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Some hormone replacement therapies can completely stop working for certain women. Why is that?Women oftentimes experience a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels during or after menopause. This drop in hormone levels causes several unpleasant symptoms including vaginal dryness, urinary problems, night sweats and trouble falling asleep, thinning hair, weight gain, and mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy  (HRT) is commonly used to combat these symptoms but many women are beginning to experience hormonal therapy failure, causing symptoms to reemerge.   A Link Between HRT Failure and Your Liver Actress, author, and health advocate, Suzanne Somers, says that imbalance and inappropriate application of HRT can often lead to hormone failure. Somers also believes that your liver has a big role in HRT failures.   In order to be digested properly and enter the bloodstream, your hormones need to pass through your liver. If your liver is being overworked, it may eventually cause an unregulated flood of hormones to enter the bloodstream. This sudden overdose of hormones may be responsible for causing your symptoms to return.   Hidden Agents Take a Toll According to Somers, we are all under “a massive toxic assault” and our bodies are paying the price. She cites toxic household cleaners, skincare products, and fluoridated water as major contributors to an overworked liver that is constantly trying to filter out chemicals.   Many women may not realize their livers are being damaged. Somers recommends cleaning out your liver using colonics on a regular schedule, beginning with three the first week, two the second week, and once a week for several weeks thereafter. If this schedule cannot be maintained, mixing vitamin C, some water, and three capsules of R-lipoic acid can also be an incredible detoxifier. The end goal here is the same: to unclog the body’s plumbing and clean the liver for HRT to remain effective. Tune in as Somers and Dr. Mike discuss HRT and why it may no longer be working for you.

Some doctors believe that mercury fillings cause hidden damage to your body.Do you remember the Mad Hatter from Alice In Wonderland and how crazy he seemed? He was labeled "mad" and acted nutty because of the high levels of mercury he was exposed to while felting hats. Even though he is a fictional character, his side effects of mercury poisoning were spot on. Mercury exposure has been linked to serious health conditions like autoimmune diseases and neuro-degenerative diseases. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that can be extremely damaging to your body and health. It is released into the air via power plants and industrial facilities and can even be found in certain fishes, thermostats, and light switches. Mercury has been used for decades to fill cavities and prevent tooth, nerve and bone decay. However, health professionals and doctors have started to wonder if you should get rid of your mercury fillings. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mercury is mixed with silver, tin, or copper to help bind together and create a strong and solid filling for your tooth. Dentists have said that since there is a small amount of mercury used in the filling, it shouldn't cause any health concerns. But, if you're someone who has a more than a few cavities, all that mercury can add up. In an article published by the American Nutrition Association, Dr. Seymour Gottlieb reviewed findings on mercury fillings. The article states that on average, the silver fillings used contain enough mercury over a lifetime in the mouth to exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Adult Intake Standard. In fact, according to autopsy reports of those who had mercury fillings, high mercury levels were highest in the kidney, stomach, jaw and the liver. What else do you need to know about mercury fillings? Dr. Mike explores the latest research on mercury used for dental fillings, the harmful effects mercury can cause, and if you should remove your mercury fillings.

Traveling with your children can seem scary. But it can be so rewarding with just a few basic ground rules.Keeping your kids reigned in while traveling can seem difficult (and at times, scary), but with a few basic rules it can be so rewarding for the whole family. Simple things like how to act in an airport or keeping your car safe for the driver will help make your trip so much more enjoyable. Health concerns also pop up, so keeping medications handy can save time and peace of mind knowing that your child is safe if any medical concerns come about. Listen in as David Hill, MD, discusses the best and safest ways to travel with your kids.

