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Healthy and Affordable Shopping

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Grocery shopping can seem overwhelming especially as you are getting used to eating and preparing foods in a new way. It can be especially difficult on a budget. My belief is that investing in healthy food is investing in your health. I recently shared some tips with my patients at our R-Health Cherry Hill Healthy Shopping on a Budget event. Here are some of my favorite pieces of advice.

First let’s broadly define “healthy” as there are many controversies.  However, let’s focus on key elements of agreement.  They are: eating whole unprocessed foods, especially fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, avoiding empty carbohydrates such as those in sweets and refined flours, avoiding additives including chemicals and added sugar and salt, avoiding pesticides, antibiotics and hormones and getting adequate amounts of healthy fat, protein, and fiber.

Reading labels is empowering! It takes extra time at first, but once you know the products that are right for you, shopping will get faster again.  Not all food labels are helpful in making decisions.  For example, “natural” does not have a clear definition that is regulated by the FDA.  Companies can label their food natural and it still contain high fructose corn syrup for example. Also, beware of Heart-healthy statements as well as they can have plenty of refined carbohydrates that raise your blood sugar and trigger inflammation.  A few things to think about food labels in general.

  • Ingredient list: QUICK HINT – look for names you can pronounce and foods you have in your own kitchen.
  • MANY OF THE BEST CHOICES WILL NOT HAVE A LABEL – Think the produce section!
  • Calories: Not all calories are created equal – don’t worry so much about the calorie count, when you are able to get rid of processed foods usually you can trust your body to tell you when you have had enough.
    • Your body processes a Twinkie much differently and with different metabolic effects than a handful of nuts even though they have the same amount of calories.
  • Check the portion size. (Sodium content can be misleading when that tiny can of soup has 2.5 servings!)
  • Watch for fats
    • Buy healthy fats – nuts, seeds, olive oil, etc. and avoid trans fats
    • Foods can be labeled as having 0 gm of fat or trans fats if they have ½ gram or less.
  • Fiber is good for your body, especially for healthy gut bacteria
  • Watch for additives especially sugar and salts
    • New guidelines now ensure labels now contain “added sugars”
    • Try to avoid concentrated natural sugar in high quantities too (e.g. fruit juice or dried fruit)
    • Work on sticking to the recommended limits of no more than 6 tsp of added sugar for women and children and 9 tsp for men per day
    • For salts, much of the sodium and added sugar comes from salts and sugar added to processed foods. This helps the food industry to make the food more addictive. Read labels carefully and cook home-made meals whenever possible.
    • Look for chemical additives or artificial flavors/colors. You might be surprised when you first start reading labels to find how much more is in your can of beans, tomato sauce, or yogurt than you thought.

Saving money on anything usually requires planning ahead.  Look at circulars for sales and make a meal plan for the week.  Look online and in magazines for great ideas for your palate and budget.  Try searching “clean eating on a budget.”  On our grocery trip we toured Aldi.  Not only does this grocery store offer healthy natural (their Simply Nature labels are verified by a third party) and organic options, but surveys show Aldi’s prices on average contain 20% more savings than larger retail stores.  Remember to bring a quarter and your own shopping bags.

Other cost saving tips:  If you have the time, avoid pre-cut servings.  Stock up on nonperishable and frozen items when on sale, and shop frequently for perishable items so they don’t spoil before you can use them.  Try looking above and below eye level, compare store brands, and of course not shopping while hungry are other cost saving tips.

Also know when to invest in organic produce and when to save on conventionally grown produce. According to the Environmental Working Group’s 2017 list below are products to look for.

