Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

As colder weather sets in and days get shorter, certain illnesses rise to the occasion and spread throughout schools and workplaces. While contagious viruses and diseases are active year-round, fall and winter are the times of year when we’re most vulnerable. The common cold and flu season in the United States may begin as early as October and can last as late as May, generally reaching its peak between December and February. Hamilton County this year has seen more than double the average number of cases of the highly contagious gastrointestinal illness Shigellosis, according to a recent article from WCPO.com.…

New research has given scientists a better understanding of how two systems in the brain ““ one linked to stress response, and the other to the brain’s reward system ““ interact during binge-drinking episodes. The new insight could help identify strategies to treat and prevent alcohol dependence, researchers say. The findings are now online in the journal Nature Neuroscience. “This study is an important contribution to our knowledge of the neurobiology of alcohol-use disorders and could open new avenues for medication development,” said George F. Koob, Ph.D., director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), in a…

The easiest way to eat healthy is to make sure your kitchen is always stocked with healthy foods. For people with diabetes, that means choosing foods high in fiber and protein and low in calories, fat and carbs. We found some tips from the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, that we agree, offer sound advice for keeping your kitchen healthy. Foods to have on hand: Keep fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. If you can buy broccoli, peppers and fruits pre-cut or chop them up when you get them home, they’ll be ready for meals and snacks. Frozen fruits and…

When caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it can be hard to figure out what activities he or she might still be able to enjoy. The disease can chip away at people’s ability to participate in activities they used to love. But music gives people a way to connect even after verbal communication has become difficult, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Music plays a powerful role in memory and mood. Studies show that music can reduce agitation and improve behavioral problems people with middle-stage Alzheimer’s may have. And even in the latter stages of the disease,…

Chances are even the pickiest eater in your house loves spaghetti or cheesy lasagna, and we found a great recipe you will want to try. This dish from the Mayo Clinic offers three benefits: it’s packed with protein (for a small amount of calories), vegetables and is a crowd-pleaser. And, if you don’t mention the vegetable part no one will even notice. Serve with mixed-grain bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Baked Ziti with Vegetables Servings: 2 Ingredients 2/3 cup uncooked ziti (about 2 ounces) 1 can (14 ounces) low-sodium tomatoes, drained (reserve 1/2 cup of…

Nutrition labels are important tools in planning meals. For people with diabetes ““ or people who cook for diabetics ““ the nutrition facts on all packaged foods list calories, fat, salt and carbs ““ all the things that need to be taken into consideration when planning a healthy diet. The American Diabetes Association offers these tips for getting the most out of the information on the labels: Find out what the serving size is, and how many servings the package contains. All the nutrition information (calories, fat, etc.) is based on serving size, and if you eat the whole package,…

If you’re like me, one of the biggest anxieties you experience this time of year is about the gifts you will give to everyone on your list. Will he like it? Will he use it? Should I find something else? How do I give her a new gym membership  without insulting her or implying I think she’s not already in great shape? Hopefully, if you’ve asked yourself these questions this year and are still wrestling with the perfect gift, this infographic will help you out. Many of these items can be found on Amazon or in retail chains near you.…

Standing desks are becoming more and more popular in offices around the world. But, what if we told you that a standing desk at work may actually make you lazier outside of work? According to new research from Loughborough University, the “compensation effect” occurs when people spend more time sitting in the evening after standing at work all day. The study analyzed 40 office workers for two weeks before installing standing desks to get a baseline reading and then studied the participants for three months while they used the standing desks. At the end of the three months, researchers concluded…

Winter brings the excitement of ice and snow, along with a higher risk of injuries. Ensure you’re spending your winter evenings in front of a fire or enjoying cozy moments, rather than in bed nursing an injury. “The beauty of the winter comes with potential hazards for your body. Taking the right precautions to protect yourself can go a long way in preventing orthopaedic injuries,” says Karen Tepe, Director of Orthopaedics and Neurosciences at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Walk Like a Penguin No matter how well the snow and ice are removed from parking lots or sidewalks, slips and falls account…

The holidays are a joyful time of year, but unfortunately, the cold winter months also pose many safety concerns, especially for infants and the elderly. Help prevent a fall on the ice, case of hypothermia or house fire this year by checking out our eight tips below. Have more specific questions about holiday safety? Let us know!