Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

We can all act like brats when we’re sick. And rightfully so. Feeling miserable is no fun. Next time you’re sick with a stomach bug, I’m giving you full permission to be a BRAT”” or at least to eat like one ““ you’ll be surprised that it actually helps you feel better. A nasty stomach virus made its rounds through our house over the weekend, with everything from vomiting to diarrhea. If you’re like me, you want to do what you can to get rid of it as quickly as possible and reduce the risk of it spreading to every…

Like many people, when I can’t sleep, I turn on reality television for a mindless distraction. Unfortunately, that did not work well a couple of weeks ago. While watching reruns of Keeping Up with the Kardashians (please, don’t judge!)  I stumbled on the episode in which Kim Kardashian develops psoriasis and discovers her mother had it as well. Any plans to fall asleep evaporated ““ I never realized psoriasis was a genetic disease, but I clearly remember my father developing it when he was in his early 30s. Since I recently celebrated my 29th birthday, I immediately started to wonder…

We’ve all stood in the freezer section or medicine aisle analyzing the differences between generic and name-brand pricing. Even taking the time to compare main ingredients, wondering if they taste the same or perform the same way. Often, we make decisions based on brand loyalty and perceived quality differences. But, how do we know if it is worth it? What do the experts say? NPR dug through the research and reported when pharmacists, doctors and chefs are likely to spend more money and when they decide to save the cash. We found it interesting that pharmacists and doctors are more…

It’s hard to walk down the street or even sit in an office without seeing someone with their earbuds listening to their iPhones, iPods, or whatever device they are attached to. For kids today, it’s almost part of their wardrobe. Earbuds can ultimately lead to hearing loss – but they don’t have to. We are born with five senses; these senses diminish as we age – particularly our sight and hearing. Two of the main factors that contribute to hearing damage and loss are sound levels and duration. Loud sounds over extended periods of time damage hearing. Any sound over…

Reading or hearing the words ‘Type 1 diabetes’ and ‘Type 2 diabetes’ can be quite confusing if you are unfamiliar with the disease. Knowing the differences between the two types will help you better understand how the disease affects your body or the body of a person you care about. Plus, learning more about Type 1 and Type 2 can give you insight on prevention and care. Remember, knowledge is power. [Tweet “Learning more about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can give you insight on prevention and care. Knowledge is power.”] According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), “Type…

Have you ever wondered what type of medical disorders endocrinologists evaluate and treat? Endocrinologists are specially trained physicians who have expertise diagnosing and caring for people who have endocrine and metabolism-related disorders. What those medical terms mean in everyday language is the endocrine system is in charge of the way your body functions. It produces hormones which then travel to all the different parts of your body to keep your tissues and organs healthy. Your body’s endocrine system includes: pancreas ovaries testes thyroid gland adrenal gland pituitary gland parathyroid gland pineal gland hypothalamus gland Glands in our bodies release hormones,…

Food is fuel for the body. It influences the body’s ability to function just as gasoline influences a car’s ability to run. When a car is running on fumes, it performs poorly and eventually stops”so does the human body. If you are lacking energy, ingest the following “high octane” nutrients: Water: the body is comprised of approximately 60 percent water and the brain is approximately 73 percent water. If you’re having trouble focusing and experiencing fatigue, drink water. Water is necessary for the carbohydrates and proteins that our bodies use as food to be metabolized and transported in the bloodstream.…

Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache, which means the headache was not caused by trauma, disease, or tumor. According to the World Health Organization, one in twenty people in the developed world suffer from a daily tension headache; 80 percent of women and 67 percent of men will experience this type of headache. Cause The exact cause is unknown; however, physical and emotional stress are known to be contributors to prolonged tension headaches. For example, the visual and physical strain placed on the body while working at the computer for long periods of time provides a…

The avocado may not be so pretty on the outside, but it sure is health giving on the inside. Consider forming a long-term relationship with this power food. Why? Nutritional benefits Contains approximately 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Naturally sodium free and cholesterol free. As an “unsaturated fat” (good fat) it is one of the first fresh foods a baby can enjoy. Unsaturated fats are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain. Acts as a “nutrient booster” by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients such as alpha and beta-carotene…

People sometimes wonder whether it is safe to exercise in hot weather. It is ““ but it pays to be smart about it and prepare for physical activity in the heat. Heat illness occurs when the body becomes overwhelmed. It happens gradually in stages, and it’s vitally important to not ignore fatigue, muscle cramping, stomach illness and headaches. Here are five tips to handling heat-related illness: Hydrate: Drinking fluids  before or during practices, games or other activities is not going to prevent dehydration. Hydration needs to start days ahead of your activities. And let’s be clear: water is the cornerstone…