  • DIRTY DOZEN – Fruits and Vegetables with the most pesticides (Shop organic when possible for these!)
    • Strawberries
    • Apples
    • Peaches
    • Pears
    • Spinach
    • Tomatoes
    • Celery
    • Potatoes
    • Sweet bell peppers
  • CLEAN 15 – Fruits and Vegetables with the least pesticides (Okay to buy conventionally grown produce for these!)
    • Pineapples
    • Mangoes
    • Papayas
    • Honeydew Melon
    • Kiwi
    • Cauliflower
    • Eggplant
    • Sweet Corn
    • Cabbage
    • Avocadoes

Hopefully this is a good start for your next grocery store trip.  Please feel free to reach out to your R-Health doctor for more information and if you have specific medical conditions for your doctor to get you on the best health and nutrition plan.

Everyday Tips to Relieve Constipation

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There comes a point where almost everyone goes through it – constipation. A period of infrequent bowel movements or hard stools.   Constipation can be a very uncomfortable state, especially the longer it lasts. Though not severe, if not taken care of, constipation can cause damage to the veins and skin in your anus, in addition to significant damage to intestines.  Chronic constipation is also a risk factor for colorectal cancer.

Per the Mayo Clinic, there are a few risk factors that may increase your risk of constipation:

  • Older age
  • Women
  • Dehydration
  • Low fiber diet
  • Little to no physical activity
  • Blood pressure medications/treatments
  • Mental health conditions

Luckily our R-Health doctor, Julia Snyder, MD, offers tools to prevent and relieve constipation.

  • Eat a whole foods, high-fiber diet
    • Eat foods in their unprocessed forms without additives (i.e. sugar, salt, flavorings or preservatives)
    • Consider a trial of dairy and gluten free (two food groups that are likely to cause constipation for people)
  • Try adding 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds to your daily diet for extra fiber
    • Grind the flax yourself every 2 days for an extra healthy fat boost
  • Eat more good fats and try coconut oil
    • g. – wild fatty fish like sardines and salmon, avocados, and olive oil (which lubricates the digestive system)
  • Supplement with magnesium, vitamin C and probiotics
    • Use 200 mg to 1,000 mg of magnesium citrate daily. Gradually increase the dose until you go once or twice a day. If you take too much, you will get loose stools. If that happens, back off a bit.
    • Vitamin C – you can take 2,000 to 4,000 mg in divided doses two or three a day, along with magnesium supplementation. The same principle applies here: If you begin to get loose stools, just back off a bit.
    • Many people who struggle with constipation are often deficient in healthy gut bacteria, so adding probiotics can help – try adding them for one month. The increased fiber in your diet will give them food to eat and they will be happy to stay.  Also add fermented foods/drinks to your diet.  (Fermented vegetables are found in the refrigerated section)
  • Drink about half your weight in ounces of water each day (add more for hot weather or exercise)
    • Try starting off your day with water and lemon (room temperature to warm)
    • Cold drinks slow down the bowels.
    • Try coffee or tea with an apple and walnuts/pecans/almonds for breakfast
  • Exercise regularly
    • Get up and move – just 10-15 minutes of walking a few times a day will make a big difference
    • Try Yoga – the combination of relaxation and movement aids in triggering the bowels to release
  • Give yourself time to go and listen to mother nature’s call!
    • Schedule time in to your morning – just like potty training your little ones!
  • Position yourself correctly
    • Put your feet up on a stool to mimic a squatting position. This allows the muscles to relax and the stool to exit more easily.

 

 

Following these suggestions are sure aids in constipation prevention and management. However, if you have questions, or have frequent constipation, notice blood in your stool, and have severe pain in your bowel and/or experiencing weight loss, be sure to reach out to your R-Health doctor for assistance.

Well, What?

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What is a well woman visit and why it is important?

 
It is a designated time for you and your health care provider to discuss your reproductive health. It may also include an exam, screening tests, like a pap smear or blood work, and immunizations. If you have breasts, a uterus, and/or a vulva it is important to have this type of visit to check the physical organs, even if you do not identify as a woman.

 
A well woman visit can be important in different ways for different people, depending on their needs and stage of life.  For young women, it may just be a discussion about periods and immunization for prevention of cervical cancer.  For those who are sexually active, contraception and STD prevention will likely be discussed.  Those thinking about starting a family might have a discussion about optimizing their health for conception and pregnancy.  For those 21-65 the Pap test allows cervical cancer to be detected and treated before it causes problems.

