As much as possible, buy in season produce. Examples: asparagus in spring, zucchini in summer, pears in fall, and leafy green’s in winter. Buy only as much fresh produce as you will use within four or so days. After that, the nutritional value decreases. Choose canned or frozen fruits and vegetables when fresh is too…
5 ways to free your mind of “clutter”
Houses aren’t the only things that may need a spring cleaning. Our minds can find themselves in the same condition. If you’ve collected a mess of old hurts that are getting in your way and habits that no longer work, do a thorough cleaning and clear out stuff to make space for new and healthier…
All hail, Kale!
If you’re looking for an alternative to cabbage, you may want to check out its leafy-green cousin, kale. The versatile cruciferous (“kroo-sif-er-us”) vegetable offers a host of health benefits. Eating kale may help reduce risks of certain cancers, such as cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. Steamed kale has also been shown…
A simple way to lower sodium in your diet
Choose fresh foods over canned, packaged, or processed foods whenever possible. Nearly three-quarters of the sodium in American diets comes from ingredients and seasonings added to packaged, processed, and restaurant foods, while table salt is responsible for only about 15%. To help prevent high blood pressure and lower your risk for heart disease from high…
Do you suffer From Chronic Pain?
One study in a community clinic found more than one in three adult appointments involved patients with chronic pain. Treating chronic pain can be frustrating for patients and physicians for several reasons: Causes can be difficult to pin down — is it muscle, nerves, bones? Depression often complicates chronic pain. Drug treatments have all-too-common side…
College expenses vs. retirement savings
The safety talk before an airplane takes off goes something like this: “If the oxygen masks come down, put yours on first, then assist your child or the person beside you if they need it.” That’s because you’re not going to be much help to anyone if you’re unconscious. The same principle applies with money.…
Debunking Breast Cancer Myths
Breast cancer myths You only get breast cancer if you have a family history. Although having a family history can increase your risk, most women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. I’m too young to worry about breast cancer. The disease is more common in post-menopausal women, but even women in…
Running With Kids – Keeping it Fun
Training for and participating in fun runs and walks (usually a distance of five kilometers or approximately three miles) can be a great family fitness activity. Parents serve as good role models while kids learn that physical activity can be a fun and rewarding social outlet. To keep it fun: Walk or run at your…
Snoring is no laughing matter
Window-rattling snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. People with sleep apnea may stop breathing several times during the night, or seem like they are holding their breath. The condition is more common in men than women. Daytime sleepiness,…
Man up, get a checkup
Many men would rather take their car in for a tuneup than go in for their own health checkup. Studies show men tend to put off going to the doctor. On average, they live sicker and die younger than women, who make twice as many preventive care visits as men. More than half of premature…