Whether sloshing in the snow or snowboarding, your kids' safety should come first during the cold winter months.The snow can be a source of great fun for your children, but with icy conditions and cold temperatures being the norm during winter, many safety hazards can arise. It’s important to always keep your child’s safety as the first priority.   Safety on the Slopes If your child skis, snowboards, or sleds, make sure they are wearing the right gear.  Helmets, goggles, warm clothes, and glasses should be protective and fit properly.  These activities usually include high speeds, and head injuries are all too common when helmets aren’t worn.  Concussions can easily occur, so it’s important to know the signs your child might be suffering from such an injury, such as drowsiness, dizziness, double or blurred vision, confusion, and/or nausea and vomiting.   Indeed, perhaps the biggest unknown on the slopes is other people.  Teach your child to scan the area and be mindful of those nearby, and keep an eye out yourself as well.  There may be newcomers who are still learning or who may not know their way around the hills.  If not mindful, this could lead to a high-speed collision between skiers or snowboarders. Backyard Dangers Even if your child doesn’t participate in winter sports, activities like just romping around in the snow should still be monitored.  Kids having fun may not realize how cold they are, putting them at risk for hypothermia and frostbite.   Some symptoms of frostbite include numbness, stinging skin, and a burning sensation.  Exposed parts of the body such as the fingertips, ears or nose are at greater risk of developing frostbite.  If your child looks uncomfortable and starts to complain about pain, bring him or her inside to warm up quickly.  Frostbite is a type of burn that causes tissue damage, and the injuries may blister as such.  Be sure not to rub the skin in an attempt to warm it up, as that may cause further damage.  Instead, gently cover the skin with a warm cloth, or soak in warm water.   Shivering excessively, on the other hand, is usually the first indicator of hypothermia.  If your child looks like she is no longer having fun and keeps shivering, get her inside immediately.  More advanced hypothermia can lead to confusion, so if your child seems dazed or isn’t responding in the usual way, it could signal something serious and you should contact an EMS. Listen in as David Hill, MD, discusses the best ways to ensure your child has a fun and safe winter sport season.

Electronic devices are everywhere, but which ones are right for your child?Today, with the ubiquitous nature of media in multiple formats, the definition of "media" use has been expanded. Kids are now spending more than seven hours per day using televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices for entertainment. There's just no way around it; electronic devices are a part of your child's life and school experience. That means that monitoring your child's use of these devices is as important as ever. There are some great educational electronic devices out there, and having your child use them is better than just letting them surf the web. Listen in as David Hill, MD, discusses appropriate electronic devices for your child.

Festive drinks are as much a part of holiday fun and tradition as the delicious food; but the calories can add up just as fast.It's just a fact: alcohol has calories. During the holidays, alcoholic drinks can flow freely. Festive drinks are as much a part of holiday fun and tradition as the delicious food; but the calories can add up just as fast. And, if you think you're making a smart choice by using diet soda in your rum and coke, think again. Substituting diet for regular really doesn't cut many calories in the end. Fortunately, there are ways to cut some calories without ruining your party atmosphere. Listen in as Jennifer Sacheck, PhD, discusses how to prevent drinking too many calories during your holiday activities.