 

For women over 40, getting a mammogram can help detect breast cancer earlier. Those approaching or facing menopause might discuss bone health, changes in their body, symptoms, and strategies to protect them from long term health risks. It may not be necessary to have an internal exam or breast exam every year.  You can discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits.

 

A well woman visit is another important way to be proactive about your whole health. From an evolutionary stand point, one of the most important functions of our body is to reproduce.  So, reproductive health can be an indicator for overall health and well-being.

 
It also is an opportunity to continue to build a good, honest relationship with the doctor. With unlimited access to your R-Health doctor, not only are you not pressured with remembering all your questions for a single visit, but no matter what is discussed, you’ll always get the time you need to fully understand and have your input applied to any course of action.

Cervical Health Awareness

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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness on how to protect against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STIs) in the United States, affecting nearly 80% of women, at least once in their lifetime. According to WomensHealth.gov, though most cases don’t show any symptoms, and usually goes away on its own, if it doesn’t, HPV can lead to:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Other genital cancers (e.g. cancers of the vulva, anus, penis, etc.)
  • Oropharyngeal cancer (i.e. cancer of the back of the throat, affecting tongue and tonsils)
  • Genital warts

However, there is good news. With HPV vaccine shots, regular screenings, and follow-up care, HPV and cervical cancer can often be prevented. This is one of the many reasons why a yearly well-woman visit is important. Other ways to prevent HPV and the risk of cervical cancer include:

  • Get tested – make sure you are your partner are tested for STIs
  • Use condoms – condoms have been linked to lower cervical cancer rates
  • Limit your number of sexual partners – your risk increases with the number of partners you have

As parents, it’s important to understand the benefits of the HPV vaccines, and have them administered to your children, both boys and girls. Though encouraged to get the vaccine during the pre-teen years, teens and young adults are still able to receive the vaccine (boys – up to age 21; girls – up to age 26).

R-Health gives our members access to vaccines right in the office. If you want to learn more about the HPV vaccine, or want more tips to prevent cervical cancer, call your local R-Health office to get started.

Why Weight?

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Weight loss is always about what is on the end of your fork – it’s about what you are eating.  Exercise is extremely important to stay healthy, but it is a much smaller player in the weight loss journey.  Patients often express frustration with their progress because they feel that they have been going to the gym, or otherwise working out, and not losing weight.  The reason that they are not losing weight is that they are missing the most important piece, which is changing how much they eat and what they eat.

Slow weight loss is always best – 1-2 pounds weekly.  That is the kind of loss that will be maintained.  Rapid loss usually results in rapid gain that often surpasses initial starting weight.

Try to eat within a 12-hour window – begin about 30 minutes after getting up, and complete the last meal about 12 hours later.  People often get into trouble with nibbling after dinner or during the night.

Weigh or measure all food – many people incorrectly estimate how much they are eating.  And, keep track of what you are eating, a convenient app is called “MyFitnessPal.” In fact, I have had patients lose up to 60 pounds in just this way!

Instead of beverages with sugar or artificial sweeteners, make spa water – Fill up a container with water, and add in fruits/veggies/herbs and let sit overnight.  Some of our patients have enjoyed combos like:

  • Cucumbers and fresh mint
  • Ginger and lemon
  • Frozen peaches/strawberries

For healthy snacks, consider:

  • A cheese stick and ½ piece of fruit
  • A small handful of nuts and ½ piece of fruit
  • A small container of hummus or guacamole (individual serving sizes are available at the grocery store) with veggies
  • A 3 ounce can of tuna spread on a rice cake

These are just a few of the countless methods by which you can lose weight. For tips and much more feedback, visit your R-Health doctor and develop the plan that works for you.

