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Reduce Salt

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. This February is American Heart Month, a time to renew the fight against heart disease and remind our co-workers, friends and family about things we can do to live heart-healthy lives.

The term “heart disease” is often used interchangeably with “cardiovascular disease.” These terms generally refer to atherosclerosis: a condition that involves narrowed or blocked blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.

One step nearly all of us can take to improve heart health is to reduce the amount of salt in our diet. Excess salt can increase blood pressure and risk for a heart attack and stroke. One teaspoon of table salt has 2,325 milligrams (mg) of sodium—this is more than the recommended daily salt intake for a healthy adult. Lowering consumption to no more than 1,500mg of sodium daily would be an effective way to prevent or lower high blood pressure.

Salt is essential for our bodies, in small amounts, as it helps us to maintain a balance of fluids in our body and transmit nerve impulses. Salt also influences the contraction and relaxation of muscles. The kidneys work to regulate sodium in our bodies, however if your kidneys can’t eliminate enough sodium it starts to accumulate in your blood. Sodium attracts and holds water causing your blood volume to increase, in turn putting stress on the heart and increasing pressure in your arteries.

About 12% of salt in our diet comes from food’s natural sodium content. We get another 11% from the table salt we add while cooking and eating. Most of our salt intake is from processed and prepared foods (77%)—major sources include tomato sauce, soups, condiments, canned food, and prepared mixes.

It is essential to read food labels. The Nutrition Facts label found on most packaged and processed foods lists the amount of sodium in each serving. In general, try to avoid products with more than 200mg of sodium per serving. Don’t forget to account for the serving size. It also lists whether the ingredients include salt or sodium-containing compounds, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), baking soda, baking powder, disodium phosphate, sodium alginate, and sodium nitrate or nitrite.

You may also make use of the following terms in selecting the products that are best for your health:

  • Sodium-free – less than 5mg of sodium per serving
  • Very low-sodium – 35mg or less per serving
  • Low-sodium – 140mg or less per serving
  • Reduced sodium – contains at least 25% less sodium than the regular version
  • Light in sodium – sodium is reduced by at least 50% from the regular version
  • Unsalted, no salt added or without added salt – made without the salt that’s normally used, but still contains the sodium that’s a natural part of the food

Sodium intake from processed and restaurant foods contributes to high rates of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Find ways to decrease your sodium intake as part of your heart healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about your specific sodium requirements and to accommodate for special health needs.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic, LifeWork Strategies EAP, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. For medical advice, consult your physician. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

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Thyroid Health

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

January is Thyroid Awareness Month–nearly 30 million Americans have overactive or underactive thyroid glands, but more than half remain undiagnosed. Thyroid disorders tend to run in families and are three to seven times more common in women. One out of 50 women in the U.S. is diagnosed with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) during pregnancy.

Your thyroid gland is more important than you might think. A small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, your thyroid gland makes hormones that help control the function of many of your body’s organs, including your heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and skin. Thyroid dysfunction occurs when the thyroid gland produces either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), which causes your body’s systems to speed up; or too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), which causes your body’s systems to slow down.

In the U.S., most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which a person’s immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid. Common symptoms include fatigue, cold, depression, weight gain, constipation, hoarse voice, mood swings, heavy menses, muscle cramps, forgetfulness, dry/coarse hair, and dry/coarse skin.

Hyperthyroidism develops when the body is exposed to excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease. Another cause is one or more overactive nodules or lumps in the thyroid. In its mildest form, hyperthyroidism may not cause recognizable symptoms. More often, however, the symptoms are discomforting, disabling, or even life-threatening.

Making sure that your thyroid gland is healthy is important to your body’s overall well-being. If left untreated, thyroid disease can cause elevated cholesterol levels and subsequent heart disease, infertility, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis.

• Get screened. Fatigue is a common complaint for under and over active thyroid conditions. If you have symptoms of a thyroid disorder or a family history, talk to your doctor about a simple blood test called a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

• Take medication as directed. If you are diagnosed with thyroid disease, be sure to take your thyroid medicine every day, as instructed by your doctor, and refill your prescription on time so that you don’t miss any doses.

• Regular check ups. To keep your thyroid in balance, you need to know your numbers. Regular check ups and TSH screening are keys to successfully managing a malfunctioning thyroid gland.

Thyroid Cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in America and one of the most curable. Nearly two out of three cases are found in those between the ages of 20 and 55. Many people, especially in the early stages of thyroid cancer, do not experience symptoms. As the cancer develops, symptoms can include a lump or nodule in the front of the neck, hoarseness or difficulty speaking, swollen lymph nodes, a pain in the throat or neck, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. To learn more about thyroid and endocrine health, visit the websites of Power of Prevention or the American Thyroid Association.

