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Liver and why we need liver

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

The liver is a vital organ in the human body, and it must be cared for through our diet and exercise.  

An animal’s liver, as a table food, is crazy loaded with nutrients and is one of the least popular menu items. Something has got to give.  

Humans’ liver functions 

Weighing in at about 3.1 pounds in adults, the liver is one of the largest organs in the body. The liver plays a central role in total body function. It converts the nutrients in our diets into substances that the body can use, stores these substances and supplies cells with them when needed. It also takes toxic substances and converts them into harmless substances or makes sure they are released from the body. The liver has many vital functions, including helping to digest food and process and distribute nutrients. A healthy liver is necessary for survival. Help your liver by limiting fatty foods, maintaining a healthy weight and if you drink alcohol, do it in moderation. 

Animals’ (or fowls’) liver for consumption  

Skip to the next paragraph if you order liver and onions or foie gras. If you do not, and would not, order animal liver of any kind, reconsider. Liver contains vitamins A, D, E, K, B12 and folic acid, and minerals such as copper and iron. These nutrients provide the body with tools to get rid of toxins to aid the function of your liver.  

If the thought of eating liver in the same way you would eat a steak is too unpalatable, try disguising it. According to the website Back to the Book Nutrition, when sneaking liver into recipes, the keys are:  

  • Puree the liver first. Freeze the pureed meat in small portions for easy defrosting. 

  • Add it to recipes that have lots of flavor on their own, like chili, lasagna or a dish that includes bacon, to help hide the texture and taste of liver.  

When served on its own, liver commonly comes with onions. Let’s agree that onions can mask the taste of anything. 

 

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.

An animal’s liver, as a table food, is crazy loaded with nutrients and is one of the least popular menu items. Something has got to give.  

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How much do you know about body piercing safety?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

You’ve been admiring your friend’s earrings and decided it’s time to get your own. One problem: how can you do it safely? It’s important to know how to be safe when getting your ears, nose or other body part pierced. Use this quiz to test your knowledge and see how much you know about piercing safety. 

 

 

 

To learn more about piercing safety, visit the Association of Professional Piercers at safepiercing.org. Happy piercing. 

 

 

 

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.

Woman getting her ear professionally pierced for jewelry

Use this quiz to test your knowledge and see how much you know about piercing safety. 

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Don’t let food allergies make you sick

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

What you don’t know about your food can hurt you 

A food allergy is an abnormal reaction by the immune system to specific proteins in certain foods. Most food allergies are triggered by:  

  • Peanuts 
  • Tree Nuts 
  • Soy 
  • Shellfish 
  • Fish 
  • Milk 
  • Eggs 
  • Wheat 

Common symptoms include: 

  • Itching or tingling in the mouth 
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing 
  • Hives 
  • Eczema 
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face 
  • Diarrhea or vomiting 
  • Dizziness or fainting 

 

Risk factors: 

If you suffer from certain allergies, such as hay fever, you may also have allergies to certain foods. This is known as cross-reactivity. 

For example, if you are allergic to birch pollen, you may also have allergic reactions to apples, carrots, peaches and pears, because they contain similar pollens. Often, cooking these foods will eliminate any reactions. 

You may also be at an increased risk for food allergies if you have a family history of asthma, eczema, hives or allergies such as hay fever. 

Additionally, asthma and food allergies commonly present together, and when they do, the symptoms for both are likely to be more severe. 

Click to Download PDF of "You Make Me Sick" 

 

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.

Man clenching stomach in pain with milk in hand

What you don’t know about your food can hurt you. Learn about food allergies, what triggers them, common symptoms, and risk factors.

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Red hot chili peppers (can help you live longer)

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Even if it makes your nose run and your face burn, spicy food can still be delicious. It can have health benefits, too, even if the pain would suggest otherwise. 

Why spice? 

The compound capsaicin puts the “hot” in hot peppers. It is also spice’s primary source of health benefits. According to the University of Chicago, capsaicin benefits multiple areas of your body. 

