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The sweet pain of inflammation

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Is too much of a good thing bad? Philosophers have pondered this question for centuries. In the case of inflammation, it is absolutely true. Inflammation is how your body fights infection. However, sometimes your body continues to create inflammation without anything to combat. This can become chronic inflammation, and that can cause pain, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, depression and more – all bad things.  

The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your odds of chronic inflammation. According to multiple studies, including a review of the effects of dietary sugar from 2018, eating less sugar can decrease your chance of developing chronic inflammation.  

When you digest sugar, your blood glucose spikes, and your body produces insulin, leading to the creation of inflammatory hormones. If you are consuming too much sugar, your body can create too many inflammatory hormones, and that can lead to chronic inflammation.

However, sugar is not the only thing to avoid. It is generally acknowledged certain types of food can lead to inflammation. Try to avoid refined carbohydrates that include white bread and bakery items, fried foods, soda, red meat and margarine.

The sweetest news is not only can you avoid certain foods to reduce your chances of developing chronic inflammation, you can also eat your way to good health. A Mediterranean diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and healthy oils is widely accepted to decrease inflammation.  

For more tips on dealing with inflammation, talk to your family doctor.

 

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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.

The sweet pain of inflammation

The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your odds of chronic inflammation. 

 

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(Quiz) Is dark chocolate nature’s miracle dessert?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

You have probably heard a rumor that dark chocolate is good for you. You might have even tried it and become bitter because it probably tasted bitter.  

 

The truth is the rumor about dark chocolate having health benefits is more than a rumor. Take our quick quiz to learn more.  

 

 

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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.

Is dark chocolate nature’s miracle dessert?

The truth is the rumor about dark chocolate having health benefits is more than a rumor. Take our quick quiz to learn more.  

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Green skin from jewelry: What is it?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Picture this: You’ve just bought a beautiful new piece of jewelry. You spend the day admiring your ring, necklace or earrings, but when you remove it at the end of the day, you let out a loud groan. Your skin is now a strange green color. We’ve all been there. When your jewelry stains your skin green, it is at best, annoying, and at worst, embarrassing. It’s a common occurrence, but why does it happen? Read on to learn more about this phenomenon.  

 

 

Why is my skin green? Is it dangerous? 

 

Your skin turns because of a chemical reaction from the metal in your jewelry and the sweat on your skin. It can also be caused by your lotion or soap as well. According to Nebraska Medicine, it’s not dangerous, so don’t worry. 

 

 

What kind of jewelry will turn my skin green? 

 

We’re often told that “cheap” jewelry is the culprit of the green discoloration. The truth is that the price point of your gems isn’t the real issue. Typically, green skin from jewelry is caused by copper. Whether your jewelry is completely copper, or just has copper mixed in the metals, it can react with your sweat, lotion or soap and leave your skin green. Copper isn’t always to blame though. Certain silver jewelry can also have this effect. 

 

 

How can I get rid of it? 

 

Typically, you can remove the discoloration with soap and water. If that doesn’t seem to work, you can use alcohol remover. 

 

 

Is there a way to prevent it? 

 

You can opt for jewelry that doesn’t have copper in it. Another trick is to cover the offending jewelry with clear nail polish. This will create a barrier between the metal and your skin and prevent any unwanted interactions, keeping your skin stain-free.  

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletter to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to 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.

Green skin from jewelry: What is it?

When your jewelry stains your skin green, it is at best, annoying, and at worst, embarrassing. It’s a common occurrence, but why does it happen? Read on to learn more about this phenomenon.  

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Succeeding with ADHD as an adult

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Most people know ADHD (Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common adolescent challenge. According to a report published in 2021 on the National Library of Medicine website, 8.7% of children ages 3-17 years old deal with it. Although it is often believed people grow out of the disease as they age, the National Institute of Mental Health shares data that 8.1% of adults ages 18-44 years deal with the disorder. 

 

As with most things, understanding you may be dealing with ADHD as an adult is the first step to success.  

 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of adult ADHD challenges include: 

  • Focusing on work that results in unnecessary mistakes. 

  • Focusing on tasks that take a long time, including paying attention in long meetings or concentrating on reviewing a long report. 

  • Listening when someone is talking. 

  • Organizing and managing time. 

  • Participating in quiet activities. 

  • Interrupting others. 

 

If you are looking for natural ways to deal with ADHD, try these tips from Harvard Health: 

  • Stay organized – a messy office or room is easily distracting. 

  • Make lists – write down what you need to accomplish, label each task by priority and then stick to it. 

