Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-01-08T08:01:01

(BPT) – A new year brings new opportunities to focus on health and fitness. The following are four easy ways to boost your health in less than five minutes per day.

Drink water before each meal.

Drinking enough water each day helps to boost hydration, improve energy and aid digestion. But drinking before meals may offer another benefit — it can help you to eat less and lose more weight. One study found drinking 16 ounces of water in the half hour before meals led to nearly three pounds of weight loss on average over a 12-week period when compared to those who did not drink before a meal.

Make it a habit to take your multivitamin every morning.

No matter how healthy your diet, you may fall short on essential nutrients day to day. “Taking a multivitamin is one of the best ways to ensure you are meeting all of your nutritional needs consistently,” states Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, and spokesperson for Swisse Wellness. When choosing a multivitamin, not just any option will do. “Look for brands that have been clinically tested to ensure they can be utilized and absorbed by the body,” points out Palinski-Wade. “I recommend Swisse Ultivite (R) multivitamins as these products have been analyzed in over 13 clinical studies and been shown to improve energy and mood, reduce stress and increase mental alertness in both men and women.”

Practice belly breathing.

High stress levels can increase blood pressure, affect your immune system and cause you to pack on the pounds. To instantly fight stress, remember to breathe. Practicing deep breathing exercises, such as belly breathing, can reduce heart rate and lower stress hormones quickly, helping to prevent stress from having a negative impact on health. To practice, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose into your belly. You should feel the hand on your stomach being pushed outward while the hand on your chest remains still. Hold the breath for a few seconds, and then push it out through pursed lips, like you were whistling. Repeat for three slow, deep breaths to instantly feel less stressed.

Pick up the intensity of your workout — for one minute.

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge, but there is good news for those with maxed-out schedules. A recent study found that just one minute of high-intensity exercise may be equivalent to 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. Although you shouldn’t ditch your workout routine completely, when you are short on time, aim to fit in small bursts of exercise throughout the day. Just make sure your doctor clears you for intense exercise before getting started.

2017-12-21T08:01:01

(BPT) – From diets to exercise routines to standing at our desks while we work, we do a lot to stay healthy. Most of the time this involves focusing on what we eat and how we move. No doubt this is an essential component to good health, but increasingly, people are realizing their home environment can have a big impact on their mood, their health and how they feel.

The following are five changes in your home environment that can have the biggest impact on your overall well-being.

1. Declutter. Over the years, the stuff we own starts to pile up. Most of it we don’t need, but it’s hard to get rid of a lot of things. Maybe it was a gift, or has sentimental value. Whatever the case, it can be difficult, but going through your house and getting rid of the clothes, kitchen appliances and general clutter can be a transformative experience that reduces stress and creates a calmer home atmosphere.

2. Holistic health in your bathroom. Your day begins in the bathroom, so why not start it off right? You shower and brush your teeth, but are you aware of the health and cleansing benefits of using a bidet seat? Gynecologists, obstetricians and urologists all recommend cleansing with water, and a high-tech bidet seat like TOTO’s WASHLET S300e offers a luxury personal cleansing system to make you cleaner and more refreshed than you’ve ever felt after a bathroom break – and it’s more eco-friendly than using toilet paper. You’ll be surprised by how this simple addition to your bathroom can benefit men and women at all stages of life.

Looking for a seamless installation? Consider TOTO’s Carlyle II 1G Connect+ S300e One-Piece Toilet, which delivers all the personal cleansing and comfort benefits of the WASHLET and conceals the water supply and electrical connection. This elegant combination will complement any bathroom décor.

To discover more life-changing alterations to make to your bathroom, visit totousa.com and discover what their people-first innovations can do for you and your home

3. The bedroom is for sleeping. Your mood, energy level, ambition and so much more depends on getting a full night’s sleep. To help ensure you get enough sleep, transform your bedroom into a sanctuary. If you have a TV in it, take it out and leave your phone in the kitchen when you go to bed. Your bedroom should be a spot for sleeping and relaxing activities such as reading or meditating.

