Dan’s Wellness Newsletter

It's Easier than You Think New Year's resolutions are so easy to make - and break. Why is it so hard to make them last? Scientists, funded by the National Institutes of Health, are learning more about how we can make healthy changes and sustain them. "Change is always...

Simple steps Make All the Difference Follow these easy steps to keep your skin healthy and radiant. Bathe in warm  not hot - water using mild cleansers that don't irritate. Wash gently. Don't scrub. Keep skin from drying out by drinking plenty of water and using...

These Tips Can Help Are you one of the more than 70% of smokers who want to quit? Check out this advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Write down why you want to quit. Do you want to enjoy better health? Set a good example for your children?...

Find a Class That Fits Your Needs These days, it's possible to learn yoga by following DVDs, online classes and even apps. But beginners usually find it helpful to learn with an instructor. Classes also offer a sense of community and the opportunity to make new...

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious! When it is cold outside, you want something comforting to take off the chill, and nothing is better than soup to warm you from the inside out. Plus, January is the time for resolutions to lose those extra pounds. Warm...

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for help Being a caregiver to an adult who is dealing with illness can be a rewarding experience. It also can be challenging. It's important to not try to go it alone. Accepting help from others isn't always easy. When tough things happen, many...

Living with Type 2 Diabetes Managing diabetes can be challenging, but support from family members can make it much easier. Here are four key steps to help you control your diabetes and live a long, active life. Step 1: Learn about diabetes. Talk with your doctor or a...

Can the Right Diet Help Fight GERD? How can your diet help prevent or relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? You may meed to avoid certain foods and drinks that make your particular symptoms worse. Some dietary changes that can help reduce your symptoms...

Understanding Common Tests Blood tests are used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes because, early in the disease, type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms. All diabetes blood tests involve drawing blood. Measuring glucose levels via finger-stick devices is not accurate...

Stay Soft and Smooth with These Tips Want great skin, even during winter's driest months? Try these tips: Don't overdo the hot water. Hot water removes skin's natural oils more quickly. Warm water is best for bathing. Stick with gentle cleansers. Soaps can strip oils...

Almost everyone loves meatballs in tomato sauce, from those meat-and-potatoes-only guys to picky children. This recipe is so easy, fast and delicious that it will become your go-to recipe when you are at a loss as to what to fix. Turkey Meatballs Serves 4 Ingredients:...

The Great American Smokeout is November 15th Need help quitting smoking? The Great American Smokeout is the perfect time to set a goal and a quit date. There are many resources available to help. Decide on a quite date. Choose the Great American Smokeout date or...

Make It More Comfortable with These Tips Want to make your next mammogram a bit more comfortable - and convenient? These tips can help. Hold off on caffeine. Caffeine has a tendency to make a woman's breasts tender, potentially making the mammogram more uncomfortable....

These Tips Can Help The promotion of regular sleep is known as sleep hygiene. The following sleep-hygiene tips can help improve the quantity and quality of your sleep. Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning. Make sure your bedroom...

Tips to Help Strengthen Your Lungs Want healthy lungs for life? Here are five things you can start doing - today. Don't smoke. Enough said! If you do smoke, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about help in quitting. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies...

What Questions Do You Ask Your Pharmacist? When you pick up a prescription at your pharmacy, your pharmacist is always happy to take a minute for a private consultation to talk about your medication and answer questions. do you take advantage o this free service? Some...

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious Looking for something healthy and quick for  weeknight meal? This broccoli chicken stir fry is just the ticket. Before prepping and chopping the veggies and gathering the spices, put the chicken into the freezer so that...

Update Your Home Emergency Kit To be ready for emergencies, keep a first aid kit in your home and one in your car. The American Red Cross recommends that kits for a family of four include: 2 absorbent compress dressings (5x9 inches) 25 adhesive bandages (assorted...

Let’s Talk About the Flu Vaccine Every year, millions of people get the flu. The good news is that the seasonal flu vaccine can lower the risk of getting the flu by about half. Getting the yearly flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself. Note: Flu vaccines...

When Should You Get Tested? Experts recommend routine testing for type 2 diabetes if you are: Age 45 or older Between ages 19 and 44, are overweight or obese, and have one or more other diabetes risk factors Are a woman who had gestational diabetes Though type 2...

Start Now for a Lifetime of Good Dental Health Taking care of your baby’s gums and teeth isn’t difficult. Just follow these tips: After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. Start brushing, with a soft infant...

What You Should Know Home health care includes a wide range of medical services that can be given in your home to treat an illness or injury. Examples of skilled home health services include: Wound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound Patient and caregiver...

Your prescription for healthy eating Simple salads are so versatile and can complement just about any entree or meal. This lovely fall salad is a breeze to make and can be easily varied to account for differing tastes. If you like, you can use blueberries instead of...

These Tips Can Help You can make changes at home to decrease your risk of falling: Keep floors free of clutter. Use carpet runners. Wear low-heeled shoes. Do not walk in socks, stocking or slippers. Be sure rugs have skid-proof backs or are tacked to the floor. Be...

