The Johnson Center for Health

Are you deficient in Vitamin D? Unfortunately, the answer is probably yes. But you’re not alone. According to a 2011 study, 41.6% of all American adults have a deficiency in Vitamin D. This number only gets higher for American adults with high levels of melanin. Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to very serious health consequences like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and severe COVID-19 reactions. Moreover, some people have genetic variations that hinder their ability to produc

Ever take time to wash off your deodorant at the end of the day? Probably not. Yet the effects of a deodorant or antiperspirant don't seem to last more than a day. So where does that product end up going? When you leave deodorant or antiperspirant on your skin it is eventually absorbed and deposited into underlying tissues. And unfortunately, many of these products contain harmful chemicals that have been linked to serious medical problems like hormonal imbalances, asthma, re

As more and more people around the world are getting vaccinated for COVID-19, the question of what next still lingers. Medical professionals and epidemiologists alike suspect that coronavirus will likely not be leaving for a while. But will rather evolve into a seasonal illness that makes its rounds, like the flu. So scientists at Pfizer, have set out to create a TheraFlu for COVID-19. A pill that will stop the infection and can be taken from the comfort of your own home. Her

For men in developing countries, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. It’s one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world. While prostate cancer is rare in men under 40, the risk of developing the cancer rapidly increases after age 50. While scientists cannot rule out all potential causes of prostate cancer, evidence has suggested there is a very high heritability rate. Some researchers speculate it could be as high as 40%. Because of its high mortal

In our second installment in Gut Health and the Skin, we are exploring the gut-related cases of acne. While most of us suffer through acne in our teenage years, long-lasting or chronic acne can be caused by imbalances and other gut-related problems. Long-lasting acne can leave you feeling depressed, self-conscious, and hopeless, especially if you’ve tried many topical applications that just don’t work. And there’s a reason for that; skin creams and face washes are only part o

The beer belly, the dad bod, the potbelly… Whatever term you prefer, the buildup of fat around a man’s abdominal region is a common characteristic in older men. But what you might not know is that excess abdominal fat can also be a signifier of serious health consequences. However, your diet and exercise regimes alone may not be the contributing factor for a beer belly or dad bod. Other factors such as environmental toxins, and genetic variation can also lead to a buildup of

Ever notice the “chlorine” smell that often accompanies you after a trip to your neighborhood pool? That smell isn’t actually chlorine. It’s the byproduct of a chemical reaction between chlorine and urine- a volatile compound called trichloramine. And trichloramine isn’t the only byproduct chlorine creates when you jump into a pool. Other, more harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs), have been linked to respiratory disorders, bladder cancer, and oxidative stress. Here’s how

Ever noticed how some of your friends can consume several alcoholic beverages without a hangover or ill effects? But others can get flushed and uncomfortable after just one drink? This is because your genes actually determine how your body metabolizes and reacts to alcohol. There are even genes linked to an increased risk of alcohol dependence and more severe hangovers. To avoid the negative effects of alcohol, it is necessary that you drink as your genes intend! Alcohol 101:

The newest strain of COVID-19 is known as the Delta variant, or the B.1.617.2 strain. The Delta strain is one of the most advanced variants of the coronavirus, as it was mutated at least 3 times. The Delta variant is meaner, leaner, and more confusing than any of the previous COVID-19 variants. With new symptoms, increased transmissibility, and younger cases, we should all be attentive to the variant. Here's what you need to know: It’s already in America: The newest, more con

Ever wonder why you get a seemingly random breakout after a greasy, cheesy burger? The answer lies in your gut. Unbeknownst to many, there is a complex, yet intrinsic link between the health of your gut and your skin. Imbalances in the gut have been linked to common skin conditions like acne, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. In part 1 of our new series on gut health and your skin, we will explore the gut-skin axis and exactly how gut inflammation can impact your