4. Color matters. The color of a room has a huge impact on your mood; in fact, the color of a room can make or break a space. As a rule of thumb, many interior designers break colors into warm and cool. Warm colors such as yellow, orange and red create an energized space and may be great options for a family room or home office. Cool tones such as blue or green create a calming atmosphere, perfect for spaces where you go to relax and unwind.

5. Plants. It sounds simple, but it’s easy to overlook this one. Indoor plants provide the double service of boosting your mood and cleaning the air. For instance, common house plants such as a spider plant, peace lilies and a number of ferns naturally remove toxins such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and more from the air. This is a vital service, especially in winter.

2018-01-05T11:09:00

(BPT) – A new year and a new you — that’s the theme of this season, right? So how are you going to improve yourself in 2018? If you’re like many people, weight loss is at the top of your list, and maybe you’ve already picked out your diet and your exercise plan.

Now you need a strategy to help you stick to your resolutions. And that can be easier said than done.

Sticking with any wellness plan can be tough, particularly if you aren’t seeing immediate results. But you have to trust the process. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will the new you. Creating your best self takes perseverance and guidance, but it can be difficult to sort through all the information available. To get started, here are some research-backed tips that can help you meet your goals so that you’ll be on the right path to your best self yet.

Cut the sugar

Beyond weight loss, changes to our diet can have profound impacts on our overall health. For example, avoiding fructose, found in most processed foods, will leave you fundamentally healthier in just nine days, according to research found in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA).

Low-carb beats low-fat diets

Chances are you’ve debated these diets yourself, so consider this fact: A scientific review published in the JAOA finds that low-carb dieters shed anywhere from 2.5 to 9 pounds more than those on low-fat diets. Give it a try and see how you do.

Work out with friends

Need that little extra push to tackle your daily workout? Make it a team effort. People who work out with friends reported a 26.2 percent reduction in their stress levels and they also experienced a boost to their mental, physical and emotional quality of life, according to recent research. So grab a friend — it’s good for your workout and for you.

If you get hurt, don’t walk it off

Accidents happen and when they do, you should err on the side of caution and seek a professional opinion. Avoiding proper diagnosis and treatment may cause you to end up suffering from larger problems later. This may include arthritis, chronic pain and even disability, according to a clinical review. If you get hurt, the best way to get back on your feet quickly is to first get off them and seek help right away.

Soak up the sun … safely

Exercising outside is great. Just don’t forget to slather on a good layer of sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun’s damaging rays. However, keep in mind that sunscreen decreases vitamin D3 production by 99 percent, according to a study published in the JAOA. This can lead to problems like muscle weakness and bone fractures. To counteract that deficiency, let your skin be exposed to the midday sun for a short time — no more than 30 minutes, depending on your skin’s pigmentation — before applying your sunscreen for the rest of your workout.

Find the right doctor for you

No matter your fitness goals, finding a doctor you trust will help. Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) consider the health of the whole person and focus on wellness and injury/illness prevention as part of their standard care. A DO believes the mind, body and emotional state all contribute to the health of the patient, and they can be an effective partner in realizing the new you.

To learn more, visit doctorsthatdo.org.

2018-01-09T11:51:00

(BPT) – They say you can tell a lot about a person from their smile. From braces to whitening treatments, regular dental visits and good brushing habits, Americans do a lot to make sure their teeth look great when they flash a smile.

However, one of the most important parts of a great smile, and indeed an essential part of healthy teeth, often gets overlooked: your enamel.

The enamel is the hard, protective coating that covers your teeth and is the first and most important line of defense against tooth decay. Even though maintaining a strong, healthy layer of enamel is essential to preserving your smile, it often isn’t the focus of someone’s oral care routine.

“I like to share valuable information like enamel erosion with my patients and friends because most people don’t understand it or know how to prevent it and, most importantly, that once enamel is gone, you can never get it back,” says Ann Ross, RDH. “Because of this, prevention, through avoiding certain foods and practicing good oral hygiene, is essential.”

