Category: Health Awareness

What Is the Difference Between Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods?
The gut microbiome, the unique population of microbes that live within the intestines, is a popular topic in digestive research. While we used to think of microorganisms in the gut as harmful germs, many are actually helpful to us. Evidence also shows that adding probiotics and prebiotics to the diet can help the microbiome thrive. But what are prebiotic and probiotic foods, and what is the difference between them? Having a clear understanding of what these terms mean and why it’s beneficial to keep the microbiome strong can improve your diet.

What Does It Mean If You Have Fruity Breath?
You have a faint taste of fruit in your mouth, but you haven’t eaten fruit all day. What could be causing your fruity breath?

Heart-Healthy Shopping
Shopping for heart-healthy foods is easier than you think with these 10 tips.

Congestive Heart Failure: What You Need to Know
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, abdominal discomfort, increasing abdominal size, or difficulty sleeping due to breathing issues, congestive heart failure might be to blame. Learn more and listen to a podcast about this type of heart disease, including red flags and treatment options.

Strengthen Your Immune System with 7 Simple Strategies
From diet and exercise to washing your hands, learn what the experts say about keeping your immune system in shape to protect you from becoming ill.

Healthy Foods for Cold Weather
A healthy diet helps maintain your health and boosts your energy in winter months.

Chest Pain: Can Stress Cause a Heart Attack?
Chest pain can indicate many things, from acid reflux, GERD and pneumonia to a panic attack, coronary artery disease and heart attack—just to name a few. When your chest hurts, your body may be trying to let you know that you’re overworking your heart. Chest pain or discomfort should never be ignored or taken lightly. Let’s examine some causes of chest pain.

Can You Get a Staph Infection at the Gym?
You have the best of intentions when joining a gym. You want to become more physically active, boost your heart health and build your muscles. But can you pick up a disease, such as a staph infection, at the gym? The short answer: Yes, you can. But don’t fear! You can reduce your chance of getting sick by taking a few safety precautions.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
Gone are the days when a “doctor” was the only choice if you needed medical attention. Advanced practice providers (APPs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are filling a much-needed role in the health care industry.

How to Be Prepared for Your Next Appointment
Knowing how to prepare for your next medical appointment can save you time and money—and make you healthier in the long run. It is important to know what to bring with you and think about what questions to ask. Being prepared is a first step to better health.