Mind & body

America, you’re unhealthy, you’re overweight and some of the pain medications you’ve been taking just might be killing you. At least that is the message we receive from the federal government, the nightly news, reality television and the bathroom scales.

Have you seen the movie Supersize Me?

Reclaiming and keeping your health is, of course, a personal decision. If you don’t want to do it, nobody is going to do it for you. Doctors, trainers and dieticians can do only so much.

With that in mind, we offer the following collection of stories that cover a range of subjects, from Chinese secrets to good health to the latest on arthritis medication, from the benefits and challenges of veganism to the magic of modern radiology.

Also, check out our Backbeat feature this week, a humorously skeptical take on health fads. Laughter is the best medicine, right?

Above all, we wish you good health. A little luck never hurt anybody.

High-tech and dialed in
When it comes to radiology, Chico has it all

What’s next for pain?
Looking for alternatives to drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex

China’s gift to us all
A Chicoan’s new book suggests that we could live richer lives by getting in touch with the Tao

Meatless menus
Adjusting to a lifestyle without animal products