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Is a Plant-Based Diet OK for Teens?

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Your teen just made an announcement: they’re not only giving up meat, they’re going to refuse any food made with animal products. In other words, they want to become a vegan.

What? Why? Was the meatloaf last night really that bad? Is this just another phase? What exactly will this mean to your family and how will you need to change your grocery list?

Regardless of the reason why your teen wants to make the change—whether it’s their developing beliefs, growing independence, self-expression or even rebellion—you may have some questions. Below, find answers to some of the more common questions parents of new vegan teens often have.

What exactly does it mean to be a vegan?

Being a vegan is similar to being a vegetarian. But the difference is, in addition to avoiding meat and fish, vegans also avoid any product that comes from an animal. For example, vegans do not eat cheese or other dairy products, since they come from animals. Most vegans also look carefully at the ingredient list of packaged foods, to make sure no animal products have been included, such as butter.

What nutrients are most important for my teen, and where can they get them in a 100% plant-based diet?

· Calcium - broccoli, spinach and tofu

· Carbohydrates - potatoes, rice and breads

· Fats - cooking oils and nuts

· Fiber - whole grain cereals, seeds and nuts

· Folate - lentils, chickpeas, spinach and asparagus

· Iron - beans, nuts and whole grains

· Protein - nuts and beans

· Vitamin A - cabbage, broccoli, spinach and sweet potatoes

· Vitamin C - citrus fruit, strawberries, cauliflower and melons

Is a 100% plant-based diet safe for my teen?

It can be if it provides all of the essential nutrients a growing teen needs and includes healthy portions of the food items listed above.

Can vegan diets be unhealthy?

Yes. Stores now offer more packaged vegan options than ever before. However, many are highly processed and some, like vegan cookies, can be high in calories. If your teen wants to lead a truly healthy vegan lifestyle they need to avoid highly processed foods and focus on whole and fresh foods.

Should I encourage my teen to become vegan gradually?

Yes. Experts recommend that anyone who is thinking about becoming a vegan should do it gradually to allow the body to adjust.

Could my teen’s desire to change their diet signal another problem?

Maybe. Any time a teen makes a dramatic change to their diet or eating habits, it could be a sign of a possible eating disorder. Talk with your teen to understand their reasons for wanting to become a vegan.

Should my teen start taking vitamin supplements?

Possibly. While most, if not all the nutrients your teen needs can be obtained in a vegan diet, it is sometimes difficult to get as many as they need. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor for advice.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Fish Oil: Schools of Thought

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Is fish oil really beneficial to health or is it just a big fish story? Yes and no. Fish, particularly cold-water fatty fish including salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, among others, contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which play important roles in brain function, normal growth and development and inflammation. Omega-3s may help protect us from cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mood disorders and arthritis.

In fact, the Federal Government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults eat eight or more ounces of fish or shellfish per week; however, some are allergic to seafood others simply hate it. Fish oil supplements are touted to be as beneficial as fresh seafood, but this may be a red herring.

In the United States we spend more than $1 billion annually on fish oil supplements assuming they will defend our hearts, lengthen our lives, and even increase our libidos.

The problem is there’s little research to back fish oil supplement benefits. Several major studies reported no heart disease benefit in men or women—including those with heart disease risk factors—or is there conclusive evidence fish oil supplements reduce instances of macular degeneration or the risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, there is evidence fish oil in large doses may reduce triglycerides and may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Most research surrounding omega-3 supplements is inconclusive, meaning there’s no definitive research proving supplements are completely ineffective, either. Our bodies require omega-3s and don’t produce them on their own, so our diets need to include omega-3s. Fish oil supplements have very few side effects. It’s important those allergic to seafood or taking blood thinners consult a physician before taking fish oil supplements. Otherwise, side effects include foul taste, foul breath and foul-smelling sweat. They also include headache and various digestive issues.

So, yes, omega-3s are an important factor in our overall health, but no, fish oil supplements are not a substitute for a well-rounded lifestyle featuring a balanced diet and regular exercise. Nor are supplements as beneficial as simply eating fish and seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements may help those who refuse to eat any fish at all, and omega-3 is also found in ground flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed, canola and soy oils.

