Wellness
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Ask the Doctor: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 101
Ask the Doctor: Question: I sometimes have acid reflux, which is horrible. What is it and how can I prevent it? Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux or reflux esophagitis is a condition when the contents of the stomach regurgitates ( leaks) back into the esophagus and causes an burning irritation – due to some acid and the digestive enzyme pepsin – in the esophagus. Let’s step back and talk about the anatomy and physiology. Digestion begins in the mouth with chewing and the secretion of saliva. Both break down foods in order to allow easy swallowing and help the stomach with food breakdown. Once the food…
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Recipe :: Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: As a kid, one of our family’s stand-by dinners was stuffed bell peppers. My mom learned how to make them from my dad who learned from his ma so this is a true family recipe passed down not by written recipe but by lessons in the kitchen. The peppers were green and stuffed with a ground beef, onion, white rice and chili powder concoction. While the stuffing itself was tasty, especially because of the grated cheddar on top, the bell pepper for me was merely a throw away container. In typical picky eater fashion, I wouldn’t touch it. The meal wasn’t complete if there wasn’t…
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Wellness :: Kids and Healthy Food Choices
Being a parent can a frustrating struggle, especially when you are engaged in a battle to get your rambunctious toddler, child, or preteen to eat healthier foods. We’ve all been there at one time or another. At the end of our rope and still the little tyke screws up his nose at the nutritious peas that you have provided him. Then comes the demand for curly fries cooked in the deep fryer. Fear not—if you begin young enough—there are methods to instill a healthy eating mindset. Below I will provide some methods that can be used to guide your children toward healthier foods—as well as a few methods that…
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Fashion :: Some Stylish Tips for Summer Wear
It’s Memorial Weekend, the true kick off to summer and my favorite time of the year. I love the warm weather, the beach, the barbeques, dining al-fresco and seeing my girls having so much fun swimming to their hearts content.There is one other thing that also comes along with summer and that is a bathing suit. It’s funny how it sneaks up on us to put one on. Whether you are ready for it or not there are a lot of styles to enhance and forgive problem areas you may have. I love beach towels (a bit of an obsession) and a cute cover up. I have a fantasy of wearing…
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Play :: 12 Great Summer Activities
If you’re lucky enough to live where the weather’s warming up then you’ll soon have long hot summer days stretching out in front of you. Summer holidays are so much fun but it’s easy to run out of ideas for things to do. For those times when you need some inspiration, here are 12 great warm weather activities to keep you and your family busy this summer. 12 Great Summer Activities: When you feel like something sweet and cold to eat, try frozen fruit. Orange segments and frozen grapes make awesome snacks. For a great outdoors activity you can spread out over a number of days or weeks,…
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: What is It and How to Treat It
Ask the Doctor: Question: My mom has rheumatoid arthritis, what is it? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is when the immune system – which protects our bodies from bacteria and viruses – begins attacking its own tissues, and with RA, it specifically attacks joints. The result is fluid in the joints that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation. Many people confuse RA with osteoarthritis but they differ; RA is more common and immune based whereas osteo arthritis is due to wear and tear of a joint. What are the symptoms? The symptoms and course of rheumatoid arthritis vary from person to person. Morning stiffness…