Colorful bottles and sweet flavors make the packaging of liquid nicotine refills very attractive to your child.If you have joined the growing number of smokers who have made the switch from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes in an effort to get healthier, it may be time to consider quitting altogether. With the rise of e-cigarettes, there is another dangerous product making its way into your home that has the potential to cause great harm or even death to your children- liquid nicotine.   Liquid nicotine, if ingested in even the tiniest amount, can be extremely poisonous and fatal to children. Nicotine is a neurotoxin that is naturally created by the tobacco plant and often used as an insecticide. As an insecticide, its purpose is to kill any insects trying to cause harm to the plant.  A Hidden Poison There has been a huge influx of poison control calls that are directly related to liquid nicotine. According to Dr. Kyran Quinlan, a pediatrician and injury epidemiologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, he has heard the bottles being described as “little bottles of poison that smell like bubble gum.” The nicotine is generally packaged in small vials resembling eye drops, and usually include brightly colored labels, images of fruits and cartoon characters, and advertised flavors. Combined with the wonderful bubble gum smell it emits, it’s easy to see why a child may mistake this product for juice or liquid candy.   It can be difficult to estimate how toxic and highly concentrated liquid nicotine is, but as a general estimate, just one small sip of liquid nicotine is like smoking several packs of cigarettes all at once. In fact, a dose of just one half teaspoon can kill a child, and the United States very recently had its first liquid nicotine-related child death. Worse still, liquid nicotine doesn’t have to be swallowed to be poisonous; it can be absorbed through the tongue, and accidentally spilling it on skin will cause the nicotine to be readily absorbed by the body much like a nicotine patch.  Preventing Access from Children It’s common for this product to be stored in the homes of e-cigarette users, and it can be easily purchased at most convenience stores. With all of the danger surrounding liquid nicotine combined with the ease of which it can be obtained, having child resistant bottles and packaging seems like the very least manufacturers can do to add a line of defense between the nicotine and children. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The American Academy of Pediatrics is currently advocating for greater protection around these products, as are countless parents across the U.S. To speed up the process, the AAP also advises that you contact your state legislature and ask for laws that require child resistant packaging. A simple change in design could mean greater safety, as special bottles saved many lives during a similar situation with aspirin. According to the AAP, for the immediate safety of your kids, consider transferring all liquid nicotine into your own secure bottles that require a pinch or a push to turn, similar to medicine bottles. Once stored in a secure bottle or container, move them somewhere high, where they will be out of reach for your children. Listen in as Dr. Quinlan discusses the real dangers of have liquid nicotine in your house.

Making New Year's resolutions for you and your child is more than just promising to "do better."New Year's resolutions are a great way to start the year, but oftentimes they go by the wayside within a few weeks. Following through and getting your child to get the most out of their resolutions goes a long way towards a good and healthy year. Making your resolutions positive -- not just, "I'm going to lose weight" but "I'll eat healthier to lose weight" -- can help your child understand that it's more than just a quick fix. Rewarding your child for continued success on their resolutions is a great way for them to feel they're making a positive impact. Listen in as Corinn Cross, MD, shares some great suggestions to help your child decide the best resolutions to set.

Can't afford a personal trainer? Here's how to get motivated to work out on your own.Can't afford a personal trainer or gym membership? You don't need a whole gym to work out. You just need to stay motivated. Sharing your workout via social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram can be a great motivator, because once you've shared, you want to make sure to follow through. Music and other distractions can be a big help for some, but others need to concentrate fully on their workouts to keep going. Listen in as Jim white, RD, discusses how to stay motivated while working out on your own, as well as how creating your own workouts can be financially beneficial.

Finding the best trainers and workout options can be a challenge.There's a lot to consider when you're making the decision to get a personal trainer or if you're in the search for a gym that's right for you. In terms of a gym, you should keep in mind the old adage that realtors tout: location, location, location. If you pick a gym that's an hour's drive away, it's not likely that you'll go consistently. You'll also want to consider cost. Be on the lookout for hidden fees or "promotional" prices that expire after a few months. The culture of the gym might be something else you'll want to think about. Do you like loud, blaring music? Or do you prefer a more private, quiet gym? Do you feel comfortable in the weight room next to big, bulky guys? Finally, hours of operation should fit your schedule. If you can't work out until later at night or you like to go very early in the morning, you might want an option that's open 24-hours a day. When looking for a trainer, the most important thing to consider is if they are certified. Second, you'll want to make sure you pick a trainer that you "fit" with. Only you know just what you're looking for in a trainer, so talk to others and get to know what each trainer is all about and how he or she can benefit your style of working out. Even if you do your research, what if you don't like your trainer after a few sessions? What are your options? While it may be uncomfortable, it's perfectly OK to "break up" with your trainer. Listen in as Jim white, RD, discusses how to find the best fitness trainer that's just right for YOU.