Sources: American Thyroid Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, LifeWork Strategies EAP, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. For additional information, consult your physician. Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

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Time to Exercise

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Some people are invigorated by the cold weather, while others feel like hibernating during the winter months. You don’t have to love the snow to continue to meet your fitness goals this season. Now is a good time to exercise; it just takes a little extra planning and support.
The sooner you start moving, the sooner you will reap the health benefits. Studies show that for every hour of walking, life expectancy may increase by two hours. According to the American Heart Association, physically active people save $500 a year in healthcare costs. Exercise can also help shake those winter blues by improving your mood, energy level and sleep. And you’ll be in better shape when the weather warms up!

The following are tips for staying fit this winter:

  • Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Just 30 minutes of daily exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease. Exercise doesn’t have to be all strenuous or even all at once. You might take a 15 minute walk with the dog in the morning, and later pedal 15 minutes on your exercise bike.
  • Be flexible. For an exercise program to work, allow for an occasional change in routine to meet your needs, especially if you enjoy the outdoors or can’t get to the gym. Make a short list of workouts that you can do if your first choice is not possible due to unsafe weather conditions or have a change in your work/life schedule.
  • Make seasonal accommodations. If you dread going outside in the cold, set up a space in your house where you can watch a fitness DVD, do a weight or exercise-band workout, or dedicate a time to walk/run up and down your stairs. If one of the summer activities you enjoy is swimming, consider joining an aquatic center. On the other hand, if you love cold weather, enjoy it by taking up a new sport such as cross country skiing or snow shoeing.
  • Incorporate exercise into family activities. Ice skating is fun exercise for the entire family. Many communities have an indoor rink and the newer skates have much better ankle supports than those from a generation ago.
  • Prepare to be safe. If you are venturing outdoors for exercise, be sure to check weather conditions, wear appropriate clothing, choose footwear with good traction, and always wear a helmet for downhill sports. Don’t forget the sunscreen! You can still get sunburned, even if it is a cool, cloudy day.
  • Drink water before, during and after your workout. Cold air has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. Dehydration increases the risk of frostbite.
  • Avoid alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, it does not “warm you”. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases heat loss so the odds of experiencing a hypothermic event increase. Alcohol can also impair judgment and safety.

Keep in mind that exercising outdoors in cold weather can be more strenuous than the same exercise in warmer weather. If you have any medical conditions or concerns about exercising outdoors, check with your doctor before beginning an outdoor exercise program. For some people, cold air can trigger chest pain or an asthma attack.

Sources: American heart association, LifeWork Strategies EAP, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals.

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Resolve to Live Healthier

Monday, January 10th, 2011

If you made a New Year’s resolution to improve your well-being, bravo! It is a wonderful idea to make (and announce aloud or write down) promises to your self to lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking or reduce stress.
If you did not make a midnight pledge on January 1st, resolve to live healthier now. We all have at least one aspect of our health that can be improved. Less than one-third of U.S. adults are at a healthy weight. One out of five adults smokes cigarettes. Creating a personally appropriate wellness goal is an important step toward managing and reducing risks of diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
As many of us know from past experience, it is easier to make a resolution than to keep it. With 360 or so days ahead of us, we will each face challenges. A week into 2011, it is not too soon to review your goal and your strategy for achieving it. Having a plan, and being flexible, increases your chance for success.

The following are tips for keeping your healthy living goal:
Create mini goals. Many people begin their resolution with “This year, I will…” While that is a
good starting point, a goal too big or too future-focused can be emotionally overwhelming. Break down your larger goal into smaller ones. Try to think in terms of three-week periods, and if you are tracking your progress, remember to count your interim success. For many people, accomplishing the first goal will help motivate you to work on the second.

Use your support system. Facing a challenge alone can be more difficult than if you are able to
talk it through or experience it with someone you trust. If your weight loss goal means a new style of eating for your whole family, discuss what you want to accomplish and why it is important. If you are trying to quit smoking, see what resources are available through your work or community. If you want to reduce stress in your life, but you are not sure where to start, consider short-term counseling.

Visualize what you want. A lot of research has demonstrated the value of picturing what success
means to you. How will you look and feel, and relate to others, when you achieve your goal?

Try new things to find what you enjoy. If your goal is to exercise at least three times per week for thirty minutes or more, remember that there are lots of ways of achieving it. A traditional gym may be a good option for some, yet a Jazzercise class or snowboarding may be more fun for
someone else. You may have to try several types of activities before you know what you enjoy the
most. Ask about trial periods or shorter contracts. The idea is that you are committed to your goal, not tied down to a specific program or method.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, LifeWork Strategies, and Washington and Shady Grove
Adventist Hospitals.