Time to Stick With It

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Like clockwork, every year around this time there’s a lot to wrap up – holiday gifts, end of year vacations, or another popular one, New Year’s Resolutions. Thinking about setting your own New Year’s resolution?  Here are some tips to help you set and achieve yours!  What makes a goal more attainable is accountability and proper planning, and HealthAdvocate helps focus on the latter by sharing a few steps that make your health resolutions achievable.

  • Choose something that interests you – Having a clear focus can help drive you towards reaching your goals
  • Choose your resolution as a long-term goal – There’s no quick fix for a long-term plan. Time allows you to better manage your goals, which ultimately brings more success
  • Think simple – Choose something that challenges you, but not taxing that it burdens you
  • Compare your 2018 resolutions with previous years’ – Learn from your mistakes and what worked well to better position yourself moving forward
  • Recognize it may take longer than a year – Some goals take longer to accomplish, but every step towards your resolution is one in the right direction

Breaking down your goals into small pieces can help make large goals more obtainable and more important in your daily life.  For example, if your goal is to lose 20lbs over the course of the year, that cheese steak seems less harmful, than if your goal is to lose 1 lb. that week.  You also get to celebrate more victories along the way!   The American Psychological Association shared these quick tips on how to persevere.

  1. Start small – Whether it’s losing 2 pounds a month, or drinking an extra glass of water a day, starting small makes your resolutions easier to keep
  2. Change one behavior at a time – Healthy behaviors take time to develop, don’t rush
  3. Don’t beat yourself up – Everyday won’t be a win, but make sure to continue your pursuit even when you stumble
  4. Ask for support – Share you experiences and find an outlet that helps support and push you to carry on

Attaining better health, is a common New Year resolution.  Maybe it’s through better food, exercise, improved sleep habits, stress management or a combination.  Maybe it’s finally getting a colonoscopy. Whatever it is, you can always reach out to your R-Health doctor and develop plan to make and meet your 2018 health goals. If you want, get a head start, fill out this worksheet to help you think about why the goal is important to you, what might be barriers and solutions to achieving your goal and bring it along.

Finally, don’t hesitate to share.  We can all learn from one another.  Visit our Facebook page and share your trials and successes during your journey.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat!

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The little things. It’s always the little things that are often overlooked, but can carry the most importance. Fresh air. Cold pillows. A good breakfast. Washing your hands. Few have the impact of the latter.

Washing your hands is one of the most important steps to not only protecting your own health, but also prevention of germ spread and other bacteria to others. This week is National Handwashing Awareness Week, and with the flu and many other sicknesses very prevalent during this time, now is as good a time as any to discuss the importance of handwashing, and how it’s relative to prevention.

For a little context on how important this topic is, here are a few facts, courtesy of the CDC, related to handwashing:

  • Washing hands with soap and water can reduce diarrheal disease-associated deaths by up to 50%
  • Handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16%
  • A large percentage of foodborne disease outbreaks are spread by contaminated hands, which could be greatly reduced by handwashing.
  • The use of alcohol gel hand sanitizer in classrooms can result in upwards of 20% reduction in absenteeism due to infection.
  • Reducing the number of infections through handwashing may help prevent the overuse of antibiotics (and eventual antibiotic resistance) often prescribed for these health issues.

Looking for more reasons why handwashing is important? Look no further than the main culprit of sickness: germs.  As the CDC describes, feces is a main source of germs, like Salmonella and E.coli that spread many respiratory infections such as, hand-foot-mouth disease and adenovirus to name a few. These germs get onto your hands a variety of ways, including:

  • After toilet use
  • Changing diapers
  • Blowing your nose
  • Handling raw meat
  • Taking out garbage
  • Petting animals
  • Caring for sick people

These are common, everyday activities that people do, yet if people don’t take the initiative to wash their hands, germs will stay on the surface of your hands for hours. With frequent touching of the body (i.e. touching eyes, nose, and mouth) coupled with germ pile up on your hand surface, it gets you sick, and even worse, it transfers to other objects that will get others sick.