Proactive approach

To preserve your enamel and prevent further erosion, dental professionals recommend a proactive and defensive approach.

The first step is to take proactive measures. This includes proper brushing and using the right toothpaste.

In October of this year, the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs announced that Crest Pro-Health Advanced, Deep Clean Mint toothpaste earned the first ADA Seal of Acceptance in the enamel erosion category, based on the finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent or reduce enamel erosion from dietary acids, when used as directed.

A good defense

You may be causing enamel erosion without knowing it. On a daily basis, people ingest acidic drinks and foods that are especially harmful to teeth. The biggest culprits are:

• Lemon (including lemonade)
• Cola drinks
• Sport drinks
• Orange juice
• Energy drinks

If you drink these daily, make sure you are taking steps to protect your enamel, like using the right toothpaste, and drinking plenty of water.

Ross adds, “If you want to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, make sure you protect your enamel by brushing twice a day with toothpaste that has been scientifically shown to prevent the erosion of enamel, like Crest Pro-Health Advanced, Deep Clean Mint.”

For more information, visit www.crest.com.

2018-01-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re having surgery, you can expect to be sore and uncomfortable for a few days, whether you’re recovering at home or in the hospital. But it’s best to limit opioids or avoid them altogether, opting for alternatives to manage pain and discomfort, recommends the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

Unfortunately, many patients leave the hospital following surgery with a prescription for 30 or more highly addictive opioid pills (e.g., Vicodin, hydrocodone and oxycodone), and about 6 percent are still using them three months or longer after the procedure.

“Nobody needs a prescription for 30 or 50 opioids, and even those who are in major pain should only take them for a day or two,” said ASA President James D. Grant, M.D., M.B.A., FASA. “There are effective alternatives. Many people don’t need opioids at all or at least should drastically reduce the amount they take.”

Addiction can start after taking only a few opioids. More than 2 million Americans abuse these medications, which can create a feeling of euphoria and make the body believe the drug is necessary for survival. Since 2000, opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. have increased 200 percent.

Don’t take that chance. ASA offers advice for coping with pain and discomfort as you recover from surgery.

* Ask about alternatives – Only take opioids when you are in extreme pain. Medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with pain and soreness. While it’s never a good idea to rely on any type of pain pills for too long, these medications are not addictive and are far less risky than opioids.

* Manage your expectations – Everyone feels pain differently, but soreness and discomfort after surgery are normal and will improve within a day or two. These sensations are less severe than pain, which is usually sharp or intense. You usually don’t treat muscle soreness after a hard workout with an opioid, so if you are sore, and not in severe pain, try ibuprofen or naproxen.

* Be an active participant in your own care – While you are in recovery, the nurse will ask you if you are in pain and if so, how much. Be descriptive in explaining how you feel. If you are in major pain, ask that the opioid prescription be written for a small amount, and only take them for a day or two, three at most. Unused pills can fall into the wrong hands. In fact, more than half of people who misuse prescription painkillers get them from a friend or relative. Your pain will improve significantly within a few days whether or not you take opioids.

* Be aware of other downsides to opioids – Opioids cause severe constipation and often don’t manage pain as well as people expect. Additionally, they can cause hyperalgesia, or an increased sensitivity to pain.

“The opioid crisis is huge and affects everyone, rich and poor, male and female. It’s got to stop, and reducing opioid use during recovery after surgery is a big part of the solution,” said Dr. Grant. “Those who are in continued severe pain after surgery should ask a physician anesthesiologist or other pain specialist about alternative strategies to manage pain, including exercise, nerve blocks and non-opioid medications.”

ASA is committed to ending opioid abuse and has launched several initiatives to combat the epidemic. For more information, review ASA’s National Pain Strategy.

To learn more about the critical role physician anesthesiologists play before, during and after surgery, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount.

