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.
Your health is a priority, so you try to take good care of yourself. But some habits that you think are healthy may actually be harmful. Here’s how to avoid five common mistakes. 1. Reusing Unwashed Grocery Bags The problem: Reusable grocery bags reduce waste. But…
A screening blood sugar test is generally used to see if your blood sugar is too high. High blood sugar doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. But it can be a sign of diabetes or prediabetes. Finding and treating type 2 diabetes early is important to prevent…
Do you know enough about the cold to keep warm? Poor planning of a winter outing can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. The following are some misconceptions about the cold and suggestions for staying toasty this winter. Myth: Dressing warmly avoids colds, viruses, and flu….
Do you have a rosy outlook and see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty? If so, your good attitude may have even more benefits than you think. A growing number of scientific studies suggest optimistic people tend to live longer and have better physical…
You may charge into the day full of energy. But by midafternoon a wave of sleepiness hits you. You find it hard to keep your eyes open, or you find yourself yawning. Many people experience these late-in-the-day energy lags, but you can take steps to…
Broth Ingredients 1 fresh chicken, about 4 pounds cut up (remove giblets) 2-inch piece of fresh ginger 1 small onion 2 cloves garlic Directions Put chicken in a big soup pot. Cover with water. Peel ginger and slice diagonally into four pieces. Add to pot….
When the temperature drops this winter, don’t let your motivation for exercise fall along with it. Cold weather doesn’t have to put a chill on your fitness routine, even if the treadmill or stair-stepper seems boring compared with jogging or riding your bike outside. It…
(Gluten-free) Ingredients 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces 1 pound white turnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks 1 pound winter squash, such as Hubbard or butternut, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks 1 whole head of garlic, skin removed, broken into…
Christmas is supposed to be a merry time. Instead, it’s often an occasion for overspending, overdoing, and overeating—and that can leave you feeling stressed, tired, and down on yourself. But it’s not too late to reclaim your holiday spirit. These tips can help you recapture…
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…