So, what can you do? Wash your hands multiple times throughout the day and follow standard handwashing techniques:

  1. Wet – Wet your hands with clean water, then apply soap
  2. Lather – Rub your hands together with the soap, making sure to get the back of your hands, between fingers, and under the fingernails
  3. Scrub – Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds
  4. Rinse
  5. Dry – Air dry or use a clean towel
  6. *Tip* For public restrooms, shut the faucet off with a paper towel, and use your shoulder (or another towel on the knob) to open the door

If you’re not near a sink, hand sanitizer is a great substitute. However, if your hands are visible dirty and greasy, this will not be as effective in eliminating the high number of germs. It’s also important to note to avoid the use of antibacterial soap, due to the dangers of triclosan. As the Mayo Clinic describes, although triclosan is an active ingredient in making some soaps antibacterial, excess use can cause small amounts to be absorbed by the skin, which may lead to a damaged immune system and/or antibiotic resistance.

In closing, sometimes it’s the little things that have big impact. Don’t risk getting sick, especially during peak flu season, by not washing your hands. Your R-Health doctor hand-washes every time they see you, so take the lead and follow suit. Or use our R-Health hand sanitizer.

The Battle of Arthritis

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There’s an old myth that’s gone for decades about joint pain and weather predictability. Does pain in your knee or ankle really mean a storm is soon approaching? While there’s no scientific evidence of this, there have been links between seasonal change and arthritic pain.

Arthritis is a way of referring to joint pain or joint disease, and there are over 100 different types and related conditions; the main two being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America, affecting more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children, of all ages, sexes, and races. Some of the common symptoms associated with arthritis include the following:

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Stiffness and decreased range of motion

Per the Mayo Clinic, there are multiple risk factors associated with arthritis that may make one more susceptible to the symptoms. For example:

  • Family History
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Previous joint injury
  • Obesity

Since we’re amid a seasonal turnover, it’s important we focus on how change may affect the experience of those with arthritis. Although symptoms come and go, varying in intensity from person to person, Joint Essential identified seasonal factors that may impact arthritic pain.

  • Exposure or intensity of sun-rays – A study conducted showed intensity and frequency of pain attacks decreases during warm weather months.
  • High vapor pressure – High pressure of water vapors have a positive effect on arthritis symptoms. A person may be more likely to experience disturbing symptoms on rainy days than dry ones.
  • Temperature change – Extreme temperatures (freezing winter days, or excessive heat warning summers) can aggravate the intensity of symptoms.
  • Changes in air-pressure – This can lead to flaring of symptoms of arthritis. High barometric pressure pushes against the body and doesn’t allow tissue to expand, causing severe pain and swelling.

Humidity, precipitation, and even wind speed may also play a factor in arthritis pain, however, Joint Essential also highlighted ways to manage pain during weather change. The following are suggestions:

  1. Learning root cause – It’s imperative to know which type of arthritis you have. However, what’s even more important is understanding the root cause of your symptoms and how to deal with them, or distract yourself from them.
  1. Home exercising/gym training – Spring and summer months are known for increased hours of physical activity, and thus helps with steady circulation of the joints.
  1. Hydrotherapy – Excellent for alleviating joint swelling and edema in patients with flaring episodes of arthritis.
  1. Keeping warm – Although there is a lot more sun to absorb during the spring and summer months, there are times you’re indoors with an air conditioner blasting. It’s important to adjust the room temperature to your comfort level to ease symptoms.
  1. Massage therapy – Similarly to exercising, massages help with circulation across joint surfaces. You can enjoy massages in any season, but if that’s not a preferred method, there’s also physical therapy, acupuncture, or yoga.

While everyone is affected differently throughout seasonal change, it’s important to take preventative measures so your joints and tissues aren’t damaged, and your ability to function and perform day-to-day operations isn’t endangered. Reach out to your R-Health doctor to discuss your symptoms, and follow us for more helpful health and wellness tips.