2018-01-22T15:59:00

(BPT) – The daily routine for a parent can be hectic and stressful, and having a child that is living with atopic dermatitis (eczema) can be difficult.¹

Eczema is a common skin condition that may develop during childhood.² Eczema typically occurs in characteristic areas of skin and is often identified by scaly or dry patches.^2,3 Nearly 18 million children and adults across the United States live with the condition.⁴ About 90 percent of those with eczema have the mild-to-moderate form of the disease.⁵ And you shouldn’t be too surprised your child has eczema, if you have asthma, hay fever, or eczema yourself. Genetic factors are associated with eczema.^3,4

If your child has eczema, the following tips may help you care for your child and their skin.

1. Know what to watch for.

Eczema may look different on different people, so it’s important to know what to watch for.² The face, neck, arms and legs are common sites for many people, depending on their age.² Eczema often appears as a rough, red skin rash.³ If you think your child has eczema, talk with a doctor to learn what to look for and discuss a possible treatment plan. Here’s another tip: consider pajama or bath time as an opportunity to take a moment and check for any changes in your child’s skin.

2. Tame the triggers.

For some, eczema may flare, or get worse, when they’re exposed to different triggers, even if they are currently treating their eczema.² Food choices, sweat, stress, and clothing types may all be possible triggers for your child’s eczema.^3,6 Monitor your child’s skin, and if you notice a change, talk to their doctor to find the strategies that may best identify these triggers.

3. Prepare appropriately.

As a parent, you’ve probably learned that children never stop moving. Purses are filled with all sorts of things to help keep your child entertained. That preparation can also be applied to eczema. For example, heat and sweat are common causes of flares. Try dressing your child in comfortable, loose clothing or uniforms that have been washed before your child wears them.⁶ Don’t forget those new gym clothes and soccer jerseys!

4. Adjust bath time routines.

Children take baths—for obvious reasons!—but bath time might be a challenge for children with eczema. Try to limit bath time to 5-10 minutes up to once per day with warm, not hot, water.⁷ Applying a moisturizer soon after bathing may also help ensure your child’s skin is moisturized.^2,7

5. Understand your options.

There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatment options available. EUCRISA^® (crisaborole) ointment, 2% is a steroid-free topical ointment for people with mild-to-moderate eczema and can be used on all skin tones from face to feet, for adults and kids as young as 2 years old.⁸ EUCRISA is a topical treatment that works both above and below the skin to treat eczema.⁹ The specific way EUCRISA works is not well defined.⁸ It can be applied topically to the skin, including the face. Do not use in the eyes, mouth or vagina.⁸ Talk to your child’s doctor to see if EUCRISA is right for your child and visit www.EUCRISA.com to learn more.

While the above tips may help you manage your child’s eczema, always be sure to talk to their doctor to help identify the best treatment plan. To learn more about EUCRISA, visit www.EUCRISA.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATION

Do not use EUCRISA if you are allergic to crisaborole or any of the ingredients in EUCRISA.

EUCRISA may cause side effects including allergic reactions at or near the application site. These can be serious and may include hives, itching, swelling, and redness. If you have any of these symptoms, stop using EUCRISA and get medical help right away.

The most common side effect of EUCRISA is application site pain, such as burning or stinging.

EUCRISA is for use on skin (topical use) only. Do not use EUCRISA in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

INDICATION
EUCRISA is a prescription ointment used on the skin (topical) to treat mild-to-moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children 2 years of age and older.

See Full Prescribing Information at EUCRISA.com.

For more information call 1-866-EUCRISA (1-866-382-7472).

This article is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

¹ Lifschitz C. The Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Quality of Life. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;66(suppl 1): 24-40.
² Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis. Dermatol. 2012;1(3);203-217.
³ Akdis CA, Akdis M, Bieber T, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in children: European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology/American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/PRACTALL Consensus Report. J Allerg Clin Immunol. 2006;118:152-169.
⁴ Hanifin JM, Reed ML. A population-based survey of eczema in the United States. Dermatitis. 2007;18(2):82-91.
⁵ Paller AS, Tom WL, Lebwohl MG, et al. Efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment, a novel, nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and adults. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75(3):494-503.
⁶ Oszukowska M, Michalak I, Gutfreund K, et al. Role of primary and secondary prevention in atopic dermatitis. Postep Derm Alergol. 2015;32(6):409-420.
⁷ Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Chamlin SL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Section 2. Management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):116-132.
⁸ EUCRISA^® (crisaborole). Full Prescribing Information. December 2016.
⁹ Jarnagin K, Chanda S, Coronado D, et al. Crisaborole topical ointment, 2%: a nonsteroidal, topical, anti-inflammatory phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(4):390-396.