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Eczema

Friday, December 17th, 2010

With the drop in temperature, you may feel like taking a long hot shower or bath, but not so fast! The cold weather, low humidity, drier skin and stress of the season may trigger or worsen eczema.

While Eczema is a general term for many types of dermatitis (skin inflammation), the most common is atopic dermatitis. Eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and on the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. Eczema is not contagious, but its symptoms, such as itchy, red, and dry skin or scaly patches, can be painful and frustrating for those who suffer from it. The scratching (which most people can not help) tends to make the condition worse.

Try to be supportive of co-workers, friends, and family suffering from eczema this winter by increasing your understanding of what they are experiencing and offering positive encouragement.

If you have eczema, below are some steps you can take to help alleviate symptoms:

  • Try to identify and remove any known eczema triggers. For example, your laundry detergent may be a trigger, so you can experiment with brands for sensitive skin. More advanced measures may include eliminating certain foods from your diet or reducing stress in your work and life.
  • Maintain a clean environment. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and mold, can trigger an eczema outbreak. Vacuum your carpet and drapes regularly, and wash bedding and other fabrics with hot water to help eliminate these allergens.
  • Add moisture to the air. There is anecdotal evidence that using a humidifier may help to relieve symptoms. A less expensive alternative is to place a bowl of water in each room.
  • In the winter, try to maintain an even skin temperature. A sudden change in temperature may trigger an itch! Keep this in mind as you are changing your clothes and your environment throughout the day. Try to keep room temperatures consistent.
  • Take short, warm showers. Hot water is drying. Use mild soaps formulated for sensitive skin. To lock in the moisture following a shower, gently towel-blot your skin and immediately apply a moisturizing lotion.
  • Avoid lotions with fragrances and other possible irritants. Vaseline is an inexpensive and effective moisturizer. Moisturize multiple times during the day and especially before you venture outside on a cold day.
  • Avoid wearing tight, rough, and scratchy clothing. Wool and synthetic fibers tend to irritate the skin. Clothing made of cotton or cotton blends are better options.
  • Avoid scratching and rubbing the skin. Scratching usually makes the condition worse. Keeping the skin moisturized will help alleviate itchiness.
  • Use the medication prescribed by your doctor during an eczema flare-up. Steroid creams may be prescribed to help treat eczema. If prescribed, use it as directed by your doctor.
  • Reduce stress in your life to prevent eczema flare-ups. Anxiety, anger, and frustration are commonly experienced by people with eczema. Stress can provoke itching and make eczema worse. Practice relaxation techniques, and talk to a counselor for additional support.
  • Talk to your doctor about keeping a food and symptoms diary. If you have severe eczema, a food sensitivity (allergy) may trigger a flare-up or make symptoms worse. Some common foods which may trigger eczema symptoms include cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and nuts.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Family Physicians, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals.

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Good-for-you Giving

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

The holiday season is filled with opportunities to help others in need. The experience of giving teaches us, and our children, important life lessons and allows us to feel more connected to each other. Through giving we gain a deeper appreciation of presence.

As we approach the New Year, resolve to integrate volunteerism and charity into your daily life. Researchers have studied the physical biology of giving and positive emotions. By doing for others, we can enrich our own lives and strengthen our relationships. Sharing your time, energy and money really does make you feel good. Staying engaged in volunteer activities can help you to remain more vital and independent through your lifetime.

Choosing a cause that you are passionate about is important. For example, if you are passionate about healthy living, consider supporting a community health foundation or charity to fight a specific disease. This will help you sustain your philanthropy in tough economic times.

Think carefully about the following questions, consider your budget and your schedule, and select just one or a few causes that are meaningful to you.

  • Why do you want to give? Do you have time you would like to dedicate to a worthy cause?  Do you want to fulfill a personal legacy or honor the memory of a loved one?  Do you want to lend your professional skills and knowledge, or make good use of your hobby?
  • What cause inspires you to give? Whether it’s an endangered species or deadly disease or devastating natural disaster, there are charities abound.  You can devote some of your time to Hospice Associations, Humane Societies, or mentoring youth. Clarify what moves you to refine the possibilities. Consider if you want your resources to be invested in the local neighborhood and/or national and global efforts.
  • How do you want to give? Writing a check is fabulous, but you can also run a race; collect clothing and food; prepare and deliver meals; create and send care packages; support a school fundraiser; conduct a letter-writing campaign; and so much more.
  • How can you make the biggest impact? Recruit a friend or a co-worker to double your efforts. If you don’t already have one, initiate a Volunteer Committee at your workplace. In Montgomery County, reach out to groups such as the Corporate Volunteer Council or Healthy Community Impact Fund.

