Northwest Hospital & Medical Center - Health Tip of the Day

Health Tip for 2/2/2012 - Health and Wellness

Garlic is good for your heart and may help prevent certain kinds of cancer. We’ve been hearing that for years. A recent study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry suggests that combining garlic with whole grains may help boost the absorption of the grains’ iron and zinc. These minerals help shuttle oxygen to cells and keep your immune system healthy, respectively. Researchers don’t know what exactly in the garlic is responsible for increasing mineral absorption, but suspect sulphur compounds. Concerned about garlic breath caused by these sulphur compounds? Milk or green tea can help reduce garlic breath. Green tea contains compounds called polyphenols that break down sulphur compounds.
Health Tip for 1/31/2012

You’re busy, busy, busy all day long…. Work, husband, kids, your parents, his parents, the house, the car, the dog. By the end of the day, you still haven’t had any time for yourself. I know how that feels.

WE all have to take care of our responsibilities, of course, but heart health researchers say we all need to take a few minutes for yourself, too. Just take a deep breath and really think about how you feel, from top to toe.

Listening to your body is an important tool in managing your health. Do you need to relax more? Would you feel better if you went for a short walk? Do you feel really wound up or even a little nervous? Or are you feeling serene and happy? Pay attention to what your body has to say. It will help you learn how to beat heart disease and live a happier, healthier life.
Health Tip for 1/30/2012

Keeping a healthy pregnancy weight is a dilemma. The familiar ‘eating for two’ adage is obsolete. Cindy Rogers, a certified nurse-midwife at the Northwest Hospital Midwives Clinic, says normal weight gain is essential to deliver a healthy baby. Avoiding major weight gain protects a mom’s own health and the health of her baby.

“It’s really a balancing act between cravings and common sense. Avoid fattening foods and don’t overeat. I suggest smaller and more frequent meals and cutting out fast and junk food completely. Pregnant women should gain about two to four pounds during the first trimester and about then about a pound a week until delivery.”

Remember, always check with your doctor or midwife to tailor a regimen that is appropriate for you.