2018-01-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – Online vision apps can be a great resource for health-related information, but if you rely on them to preserve your eye health and detect potential problems, you could be doing more harm than good, the American Optometric Association warns.

“Eye health is critical to overall good health,” says Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the AOA. “If someone chooses to forego an annual eye exam with a doctor of optometry because they think an online test or mobile app screening is enough, they’re making a mistake that could put their vision and health at risk.”

The AOA, which represents more than 44,000 doctors of optometry, optometric professionals and optometry students, supports state and federal policies that protect patients from the potential dangers of online vision test apps. Here are four of the many reasons why patients should not rely on online eye screenings or mobile apps:

1. Vision test apps or online tests can’t diagnose or treat serious eye problems.

These tools simply use measurements to gauge what is known as visual acuity, or sensitivity. However, many vision and eye health conditions don’t have obvious signs or symptoms in their earliest stages. Online tests can miss serious conditions that a comprehensive eye exam would catch.

They may be designed to test for near-sightedness or far-sightedness, but can’t adequately evaluate overall eye health. For example, an online screening might be able to detect symptoms of near-sightedness, but isn’t designed to catch signs of glaucoma.

2. Vision test apps aren’t held to the same standards as doctors of optometry.

People put their eye health at risk when they choose convenience over care and today, 17 states have regulations in place to safeguard patients from unproven technologies and practices that can compromise the established and proven standard of care. And there is good reason.

Right now, online vision screening services and mobile apps aren’t required to meet the definition of a comprehensive eye exam, or clinically prove their technologies provide the same level of care you would get from a qualified eye care doctor. In addition, they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

3. Patients may not get the care they need.

Even if an app accurately indicates a problem with vision acuity, patients might not follow up as recommended with a doctor of optometry, who can diagnose issues and work with you to develop solutions to eye health and vision care needs.

Additionally, a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist can be an important step in identifying health conditions that might not have been detected otherwise, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. An optometrist can help you understand the seriousness of the condition and suggest and implement appropriate treatment.

4. You could be risking your eye or overall health.

Online vision screening apps might not catch signs of a serious problem. Missing the signs of an eye health or overall health issue can put you at risk.

“People may think they’re doing something good by using a mobile vision app,” Quinn says. “Unfortunately, an online eye test does not completely cover any one of the 12 components of a regular in-person, comprehensive eye exam, something everyone needs to ensure they’re protecting and preserving their vision.”

To learn more about vision health, visit www.aoa.org.

2018-01-31T08:31:00

(BPT) – Did you know that your zip code has a bigger impact on your health than your genetic code? It’s because of factors known as social determinants of health. Things like air quality, employment, education, the people you socialize with and the safety of your neighborhood all have an impact. In fact, 60 percent of a person’s life expectancy is driven by factors outside of the doctor’s office. Check out a few surprising things in your neighborhood impacting your health — and what to do about them:

Your Sidewalks

You might not think about it, but your sidewalks are impacting your health. The average person burns 100 calories walking a mile. If we all had more easily accessible sidewalks and spent more time walking, we could become more fit. The WalkWorks ChesCo! program in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge Spotlight winner, set a goal for community members to hit one billion steps in 2017, and reached it three months ahead of schedule. Reach your step goal by taking a sidewalk stroll every once in a while.

