Uncategorized - Sensenbrenner Primary Care

Fall and Mental Health: Navigating the Season’s Changes

October 18, 2024

Even though October isn’t officially recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s an ideal time to focus on mental well-being. With the holidays approaching and the days growing shorter, taking steps to maintain and enhance mental health is crucial. Below are some key areas to consider this fall. 1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) One of the most common mental health challenges people face in the fall is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As daylight hours decrease, some individuals experience a drop in mood, energy levels, and motivation. The lack of sunlight affects the body’s circadian rhythm and serotonin levels, which can contribute to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and a loss of interest in daily activities. Tips for Managing SAD: Light Therapy: Exposure to natural light or a light therapy box...

Cool Weather Gardening

September 18, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

September is a great time for gardening in North Carolina as the cooler weather sets in and the fall planting season begins. Here are some tips for what to focus on in your garden: What to Plant: Cool-season vegetables: Start planting fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and carrots. These thrive in cooler temperatures. Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, and chives can be planted in September for a fall harvest. Flower bulbs: Prepare for spring blooms by planting bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Cover crops: Plant cover crops like clover or rye to enrich the soil over winter and prevent erosion. Garden Care: Mulch: Apply mulch around plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as temperatures fluctuate. Watering: Keep up with regular watering, especially during dry periods, to...

Healthy Pumpkin Spice Granola

September 18, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

2 ½ cups rolled oats ½ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened) ¼ cup maple syrup or honey ¼ cup coconut oil (melted) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts) ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional for extra fiber) Instructions: Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Add the dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the oats, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, chopped nuts, pepitas, and chia seeds (if using). Stir well until all the ingredients are...

Stress Management

August 18, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

Understanding Stress and Effective Stress Management Strategies Introduction Stress is an inevitable part of life, often triggered by various demands or challenges, whether they stem from work, relationships, or personal aspirations. While a certain level of stress can be motivating, chronic or excessive stress can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Therefore, managing stress effectively is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. What is Stress? Stress is the body's natural response to perceived threats or challenges. When you encounter a stressful situation, your body undergoes a series of reactions, known as the "fight-or-flight" response. This includes the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body to face the challenge. However, when stress becomes prolonged, it can lead to a range of health issues,...

Summer Succotash with Basil

August 18, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

Here's a fresh and vibrant recipe for Summer Succotash with Basil: Ingredients: 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3-4 ears) 1 ½ cups fresh lima beans (or edamame) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 small zucchini, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 small red onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese Instructions: Prepare the Vegetables: If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen lima beans or edamame, cook according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Dice the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Cook the Succotash: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the...

Summer Harvest Salad

July 10, 2024

Uncategorized

In July, North Carolina enjoys an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce like tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, and peaches. Here’s a healthy, refreshing summer salad recipe that highlights these seasonal ingredients: NC Summer Harvest Salad Ingredients: Salad: 2 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn) 1 cucumber, sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) 1 peach, sliced 1 avocado, sliced Dressing: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese (if using), peach slices, and avocado slices. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the...

Summer Exercise Ideas

July 10, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

As temperatures soar during the summer months, staying active can become a challenge. Exercising outdoors in the heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunburn. However, maintaining your fitness routine is essential for overall health and well-being. Here are some effective and enjoyable ways to stay fit indoors during the hot summer days. 1. Home Workouts Home workouts offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to exercise at your own pace and on your own schedule. Here are some options to consider: Bodyweight Exercises: No equipment? No problem! Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks are excellent for building strength and endurance. Yoga and Pilates: These low-impact exercises improve flexibility, balance, and core strength. There are plenty of online classes and tutorials available for all skill...

Quinoa & Avocado Summer Salad

June 11, 2024

Education, Uncategorized

Ingredients:1 cup quinoa, rinsed2 cups water1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1 avocado, diced1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)1 small red onion, finely chopped1 bell pepper (any color), diced1/4 cup fresh cilantro, choppedJuice of 2 limes2 tablespoons olive oilSalt and pepper to taste1 teaspoon cumin1 teaspoon chili powder Instructions: Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool to room temperature. Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables....

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...

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