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Valentine’s Day: Heart Healthy?

February 9, 2020

Valentine’s Day: Heart Healthy? When you think of Valentine’s Day, you may think of sugary pink conversation hearts or boxes of processed milk chocolate. But there are plenty of heart-healthy alternatives to indulge in on Valentine’s Day! Here are some suggestions: Dark Chocolate: Studies show that people who eat dark chocolate in moderation have healthier cardiovascular systems. Dark chocolate is a key source of healthy antioxidants which can have a positive effect on cholesterol and hypertension.A Glass of Red Wine: In moderation, red wine may help prevent coronary artery disease. Bring a bottle of wine home to your significant other on Valentine’s Day! A Fresh Fruit Bouquet: Instead of purchasing your loved one sugary candy, consider a beautiful fruit bouquet! Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Almonds are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat. They’re also an excellent source of protein and...

Valentine’s Day Fruit Kabobs

February 9, 2020

Education, Uncategorized

Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut fruit of your choice into heart shapes. You can use watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, honeydew, cantaloupe, etc. There are lots of delicious options! Gently place the fruit on a skewer. Serve with creamy dipping sauce (recipe below). Creamy Dipping Sauce: Ingredients: 1/4 cup lemon juice1/4 cup honey1 cup Greek yogurt, plain Directions: Combine lemon juice and honey in a small saucepan.Bring to a boil, turn heat down and simmer for 2-3 minutes.Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.Whisk together Greek yogurt and lemon/honey mixture. Garnish with lemon zest. ...

Winter Preparedness

January 7, 2020

Education, Uncategorized

Although it may not seem likely, winter-related emergencies do happen. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with winter storms and how best to prepare in the event of an emergency. Emergencies that can arise in a winter storm include: Health risks like hypothermia and frostbiteUnsafe driving conditions on icy roadsLoss of electricity Flooding as a result of snow melt How can you be prepared for a winter emergency? Have a disaster plan in place that includes emergency contact numbers and a communication strategy for you and your family. Prepare your home to prevent pipes from freezingStock-up on supplies and food if you know a storm is comingIf driving, be sure to pack supplies in your car like jumper cables, extra blankets and coats, water and snacks, first aid kit, etc. ...

Mindful Eating

January 7, 2020

Education, Uncategorized

Once again, it’s the start of a new year. Over the holidays, you may have overindulged and now find yourself a few pounds heavier than you’d like. Or you may be tired of unhealthy habits that weigh you down. Whatever your goals are for 2020, mindful eating is an excellent way to optimize your health and wellness. What is mindful eating? First of all, mindful eating is not a diet. It’s simply a tool to help you gain control of your eating habits. It’s an awareness of your food as you purchase, prepare, serve, and consume it. Adopting this practice will help you make thoughtful choices regarding what you eat. Here are some tips for mindful eating adopted from an article by Harvard Medical School: Start with your grocery list: When preparing your grocery list, assess the...

Creamy Squash and Apple Soup

January 7, 2020

Education, Uncategorized

Ingredients: 24oz of Frozen Pureed Butternut Squash2 Medium Golden Delicious Apples1 TBSP of Olive Oil1 TSP of Nutmeg2 cans of Evaporated Milk (Fat-Free)Salt and Pepper (To Taste) Directions: Microwave the frozen squash until mostly thawed (5-10 minutes)Peel then shred apples using a grater of food processor. Set aside ¼ Cup.Heat oil in saucepan. Add all of the apples accept the ¼ Cup. Cook and stir until the apples are soft.Stir in the thawed squash and nutmeg.Add the evaporated milk, stirring in a little at a time until completely smooth.Season with salt and pepper to taste.Cook and continuously stir over medium heat until simmering. Serve and top with remaining apples. Derived from a recipe posted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ...

Gluten Free Soft Ginger Cookies

December 6, 2019

Education, Uncategorized

1.5 Cups of Almond Flour ½ Cup of Coconut Flour ½ TSP of Salt 2 ½ TSP of Cinnamon 1 TSP of Ginger 3½ TBSP of Coconut Oil 1/3 Cup of Maple Syrup 2 TBSP of Molasses 1 Egg Instructions: Preheat Oven to 380℉.Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. With a spoon, scoop out the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Slightly flatten each scoop of cookie doughPlace in Oven and bake for 10-15 minutes (until golden brown)Serve warm. ...

Preventing the Common Cold

December 6, 2019

Education, Uncategorized

It happens to everyone: the stuffy nose, the sneezing, the achiness, and the fatigue. Everyone has faced the uncomfortable realities of the common cold. When temperatures drop and the days are shorter, your immune system weakens, and you can become more susceptible to catching a cold. With the holidays right around the corner, it’s a very inconvenient time to catch a cold. Here are some tips for preventing the common cold, so you can stay focused on stringing lights and wrapping gifts! Disinfect – Kill contagious germs by washing your hands frequently with an antibacterial soap. Also consider using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer! Also, avoid touching your face during cold and flu season as much as possible.Zinc Supplements – Zinc Sulfate is proven to prevent the escalation of a common especially when taken within the...

A Guide to Holiday Health

December 6, 2019

Education, Uncategorized

There seems to be an unfortunate correlation between the increasing hustle and bustle of the holidays and getting sick. Here is a 7-Step guide to staying healthy this holiday season: Stay Warm: Wear lots of layers during cool weather! Make sure to invest in a wind-resistant coat, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Also, the cooler seasons are an excellent time to stay warm with healthy herbal teas. Stay Hydrated: A normal, healthy person needs between 30 and 50 ounces of water per day. Fluids flush bacteria from your body and help it function optimally!Get Enough Sleep: Many people feel overwhelmed by the abundance of commitments that surround the holiday season. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to...

Cold vs. Flu

December 6, 2019

Education, Uncategorized

It can be tricky to determine if you have a common cold or the flu since you may experience some of the same symptoms. Generally speaking, the flu will make you feel worse than a cold and the symptoms are more severe and intense. Colds are often very treatable and typically do not result in serious health issues. But the flu can lead to serious complications. Here are the main differences between the cold and the flu: (Source: CDC.gov) If you have been feeling sick and your symptoms will not go away, please call us today to schedule an appointment: (704) 887-1101 ...

Constipation: How Much Do You Know About Why You Can’t Go?

October 30, 2019

Education, Uncategorized

Test your knowledge about constipation with this quick quiz: Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Although suffering from occasional constipation can be normal, prolonged symptoms may require medical attention. Sometimes constipation can be improved through lifestyle changes: Eating a high-fiber diet that is filled with vegetables, grains, legumes, etc.Reducing dairy and meat intakeDrinking plenty of waterExercising regularlyReducing stress If these changes do not improve your constipation, then it may be time to see a doctor. Your doctor may recommend laxatives. Fortunately, use of laxative medication does not cause detriment to your colon. However, if you have tried over-the-counter laxatives and are still suffering, your doctor may recommend stronger medication or other measures. Long-term constipation can lead to serious health concerns such as bleeding, colon ulcerations, and sometimes even fecal impacts. Patients that have waited days...

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