aging treatments and body contouring, especia...
Plastic Surgery Recovery Timelines and Aftercare Tips
Waking up from plastic surgery can feel like being a kid on Christmas morning. The excitement, anticipation and nervousness — oh my! But, as eager as you may be to see and start enjoying your results, patience and proper aftercare can be essential to both a safe and comfortable recovery and your results.
Below, we'll explore some common factors associated with recovery and how managing them can help make your recovery as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Why You Want to Eat All the Things Before Your Period
If you’re having certain food cravings during your period, it’s likely related to your hormones or serotonin. Common cravings tend to be carbohydrates and sweets. Hear what health writer Adrienne Santos-Longhurst has to say.
Don’t be too hard on yourself for wanting to inhale some chocolate and chips with a side of tacos just before your period.
Period cravings and hunger are real, and there are reasons — legitimate, scientifically proven reasons — why you want to eat all the things before yo...