The studied benefits of capsaicin 

  • Can have a positive effect on the microbiome of healthy bacteria living in your gut 
  • Curb acid production in the stomach and helps prevent ulcers 
  • Boost the body’s ability to burn fat and use energy 
  • Help you feel full sooner 
  • Reduce the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes 
  • Help you live longer when eaten 6-7 times a week 

 

Take care in your spice-eating endeavors 

While spicy food can have benefits, be careful not to overdo it. Foods that are too spicy can cause abdominal pain. If you don’t eat a lot of spicy food, start small and work your way up. Red chili pepper flakes in your pasta are a better start than eating whole ghost peppers. Dairy products are a good way to help subdue the effects of spices that are too hot to handle. 

Whether you already love to drown your food in hot sauce or you are just getting started on your spice journey, you can feel good knowing that you might just be doing your body a favor. 

 

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.

woman eating red hot chili pepper

Even if it makes your nose run and your face burn, spicy food can still be delicious. It can have health benefits, too, even if the pain would suggest otherwise. 

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Weighing in on zero-calorie drinks

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Weighing in on zero-calorie drinks. Do benefits sound too sweet to be true? 

To cut calories, many people switch to sipping on zero-calorie beverages. More than a quick trend, this phenomenon changes consumer markets and impacts personal health. In fact, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey says 28% of US adults now drink no/low-calorie sweet drinks daily. Are the benefits of drinking zero-calorie drinks too sweet to be true? Will cutting out the calories really cut down our weight? 

Turns out, the answers aren’t cut and dry – they’re more mixed and bubbly, like many of the beverages themselves.  

Beverage companies make low-to-no calorie thirst-quenchers by knocking sugar from the ingredient list. Instead, calorie free artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, cyclamates and saccharin enhance the drinks. While decreasing sugar consumption is a great idea, the new artificial sweetening ingredients may come with their own sour effects. For example, researchers in Europe investigated 56 studies examining artificial sweeteners’ link with cancers, kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, mood and brain function, blood sugar, oral health and more. Unfortunately, after exhaustive analysis, the researchers lacked conclusive results and recommend further, long-term studies. 

Could zero calories now add up to big calories later?

Another worry is that artificially sweetened drinks stir up cravings for more sweetness. For example, a 2021 study found women and people with obesity experienced an increase in cravings and appetite-stimulating effects after consuming sugar substitutes. Interestingly, men and people with healthy weights didn’t react the same. Research on this finding continues to roll forth to discover if zero calorie sodas leads to consuming other foods and drinks, thereby increasing weight.  

Tipping the scales (in a good way!) with a soda switch.  

For individuals who drink large amounts of sodas, the zero-calorie alternative offers a big draw. Consider a person who drinks two 12-ounce cans of regular soda at 140 calories per can a day. By switching to a zero-calorie beverage, the person would drink 8,400 fewer calories during a month’s time – and that’s enough to lose nearly 2.5 lbs. Mathematically, the benefits add up.  

 

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.

woman drinking soda

To cut calories, many people switch to sipping on zero-calorie beverages. More than a quick trend, this phenomenon changes consumer markets and impacts personal health.

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Save your skin - Q&A

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? It covers approximately 22 square feet. It also accounts for about 16% of your body weight. It’s understandable then, that when you have dry skin, you can feel miserable. 

How much do you know about dry skin and what you can do to prevent it? Follow these questions and answers to learn how to save your skin. 

 

Q: Does dry skin only happen to older people? 

A: Dry skin is a common problem that can occur at any age.  

 

Q: How do I know if I have dry skin? 

A: Your skin may be rough, scaly or flaky, and it may itch. 

 

Q: What causes dry skin? 

A: There are many causes. As you age, your skin produces less of the natural oil that helps your skin keep its moisture. Dry, indoor air can cause your skin to become dry, as well as living in climates with low humidity. Indoor heating or air conditioning can dry out the air inside your home. Bathing too often may also dry your skin, especially if you use hot water for your baths or showers. 

 

Q: How can I treat dry skin? 

A: There are several things you can do to treat dry skin: 

  • Moisturize – Look for a moisturizer that is a skin barrier repair moisturizer. 
  • Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly at night and wear thin cotton gloves to bed. 
  • If dry, brittle nails are a problem, use lotion on your nails as well. 
  • Avoid scratching, which can damage the skin.  

