Medcor hosts “Wellness Wednesdays” with the assistance of the Medcor Health app and Health Tips blog. Join in by downloading the free Medcor Health app (be sure to say “yes” to receiving notifications). Every Wednesday, you will receive an evidence-based article related to four guiding health principles that can help us be healthy and happy.
The holidays are full of joy and excitement, especially for children. But each year, more than 300,000 children may end up in the emergency department (ED) for injuries caused by holiday decorations, toys, or burns from a fire. This winter, follow these tips from the…
Cold weather doesn’t have to put a freeze on your outdoor exercise program. If you take precautions, you can still work out when the weather turns chilly. Wear the right clothing Clothing is critical, says the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Although a double-thick…
Overview Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year—most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. Light…
Holidays bring joy — and often food anxiety. How to cook, how to serve, and, finally, how much? In an era when we all seem to be on a diet, do you give in and make everything Grandma did? Today’s goal is not to re-create…
If you’ve sprained your ankle, you know what severe pain is. But maybe that “sprain” was a “strain” or possibly even a “break.” The amount of pain in each case can be virtually equal. So, oftentimes the only way to find out what you have…
Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or simply enjoy a meatless meal now and then, look for recipes that are full of flavor and low in fat. Because strict vegetarian meals don’t contain animal foods, they’re cholesterol-free. While meatless recipes tend to be low in total…
When we think of Halloween, we picture children laughing in colorful costumes, jack-o’-lanterns glowing in house windows, and buckets brimming with candy and treats. Experts warn, however, that this fun-filled night can pose safety hazards. An alternative is to throw a Halloween party and invite…
If the proverbial bluebird of happiness skipped your home this morning, don’t fret. Even if your car wouldn’t start, it rained on your new suit, one of the kids (or pets) threw up, you missed that important deadline, or you’re generally irked, hit the reset…
You can prevent the flu this season by taking one simple step: Get a flu vaccine. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. Unfortunately, some people think that getting a flu vaccine is too much trouble or costs too much. Or they…
If you are what you eat, that’s particularly true for your teeth and gums. When you drink and munch starchy or sugary foods, you’re not only feeding yourself, you’re feeding the bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease in your mouth. Plaque is a thin,…
Ever heard the saying that a “body at rest is likely to stay at rest?” Well, the opposite is true, too. Get your body moving, and you’re likely to stay moving, reaping a host of health benefits as well. Cardiovascular exercise, or “cardio,” is activity…
Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 eggplant (about a pound) 2 small zucchini 2 medium red potatoes 1 large, sweet onion (Vidalia, Spanish, or red) 1 red or yellow bell pepper 4 plum tomatoes 4 tablespoons feta cheese (about 4 ounces) Fresh oregano to taste…
If you raid the fridge when you’re stressed or upset, that’s called emotional eating. Emotional eating affects most everyone from time to time, but regularly letting your feelings guide your food intake can affect your health. Sadness, boredom, and other negative emotions can drive emotional…
Overview You’ve probably had nights when you couldn’t fall asleep, no matter how desperately you tried. When you can’t sleep, the ticking of the clock only reminds you of your exhaustion and the endless hours until morning. And perhaps you finally drop off around dawn,…
You’ve seen it time and again on TV shows. After someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest, healthcare providers grab the paddles and deliver an electric shock to the patient to help restore a normal heart rhythm. Technology has given us the automated external defibrillator (AED). This…
Most children rely on backpacks to carry books and supplies to and from school and activities. But a backpack that’s too heavy or doesn’t fit right can cause harm. Children can hurt themselves by using poor posture to carry a heavy bag. They may arch…
As a child, you may have been scolded for not eating your veggies. As an adult, you may have never truly outgrown that finicky eating. If you’re like most Americans, you don’t eat enough vegetables on a daily basis. Your diet may also be lacking…
Instead of getting in the water this summer, try getting on it. With a sailboat, canoe, kayak, windsurfing outfit, or pair of water skis, you can explore a whole new world of activities. Once you’ve embraced proper training and safety, you’ll get a fine, fun…
The danger of dehydration and heat stroke Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related diseases that can be life-threatening if left untreated. What is dehydration? Dehydration can be a serious heat-related disease. It is also a dangerous side effect of diarrhea, vomiting, and…
If you’re going on vacation—whether to cruise the Greek islands or visit your grandchildren in Maine—a little planning goes a long way. Although we all enjoy a bit of excitement on vacation, most of us don’t like unexpected surprises. By thinking ahead and planning for…