Your treadmill says you've burned 300 calories, but is that accurate?With the New Year comes another surge in fitness-related resolutions. You’re ready to eat better, exercise more, and achieve the calorie deficit needed to lose weight. But before you step on that elliptical, can you trust what it says? If you are using any kind of cardio machine and rely on the information displayed, chances are it may not be as accurate as you’d think (or hope). Does 400 Calories Really Mean 400 Calories? Even with all of the new technology popping up in gyms everywhere, the cardio machines -- ellipticals, treadmills, Stairmasters, and stationary bikes -- still come pre-programmed. Many times, you press a button made specifically for fat burning or cardio, and you are prompted to enter your duration and weight. Fast-forward to the end of your workout 30 minutes later, and the machine says you’ve burned off 400 calories. Great work!   Not so fast. Unfortunately, these machines cannot accurately measure each person’s individual caloric burn or metabolism. They are usually based on general calculations using numbers calculated from the male physique. In fact, the only thing that’s truly accurate is the heart rate monitor (usually in the form of two metal sensors that pick up your heart rate via your hand pulse). Cardio machines with a premade “Fat Burn Zone” or “Cardio Zone” button can also be misleading. By default, these programs have a fairly low intensity.  Since the programs are not strenuous, chances are you are exercising at only 30 to 45 percent of your body’s capacity. After 30 minutes of low intensity cardio, you may only burn around 200 calories... even though the machine may be telling you it’s more like 300 to 400 calories. This is not an effective way to lose weight, since you’ll be more inclined to eat an extra 400 calories to make up for the deficit when in reality the gap was a lot smaller.   Losing Fat Effectively The key to losing fat effectively is doing cardio at low to moderate intensity for a longer period of time, ideally 60 minutes or more. To determine if you are exercising at an appropriate intensity level, try the “talk test.” If you are able to hold conversations and form complete sentences during exercise, it’s not intense enough. You should only be able to speak short sentences or yes or no answers. Being able to have a full conversation may indicate that your heart rate is barely above rest level, rendering your workout ineffective. Listen in as Allison (Ally) Bowersock, PhD, discusses the numbers you get from all those devices and monitors and what to take as an approximate average and what you can trust is hard fact.

Boosting your metabolism and keeping your workout new and balanced helps keep your look tight.Strength training is a great way to help stave off aging. Boosting your metabolism and keeping your workout new and balanced helps keep your look tight. Not only looks, but lowering your fat content keeps you healthier longer. Good cardio workouts help keep your heart strong so you can continue to enjoy all those great activities that also make you happy. Listen in as Allison (Ally) Bowersock, Ph.D., discusses just how a good workout routine can really keep you feeling younger.  

News of the week, toxic dangers, and helpful health tips. You don't want to miss this! Straight talk from You Doc, Michael Roizen, MD. Dr. Mike and co-host Joe Galuski discuss more of the most prevalent health news you need to know from the past week. Plus, find out "What's Toxic & What's Not" from toxicologist and regular contributor, Gary Ginsberg. More from RealAge Should You Swear Off Meat?

Ready for better eating habits that can boost your health, but not sure where to start or how to keep it up?Ready for better eating habits that can boost your health, but not sure where to start or how to keep it up? Join Dr. Roizen as he's joined by successful food blogger and author, Carrie Vitt, about the benefits grain-free eating -- without sacrificing taste. Her new cookbook, Grain-Free Family Table, teaches you about healing foods and offers 125 easy, delicious recipes your whole family will enjoy. Learn how Carrie used a grain-free diet to reverse her thyroid disease and how these recipes can help you feel your best. Bonus! The Five-Minute Walking Miracle

Join Dr. Roizen and his expert guests for the latest health news, wellness advice and most up-to-date research from around the world. World-renowned physician, Dr. Michael Roizen, MD, continues to update your understanding of the meaning of health by providing an in-depth review of the most impactful health headlines. Joined by his co-host, Joe Galuski, they discuss the health news that matters most to you. The duo is later joined by Carrie Vitt, author of The Grain Free Family Table:  125 Delicious Recipes for Fresh, Healthy Eating Every Day. Learn how Carrie used a grain-free diet to reverse her thyroid disease and how these recipes can help you feel your best. Bonus! Real Age Tip Does the Flu Shot Really Work?