Education - Sensenbrenner Primary Care

Skin Cancer: Myths vs. Facts

May 15, 2024

Separating myths from facts is essential in understanding skin cancer. Here are some key points to consider: Myth: Only fair-skinned individuals are at risk of skin cancer.Fact: While fair skin does increase the risk, people of all skin tones can develop skin cancer. Myth: Sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days.Fact: UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause damage on overcast days too, so sunscreen should be used year-round. Myth: Tanning beds are a safer alternative to sun exposure.Fact: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Myth: Skin cancer only affects older individuals.Fact: Skin cancer can occur at any age, and cases in younger populations are rising due to increased sun exposure. Myth: A base tan protects against sunburn and skin cancer.Fact:...

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

May 15, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

Blueberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Here's a healthy and delightful recipe for Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins: Ingredients:1 cup whole wheat flour1 cup rolled oats1/2 cup honey or maple syrup1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce1/4 cup Greek yogurt1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries Instructions:Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce,...

Beyond the Bedside: Heart Disease

April 16, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

“Heart disease” is a term that can be used interchangeably with cardiovascular disease. Both describe poor blood flow to the heart, brain, or other parts of the body that result in tissue damage such as a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Every minute, someone in the United States dies from heart disease. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include age, gender, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. As you can see, we are unable to control or change some risk factors which poses a challenge to preventing cardiovascular disease. For those risk factors we can control, we try to maximize treatment through diet, exercise, and medication to best reduce a patient’s risk. It is important to know if anyone in your...

Asparagus and Pea Risotto

April 16, 2024

Education

Ingredients: 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces1 cup fresh or frozen peas1 small onion, finely chopped2 cloves garlic, minced1 cup Arborio rice4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)2 tablespoons olive oil1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseSalt and pepper to tasteFresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish Instructions: 1. Prepare the vegetables: Steam the asparagus pieces until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen peas, thaw them; if fresh, steam them until just tender, about 2 minutes. 2. Cook the onion and garlic: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and soft. 3. Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring constantly for about...

Spring Spinach Salad with Strawberries

March 8, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

This salad is often topped with ingredients like sliced almonds or feta cheese for added texture and richness. The homemade poppy seed dressing, typically made from ingredients like yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, and of course, poppy seeds, adds a creamy and tangy dimension to the salad. Here's a high-level overview of how you might prepare such a salad: Salad Base: Start with fresh baby spinach as your green foundation.Strawberries: Hull and thinly slice ripe strawberries and mix them with the spinach.Additional Toppings: Add toasted sliced almonds for crunch and crumbled feta cheese for creaminess.Poppy Seed Dressing: Prepare the dressing by combining plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, a touch of vinegar (like Champagne or white wine vinegar), poppy seeds, and a bit of grated shallot for a punch...

Exploring the 5 Love Languages: The Key to Lasting Connections

February 5, 2024

Education

Since its debut in 1992, "The 5 Love Languages" has changed the way we understand and express emotional care in relationships. At the heart of the book's philosophy is the concept that individuals communicate and receive love in primarily five distinct ways: Gifts: You express love through tangible gifts. These can be small tokens or bigger items.Acts of Service: Actions speak louder than words. You demonstrate your affection with thoughtful gestures, such as cooking a meal, cleaning the house, or filling the car with gas. When others do the same for you, you feel loved.Words of Affirmation: You most appreciate giving and receiving love through kind words, including compliments, praise, cheerleading, and other verbal expressions of support or admiration. For you, words speak louder than actions.Quality...

Broken Heart Syndrome: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

February 5, 2024

Education

By Tyler Hyslep, PA-C Broken Heart Syndrome, medically termed stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a condition that often presents with symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. However, unlike a heart attack, this syndrome is precipitated by intense emotional or physical stress rather than an obstruction in the coronary arteries. This distinction emphasizes the profound connection between our mind and body. Patients with Broken Heart Syndrome typically report chest pain and shortness of breath. The distinctive feature of this condition is a temporary weakening or ballooning of the heart's left ventricle—the primary pumping chamber—which resembles a shape akin to a Japanese "takotsubo" or octopus trap, inspiring the syndrome's name. Acute emotional events, such as the loss of a loved one, romantic separation, severe financial hardship, or...

Healthier Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

February 5, 2024

Education

To make dark chocolate-covered strawberries a healthier treat, you can adjust the recipe by choosing high-quality ingredients and adding some health-conscious toppings. Here's how you can tweak the recipe: Ingredients: 1 pound (about 450g) fresh strawberries with leaves (ensure they're organic if possible to reduce pesticide exposure)8 ounces (about 225g) dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa (the higher the cocoa content, the less sugar it typically contains)Optional toppings: Chopped nuts (like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts for healthy fats and protein), unsweetened shredded coconut, or chia seeds (for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids) Instructions: Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries gently and pat them completely dry. It's crucial that they're fully dry to prevent the chocolate from seizing.Melt the Dark Chocolate: Choose the melting method that works best for...

Eating Healthier In The New Year

January 11, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

By Tristan Samson, Practice Manager It’s that time of year when resolutions are made, some kept, some broken but usually all are made with the best of intentions. Eating healthier is a common and commendable goal, and making realistic changes can lead to long-term success. Like a lot of people, I have my own struggles with having enough time in my day to eat right. I can struggle to be happy with my weight or to know what number is right for my body at now age 53. As I look at some of my own habits and where I can make adjustments, I want to share some practical and realistic ways to eat healthier in the New Year and all year long: Set Realistic Goals: I definitely...

Healthy Hot Cocoa Recipe

January 9, 2024

Education

Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder1-2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or any preferred sweetener (adjust to taste)1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extractA pinch of cinnamon (optional)A pinch of sea salt Instructions: In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of sea salt to the saucepan.Whisk the mixture continuously until everything is well combined and the cocoa powder has dissolved completely.Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure the flavors meld together.Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.Remove from heat and pour the hot cocoa into a mug.Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a...

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