The best-tasting veggie burger I’ve ever met is falafel. A product of the Middle East, falafel are deep-fried fritters made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are tucked into pita pockets and drizzled with tahini. They are delicious, hearty, inexpensive and relatively healthy.

Last week was National Poison Prevention Week and the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is reminding pet owners to keep their pets out of harm’s way. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), its Animal Poison Control Center answers more than 200,000 calls for help annually.

From raisins to onions to acetaminophen, the typical Ahwatukee home is filled with items that can be toxic to pets.

I first saw cardinal flowers growing in a drainage ditch along a farm field. Their intense red took my breath away, in part because of their surroundings.

Did you know that every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer? Do you think breast cancer affects women only? Think again. Men are not exempt from breast cancer. Many breast cancers are fueled by estrogen, a hormone produced in fat tissue. Although there are numerous reasons why women predominantly experience estrogen dominance (use of birth control, menopause and pregnancy), both men and women are increasingly affected by estrogen dominance.

The Food and Drug Administration may consider new standards for the levels of arsenic in rice as consumer groups are calling for federal guidance on how much of the carcinogen can be present in food.

Ever meandered through the pharmacy aisles of Whole Foods, Sprouts, or even Trader Joe’s and wished you knew more about the various supplements and which ones could possibly benefit you? Herbal/dietary supplements (also called botanicals) are plants used for their therapeutic properties, and the roots of herbalism go back to the beginning of humanity. The following list contains some of the more popular herbs that are generally accepted to have psychoactive and/or medicinal properties with positive effects in humans:

Any food that can make your tongue tingle has got to be worth a taste.

If ever there was a vegetable dogged by misunderstanding, fresh fennel is it.

It sounds like an unfolding epidemic: A decade ago, virtually no one in the U.S. seemed to have a problem eating gluten in bread and other foods. Now, millions do.

Pretty to look at, but what do you do with it?

Arizona’s first human West Nile Virus case for the year has been confirmed in Maricopa County.

Are you about over the pomegranate trend yet?

Summer brings pool parties, picnics, and — unfortunately for cats and dogs — poisonous plants. I experienced this firsthand two years ago, when my beloved dog, Pete, nearly died and needed weeks of treatment after apparently eating a poisonous mushroom.

Many of us may not realize that our bodies respond very seasonally to different factors throughout the year.

Many of us may not realize that our bodies respond very seasonally to different factors throughout the year.

When soaked in water, chia seeds become plumped and gelatinous, with a texture similar to tapioca. And that makes them an ideal addition to smoothies.

Phenology is the science of appearances, or knowing which plants can tell you when to start weeding, planting, fighting insects or tackling any other gardening priority.

Genetically modified foods are foods derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which is from a process in a lab where genes are taken from one species and inserted into another in an attempt to obtain a desired characteristic or trait.

Genetically modified foods are foods derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which is from a process in a lab where genes are taken from one species and inserted into another in an attempt to obtain a desired characteristic or trait.

It's Valentine's Day again, and I just want to remind people there are alternatives to chocolate when it comes to showing your love.

The holiday season is here, which can result in added stress and anxiety due to time crunches, feelings of obligation, and demanding schedules. Stress and anxiety interfere with our immune system, so keeping stress in check is important, especially since this time of year tends to be cold and flu season. Three immune suppressors that you have direct control over are dehydration, stress, and sugar intake.

Digestion issues can be annoying and embarrassing. Whether it be your stomach talking, gas or having to run to the bathroom, it can really disrupt your day. Some have major issues that have built up over the years. Most people don't realize that their digestive health has led them to other major health issues. Many doctors and health care practitioners believe that the heart of good health starts with our digestion.

Digestion issues can be annoying and embarrassing. Whether it be your stomach talking, gas or having to run to the bathroom, it can really disrupt your day. Some have major issues that have built up over the years. Most people don't realize that their digestive health has led them to other major health issues. Many doctors and health care practitioners believe that the heart of good health starts with our digestion.

Pumpkin is a cute and wonderful kitten, who likes adventures. He hopes to find a new, long-term family to call his own. He is neutered, tested negative for FELV/FIV, current on all shots and is microchipped.