For people with arthritis, participating in joint-friendly physical activity can improve pain levels, function, mood and quality of life. These physical activities are low-impact, which means they put less stress on the body, reducing the risk of injury. Examples...

Soothing Vaccine Side Effects While some children experience no reaction from immunizations, some experience mild reactions, such as pain at the injection site, rash or fever. These are normal and will soon go away. These tips can help: Review information your doctor...

Kids’ Eye Exams Are Important for Classroom Success An annual eye exam should be part of your child’s back-to-school routine. From ages 6 to 18, a child’s vision can change frequently or unexpectedly, which can lead to behavioral and attention issues. Most...

Drive Safely It’s important for drivers to slow down and pay attention when kids are present - especially before and after school. If you’re dropping off your child in the school drop-off zone, follow all school directions. Don’t double park. It blocks visibility for...

Your prescription for healthy eating Warm August days are perfect for the bright flavor of lemon-infused chicken. Top it with a lovely mango salsa, and you have a dish that’s simply bursting with flavor. Spicy lemon Chicken with Mango Salsa Serves 4 Ingredients: 4...

What’s Right for Your Child Don’t wait until the night before school starts to adjust your child’s bedtime. The sudden change could make it difficult for him to fall (and stay) asleep. Instead, slowly start making bedtime earlier about two weeks before the first day...

Know Your Numbers Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As the SPF value...

These Tips Can Help If someone recieves a large number of bee stings, if the stings are in the mouth or throat, or if a person experiences shortness of breath or throat swelling after any insect bite or sting, call 911 for emergency assistance. Otherwise, follow these...

Let's Make Summer Treats! Kids need extra energy for heading to the local swimming pool, playing sports or running around outside with friends in the summer. Fuel them with high-energy carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy foods. Pack a bag...

Take Preacautions - and Enjoy the Fun! Taking care of your feet this summer means you'll be able to enjoy all that the season has to offer. These tips can help. Limit walking barefoot, as it exposes feet to sunburn as well as plantar warts, athlete's foot, ringworm,...

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious! The pairing of citrus and shrimp has always been a fabulous culinary combination, but when you add a few spices to the mix, you take the flavor experience to a whole new level. Serve these spicy little gems as an...

Seniors and Sleep As people get older, they tend to have a harder time falling asleep, and more trouble staying asleep, than they did when they were younger. It's a common misconception that sleep needs decline with age. In fact, research demonstrates that our sleep...

How to Tell the Difference Compared with a migraine, a tension-type headache is generally less severe and is rarely disabling. While the pain level for both can be mild to moderate, in the case of a migraine, it can sometimes be severe and even debilitating. Migraine...

Take Precautions - and Enjoy the Season! Heat-related illness occurs when the body’s temperature-control system is overloaded. Infants and children up to 4 years old are at greatest risk. Even young, healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in...

Choosing a Bug Repellent Personal bug repellents are available in various forms and concentrations. Aerosol and pump-spray products are often intended for skin application as well as for treating clothing. Liquid, cream, lotion, spray and stick products are designed...

Teens and E-Cigarettes There are lots of names for e-cigarettes, including e-cigs, mods, vape pens and e-hookahs. These devices heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The nicotine in e-cigarettes, like that in regular cigarettes, is addictive....

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious! These caprese salad bites are colorful, packed with flavor, and perfect to serve indoors or outdoors as an appetizer. They also pack and travel well, making them easy to bring to parties when you’re asked to bring an...

Have a Fun (and Safe!) July 4th with These Tips The best way to protect your family is to not use fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays. If you do plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area. Use care with sparklers. Little arms are too...

What Parents Need to Know Poorly controlled and undiagnosed asthma in small children can result in trips to the emergency room, hospital stays, missed workdays for parents and suffering that small children are often unable to express.  It's important that a child with...

Do You Know These Diabetes Symptoms? Symptoms of diabetes include: Increased thirst and urination Increased hunger Fatigue Blurred vision Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands Sores that do not heal Unexplained weight loss Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can start...

Your Diet Can Help Protect Your Bones Calcium is found in many foods.  You can get the recommended amount of calcium by eating a variety of foods: Milk, yogurt and cheese are the main food sources of calcium for the majority of people in the U.S. Kale, broccoli and...

What Causes Acne? Acne occurs when your pores get clogged with dead skin and oil.  It often starts during puberty because your body is making more oil, and bacteria starts growing in pores.  Acne can show up on your face, but you can get it on your back, chest and...

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious! Sometimes simple is best.  Great chefs know that, for sublime taste, it's best to start with good, fresh ingredients and to let the natural flavor come through.  Oven roasting asparagus is not only super easy, it also...

Prenatal Checkups During pregnancy, regular checkups are important.  Typically, these checkups occur: Once each month for weeks 4 through 28 Twice a month for weeks 28 through 36 Weekly for weeks 36 to birth Weomen with high-risk pregnancies need to see their doctor...