Your Grocery Stores

How easy is it to get to your nearest grocery store? The distance between your home and the nearest grocery store impacts your health immensely. The CDC defines a food desert as an area that lacks access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and other foods that make up a full and healthy diet. In Bridgeport, Connecticut, residents in the East End neighborhood have spent the last 35 years with little or no grocery stores close by. Last year, a pop-up market ended the trend of food deserts and gave the neighborhood accessible, healthful options.The grocery stores in your neck of the woods might just influence your fruit and vegetable consumption.

Your Neighborhood Police

Community police work to keep your neighborhoods safe and lower violence rates. The Mind/Spirit/Body project in Jersey City, New Jersey, has made it a priority to recognize violence as a health issue, and has actively decreased violence within local neighborhoods by promoting healthy behaviors among its citizens. In the last 25 years, violent crime rates have decreased by 50 percent because of police. Next time you see an officer, thank them for keeping you safe!

Your Water System

Your water system impacts so many aspects of your daily life. From safe drinking water, to a healthy sewer system to curbing erosion from rainfall, communities must manage water in many ways. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sewer overflows happen about 75,000 times a year. Did you know sewage overflows can contaminate our waters, cause property damage and other public health threats? The city of Camden, New Jersey, another Challenge Spotlight Award winner, set up a program to reduce the number of sewage overflows in their region and improve water quality for all. The Camden SMART Initiative gathers community engagement through a variety of new mobile apps, community meetings and social media. Make sure to check to see if your community sewer system is in top shape to avoid contaminants.

Your Schools

The schools in your community matter. Many studies show that a higher level of education is a strong predictor of a longer life due to many factors, including higher income, social status, healthy behaviors and social well-being. The Steinhardt School at NYU completed a study, finding that 145,243 deaths could have been prevented in 2010 if adults who had not completed high school went on to earn a GED or high school degree. Education levels affect mortality rates over time. Your local teachers, schools and peers impact your life expectancy more than you know.

To learn more, visit: http://www.healthiestcities.org/ and join the conversation at #Healthiestcitieschallenge.

About the Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge:

The Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge is a collaboration between the Aetna Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the National Association of Counties to encourage small to midsize U.S. cities, counties and federally recognized tribes to create a positive health impact. The challenge will identify the best practices for achieving community and individual health, wellness and health equity.

2018-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Throughout history, misconceptions, misinformation and popular culture have influenced Americans’ eating habits. Many foods that were previously eaten daily are now considered unhealthy. Conversely, some foods that were thought to be “bad for you,” are now considered nutritious.

“Nutrition is exciting. Just about every day there is new research about how certain foods work in our body,” says Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “Over time as research is done, foods that were once considered unhealthy can be found to actually play a key role in healthy diets.”

What historically “unhealthy” foods are now considered wholesome? Blatner provides some examples:

Eggs

Shunned for many years, eggs were believed to be bad for heart health due to high cholesterol levels. However, numerous studies have shown that intake of dietary cholesterol has little influence on blood cholesterol levels. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health states that the biggest influence on blood cholesterol level is the mix of fats and carbohydrates in your diet — not the amount of cholesterol you take in from food.

Today, eggs are part of a healthy diet — so much so that recently the country’s leading weight loss service announced that eggs are now included on its zero points list. Keep in mind, though, that not all eggs are created equal. When shopping for eggs, look for Eggland’s Best eggs, which have significantly more nutrition than ordinary eggs.

“Many health and nutrition organizations are finally recognizing eggs for the nutrient powerhouse they are,” says Blatner. “Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more vitamin D, more than double the omega-3s and more than double the vitamin B12 of ordinary eggs, making them the best egg option to maximize your nutritional intake.”

Nuts

Snacking on nuts today is typically considered a healthy way to keep hunger pangs at bay, but it wasn’t always that way. Nuts used to have a bad reputation for being high in fat and calories, and were often avoided, especially for people who wanted to lose weight.

Today, many nuts are considered the ideal nutritious snack as they contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. For example, the versatile almond is relatively low in calories when compared to other nuts and has more calcium than other varieties, according to Health.com. Plus, almonds are rich in fiber and vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

“Nuts can make a great snack or wonderful addition to recipes,” says Blatner. “The one thing to be mindful of is sodium intake. Opt for raw nuts or dry-roasted varieties. These are minimally processed and typically won’t contain the salt and oils you’ll find in other varieties.”

