In the Spotlight with Best-Selling Author Dr. Daniel G. Amen

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    While visiting my in-laws at their house, I picked up a book they had on the kitchen table called Use Your Brain to Change Your Age by Daniel G. Amen.  I was thoroughly intrigued and was so engrossed with the book they told me to take it home and give them cliff notes later as they hadn't had a chance to read it yet.  The book was quite fascinating and got me thinking about the importance not only of our physical health, but also of our mental health and the important connection between the two.  In the book, Dr. Amen writes … [Read more...]

Play :: Creating a Summer Bucket List for the Kids

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  The idea to create a bucket list for the family this summer came to me while looking through Pinterest.  The pictures that people post are such eye-candy - it is hard to get off the site!  I came across a bucket list that a woman had made with her kids.  I loved the idea so we are planning on creating our own bucket list this next week once my daughter is out of school.  Granted, I have a journal that I write down ideas from time to time things I want to do in my lifetime, but this bucket version is a shorter one that you … [Read more...]

Ask the Doctor: Aspartame and Inflammation

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  Ask the Doctor: Question: A friend has terrible leg and foot pain and she is wondering if aspartame is a contributing factor. What are your thoughts? Thank you for your question! Aspartame must be eliminated; however, something needs to be replaced otherwise other symptoms may arise (headaches). I suggest to all of my patients to avoid all processed, man-made sugar alternatives as research shows many side effects  - one being inflammation - and the long term effects can be much worse. Eating raw honey and maple syrup are … [Read more...]

Recipe :: Frozen Raspberry Yoghurt

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  Did you know yoghurt is one of nature's super foods? It's like 'milk plus'. It has all the benefits of milk plus many more. It's much gentler on the stomach and is easier to digest which makes it ideal if you're lactose intolerant. It's rich in calcium, protein and the good bacteria acidophilus which contributes to a healthy gut. Yoghurt is also great to eat if you've been taking antibiotics as it helps to restore the good bacteria in the intestines. What's more, it can lower cholesterol, reduce yeast infections and boost overall … [Read more...]

Ask the Doctor: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 101

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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 … [Read more...]

Recipe :: Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

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  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 … [Read more...]

Wellness :: Kids and Healthy Food Choices

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  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 … [Read more...]

Fashion :: Some Stylish Tips for Summer Wear

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  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. … [Read more...]

Play :: 12 Great Summer Activities

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  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 … [Read more...]

Rheumatoid Arthritis: What is It and How to Treat It

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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 … [Read more...]