  • Position yourself to focus – remove distractions from your workspace and ensure you have everything you need to complete a task. Getting up to get an item from another room while working can make it hard to return to what you need to do. 

  • Avoid multi-tasking – it makes it harder to focus and complete a task. 

 

If you think the symptoms above describe you, in addition to trying the natural remedies, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss them. Even if you were never diagnosed as a child, it does not mean you do not have ADHD. However, the symptoms above can also be signs of other disorders or medication side effects that your doctor can help with. Until you know what is causing your problems, it is much harder to get better. 

 

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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.

Succeeding with ADHD as an adult

As with most things, understanding you may be dealing with ADHD as an adult is the first step to success.  

 

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Your body is the only workout equipment you need

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Gym memberships and home gyms are typically expensive and usually either take a while to get there or take up a lot of space in your home. However, exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy and live a longer and happier life. So, what do you do? Find a decent pair of shoes, a space with room to move, maybe your basement, backyard, park or wherever and use your body-weight to get fit.  

 

Before challenging your body, challenge your mind to learn more about body-weight exercises. 

 

Do you want more body-weight exercises? Visit the National Academy of Sports Medicine for nine exercises and step-by-step on instructions on how to perform them.  

 

Before starting a body-weight workout program, talk to your family doctor to make sure you are in good enough shape to start and for tips.  

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletter to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to 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.

Your body is the only workout equipment you need

Before challenging your body, challenge your mind to learn more about body-weight exercises. 

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(Quiz) How to naturally lower your cholesterol

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Maybe you just came from the doctor’s office and learned your cholesterol is too high. Maybe you want to avoid hearing those words from your doctor. Either way, take our quiz to learn more about cholesterol and tips to lower it naturally. 

 

 

Eating healthy is a great way to lower cholesterol naturally. However, sometimes our bodies need a little help, and there are medications to assist you when needed. If you have high cholesterol or want to prevent it, please talk to your family doctor about the best plan of action for you. 

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletter to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to 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.

Maybe you just came from the doctor’s office and learned your cholesterol is too high. Maybe you want to avoid hearing those words from your doctor. Either way, take our quiz to learn more about cholesterol and tips to lower it naturally. 

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Can you boost your immune system?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

From the sniffles to the flu, being sick is no fun. Thankfully, our immune system is constantly working to keep us healthy. Are there things we can do to make our immune system stronger? Sadly, the answer is unclear. Research has struggled to consistently find evidence that says we can.  

 

However, even after acknowledging the inconclusive research, Harvard Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have similar recommendations for helping your immune system perform at its highest level.  

 

Top recommendations for supporting your immune system include: 

  • Eat a healthy diet – a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide you with the vitamins and minerals needed to keep you healthy. According to Harvard Health, the recommended amount is two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables a day. 

  • Exercise – You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Not a fan? Then read our blog on How a couch potato can have a healthy heart for tips and reasons to get moving. 

  • Get enough sleep – Typically, adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night. To learn multiple benefits of getting enough sleep and sleep recommendations by age, read our Sleep matters blog. 

  • Avoid drinking alcohol or do so in moderation – Certain groups of people should never drink based on health factors. However, according to the CDC, if you are going to drink, women should have one drink or less a day, and men should have two drinks a day or less. 

  • Don’t smoke – Smoking is bad for you. Period. To learn a few ways smoking negatively impacts your health, take our Health of effects of smoking quiz. 

  • Maintain a healthy weight – According to the CDC, obesity leads to your immune system not working at its strongest capacity. For more information on a healthy body weight, visit this page on the CDC website. 

If you are following these guidelines and still struggle to stay healthy, talk to your family doctor to find out if there is an underlying cause.  

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletter to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to 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.

Can you boost your immune system?

From the sniffles to the flu, being sick is no fun. Thankfully, our immune system is constantly working to keep us healthy. Are there things we can do to make our immune system stronger? Sadly, the answer is unclear. Research has struggled to consistently find evidence that says we can.  

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Take the plunge

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Have you heard of cold plunges? It’s just what it sounds like – jumping into icy water (anywhere from 39 to 59 degrees). It’s another, more intense form of cold therapy.  

 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, cold therapy is used to reduce swelling and sensitivity to pain. When you have a sprained ankle, you typically apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation. A cold plunge is like covering your entire body with an ice pack. It’s not just for professional athletes and celebrities. Many people are starting to take the plunge at home. 

 

There are many reported benefits to bathing in icy water. In a 2020 study, people who swam in cold water had higher wellbeing and health than those who did not.  

