Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

We’re almost two weeks through December which means many college students  will be coming home soon and younger kids will be off school for the holiday season. As the song goes, “And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.” It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Take the time you have at home with your kids to create new memories or start a new tradition this year. There are plenty of things to do around town to keep everyone busy and happy. Here are a few: Grab your skates  at the U.S. Bank Ice Rink…

Is your family ready for the holidays? Ready or not, it’s almost time to celebrate. Check out the quiz below to learn more about holiday calories, health hazards and other safety tips. Remember to take a deep breath: The unexpected “bumps in the road” will help make the holiday more memorable! [mlw_quizmaster quiz=20]

Christmas is just around the corner and that means it’s time to pick out a tree. We suggest instead of merely picking out a tree, you cut it down too. Why? Heading out to the woods to chop (or saw) your own tree is not only a fun, family-friendly holiday activity, it also helps keep off those unwanted holiday pounds by burning up to 600 calories for every hour spent cutting and chopping away! OK, so maybe chopping your own tree still doesn’t sound that appealing, but there are plenty of other fun things to do at tree farms, like…

“No Shave November” has officially come to an end, and men everywhere are dreading the inevitable razor burn that follows. Dermatologist Dr. Keith Lopatka, with Advocate Christ Medical Center out of Illinois, has six easy tips to help avoid it: Replace razor blades. Dull razor blades can cause irritation so be sure to change them out every five uses. Shave with the grain. Shaving the same direction as hair growth will lower your chances of getting small nicks or cuts. Use short strokes. This will help you control the blade and avoid running the same amount of pressure over various…

Starting an exercise routine can be easy, with the right motivation. For people with diabetes, exercise can help manage blood glucose levels, reduce weight and improve cardiovascular health. But sticking with your exercise routine ““ month after month after month ““ can be challenging. Here are some tips from the American Diabetes Association for staying motivated about staying active: Talk to yourself ““ and be positive. The right words go a long way toward helping you stick with your fitness routine. Don’t be shy about laying on the praise or encouragement and reminding yourself of the progress you’ve made. Write…

E. coli has recently  made  headlines and news feeds everywhere, but do you know what to  look for if you believe you or someone you know is infected? Take our quiz to find out more about the bacteria  and what you can do to protect your family. [mlw_quizmaster quiz=19]

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But as researchers continue to search for better options to treat and prevent the devastating disease, it’s important to get checked if you notice warning signs of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in yourself or a loved one. Early detection offers three key advantages, according to the Alzheimer’s Association: Longer benefits from available treatments, which can help you or your loved one maintain your independence longer. Early detection may also give you or your loved one the chance to participate in a clinical trial for an experimental treatment. More time to plan…

As parents, we’ve all had those stressful moments when we stop and wonder, How did mom do this with us when we were growing up? Between screaming, crying, squirming, messy, bored and tired kids, here are some ways to keep them entertained this holiday, whether that means helping out in the kitchen or getting out of the house: Ask for input when deciding on holiday meals. Kids are picky eaters. Fact. By taking them with you when you go shopping for holiday meal items, ask them for their input and make something a little special for them to avoid a…

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and Christmas in sight, families and friends are gathering all across the country. Sometimes those family members have fur and like to bark. Your furry friends are probably just as excited about the holiday season as you are, but, according to local veterinarians, they are at risk of ending up at the vet’s office days after Thanksgiving or Christmas. In order to avoid making an expensive trip to the vet or putting your lovable fur baby in harm’s way, we have come up with a list of safety tips: Update tags and microchips. With…

You know we eat turkey, watch football and take naps, but does your Thanksgiving trivia cover the first year we had a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? If so, this quiz should be no problem! Don’t forget to click submit quiz to see your results and find more information on each question. Happy Thanksgiving! [mlw_quizmaster quiz=18]