Feeling stressed or sluggish? A little dirt under your nails might be just what the doctor ordered. Gardening isn’t just about pretty flowers—it can help your heart, your mood, and even your social life.

“You’d be surprised how many of our patients tell us they feel calmer, stronger, and more optimistic after spending time in the garden,” says Dr. Mas’ood Cajee, DDS, MPH, a Manteca-based dentist and wellness advocate.

Trouble on your waist, White on your plate? Refined carbs like pasta, white rice, bread, and noodles may appear harmless but secretly harm your health. Let's embrace the right and rethink the white!

Ultra-processed foods are made to be highly tempting and easy to overeat, but you can take simple steps to avoid overconsumption. Here are some key strategies to help:

The Mediterranean diet is all about eating foods that taste amazing and make you feel great. If you’re ready to feel your best while eating delicious meals, why not give it a try?

So, is age a barrier to braces? Definitely not! Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or older, it’s always the right time to get the smile you’ve been dreaming of. With so many discreet and effective options out there, there’s a solution for everyone. From improving your oral health to boosting your confidence, braces can make a big difference. Why wait any longer? It’s your time to shine with a beautiful smile at any age!

You sit down to check your phone for “just five minutes,” and suddenly, an hour has passed. If this sounds familiar, you might be caught in the trap of doomscrolling—the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative news. But did you know this habit could harm your sleep, dental health, and overall well-being?

“Many people don’t realize that poor sleep from stress and screen time can lead to serious dental issues like bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ pain,” says Mas’ood Cajee, DDS, MPH, a Manteca-based dentist. “Your jaw needs rest too, not just your mind.”

You open your phone to check the news, and before you know it, you’ve spent an hour scrolling through headlines that make you anxious. Sound familiar? This behavior—called doomscrolling—is when we compulsively consume negative news, often leaving us feeling stressed, hopeless, or overwhelmed. Here are 5 ways to stop this harmful habit.

Think you need a steak to hit your protein goals? Think again! Whether you’re plant-based, cutting back on meat, or just mixing it up, these seven protein-packed foods will keep you fueled and feeling strong. “Protein is crucial for muscle health, but it also helps keep your teeth and gums in top shape,” says Dr. Mas’ood Cajee, DDS, MPH.

Our young athletes push their limits on the field, but could their favorite sports drinks be holding them back? While Gatorade and similar beverages fuel performance, they can also damage teeth. Dr. Mas’ood Cajee, DDS, MPH, weighs in on how local athletes can stay hydrated without sacrificing their smiles.

Energy drinks may provide a temporary boost, but they often lead to a crash and can harm your health. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the cans, here are six easy ways to naturally increase your energy!

Got a cavity? Skip the drill! Discover how fluoride, diet, and remineralization can stop early decay in its tracks. Protect your smile with these smart, drill-free alternatives to fillings!

Ever wonder how Muhammad Ali became the world’s greatest boxer in just a few years? It all started with a stolen bicycle. From biking before sunrise to training until nightfall, Ali’s relentless routine and unshakable confidence made him unstoppable. Here’s how he went from an 8th grader to an Olympic gold medalist by 18.

Want to avoid knee surgery by 70? Protect your joints now with smart habits—strengthen muscles, stay flexible, choose low-impact exercise, and address pain early. Here’s how!

Many South Asian men face a high risk of heart attacks by age 50, even if they follow a vegetarian diet. But why? Genetics play a role, but food choices, exercise, and hidden health risks are major factors. The good news? Heart disease is preventable with a few smart lifestyle changes!

Elevate your snack game with almonds, olive oil, and bold flavors like rosemary, za’atar, wasabi, Thai chili, and Manuka honey. These easy recipes blend health benefits with gourmet taste!

Recovering from surgery? Whether it’s a dental surfery, knee replacement, an appendectomy, or any other procedure, the right foods can speed up healing and reduce inflammation. Manteca dentist Mas’ood Cajee, DDS, MPH shares the best superfoods to help your body recover quickly—plus a couple of surprising food facts you won’t want to miss!

What if the secret to the next big invention isn’t in a lab—but in a book? From Bill Gates' childhood reading habits to China’s surprising Silicon Valley discovery, stories have shaped some of the biggest breakthroughs in science and technology. Could science fiction be the real fuel for the future?

Looking for a fun, budget-friendly activity? This easy DIY giant bubble recipe will have your family creating huge, dazzling bubbles in no time. Let the fun begin!

Hate the dentist’s drill? A little-known liquid might save your smile—without the pain. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is changing dentistry by stopping cavities in their tracks. Here’s how it works.