Dr. Ben Kim's blog

In July 2008, the New York Times published an article that raised public concern over potential health hazards of living around granite countertops and floors.

At issue is whether granite emits dangerous amounts of radon, a colorless and odorless gas that is known to cause lung cancer. Read more

Are you confused about healthy vs. unhealthy sources of protein and how much you should be eating on a daily basis to experience your best health?

Before we address these issues, let’s take a look at what protein is and what it does in your body. Read more

Just a brief post for those among our readers who have interest in making beautiful quilts. If you don't already know about Leah Day and her lovely quilting website, be sure to have a visit here: Read more

It's no secret that mosquito bites can transfer a number of diseases to humans and animals, the most common of which are malaria, dengue fever, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Before you whip out a can of mosquito-repelling spray the next time a clan of biting insects are after your blood, you should know that many conventional brands contain DEET, a powerful pesticide that has been linked to a number of health problems such as skin rashes, dizziness, and even seizures. Read more

One of healthiest herbs that you can include in your diet is fresh cilantro. Abundant in chlorophyll, iron, and a wide variety of phytonutrients, fresh cilantro provides protection against a wide spectrum of diseases, and may even protect you against a buildup of heavy metals. Read more

Updated on February 6, 2009

For years, the standard protocol for treating a sprained ankle has been the R.I.C.E. method - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. While this protocol typically prevents further damage and allows for gradual healing of a sprained joint, sports medicine practitioners are finding that sprains tend to heal most effectively when the injured joint is exercised as soon as possible.

What follows are guidelines that I generally recommend when looking to fully recover as quickly as possible from a sprained ankle: Read more

If you feel somewhat brittle and easily predisposed to suffering from strains and sprains, I encourage you to visit a health practitioner who provides myofascial release treatment.

Myofascial release, also called "skin rolling," is often provided along with other treatments like massage, stretching, and joint mobilisation and manipulation. The vast majority of registered massage therapists, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, and osteopathic physicians have training with myofascial release. Read more

Comfortable and supportive shoes or sandals can go a long way in protecting your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine from injury.

When you're without footwear and working indoors on hard flooring, I encourage you to consider using an anti-fatigue mat to provide all of your major weight-bearing joints with cushioned support. Here's one that we have by our kitchen sink: Read more

To reduce your risk of all types of cancer, it's vital that you regularly eat foods that are rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidants work throughout your body to neutralize free radicals. Read more

In late 2008, the Vitamin D Council issued a warning on ingesting cod liver oil due to concerns about high levels of vitamin A in many brands of cod liver oil.

What follows are my answers to the most common queries that I received on the Vitamin D Council's paper. Read more