We may know that cholesterol is related to heart disease and that it can build up in our arteries. But where does it come from, how can we lower it, and when should we consider medication? Where does cholesterol come from? Our bodies make cholesterol in a tightly-controlled process that is influenced by genetics. Cholesterol […]
Tricks to a Healthier Halloween!
Happy Halloween! If you’re feeling a little anxious about how to navigate this candy-filled holiday, you’re not alone. Parents in particular may feel a little stressed. They want their children to avoid the same mistakes they made, and Halloween seems like a particularly good time to impart some wisdom. Maybe the holiday gives flashbacks of […]
Dropping the Pills
One of the negative effects of obesity and its related diseases is the need for most sufferers to take many, if not dozens, of pills each day to manage various conditions including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type II diabetes. These pills are often necessary, and even life-saving. Of course, every medicine also has […]
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
View a printable version of this blog post here. Why do my periods hurt so much? During your period, your uterus makes chemicals called “prostaglandins”. Prostaglandins cause contractions of the uterus, which causes pain. These contractions are similar to the ones that happen during childbirth and can be very painful. They may begin 1-2 days […]
A Healthy Weight and Body Image for Teenage Girls
As a parent, you may be noticing unhealthy changes in your teenage daughter’s weight and you worry about the effects on her health and body image. While your daughter might feel upset or worried about her weight, it’s important for parents to address it but in a sensitive way that focuses on your teenage daughter’s […]
Plan a Healthier Trip to the State Fair This Year!
Planning a trip to the State Fair? Think you need a day off to recover from the food? Visit the State Fair’s Food & Ride Finder to plan your day and find a little balance. You can access a complete vendor list to choose the treats you’re most looking forward to trying. It’s also a […]
My Milk Bank Donor Story: Melissa Miller
Although I had taken a birthing class and previously delivered at WakeMed, I had no idea the Mothers’ Milk Bank was there, let alone that it provided much-needed breast milk to so many NICU babies. On November 7th, 2017 that changed. At 39 weeks gestation, during the early stages of labor, my daughter’s heart stopped […]
Get SMART About Goal Setting
Once you have committed to what you want to achieve, no matter what area of your life, the next step is to set a goal. Goal setting helps you to concentrate on your efforts and keeps you motivated. If previous health and wellness goals have left you discouraged or frustrated, try setting S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Realistic, […]
Healthier Versions of Your Favorite Recipes
With baking season right around the corner, it is inevitable that sweet treats high in calories, added sugars and saturated fats will abound. If you are on the receiving end, these baked goodies can be enjoyed as part of a well-balanced diet by keeping portion sizes in check. Otherwise, try the following tips at home […]
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. In 2016 alone, nearly 45,000 individuals died by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. Suicide Risk Factors Risk […]
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