 

Q: What can do I do about my skin itching? 

A: Try the following: 

  • Keep the itchy area well moisturized. Dry skin may make itching worse. 
  • Add a handful of oatmeal (ground to a powder) to your bath, or you can try an oatmeal bath product. 
  • Try a nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream for small, itchy areas. 
  • If itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger cream. 
  • Cut your nails short or wear gloves at night to prevent scratching. 
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Avoid scratchy fabrics next to your skin. 

 

Q: How can I prevent dry skin? 

A: Practice good skin hygiene to keep your skin healthy. Here are some tips: 

  • Shower or bathe in lukewarm or warm water. 
  • Don't shower too often – just when you're dirty or sweaty, or no more than once a day. 
  • Wash your skin gently rather than scrubbing it. 
  • Use a mild skin cleanser instead of soap. 
  • Pat your skin dry after a bath or shower. 
  • Apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp, as well as several times a day. 
  • Consider using a humidifier if the air inside your home is very dry. 
  • Protect your lips with a lip balm that contains petroleum jelly or mineral oil. 

 

Q: I’ve tried a lot of remedies for dry skin, and none have helped. What do I do now? 

A: Talk with your primary care physician or dermatologist for help with severe dry skin. 

 

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.

save your skin

How much do you know about dry skin and what you can do to prevent it? Follow these questions and answers to learn how to save your skin. 

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Smoking does more than cause lung cancer

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

We all know smoking causes lung cancer and that alone should be enough to encourage you to not start or quit smoking. However, do you know how else smoking impacts your health? 

 

The good news is that even if you have smoked before, quitting can stop further damage and even allow your body to heal certain things that have been harmed by cigarettes. If you are ready to quit, don’t think you have to do it alone. There are numerous resources in most communities. And there is no reason today can’t be the day you start improving your health by quitting smoking. The Genesis Tobacco Treatment Program offers tailored treatment plans and goal setting to help you quit successfully. Click here to listen to a 10-minute episode from the "Sounds of Good Health with Genesis" podcast on best practices for giving up tobacco. 

 

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.

Smoking Does More than Cause Lung Cancer

Do you know how smoking impacts your health? Take our quiz to learn more. 

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Seven Ways to Prevent Childhood Obesity

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

The U.S. childhood obesity rates have more than doubled during the past three decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The advantage of confronting obesity at an early age is that it’s still possible for your child to get things under control.  

Here are 7 tips for helping your kids maintain a healthy weight throughout their childhood. 

children enjoying apples at a picnic table

1. Empower your kids. Teach them about healthy food choices but emphasize the choice aspect of the process. Encourage them to pick out their own snacks, learn to change their behavior and make smart decisions.

2. Consider breastfeeding. Babies who are breast fed are less likely to be obese because they learn to stop eating when they’re full, rather than being guided by the number of ounces left in a bottle. Talk to your doctor about whether that’s an option for your infant.

Baby being held by mother

Kid eating from a plate

3. Give up on the clean plate. For many kids, the issue isn’t just what they eat but the amount. Encourage good portion control behavior by allowing kids to stop eating when they are full, rather than making them eat everything on the plate.

4. Model good behavior. Kids will want to eat junk if they see Mom and Dad eat junk. Kids will want to eat healthier if they see Mom and Dad eat healthier. 

family eating healthy together

kids playing on playground

5. Rethink rewards. Instead of praise with candy or treats offer a trip to the playground, swimming pool or an active outing as a reward. Not only does it curb the sweets, but it gets everyone doing something together.

6. Reduce screen time. The average U.S. child is in front of some type of screen as much as seven hours a day.

brothers watching tv together

girl drinking water bottle

7. Make small changes. Choose whole-wheat crust instead of white crust on your family’s pizza. Those kinds of small changes can add up over time. Water instead of juice or soda are another easy switch.

 

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.

family eating healthy together

Here are 7 tips for helping your kids maintain a healthy weight throughout their childhood. 