Ready to give? Find opportunities on the web, such as Volunteers of America or Corporation for National & Community Service. The Better Business Bureau offers a site called Wise Giving Alliance, and a list of tax-exempt charitable organizations is available at the IRS website. As we perform acts of generosity it nourishes love in our relationships and builds the human spirit.

Sources: LifeWork Strategies, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals.

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Family Stress

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

There is much happiness to experience during the holidays; the gifts of laughter and relaxation are good for our health. The reality is that stress can also increase as a result of busy family schedules and too many demands. Both parents and children have more things to do at this time of year and it’s easy to neglect our typical family routines and skip workouts (especially now that it’s dark).

Planning ahead can help families prevent and cope with seasonal stress. Take a few minutes to set some goals for the coming weeks and prioritize what is important to you. Consider whether each holiday party and task is worthwhile for you and your family, and how much money, time, and energy you can afford.

Fill in the blank. The five things that are most important to our family this holiday season are:

  1. _________________________
  2. _________________________
  3. _________________________
  4. _________________________
  5. _________________________

In addition to setting goals, help keep parenting stress at bay with the following strategies:

  • Have a family meeting to discuss what traditions and events have the most meaning to each member and what gifts and activities are possible within this year’s budget.
  • Get the whole family involved in meal and activity preparation. One family member should not have to do it all! Sharing tasks helps to instill a sense of responsibility and connectedness.
  • Keep meals and snacks as healthy as possible; emphasize vegetables and fruits to balance holiday treats. Overindulging in desserts can cause negative effects like weight gain that lingers after the season is over.
  • Bundle-up and take a family walk, even if it is a quick one. On the weekends, spend time enjoying outside activities when it is daylight- there are plenty of leaves to rake and jump into!
  • Try to keep bedtime routines consistent and predictable. Insufficient rest can make you more susceptible to illness.
  • Remember that fun family times happen when there’s plenty of unscheduled time and no distractions. Enjoy board games, making crafts and popcorn, or sharing holiday memories.
  • Balance child time with adult time, making sure you have time with your partner to meet your needs as a couple.

While some stress is normal during this time, some people experience a serious mood change during the winter. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. This condition is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and it is important to talk to your doctor.

Sources: MedLine, LifeWork Strategies Inc., and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals.

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Happy Holidays

Monday, November 15th, 2010

The holidays are usually filled with a lot of joy, and a bit of chaos. Above and beyond your daily tasks, you may be involved with budgeting and shopping for gifts, preparing special meals, volunteering, attending programs at your children’s schools, and cleaning the guestroom for your parents. All such tasks may add some stress, but with careful planning and good delegating skills, you are able to minimize the commotion of the season.

Unfortunately, the holidays can be more stressful for people with memory challenges, and this may include an aging parent or family member. When families afar gather for the holidays they are sometimes surprised to see their mom struggling to recall family recipes or traditions, grandchildren’s names, or getting confused as to the order of the day. For others, they may have known dad had dementia, but did not realize the extent. People with early stage dementia can hide their mishaps quite well from a distance; especially if their spouse is also helping to conceal the memory lapses.

An environment with lots of people and noise can cause symptoms of memory loss and disease to be more pronounced. To help facilitate a happy holiday for all, consider the following tip.

  • Set up a “quiet” room where your loved one can retreat if they become agitated or confused. Offer their favorite movie or music, and encourage them to relax.
  • As much as possible, enable your parent to keep up their normal routine. Don’t take it personally if they are not willing or able to participate in all of the meals and activities you have planned.
  • Some families find it helpful to use a home care company to help their parent while visiting. Having an extra pair of hands can increase quality time for the entire family and help ensure your parents safety.
  • Try opening up a conversation with your parents about their needs and wishes as they age. Listen more and talk less.
  • If you suspect your parent may be having memory challenges, the holidays may be a good time to initiate a conversation with your siblings about next steps.

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging and is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association for other signs.

As you head into this holiday season, think about how you can maximize the time with your parents and family. For tips on dealing with caregiver stress visit the National Family Caregivers Association . Additional resources and referrals may be available through your Employee Assistance Program at work.

Sources: HouseWorks, Alzheimer’s Association, National Family Caregivers Association, LifeWork Strategies Inc., and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. For additional information, consult your physician. Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

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Breast Cancer Prevention

Monday, November 1st, 2010

This October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you may have participated in a walk or proudly wore a pink ribbon to honor those lost and the growing number of survivors of breast cancer. It is also a good time to learn how to lower your own risk for the disease.

