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Energy drinks: Do they help …or harm?

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Submitted by aduranplazola on

Energy drinks are beverages that claim to improve energy. Their main ingredient is caffeine. They usually contain sugar, which adds calories. They also may contain guarana plant extract (which is like caffeine), taurine (an amino acid) and vitamins. How much do you know about the benefits and the risks of energy drinks?  

 

Q: Are energy drinks safe for adults? 

A: Energy drinks are usually safe for adults if you drink them in moderate amounts. The main ingredient is caffeine. Consuming less than 400 mg a day of caffeine is considered safe for adults. There is about 95 mg. of caffeine in 8 oz. of brewed coffee. A single energy drink can have as much as 500 mg of caffeine. Caffeine increases energy in adults and fights tiredness. But too much caffeine can make you feel nervous or grouchy. And it can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea and headaches. 

 

Q: Is it okay to drink alcohol and energy drinks at the same time? 

A: Drinking energy drinks and alcohol together may be unsafe. The caffeine in these drinks can make the effects of alcohol harder to notice. People may feel they are not as intoxicated as they really are. Mixing caffeine with alcohol may cause you to drink more. That's because the caffeine may keep you awake longer. 

 

Q: Are energy drinks safe for children and teens? 

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens not drink energy drinks. One reason to avoid them is that the main ingredient is caffeine. It can cause problems in children and teens, including: 

  • Higher blood pressure 

  • Sleep problems 

  • Worsen existing problems, such as an abnormal heartbeat for those with a heart condition or high levels of blood sugar for those with diabetes 

 

The best way for children and teens to improve energy is to eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. 

 

Q: What are some concerns about energy drinks? 

A: There are several:  

  • Too much caffeine. 

  • Other ingredients are sometimes included, such as kola nut or guarana. There has been little research on how these ingredients may affect the body. 

  • Limited regulation. 

Energy drinks may be classified as dietary supplements, which are not as strictly regulated as foods. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the amount of caffeine in sodas, but not in energy drinks. 

Sugar

Energy drinks usually contain sugars, which add to the calories. This could lead to weight gain. The sugars can also lead to dental problems. 

Withdrawal

When your body gets used to a lot of caffeine and then you stop using it, you can get symptoms such as headaches, feeling tired, having trouble concentrating and feeling grouchy. 

Sleep

The caffeine in energy drinks may make it harder to sleep. Some people may feel they need less sleep, due to the stimulation they get from the caffeine. This can lead to not getting enough sleep, which can be harmful to your overall health. 

 

 

 

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.

Energy Drink

Energy drinks are beverages that claim to improve energy.

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Tips to keep picnics safe

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Having backyard cookouts with friends and family is what makes summer fun, but don't forget about handling your food safely to avoid foodborne illness.  

Check out these simple guidelines to ensure food safety when outdoors. 

 

Tip 1: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. 

It's as simple as it sounds. Keep food out of the "Danger Zone" (40 to 140 degrees), where foods can spoil quickly. Keep hot foods in warming trays or to the side of the grill, avoiding direct heat. Store cold foods in ice baths, coolers or the fridge until ready to be served.  

 

Tip 2: Watch the clock.  

Food should not be left out for more than two hours and no longer than one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees. The longer food is left out, the more harmful bacteria can grow and spoil the food.  

  

Tip 3: Cook all meats to the safe, minimum cooking temperature.  

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of meats to ensure they reach their level safe for consumption.  

  • Hamburger, sausage and other ground meats – 160 degrees 

  • Poultry – 165 degrees 

  • Pork, beef cuts, veal and lamb – 145 degrees 

  • Fish – 145 degrees 

 

Tip 4: Keep hands, utensils and work surfaces clean, especially during meal prep.  

Remember to wash your hands, utensils and surfaces with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Also, wash surfaces, utensils and hands between handling and preparing different foods to avoid cross-contamination.  

  

Tip 5: Know the symptoms of food poisoning. 

Food poisoning occurs between 12 to 72 hours after consumption. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and cramps. If symptoms last longer than 72 hours, be sure to seek medical attention. 

  

Tip 6: Put food out in small batches.  

It is a good idea for cold foods to be placed in two separate containers. One can be stored in the fridge while the other is out for serving. Once the first container is empty, grab the second container from the refrigerator for everyone to enjoy.  

  

By following these guidelines, you can be sure to enjoy a fun and safe cookout with family and friends. 

 

 

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.

Safe picnic

Having backyard cookouts with friends and family is what makes summer fun, but don't forget about handling your food safely to avoid foodborne illness.

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(Quiz) From the hip

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” was an iconic catchphrase from a 1989 TV ad. But, for those left helpless from a broken or fractured hip, the situation is no laughing matter. The CDC says a broken hip is one of the most serious fall injuries; it’s a difficult recovery and jeopardizes independent living. How vulnerable or prepared are you to handle a hip injury? 

 

 


 

 

 

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.

Hip Quiz

“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” was an iconic catchphrase from a 1989 TV ad. 