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Gut check your digestive system

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Are digestive problems leaving you with tummy troubles? Everyone gets a stomachache occasionally, but there are several organs in your digestive system that can cause abdominal pain. Digestive issues can be troublesome, causing a growing number of doctor’s visits and hospitalizations for Americans.   

Your gut plays an important role in your overall wellness. Your colon and intestines host bacteria called microflora, which vary from person to person based on infant nutrition, use of antibiotics, age and diet. It may sound strange that your gut has bacteria, but microflora is incredibly important to your health as a basic part of your immune system. They also aid the absorption of minerals into your body.  

It’s important that you have the correct balance of bacteria in your gut. An imbalance in these bacteria can cause issues like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis and even colon cancer. Clinical studies have shown that certain food products, called probiotics, can stimulate growth of your microflora and may help keep them in balance. That leaves you with a healthier digestive system. 

How to have healthy gut habits 

Choose food-based probiotics. Probiotics are the good bacteria found in many fermented foods and supplements. Several yogurts contain probiotics that can boost your good gut bacteria and reduce your bad bacteria. 

Eat prebiotics. Prebiotics contain non-digestible carbohydrates that feed probiotics and have been linked to a reduction in fat storage and irritable bowel syndrome. Prebiotics are found in whole grains, bananas, garlic, onions, honey, asparagus and artichokes. 

Skip the fatty foods. Some fats can increase your levels of bad bacteria and even damage the gut lining.   

Stop stressing. Stress can change your gut flora, reducing your good bacteria. It can also create negative changes in how your immune system functions. For a happy gut and a healthier you, figure out what has you stressing and start taking steps to eliminate your stressors. 

Checking your gut is a good idea 

There are several digestive problems that can keep you feeling down and out. Many digestive issues are controllable while others have a genetic component. Some are more minor disorders while others can have a significant impact on the quality of life.  

If you are experiencing stomach pain, bloating, gas, heartburn or any other stomach problems, talk to your doctor to find the cause and best course of action. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist – a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases – to diagnose and treat your condition. 

 

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.

Gut check your digestive system

There are several digestive problems that can keep you feeling down and out. Many digestive issues are controllable while others have a genetic component.

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A natural way to combat seasonal depression

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Feeling down? An extra dose of natural light may help brighten your mood, especially if you’re one of the millions of people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 

The disorder, a seasonal form of depression, can occur at any time of year but is more common in the winter when natural light levels are lower. “SAD symptoms are similar to those of other depressive illnesses, including sleeping and eating more than usual, feeling “down” most of the time and irritability,” said Christina Parr, Director of Genesis Behavioral Health Services. “Women in their childbearing years tend to suffer from SAD more often than men, but even those who don’t have full-blown SAD may experience lower levels of energy when the nights get longer and the temperatures dip.”   

Fortunately, there are ways to combat those symptoms by taking advantage of existing natural light. 

Plan ahead 

If you suffer from SAD, the most important thing is to be proactive. Experts recommend talking to your healthcare professional about creating a seasonal plan of attack. 

Let there be light 

Because SAD kicks in when access to natural light is limited, try to look for ways to get that extra sunlight. Read a book by a window or open the curtains a little wider when there is sun to try to get any amount you can. If it is cold outside, take a drive to get out and about in whatever sun is available.  

Exercise, eat well 

Exercising more in natural light and eating healthy can have a huge impact on seasonal depression. Exercise at noon when the outdoor light is brightest. Even if that is a simple walk during your lunch hour, the exposure to light and the endorphin boost from exercising will help alleviate SAD symptoms. 

Since another symptom of SAD is craving carbohydrates, be on the lookout for overeating to prevent weight gain. It can be challenging to lose SAD-related weight after the season changes and your other symptoms are relieved. 

Seeing the light 

Here are some easy ways to add more natural light to your day: 

  • Spend as much time as possible outside, especially on sunny days. 
  • Sit close to outside windows at home and work.  
  • Keep your home as bright as possible using window treatments that let in light and trim foliage that blocks light.  
  • If possible, take a vacation to a sunny locale.

 

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.

A Natural Way to Combat Seasonal Depression

Feeling down? An extra dose of natural light may help brighten your mood, especially if you’re one of the millions of people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

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