Carbohydrates

Due to empty calories and low nutritional value, cutting carbs has been at the heart of diet fads for decades. The problem with this is that it assumes all carbs are equal, which is false.

“The important thing to realize is there are high-quality and low-quality carbs,” says Blatner. “Instead of shaming all carbs, focus on high-quality sources of carbohydrates that fuel the body and give you energy — skip the refined grains like white bread and focus on whole grains.”

Want to try a recipe that uses some of these formerly misunderstood foods? Blatner shares one of her favorites.

Eggland’s Best Spinach & Avocado Egg Sushi

Makes two servings.

Ingredients:

2 Eggland’s Best Eggs (Large), 1 tablespoon milk, 1 dash of salt, 1 dash of ground black pepper, 1 large whole wheat tortilla (12 inch), 1/2 avocado (mashed), 1 cup fresh baby spinach

For the spicy sauce:

Mix 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce) and 1 teaspoon milk in a small bowl.

Directions:

Coat a 10-inch nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat on medium-low heat.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper.

Pour egg mixture into pan and cover with a lid. Do not scramble! Cook until set (about 3-4 minutes), flip and finish cooking (about 1-2 minutes).

Lay tortilla flat and spread with avocado, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.

When eggs are finished cooking, place in the center of the tortilla and top with spinach.

Start at one end and roll tightly, but gently.

Coat the same skillet with nonstick spray and warm on medium-high heat.

Place roll seam-side down on skillet and brown slightly on both sides. Remove and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes.

Using a serrated knife, slice 1-inch pieces, drizzle with spicy sauce and serve with chopsticks.

2018-01-16T08:01:01

(BPT) – When someone you know loses a friend or family member, it’s not easy deciding when and how best to respond. You may find yourself unsure of what to say or do. Sometimes a simple phrase such as, “I’m sorry for your loss,” can be extraordinarily meaningful.

Here are six helpful tips from 1-800-Flowers.com’s Celebrating A Life online resource on how to console a loved one during their time of grief:

Listen

Allowing a grieving person to express how they feel can be a huge help. Try to listen without offering advice or interrupting. Letting people share memories and talk about their loved one can be a part of the healing process.

Be specific when offering help

Make a specific commitment to being with the person who needs you. Offering assistance with day-to-day matters can be very comforting, but be sure to offer something specific, such as, “I’m coming over with groceries on Saturday.” That way, you’re offering help without placing the burden on the grieving person to figure out what to bring and when.

Navigate social media appropriately

When acknowledging the news of a loss, stick with the communication medium through which you initially received the information. If the news came by phone call, return the call. If you learned about the death through social media, it is appropriate to reply on social media, just be sure to keep your message brief on public pages. More detailed expressions of sympathy should be conveyed in private posts.

Be patient

It is normal for people who are grieving to experience a range of emotions. It takes time to heal, so be patient and allow them to grieve at their own pace.

Send a card

Show your concern and support by sending a card. Take the time to put your own personal message inside.

Don’t minimize their pain

It is important to keep the focus on the grieving person. Resist the urge to share stories of times that you’ve lost a loved one. Let your friend or family member share their own stories and memories.

1-800-Flowers.com has been helping customers express sympathies for more than 40 years. Now, the company has created an online sympathy hub for tips and advice, directly from experts, on how best to express sympathy and condolences. Topics include Appropriate Sympathy Etiquette Across Different Religions, How to Write a Eulogy, How to Create a Memory Garden, and Sympathy Etiquette and Social Media.

The site serves as a resource for people in their time of need and is intended to make their experience a little easier to manage. People need to have a greater understanding of how to help their friends, family and co-workers in coping with a loss.

For more information, visit www.1800flowers.com/sympathyadvice, or call 1-800-Flowers.com’s Sympathy Customer Service line at 866-538-2259.