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Visiting Dr. Internet may add to anxiety

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Do you visit “Dr. Internet” every time you get the sniffles or feel a twinge? In other words, do you search online for health symptoms on a regular basis? If you do, you may have a condition called “cyberchondria,” meaning you experience anxiety for your personal wellness caused by health-related online searches.  

 

About 80% of internet users surf the web to answer health questions and self-diagnose when they don’t feel well. Searching the Internet may seem like a good idea because there is so much information at your fingertips. But you don’t want to add stress to your life unnecessarily. 

 

Here are just a few reasons why trying to answer health questions and diagnose any problems without the aid of a doctor can be a problem: 

 

  • There is so much information available online that it can be difficult to sort reliable sources from those that are less reputable. Even when health-related information is reliable, most searchers don’t have a medical background to allow them to know what to do with it, as medical problems tend to be complex. 

  • Recent studies have shown that as many as 9 out of 10 people who used the Internet to self-diagnose were led to information on serious illnesses when they had basic symptoms. 

  • When patients mistakenly believe they have a serious illness based on Internet searches, it can lead to high levels of anxiety that can cause medical problems and lead to unnecessary screenings or diagnostic tests.  

 

“The most important search you can make is finding the right doctor if you don’t already have one,” said Stacey Guan, M.D., Genesis Primary Care. “Your primary care physician will be your partner in your health journey. He or she will serve as your source of credible information specific to your personal health history.” 

 

So don’t stress yourself. Make an appointment to talk with your doctor about what is bothering you. If you can’t stay away from the Internet in the meantime, use credible medical websites like the National Institute of Health to search for signs and symptoms. Then you can have a comprehensive list to take to your doctor.  

 

 

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.

Dr Internet

Do you visit “Dr. Internet” every time you get the sniffles or feel a twinge? In other words, do you search online for health symptoms on a regular basis?

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Raspberry jalapeño chocolates

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

A tasty treat that packs some heat. These little chocolates are free of dairy, egg and gluten. Plus, the dark chocolate contains antioxidants, and may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. 

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Makes 12 chocolates. 

Ingredients  

  • 5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped 
  • ½ fresh jalapeño, seeded and minced fine 
  • ⅓ cup fresh raspberries 
  • 2 tablespoons agave 
  • Chocolate molds (found at craft store) 

 

Directions 

 

In small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate until smooth. Spoon a small amount into each mold, and using a small, new paintbrush, coat the mold completely. Place in refrigerator for 5 minutes or until chocolate has set. Remove from fridge, brushing another layer of chocolate to coat, making a thick layer of chocolate shell. Cool in refrigerator until set.  

 

Meanwhile, mash raspberries together with agave and finely minced jalapeño. Fill each mold with raspberry jalapeño filling, leaving room at the top to seal with more chocolate. Reheat remaining chocolate and fill each mold, covering the filling completely. Tap molds on counter to remove any bubbles, return to refrigerator to set. 

 

Nutritional information (per serving)  

 

  • Serving size one chocolate 
  • Calories 22 
  • Fat 1g 
  • Carbohydrates 3g  
  • Protein 1g 

 

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.

Raspberry jalapeno chocolates

A tasty treat that packs some heat. These little chocolates are free of dairy, egg and gluten.

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Easy on the eyes: How to choose the right sunglasses for you

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Whether your face is oval, heart-shaped or round, the perfect pair of shades can be hard to find. But sunglasses are more than just another fashion accessory – they also provide significant health benefits.  

 

Sunglasses and eye health 

 

Your whole face can quickly show signs of excessive UV (ultraviolet) radiation exposure from the sun, and your eyes and the skin surrounding them are especially susceptible. Sunglasses can help combat your eyes' exposure to harmful rays by reducing the UV radiation and your risk of cataracts (cloudiness of the eye's lens that affects vision) and skin cancers of the eye. 

 

Reducing UV radiation can also reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration, which happens when the macula – the part of the eye we use for sharp vision – becomes damaged, making objects appear blurry, dark or otherwise distorted. Without sunglasses, even those wearing contact lenses with UV protection are still at risk, as the skin around the eyes is still exposed. 

 

Choosing the right pair 

 

The most important thing to look for in a good pair of sunglasses is 100% UV protection. Although it seems intuitive that darker lenses or frames would offer more protection, that's not necessarily the case, because the UV blocker is clear. Sunglasses that wrap around your eyes to the sides of your face can offer even more protection from UV exposure to your eyes. 

 

The lowdown on UV rays 

 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation falls into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVC radiation is fully absorbed by the ozone layer and not as harmful, UVA and UVB radiation make it to the Earth's surface and are more dangerous.  

 

Several factors determine the level of this radiation your eyes are exposed to, including the time of day and weather conditions. Experts say levels are highest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clear, sunny skies allow the most exposure to UV radiation, but even in cloudy weather, UV rays are present.  

 

The most important benefit of wearing sunglasses is they protect your eyes from UV light, so choose a pair that offers you the best protection. 

 

 

 

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.