Understand Your Options Your doctor may recommend prescription or over-the-counter allergy medications to relieve symptoms.  Here's what you need to know. Antihistamines reduce or block symptom-causing histamines and are available in many forms, including tablets and...

Protect Your Bones, Starting Today Many things can weaken bones.  Some are outside your control.  Some medical conditions can make you prone to bone disease.  But there are some things you can control: Get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Be physically...

Try These Tips to Help Ease the Transition During the menopause transition, you may sometimes feel irritable or have crying spells.  Mood changes during this time also could be from stress, family changes or feeling tired.  Mood changes are not the same as...

Talk with Your Pharmacist Your pharmacist will talk with you about all prescription medications that have not been provided to you before.  You should know the answers to at least the following questions before taking prescription medications: What is the name of the...

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious! Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Serves 8 Who doesn't love healthy, low-calorie lettuce wraps?  Crunchy vegetables, buttery lettuce and small portions of meats with various dipping sauces combine for delicious meals that...

When Should You Schedule Your Child's First Dental Visit? Take your child to the dentist after the first tooth appears, but no later than her first birthday.  Your dentist will check for decay and overall tooth and jaw development and will give tips on cleaning your...

Personal Monitors Make It Easy Checking your blood pressure at home doesn't replace doctor visits.  But it's helpful for your doctor to have information about both home and office measurements. Blood-pressure monitor with an inflatable cuff that goes over the bicep...

Start Now and Create a Healthier Diet for Life How much you eat is just as important as what you eat, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  Start with small changes to your eating habits - one forkful at a time.  Eating a variety of healthful foods...

Here's Help for Baby-Care Concerns During your hospital stay, make sure to ask the nurses for help with basic baby care.  Don't hesitate to ask the nurse to show you how to do something more than once.  Before discharge, make sure you and your partner are comfortable...

Are You Suffering from Rhinitis? The word rhinitis means "inflammation of the nose."  The nose produces mucus.  This fluid is normally thin and clear.  It helps to keeps dust, debris and allergens out of the lungs.  When the nose becomes irritated, it may produce more...

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious! Italian Turkey Meatballs Serves 4 Ingredients: One package 93.7%-lean ground turkey (approx. 1.25 pounds) 1/4 cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley 1/4 teaspoon...

These Tips Can Help The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents prioritize creative, unplugged playtime for infants and toddlers.  Some media can have educational value for children starting at around 18 months of age, but it's critically important that...

Why Strong Relationships Are So Important As humans, we have a built-in desire to connect and build relationships with others.  The benefits are many: Less stress.  Being in a committed relationship is linked to a lower production of cortisol, a stress hormone.  This...

Building Stronger Bones Adults ages 50 and older need between 800 and 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.  Check with your doctor for the right amount for you. If you aren't getting enough vitamin D from sunlight and food,...

Keep Your Home Humidifier Clean and Safe It's easy to plug in a portable humidifier and forget about it, just adding water now and then.  But microorganisms can grow in a humidifier that isn't properly cleaned, and that's not good for you family's health. Keeping your...

Just the Facts A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision.  A cataract can occur in either one or both eyes.  It cannot spread from one eye to the other.  Researchers suspect that there are several causes, such as smoking, prolonged exposure...

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious! Scallops in Lemon Wine Sauce Serves 4 There is nothing quite so elegant as a plated dish of scallops.  Pair this dish with a simple vegetable such as roasted asparagus or sauteed green beans and shallots.  Round off...

These Nutrition Tips Can Help There are so many ways to help reduce your changes of developing type 2 diabetes.  Check out these suggestions and choose those that work best for you. Keep meat, chicken, turkey and fish portions to about 3 ounces. Try to be active for...

These Tools Make It Easier Quitting smoking isn't easy.  But good tools are available.  The National Cancer Institute has a "Smoking Quitline" where you can talk to a trained counselor.  Call 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848). There are a number of nicotine-replacement...

This Powerful Weight-Loss Tool Can Help Keeping a record of the food you eat each day can help you lose weight or maintain it after weight loss.  You don't need to show it to anyone.  Being honest with, and accountable to, yourself as to how well you are following...

Make It Fun! Young kids can be picky eaters, particularly if the new food is green or smells different.  Learning to enjoy a wide variety of foods takes time.  Here are some things you can do to make new foods more appealing: Present them in a fun way.  A popular...

Are You Overdue for a Dilated Eye Exam? Often people think their vision is fine, but when they get that first pair of glasses or contact lenses, they find out what they have been missing.  Possibly improving your eyesight is only one reason too get your eyes checked. ...

Heart Healthy, Diabetes Friendly - and Delicious! Garlicky Lemon Broccoli and Cauliflower Serves 4 This delicious side dish is not only quick and easy, but it is also bursting with the crisp, bright flavor of each ingredient. This lovely pairing of veggies goes well...

What You Need to Know Vitamin C is vital for a number of processes in the body.  It assists in the production of collagen, which helps wounds heal.  It also helps the immune system work more efficiently to protect from disease. The recommended daily amount depends on...