 

Other reported benefits of cold plunging include: 

  • Reduced stress and anxiety 

  • Improved mood 

  • Boosted immune system 

  • Increased circulation 

 

With both physical and mental advantages, you may be tempted to dip your toe in. While you can invest in a pool specifically for plunging, your bathtub works the same. There are some risks associated with cold plunging, so definitely have a conversation with your doctor before you take the plunge.  

 

Tips for cold plunging: 

  • Get your doctor’s approval 

  • Start slow and gradually add more time 

  • Have someone with you 

  • Warm up slowly so you don’t shock your system 

If you are still hesitant to jump in, you can start with cold showers. Taking a cold shower has many of the same benefits.  

 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletter to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to 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.

Take the plunge

Have you heard of cold plunges? It’s just what it sounds like – jumping into icy water (anywhere from 39 to 59 degrees). It’s another, more intense form of cold therapy.

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5 hair care tips to add to your routine

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Struggling with dry, damaged hair? The root of your problem may grow from your haircare habits. Whether you have coily, wavy, curly or straight hair, there are things you can add to your weekly routine to keep your hair healthy and shining. 

 

Condition

washing hair in shower

No matter how often you wash your hair, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) says you should always pair your shampoo with conditioner. Conditioners can improve the look of dry, damaged hair and protect it against static electricity and UV rays. Conditioner should only be used on the tips of hair.  

 

Avoid heat

woman holding straightener with distressed look

Products that produce heat, like curling irons and straighteners, cause damage to your hair. Instead of using these products every day, opt for a couple of times a week. When you do use them, be sure to turn to the lower heat setting and use a heat protectant spray. 

 

Oil massage

coconut oil

Massaging oil, particularly coconut oil, in your hair once a week provides many benefits. A 2015 study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that oiling your hair can help prevent breakage. For more tips on how to use coconut oil on your hair, read this blog. 

 

Wear a hat in the sun

woman wearing a hat

We know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun, but we should protect our hair too. Wearing a hat in the sun protects our hair from getting dry and damaged.  

 

Wear your hair down 

5 hair care tips to add to your routine

When you can, opt to let your hair down. Constantly pulling it up in buns and ponytails can cause damage to your hair follicles. Over time, AAD says this can lead to hair loss. Keep your hair a cut above with these tips. 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletter to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to 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.

5 hair care tips to add to your routine

Struggling with dry, damaged hair? The root of your problem may grow from your haircare habits. Whether you have coily, wavy, curly or straight hair, there are things you can add to your weekly routine to keep your hair healthy and shining. 

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Four natural ways to reduce high blood pressure

Submitted by emily.griffin on

High scores are awesome at bowling, video games and batting averages.  

 

High scores are not awesome when it comes to your blood pressure.  

 

High blood pressure is much more serious than a game. Therefore, it is vital to know your numbers and do what is necessary to keep them in a safe range.  

 

Medication is a great solution and is sometimes necessary to lower blood pressure. However, there are natural ways to reduce and prevent high blood pressure. Let’s get started. 

 

Exercise

 

We know it is recommended for almost everything, but there is a reason. According to a study on Harvard Health, exercise can reduce your high blood pressure by 10 points. Adults should strive for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five times per week for health benefits. 

 

Healthy foods

 

Eating healthy foods is another way to lower your blood pressure naturally. The National Council on Aging recommends ten foods to naturally combat high blood pressure. Unsweetened yogurt tops the list, followed by berries and beets. According to a study on the AHA Journal website, the Mediterranean Diet, which features fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, among other foods, has been shown to lower blood pressure.  

 

Foods that typically contribute to high blood pressure include fatty and processed meats, salted snacks like pretzels and potato chips, canned soups and vegetables, butter and ketchup, to name a few.  

 

Quality sleep

 

Another factor leading to high blood pressure is a lack of quality of sleep. To learn the many ways sleep impacts our health, read our Sleep Matters blog. For tips to sleep better naturally, try our Natural Sleep Remedies blog. 

 

Reduce stress

 

A fourth way to naturally reduce your blood pressure is to reduce stress. To learn more about reducing stress, you can read any of our many blogs about it. Why are there so many blogs on reducing stress? Because so many of us are stressed, and it harms our health. We recommend Posers Welcome – Yoga for Beginners, Reduce Anxiety – Challenge Your Thoughts and Knock, Knock. Who’s there? Good Health. 

 

Regardless of your approach, remember that high blood pressure is known as the silent killer. It is important to know your numbers and talk to your doctor about the best approach for you. 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletter to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to 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.

Four natural ways to reduce high blood pressure

Medication is a great solution and is sometimes necessary to lower blood pressure. However, there are natural ways to reduce and prevent high blood pressure. Let’s get started. 

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