Today (April 16th) is National Healthcare Decisions Day.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to take the time to choose a Healthcare Power of Attorney.  Then, have a conversation with that person about your values as they relate to the type of healthcare you would want if a health crisis were to arise.  This applies to adults of any age in any state of health.

I was interviewed about NHDD on WPTF in Raleigh-Durham.  Listen to the 4 minute interview here for everything you need to know.

Visit NHDD.org for more info

Regular teeth cleaning leads to fewer heart problems

Panel recommends testing all children for high cholesterol

One in 10 adults will have diabetes by 2030

Chewing gum may prevent ear infections in kids

Whole grain diet reduces colon cancer risk

Allergic to eggs?  New research says flu vaccine is safe

Study: Antibiotics overprescribed for children

Want to live longer?  Get happy!

Soda ban does not reduce kids’ consumption

Even mild alcohol consumption linked to increased breast cancer risk

Should pregnant women be concerned about exposure to BPA?

Annual mammograms produce many false positives for women in their 40s

For chronic back pain, yoga and stretching are both helpful

Not drinking enough water is linked to high blood sugar

Largest ever study shows no link between cell phone use and tumors

Some dietary supplements linked to higher death risk

Chest pain in kids almost never caused by a heart problem

New recommendations against prostate cancer screening cause confusion

More chocolate consumption linked to fewer strokes

Nation’s grade for palliative care upgraded from ‘C’ to ‘B’

More parents delaying or skipping vaccines for their kids

‘Super’ cancer-fighting broccoli hits shelves in Britain

Fair-skinned people may need extra vitamin D

Effect of ‘living wills’ depends on where you live

Study: Women wearing makeup perceived as more competent

Prevent strokes by eating fish

Antibiotic use linked to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

After hip fracture, women’s risk for death doubles

Study: Saw Palmetto not helpful in preventing prostate symptoms

Treatment for bedbugs could cause more harm than their bites

Study: Fast-paced cartoons harm kids’ concentration

Adult stem cells show promise in curing damage from stroke

Many with depression are reluctant to tell their doctor

Insulin nose spray may be used to treat Alzheimer’s

Long-term use of common painkillers linked to kidney cancer

Deep sleep helps lower blood pressure

Surgeon general’s message to women: health over hair

‘Electronic nose’ sniffs out heart failure

Sleep problems during menopause? Try Valerian root

Study finds best time to take blood pressure to predict heart risk