Breast Cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the US, aside from skin cancer.  In 2009, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that approximately 192,000 women and nearly 2,000 men would be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Currently, a woman living in the US has a 12.1 percent, or a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

A woman’s best prevention strategy is to have regular exams and reduce known risk factors. Breast self exam may begin at age 20. Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts. For women between the ages of 20 to 39, a clinical breast exam (CBE) should be performed at least once every 3 years. Annual mammograms and breast exams are recommended for women starting at age 40, but younger women at high risk should talk to their doctor about screening options. Mammography has been critical to early detection and improved outcomes.

A healthy lifestyle is very important in reducing cancer risk and cancer deaths. One-third of cancer deaths are thought to be linked to poor diet, physical inactivity and carrying excess weight. Take steps to improve your well-being and lower your risk for breast cancer, other cancers and heart disease:

  • Get mammogram reminders.
  • Attend a screening program at your local hospital, such as such Shady Grove Adventist or Washington Adventist Hospital.
  • Eat a healthy diet to help control weight, since being overweight or obese may raise breast cancer risk. Excess weight causes the body to produce and circulate more of the hormones estrogen and insulin, which can stimulate cancer growth.
  • Check your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a score based on the relationship between your height and weight. To reduce your cancer risk, try to keep your BMI under 25.
  • Studies have shown a 40 percent drop in risk for breast cancer among highly active people. ACS recommends 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week. Forty-five to 60 minutes a day is even better for reducing breast cancer risk.
  • Use of alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

Did you learn something new about reducing your risk for breast cancer? Take our breast cancer quiz to test your knowledge.

Sources: American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, LifeWork Strategies, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. For additional information, consult your physician.  Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

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Healthy Trick-or-Treat

Monday, October 25th, 2010

How many spoonfuls of sugar have you had today? Americans consume approximately 22 teaspoons (about 355 calories) of added sugar each day, mostly from soda and candy. Based on guidelines set by the American Heart Association, this is way too much! Women should keep added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons or less a day (about 100 calories), and men no more than 9 teaspoons. The guidelines do not apply to naturally occurring sugars like those found in fruit, vegetables or dairy products. High intake of added sugars is implicated in numerous poor health conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

As you would expect, a large portion of candy is consumed by kids on and during the days immediately following Halloween. Many adults overindulge as well, spending almost $2 billion on Halloween candy each year. With Halloween just around the corner, it is a good time to assess your sugar intake and make plans for a healthier season for you and your family. Treats are part of the fun, but not all treats have to be candy. Try these tips and tricks for a healthier Halloween:

  • If you are celebrating at work, volunteer to bring a healthy snack to the party. Instead of a candy bowl on your desk, offer an apple basket.
  • Get plenty of exercise and rest before Halloween evening activities. If your physical and emotional energy is low, you are more likely to be drawn to the sugary treats.
  • Eat a healthy dinner or snack before trick-or-treating.  If they aren’t hungry, your kids will be less likely to overindulge on candy when they return home.
  • Promote a healthy Halloween by handing out alternatives to candy. Some non-food treats include balloons, pencils, silly bands, tattoos, or rubber spiders.
  • Give out individually packaged non-sugary treats such as pumpkin seeds, popcorn, pretzels or dried fruit.
  • Have your child go through his Trick-or-Treat bag (keep only treats which are unopened), pick out his favorites, and allow him to have one or two pieces a day for only the next week.
  • Give yourself limits too. Be sure that getting to the Halloween candy requires a special trip, so that the candy retains special status.  It’s a treat, not a regular part of anyone’s diet.
  • Start a new family or neighborhood tradition. Plan a non-food game or activity, such as a costume contest, immediately after trick-or-treating to remove the focus from the candy bag.
  • Don’t keep a bowl full of candy on the counter as it is an open invitation to have “just one.”
  • Pack up the rest of your leftover Halloween candy and use it on special occasions, such as filler for a piñata or goodie bags.
  • Skip the Halloween candy sale on November 1. Cheap bags of candy sounds like a good buy, but you don’t need the sugar and calories.
  • When you are tempted by candy, drink plenty of water first. We often mistake thirst for hunger (especially when eating too much sugar), which causes us to over eat.
  • Tell a colleague or friend about your plan for a healthy Halloween. If you make a verbal or written commitment, you are more likely to stick to it.

Source: Census Bureau, American Heart Association, LifeWork Strategies, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. For additional information, consult your physician. Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

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