In conclusion, there’s no reason to discount fish oil supplements’ benefits completely, just don’t swallow the hype surrounding them hook, line and sinker!

 

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health; Harvard Health Publishing; AARP

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Veggie mac and cheese

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Watch our video to learn how to make veggie mac and cheese.

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Friendship Lifts Your Heart

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Whether you have one or two good friends or many friends in your circle, there is no denying that friendship is important in your life. You might be surprised to learn that not only do friends improve your quality of life; they might help you live longer too.

 

In a study of 503 women with symptoms of coronary artery disease at the study’s start, those with few personal contacts were more than twice as likely to die over the next two to four years as women with more social ties. In another study conducted by the Centre for Ageing Studies at Flinders University, those who had a large network of friends outlived those with the fewest friends by 22%. And, a study at North Carolina's Duke University of 1,000 people with heart disease found that half those who were unmarried and had no one to confide in died within five years, while 85% of those who were unmarried but had a close friend survived.

 

The data proves the theory, but the question is – how? How can friendship lead to a longer life? It is believed that good friends discourage unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking. The companionship provided by friends may ward off depression, boost self-esteem and provide support. Also, as people age, they may become more selective in their choice of friends, so they spend more time with people they like.

 

Tips on being a good friend

 

· Go easy. You don’t have to spend hours a day connecting with friends. Just be sure to carve out time in your weekly schedule to check in, even if it’s by chatting on the phone or video visits.

· Don’t compete with your friends.

· Adopt a healthy, realistic self-image.

· Adopt a positive outlook.

· Take time to listen carefully to your friends; you may not be able to solve their problems, but you can let them know they are being heard.

· Don’t judge.

· Respect privacy – especially in the age that social media is so prevalent.

 

Tips on how to make new friends

 

We get it – in this day and age, with so many connecting virtually – it can be hard to make new friends. Maybe you’re an introvert who prefers to stay at home more than others. Maybe you’re worried that your attempts to make new friends won’t be successful. Here are a few ways you can add to your friendship circle:

· Volunteer at church, school, hospital or community organization. You’ll soon begin connecting with others who have the same values you do.

· Talk with the friends you do have – when they mention another person’s name, ask about him or her. See if your friend could arrange a brief outing with all three of you.

· Work on your fear (if you have one) of meeting new people. The chances an overture by you to get to know someone better will be welcomed is much higher than you might think.

· Be open-minded when you meet new people. Take the time to get to know someone before you decide he or she wouldn’t be good friend material.

· Use social media to connect with your “friends” – if it’s someone you trust and you would like to know better, message him or her about the possibility of grabbing a cup of coffee sometime. It could be the start of a lasting friendship.

By connecting more regularly with those who mean the most to you, you’ll find your heart – both your emotional and physical one – will be uplifted. And, you can help your friends be uplifted as well.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Good Posture Does More Than Make You Look Taller

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Sit up straight. Don’t slouch. We all heard this as children, and it turns out we should have listened. Here are 10 benefits of practicing good posture.

1. Reduce back pain: Sitting up straight cannot always eliminate back pain, but in many cases, can relieve it.

2. Improve circulation and digestion: Slouching can compress vital organs leading to poor circulation and making it harder for organs to work correctly.

3. Reduce headaches: Bad posture builds pressure in the neck muscles and head. This is often a result of your head leaning forward. Every inch your neck bends forward beyond a neutral position, you create an extra 10 lbs. of weight to support.

4. Increase energy: Sitting up straight can give you more energy? Yes. When your posture is correct, your joints and bones align correctly. So, your muscles do not have to work as hard, resulting in more energy.

5. Decrease stress on joints: Proper posture while sitting and standing reduces stress and wear on joints, which reduces pain.

6. Increase lung capacity: Good posture provides more area for your lungs to expand.

7. Prevent injury during exercise: Keeping your neck in line with your spine and your shoulders back can help prevent muscle strain and injury.

8. Ease tension in your neck and shoulders: Avoiding a head forward position will reduce stress on joints and ligaments.

9. Reduce jaw pain: Pain while talking, yawning, eating or chronic headaches can be caused by poor posture that adds stress to your jaw muscles. Focus on relaxing and loosening your jaw to alleviate this pain.

