Some BIG Things Come in Small Packages

By Alex White, MD

When it comes to medical miracles, most people think of the big things like heart transplants, hip replacements or pacemakers.  What they don’t realize is that some of the biggest breakthroughs in medical technology come in small packages.

Image courtesy of Medical Device Online

Speaking of cardiac pacemakers, the biggest drawback to the devices is that the batteries need to be replaced.  This requires surgery.  Recently, scientists at the University of Michigan may have come up with the solution to this conundrum.  Dr. Amin Karami recently completed tests on a material that produces electricity when it changes shape.  This means that in the not too distant future, your heart could literally supply the power needed to operate a pacemaker just by beating.

If You've Got It, Flaunt It

By Alex White, MD

Image courtesy of MicrobeFiber.com

When it comes to getting healthy and staying healthy, nutrition is only half of the equation. While fiber supplements like MicrobeFiber can help you attain the daily recommended level of fiber in your diet, if you are truly a health fanatic, then you know you also need to exercise.  Whether your activity of choice is walking, running, working out, or playing golf or tennis, you realize that staying active helps you keep your body fit and trim. Being active also provides your heart with the kind of stimulation it needs to keep blood circulating and reduce the incidence of blockage.  So, all in all, making exercise a regular part of your health regimen is one of the hallmarks of staying healthy.