Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

If you have diabetes, you should already know that physical activity does all kinds of good things for you: It helps to regulate blood sugar levels, improves circulation, improves heart and lung function and boosts your mood. Of course, exercise also helps with weight loss. Burning just 100 calories a day five days a week can help trim pounds quickly. The American Diabetes Association offers these ideas for how to work a 100-calorie burn into your schedule. Remember, the amount of calories you burn will vary, depending on how intensely you exercise and how much you weigh. People who weigh…

You’ve put up with the clicking, the pain and stiffness. You’ve gotten medication and injections, tried physical therapy and even alternative treatments like acupuncture, but the question still lurks: When is it time to finally give in and get a joint replaced? The simple answer is there is no simple answer, according to Dr. Matthew Hummel. It’s all about how you feel A physician from OrthoCincy who specializes in hip and knee replacements, Hummel explained that it really comes down to quality of life. “Unless there’s the immediacy of a fracture or a sports injury, the question of when…

At this point, we all know how important sunscreen is to protect our skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It aids in preventing age spots, wrinkles, rough skin and, most importantly, cancer. Even if you’re the most devoted sunscreen user, you’re probably still guilty of making some major mistakes that could sabotage your skin. This list of seven  common (and easily fixable) sunscreen faux paus from Charlotte’s Book reveals some surprising ways you could improve your sun protection this summer. Our top three takeaways: Wear sunscreen every day, not just when you’ll be in the sun for an…

Trail running may not seem much different than running on the road or sidewalk, but it does require a different type of skills. Depending on the season and the weather, you may need a different wardrobe – including a pair of shoes with a better tread and longer pants or tights so you don’t rub against poison ivy, poison oak or thorns. Running on trails also uses different muscle groups than running on flat surfaces. If you’re new to  trail runs, take your time and don’t be afraid to slow down or walk through difficult  sections. Here  are a few…

Nothing says summer like an afternoon picnic. While they  are a great way to bond as a family – or with a group of friends – some of the dishes in your basket are filled with unneeded calories, fat and sugar. The writers at  Greatist shared their  favorite  healthy picnic meals, including  sandwiches, (including a hummus-veggie spiral we can’t wait to try), salads, snacks, sides, desserts and drinks. So before you pack the PB&J, pasta salad covered in mayonnaise and a few cans of soda, consider a few new options. Do you have a favorite summery picnic recipe for us…

If you’re a Type 1 diabetic, planning a day (or week) at Disney can seem daunting. From the Mickey ice cream treats to the heat, it can be easy to lost control of your insulin. A  Buzzfeed  writer shares one priceless  tip  for anyone fearing blood sugar low while waiting in a lengthy line. Let a crew member know you have  diabetes, and that you’re not feeling well. He or she will give you and your family a FastPass slip to skip the line as soon as you’re feeling better. Just another reason why Disneyland is the happiest place on…

Do you know a teen who loves kids and wants to earn a little extra spending money? Babysitting could be the perfect gig for him or her, especially during  the summer. If you or your teen is concerned  about the responsibilities associated with taking care of  someone else’s child, register for the  St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s Safe Sitter class. What will my teen learn? Your teen  (ages 11-13) can learn how to handle emergencies, keep children busy and manage the business side of babysitting. Each participant  who passes the course will receive a certificate and manual with all the information discussed…

The only thing more difficult  than being a teenager is being the parent of a teenager. Teen years are filled with new  emotions, growth spurts and a need for independence. It’s an especially challenging  time because parents and teens seem to have differing priorities. While teens may be looking for instant gratification, parents want to keep them safe and help them avoid bad decisions. How is a parent supposed to understand or  relate to a  teen? Dr. Rajeev Kurapati, family physician at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, provides his top tips to ease tension between adults and teens. Don’t forget, the  teenage…

Eating a healthy meal after the gym is one of the most important steps you can take to get the most out of your workout. Dietitians agree a mix of carbs, protein, antioxidants and a little fat is the right  way to replace the energy lost while exercising. But, getting all of these nutrients on your plate can be challenging if you have a vegan diet. Writers at  Greatist  found 14 delicious post-workout meals to  help your body recover and build muscle – all without any animal products. Do you have a favorite recipe for a post-workout meal? Share it…

A stroke victim’s neurological problems aren’t over after he or she comes home from the hospital. In particular, aphasia ““ difficulties speaking, writing or understanding written or spoken language ““ is a common problem for stroke survivors. About 25 to 40 percent of people who survive a stroke develop aphasia, which usually results after a stroke affecting the left side of the brain, where language originates. Other brain injuries, including tumor and concussion, can also result in aphasia. Taking away communication skills The condition can be devastating, impacting a stroke survivor’s ability to work and communicate with loved ones.…