January, 2023

Food Safety 101

Foodborne illnesses affect many people every year. Food poisoning can occur when foods are improperly cooked, handled or stored. Bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxins can cause food contamination. You can keep friends and family safe from food poisoning by following simple precautions. Keep a clean kitchen Cleanliness is key to preventing food poisoning. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling food. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water to remove dirt and ...

Jumpstart the New Year

A new year brings new opportunities. For many, it's a chance to improve some aspect of our daily lives and perhaps discover a little more joy. Maybe starting fresh appeals to you. If so, here are some ideas you may be inspired to try. Declutter your space and your mind Like most people, you've accumulated stuff that no longer serves you or brings you joy. From unworn clothes to stacks of magazines, letting go of excess things does more than just tidy up your space. It may boost your mental well-...

Fewer Sweets, More Sweetness

Chocolate kisses, chocolate covered strawberries, and candy hearts. Valentine's Day may mean time with your sweetheart, but for many people, it also means a candy overload. As the bacteria in your mouth snacks on all that sugar, it creates a cavity-causing acid. This is a good time of year to cut back on the sweets and find some fun, healthy ways to celebrate. These five Valentine's Day surprises will up the fun factor and make everyone smile: 1. Send a fruity message to the class. With a felt-t...

Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Over-the-counter hearing aids have recently become available to patients who suffer from mild to moderate perceived hearing loss. The availability of these devices might seem like a convenient alternative to prescription hearing aids, but they lack a number of benefits that could greatly enhance the quality of life for hearing-impaired patients. Over-the-counter hearing aids are designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution. That will fall short for many patients, because no two hearing pr...

How to spot the signs of RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus RSV is so common that nearly all children have had it by their second birthday. But what is RSV? And why is it important to recognize when your child has RSV—especially RSV that may be getting worse? RSV is a cold-like illness that affects the lungs, nose and throat. Most kids who get RSV recover on their own in a week or two. But young children with RSV can sometimes get very sick. They may get bronchiolitis inflammation of the small airways in the lungs or pne...

Make time for yourself

From family obligations to work responsibilities, chances are you have a lot on your plate. But one thing you can't afford to skimp on is self-care. We're talking about taking time for yourself to engage in habits that help you live and feel your best. What follows are a few good ways to be good to your body and your mind. Keep in mind that many of these tips can help improve both your physical and your mental health. For your body Eat healthy foods. Along with giving you energy to focus, good n...