UB researchers Lucia Leone (left) and Jill Tirabassi are co-principal investigators on a food-is-medicine project funded by the American Heart Association. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki American Heart Association-funded project will assess the successes and challenges of three different food prescription programs in WNY adults over 65 BUFFALO, N.Y. – A team of University at Buffalo researchers has received funding from the American Heart Association (AHA) for research that will focus on the implementation of innovative food prescription programs in older adults. UB researchers Lucia Leone ..read more

Courtesy of Community Health Center of Buffalo Diet and exercise are key components of maintaining a healthy weight and protection from chronic disease. According to Dr. Kenyani Davis, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, at the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., eating smart and being active have similar effects, including reducing risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, some cancers, and diabetes. “These healthy living strategies can also help improve overall well-being – helping people live longer and maintain their independence,” says Dr. Davis. People may wonder which diet ..read more

By Sara Jank, MS, RD, CDN Nuts and seeds have been an important part of the human diet for hundreds of thousands of years. They pack a nutritious punch in a small, versatile package! Eating a handful of nuts or seeds most days is recommended as part of an overall plant-focused diet that may reduce your risk of developing many chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Try them raw, toasted or ground, eaten on their own, or tossed into sweet or savory recipes. Nuts are usually divided into two categories: peanuts (which are seeds in the legume category), and tree nuts (which are the ..read more

A nutritious diet is typically linked to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing risk for chronic disease. However, a healthy diet also can protect vision. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. Vision loss is often characterized as a natural byproduct of aging, and the National Institute on Aging notes that it’s normal for individuals to notice changes in their vision as they age. But, it’s a mistake to think there’s little people can do to protect their long-term vision. In fact, a nutritious diet can be a great a ..read more

Four quarters of big-game football can be grueling, especially for those watching at a house party with a big-time buffet just an arm’s length away. It’s helpful to approach kickoff with a solid game plan to ensure you make it to the post-game wrap-up without getting sacked by too much Kansas City barbeque or San Francisco sourdough. “Before you go to your viewing party, have a small, healthy snack such as an apple or a handful of raisins and nuts,” says Amanda Shanahan, registered dietitian nutritionist and manager of employee wellbeing at Univera Healthcare. “If you’re hungry when you get to ..read more

Having a cold is not fun. A stuffy nose, sniffles, sore throat, and other symptoms make having a cold a generally unpleasant experience. According to data collected by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the average consumer shops for over-the counter medicine 26 times a year, with peak visits occurring in the wintertime when colds and flu infections are more prominent. To make cold-related matters worse, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel concluded in September 2023 that the popular decongestant phenylephrine, which is found in many over-the-counter cold remedies, is ineffect ..read more

Each year people resolve to get in shape, exercise, and eat healthier foods. So, why is it so difficult to keep these resolutions? Try these strategies to stay the course. Wake up earlier. Waking up a half hour earlier can make a difference in providing some time to meditate, practice deep breathing, or do some yoga stretches. Move more. A sedentary lifestyle can have an adverse effect on overall health. Set a timer or use a fitness tracker to remind you to get up and move around a little every hour. Eat more vegetables. Vague goals like “eating better” are difficult to maintain. Resolving to ..read more

By Jennifer Klock, RD, CDN, Clinical Dietician Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Bloating, stomach discomfort, fullness after eating a small amount of food might indicate that your stomach is taking too long to empty after eating, especially solids. This condition of delayed stomach emptying, called gastroparesis, can lead to problems in getting sufficient calories or controlling blood sugar. Gastroparesis may occur following abdominal or esophageal surgery, such as gastrectomy, roux-en-Y and pancreatectomy, or due to gastrointestinal disorders or viral infections. When its cause is unk ..read more

By Annette Pinder Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health says 1 in 5 men and 1 in 6 women globally will develop cancer, but live longer due to early screening and detection, vaccinations, and better treatments. Knowing that 30 to 40% of cancers could be eliminated with better lifestyle choices, in 2018, the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute of Cancer Research issued 10 cancer prevention recommendations on diet and nutrition, physical activity, and weight management. Good nutrition is also important during cancer treatment, when consuming recommended nutritious f ..read more

By Madeleine Kates As we gather for holiday meals, those with special diets know how challenging it can be to navigate the dinner table. Whether it is food allergies, or a medically-specific diet, both the guest and host want everyone to feel comfortable and happy spending time together. Here are some tips to make holidays a little easier for everyone attending: Let the Host Know About Special Considerations in Advance: No host wants to accidentally serve a life-threatening allergen to someone they love! Let the host know in advance about anything they may need to be aware of, so they can work ..read more