Choosing sunglasses

Whether your face is oval, heart-shaped or round, the perfect pair of shades can be hard to find.

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Using colors to boost your mood

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Colors result from light vibrating at different frequencies, and their impact is powerful. Here’s a crash course in color psychology and how you can apply it to your life.

 

energy boosting

Red is an energy-boosting, robust and warming color. Given its energetic effects, it’s not a good color choice for a bedroom. Wear red when you want to appear assertive or spontaneous.

 

energy boosting

Yellow stimulates thinking and creativity. Pale yellow is a good color for a classroom, but bright yellow can be over-stimulating. The same goes for wearing yellow: Think ties for men, accessories or shells under a suit for women.

 

energy boosting

Orange aids in the digestive and metabolic processes, making it optimal for a kitchen or restaurant and for promoting socialization. Orange can be difficult to wear because it can make skin appear splotchy; soften it by wearing peach or lighter hues.

 

energy boosting

Green can offer a sense of healing and relaxation to the body. That makes green a good color for bedrooms and spas or for therapists to wear.

 

energy boosting

Blue is a soothing, cooling color that can give a calming effect. It’s another suitable bedroom or living room color. Wear dark blue to appear businesslike, adding pastel blue suggests innocence.

 

energy boosting

Purple has spiritual and artistic associations. If you’re choosing a color where you practice mindfulness, purple can help to evoke thoughtfulness and reflectiveness.

 

Pink

Pink is often considered a color of happiness. It also can be soothing and even provide calming thoughts. Having a bouquet of pink flowers in your office or workspace can help make your day more cheerful.

 

energy boosting

Finally, like green, brown is tied to thoughts of nature. The earthy color is a favorite for men, especially in furniture, carpet and curtains. Also, brown can evoke a sense of comfort and safety, so it can be a good color for a space where you like to relax.

 

 

 

 

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.

Colors

Colors result from light vibrating at different frequencies, and their impact is powerful.

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Hot and Bothered

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion or not interchangeable. They are two different conditions and have two different levels of severity. Do you know the differences?   

 

  1. Which condition is more serious?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

  1. Which condition makes the skin red, hot and dry, even in the armpits?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

  1. Which condition includes symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

  1. Which condition causes confusion, restlessness or anxiety?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

  1. Which condition requires emergency treatment?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

 

The correct answer to all of these is heatstroke. A heatstroke can develop without exertion when a person is exposed to a hot environment and the body is unable to cool itself effectively. This is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical treatment. If you suspect it, call 911 and get the victim out of the heat and cool them down by any means possible. If the patient is conscious and not vomiting, give them fluids to drink.  

 

Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive sweating, which results in depletions of salt and fluid. This leads to low blood pressure, muscle cramps and nausea. It is prevented by staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It can usually be treated quickly and effectively with shade, fluids and rest.  

 

 

 

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.

hot

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion or not interchangeable.

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Are hiccups a nuisance or symptom of something serious?

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

For most people, hiccups are rare and don’t last very long, sort of like having a great hair day. To learn what causes hiccups, likely cures, whether you should be concerned and a little trivia, take our quiz. 

 

 

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.

hiccups

For most people, hiccups are rare and don’t last very long, sort of like having a great hair day. 

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What makes a food super?

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

We’ve always had food – at least some food. So how did it become super? And what are the qualifiers to becoming a superfood, anyway?  

The term superfood loosely originated around World War I as part of a food marketing strategy for bananas. Fast forward 100 years and the term has translated into hype. Let there be hype if the food is healthy.  

The qualifier to make the superfood list is a food offers high levels of nutrients linked to the prevention of a disease or has health benefits beyond its nutritional value. Here are some superfoods on the list, according to the American Heart Association: 

Beans & Legumes 

  • Plant-based source of protein 

  • Provide fiber, magnesium and phytonutrients 

Berries 

  • High level of flavonoids 

  • Can lower risk of heart attack in women 

Dark Leafy Greens 

  • Packed with nutrients, fiber and antioxidants 

  • Low in calories and carbohydrates 

Nuts & Seeds 

  • Provide protein, fiber and unsaturated fats 

  • Best options are unsalted 

Oats 

  • Whole-grain source of dietary fiber 

  • Can lower risk of heart disease stroke and diabetes 

Pumpkin 

  • Provides fiber, potassium and vitamin A 

  • Canned is a convenient, nutrient-loaded choice 

Salmon 

  • Protein 

  • Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Skinless Poultry 

  • Usually leaner than beef 

  • Grilled, roasted or baked 

Yogurt 

  • Provides calcium, protein and vitamin D 

  • Best options are low-fat or fat-free 

 

“Think about creating a super plate,” said Maurine Maneely, Manager, Clinical Nutrition at Genesis Hospital. “One that contains healthy, colorful, flavorful foods. Plant-based foods, like fruits and vegetables and whole grains to promote better health.”  

 

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.


 
Superfoods

We’ve always had food – at least some food. So how did it become super? And what are the qualifiers to becoming a superfood, anyway?  

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