10. Appear taller, slimmer and more confident: In addition to looking taller and more confident, having good posture will also make you appear slimmer.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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He Snores … And You Can’t Sleep

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

You nudge, you try to move him, you even wake him up to tell him he’s snoring. You’ve tried it all, and nothing seems to work. He’s snoring, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem for him. But his snoring keeps you awake at night. What is going on with his snoring, and what can you both do about it?

 

Mechanics of snoring

You snore when the flow of air from your mouth or nose to your lungs makes the tissues of your throat vibrate when you sleep. This can make a loud, raspy noise. Loud snoring can make it hard for you and your partner to get a good night's sleep.

You may not know that you snore. Your partner may notice the snoring and that you sleep with your mouth open. If snoring keeps you or your partner from getting a good night's sleep, one or both of you may feel tired during the day. Here’s a fun fact: Snoring is more common in men than in women.

 

Indication of serious health issues

Snoring may point to other medical problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be a serious problem, because you stop breathing at times during sleep. So, if you snore often, talk to your doctor about it.

 

What causes snoring?

When you sleep, the muscles in the back of the roof of your mouth (soft palate), tongue and throat relax. If they relax too much, they narrow or block your airway. As you breathe, your soft palate and uvula vibrate and knock against the back of your throat. This causes the sounds you hear during snoring.

The tonsils and adenoids may also vibrate. The narrower the airway is, the more the tissue vibrates, and the louder the snoring is.

 

Making lifestyle changes can help

You may be able to treat snoring by making changes in your lifestyle and in the way you prepare for sleep. For example:

· Lose weight if you are overweight.

· Quit smoking.

· Sleep on your side and not your back.

· Limit your use of alcohol and medicines such as sedatives before you go to bed.

· If a stuffy nose makes your snoring worse, use decongestants or nasal corticosteroid sprays to help you breathe.

· Try using devices that you attach to the outside of your nose to help with breathing while you sleep. These include nasal strips and nasal disks.

· When you sleep, use a device in your mouth that helps you breathe easier. This device pushes your tongue and jaw forward to improve airflow.

 

If these treatments don't work, you may be able to use a machine that helps you breathe while you sleep. This treatment is called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. In rare cases, your doctor may suggest surgery to open your airway.

 

If your partner snores on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to make sure he talks to his doctor about it. Snoring can be annoying, but you want to be sure it’s not a sign of a serious health issue like sleep apnea.

 

Source: Healthwise

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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How a Couch Potato Can Have a Healthy Heart

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Do you hate exercising? Don’t be embarrassed. There are a lot of us that feel that way. Exercising is hard work, takes time, makes you sweaty and can cause soreness when you start.

However, the facts are clear. Exercising is crucial to staying healthy and living a long life. So, think of it this way, a little exercise each week can give you several more years of lounging on the couch.

Solutions, not excuses

Let me guess, you are too busy to exercise? Most studies recommend 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That is only 2 ½ hours out of a 168-hour week. If a few hours a week can add years to your life, surely you can find the time.

Maybe you would rather read or watch TV? Try listening to audiobooks or watching TV while exercising on a treadmill. Just be sure to pay attention to your surroundings. The last thing you want is to get hurt or do something embarrassing that somebody might capture on video and post online.

Perhaps you don’t like going to the gym and don’t want to buy expensive equipment? The good news is you don’t have to. You can achieve moderate-intensity exercise without working out your credit card. A brisk walk, swimming and push mowing grass are examples of moderate-intensity exercise. You can also mix in strength training by doing pushups, pullups and lunges. As you progress, you can purchase inexpensive resistance bands that are small enough to store in a drawer.

Bottom line

Exercising is great for your health. You will feel better and have more energy to stay up and finish binging season seven of your favorite show.

Remember, any exercise is better than none. Mahmoud Farhoud, M.D. who specializes in invasive cardiology at Genesis HealthCare System says, “Start slow and gradually increase. Exercising in small increments throughout the day and week. You should also always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.”

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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The Nose Knows - Aroma Therapy Defined

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

While fragrance has been used for healing purposes for centuries, it was dubbed aromatherapy in the late 30s, thanks to a French chemist. Aromatherapy uses a plant’s aroma-producing oils (essential oils) to treat disease. Oil taken from a plant’s flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind or roots is mixed with another substance, like alcohol, oil or lotion, then sprayed in the air, inhaled or applied to skin. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating. Specialists of aromatherapy use it to help treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions including burns, infections, depression, sleeplessness and high blood pressure.

