Dear Pharmacist,

I’m concerned about diabetes, I’m overweight, and it runs in my family. My sister has your diabetes book and said you recommend Holy Basil, among other herbs and nutrients. Is that the same as regular basil and would you tell me more?

The association between obesity and depression has been well-established, with several studies examining the correlation. Some research suggests that there is a direct relationship—obesity can lead to depression and vice versa.

Growing up, every kid in my house knew the rule.

My mother would call out to us as we tumbled out the front door with skates, bikes, and balls in tow, “Remember to be home…” And we would finish her sentence for her in unison, “…when the streetlights come on!”

Times have changed. Over the past hundred years tasks and job functions have changed dramatically and our personal environments and daily stressors are worlds away from what they used to be.

Dear Pharmacist,

My brother is on a gluten free diet now and lost a lot of weight. He’s razzing me to join him in his gluten free diet, but I don’t see the point unless you have irritable bowel syndrome (that’s why he did it). I really like my pizza and beer too! I read you every week, are there other health benefits?

With fall right around the corner most of us will likely become less as active. The cool weather months are a time of stillness, reflection and rest. However, we still need to exercise, even if it's at a slower pace.

Recently, as I was rifling through a stack of journal articles that have piled up on my desk, one in particular practically got up and danced a little jig across my desk. The study…published in the American Society for Nutrition journal…was emblazoned with the headline “Consumption of added sugars is decreasing in the United States.”

“You should see it, Robin. You should see the belly on me. I’m running, I’m lifting weights… for like two hours a day.”

“I’m thinking of giving up. I hate it.”

There are many elements that are required to achieve optimal health. We all know that ample sleep, exercise, water, stress reduction and diet are the basic components. Within each of those categories are found sub-categories and specific recommendations.