As 2016 nears its end and a new year is at our doorstep, we thought it was a good time to look back at some of our most popular blog posts of the year and provide a quick summary (and some good reading) if you happened to miss them.
Wishing you and your family good health in 2017 and beyond!
#1: How Much Sleep Do You Need?
And are we getting it? For most Americans, the answer is unfortunately “not enough.” Even if we think we’re getting enough sleep, in actuality we may not be because our “sleep efficiency” pulls us below the needed level. As a good night’s sleep is a key contributor to good health, Dr. Karim Awad explains how much sleep you need, how to calculate how close you are (or are not) to that ideal, and provides some tips and resources to help you improve your sleep.
#2: Should You Use Heat or Ice on an Injury?
This is one of those “it depends” responses, because the type of injury you’ve experienced will determine which you should use (and hint: some injuries can do better with both!) In this blog, Paul Tobio, PTA, MBA describes the physiological and therapeutic benefits of both heat and ice to help you decide which one might be most effective to use.
The fact that men and women are different isn’t exactly news. But did you know that there are significant variances among the sexes even when it comes to sleep? Studies are only now understanding why gender matters when it comes to sleep – and it’s more than just early birds versus night owls.
#4: What Might Your Cold Hands Really Mean?
Do you dread shaking hands with people because your hands are always cold? Have your fingers or toes ever turned white or blue? If so, you may have a condition known as Raynaud’s. In this blog post, Dr. Jennifer Russo explains the causes, types, symptoms and treatments.
#5: A Look at the New Dietary Guidelines
Every five years, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) update guidelines that provide recommendations on nutrition to help adults and children ages 2+ consume a healthy, nutritionally acceptable diet. Learn about the five principles that the 2015-2020 guidelines outline for you and your family to be healthier.
#6: Cholesterol: the Good, the Bad, and Staying Healthy
Cholesterol. It’s a word frequently associated with health issues like heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes. Although cholesterol gets a pretty bad rap, our bodies produce it naturally. Of course, when it comes to something as delicate as the human body, too much or too little of anything can be cause for concern. Dr. David Rubin explains what cholesterol is, what the different types of cholesterol are, what the numbers mean, and shares some resources for getting your cholesterol – and your health – on the right track.
#7: 5 Things You Should Know About New Motherhood
In her very warm, honest and practical way, Melissa DuBois, OB/GYN nurse and mother, shares her thoughts and helpful hints about the realities of being a new mother. She offers great advice for moms-to-be at any stage of readiness for the arrival of the newest family member.
#8: The DIY Vaccine: Hand Washing
We are in that season where influenza, norovirus, and (seemingly) a million other viruses are lurking at every turn. One of the simplest ways to protect yourself from getting sick is proper hand washing. This blog outlines 6 things you should know about hand washing to make your routine as effective as possible and keep those germs away.
#9: 5 Things You Need to Know About Infants
Melissa DuBois, RN, BSN, CCE, CLC, is back again with more sage advice. From her experiences as a first-time mom, she outlines 5 things she wishes she had known in advance about babies, along with her tips and helpful hints to navigate that first year or two with baby.
#10: The Importance of Managing High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the most modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, and treatment does not automatically mean that you will need to take pills for the rest of your life. Dr. Adam Segal, a nephrologist and hypertension expert, outlines several essential lifestyle changes that can be made to successfully manage your blood pressure.