Healthy Living Archives | Page 8 of 9 | Carson Tahoe Health

The Pros and Cons of Drinking Coffee

Whether dark, blonde, decaf, or espresso, your daily cup of coffee carries some unexpected health benefits. Just remember to enjoy your java in moderation. The debate has lasted for years: Is coffee actually good for you, or is it just a vehicle for cream and sugar? The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Scientists have found many health benefits linked to coffee consumption, but it’s important to keep an eye on the amount you drink each day. Joe Pros In the early 1990s, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) labeled coffee a possible cancer-causing agent, but the agency has since changed its tune. In 2016, the IARC dropped coffee from its list of possible carcinogens after studies found the …


A How-To Guide for Fighting Obesity

Want to add years to your life? Learn how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 40 percent of adults in the U.S. are obese. Defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, obesity can place people at a higher risk for many serious health conditions, such as breathing problems, certain cancers, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, mental illness, sleep apnea, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. While weight loss and maintenance can be challenging, making your health a priority can lead to a longer, happier life. A little patience and the following science-backed advice from the CDC will help you get on the …


5 Strategies and More to Prevent Food Poisoning

Arm yourself against foodborne illness with these five food safety facts. FACT 1 About one in six Americans will get sick from a foodborne disease every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million people get sick annually in the U.S. from foodborne pathogens. While symptoms vary, common signs are diarrhea and/or vomiting. Other red flags include aching joints, abdominal cramps, fever, fatigue, and nausea. These symptoms can appear anywhere from hours up to a week after your exposure to contaminated food. FACT 2 Certain populations are more prone to foodborne illnesses than others. Food contamination can affect anyone, but those more vulnerable to falling ill and experiencing severe symptoms include: Children younger than age …


How Can I Get My Child to Eat Healthy Foods?

Throw the “kid cuisine” rule book away and introduce your children to an array of flavors as they cultivate their taste buds. When thinking about preparing meals for children, visions of peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese may come to mind. But, this doesn’t always need to be the case. To encourage more outside-the-box munching at mealtime, try something new. Keep these tips and tricks in mind as you whip up healthy snacks and meals for your crew. It’s All About the Presentation Most kids love anything that’s colorful—bonus points if it’s fun to eat. Think bright beets, crunchy carrots, and stringy squash that’s a joy to twirl on a pint-sized fork. Get creative and experiment with different …


The Problem With Self-Diagnosis

Although the Internet Has Answers, They May Not Be the Right Ones Have you ever “Googled” your symptoms? What about trying to self-identify a cough your loved one hasn’t been able to kick? You’re certainly not alone. Findings from Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project indicate more than one-third of U.S. adults use the Internet to self-diagnose a medical condition. It is crucial to consult an expert in the field, whether it be your primary care physician, an urgent care doctor, or perhaps a specialist. Here’s why: The Internet is a place of misleading information. Yes, you can find out the common symptoms for a sinus infection. But what if those same symptoms identify a much larger medical …