Sensory Cells Connect to Brain

The ability to smell comes from sensory cells in a small patch of tissue high inside the nose. These cells connect directly to the part of the brain that plays a major role in controlling our memories, behaviors and emotions therefore, how we interpret and respond to smells.

Aromatherapy Defined

Our nose helps us enjoy the aromas of favorite foods or flowers. Aroma, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a distinctive and usually pleasant or mouthwatering smell. Therapeutic is relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by methods to provide or assist in a cure. If it passes your sniff test and you’re considering using aromatherapy, tell your doctor.

Source: HealthWise and NIH

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Aroma Therapy
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Posers Welcome – Yoga for Your Health

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Asana, vinyasa, chaturanga … say what? If you don’t know anything about yoga, learning the terminology alone can be a workout for your mind. Actually, one of the great things about yoga is it exercises your mind and body.

With yoga, you train by stretching and sometimes contorting your body. Remember playing Twister as a kid? This is the grown-up version, only everybody wins. While practicing odd poses with weirder names, you focus on your thoughts and feelings as they happen—a technique sometimes referred to as mindfulness. It teaches you to evaluate and control your emotions, which can decrease stress, anxiety and depression.

You may have been interested in yoga for the increased range of motion, flexibility or the calm it can bring to your mind. However, you may not know that yoga can also relieve back pain and be good for your heart through stress relief.

If you are worried about stretching yourself too thin by starting a new workout, consider several professional athletes from all major sports have adopted yoga into their cross-training routines. The athletes say yoga helps them improve flexibility and focus on their goals. There are even specific yoga poses for runners, golfers, tennis players, basketball players and baseball players.

So, are you ready to get your “om” on? If so, before you start, talk to your doctor about your fitness level and determine where to start. There are multiple levels of yoga to accommodate everyone from a couch potato to a professional athlete.

In case you are still wondering, in yoga, asana means the poses and postures used during yoga. Vinyasa is a type of yoga where you do a series of poses in a row. Chaturanga refers to a specific kind of pose. Sort of like learning a new language, huh?

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Little Changes Can Have Big Impact on Your Health

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

As we age, our bodies need more attention to stay fit. Most of us get busy, and our health becomes a casualty of a long “To Do” list and limited time. It happens. You can’t miss your work event, your child’s project has to be done, your family wants dinner and the laundry doesn’t wash itself. So, what do you do? You skip a workout, opt for a quick unhealthy meal. Before you know it, these exceptions become the routine.

You know the choices you make today impact your long-term health, so you decide to get healthy. You jump into an exercise program and declare you are only going to eat healthy. Then a few days in, your body is so sore you can’t get out of bed, and you really want a pizza instead of cooking a fresh, healthy dinner, and you slip back into your old habits.

How can you break this cycle? “Start small. It is much easier to incorporate little changes one at a time as you work towards healthy habits,” said Avheet Hira, M.D., board-certified psychiatrist for Genesis Behavioral Health.

Tips for making healthy changes

1. Set short- and long-term goals. According to a study from researchers at Chicago Booth, immediate rewards for short-term goals are key motivators for staying on course to achieve long-term goals.

2. Start easy and increase exercise over time. We are not quoting studies on this one, just experience. If you jump right into a hard workout and cannot finish it, you can deflate your motivation. More importantly, you can easily hurt yourself. Take your time and increase workouts as your body grows stronger. Plus, running longer or lifting more as your workout builds will boost your confidence and motivation.

3. Replace one unhealthy item in your diet at a time. This could be drinking water instead of a soda. Having an apple instead of a candy bar. Or replacing takeout with a healthy home-cooked meal. Wonder how much of a difference it can make? Replacing one can of Coke a day with water will save you over 50,000 calories in one year.

4. Celebrate milestones. Staying fit takes work and deserves occasional rewards. If ice cream is your go-to snack, and you give it up for a month, treat yourself to a movie or something else you enjoy.

When you are ready to get healthy, talk to your doctor before starting your exercise routine to make sure it is safe.

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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