HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

Corn On The Cob: A Summertime Staple

HEALTHY EATING

Corn on the cob is a favorite food at summer barbecues and outings. Its popular flavor makes it a treat – but it has plenty of health benefits too.

Basics of corn

Corn isn’t a vegetable. It’s actually a type of grain. Whole grain corn contains vitamins and heathy plant compounds.

Some of corn’s nutrients include:

* Soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps with digestion and preventing constipation

* B vitamins, including vitamin B5, folate, B6, and niacin, which help with energy and many body processes

* Potassium, which is important for heart health

* Antioxidants, including zeaxanthin and lutein, which may be linked to eye health

Making corn the healthy way

Corn is versatile and can be cooked in several different ways. Many people simply remove the husk and boil it until tender. But you can also grill it, bake it and microwave it.

If you can’t find fresh corn on the cob, frozen corn (on the cob or removed) is a healthy option. Look for brands that do not add salt, sugar or other ingredients. Frozen corn is usually microwaved or steamed.

If you use butter or margarine, measure it so you know how much you’re using. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and see if you can cover the entire ear of corn with that small amount. Try a salt-free seasoning blend or black pepper for a flavor kick without sodium.

What about corn chips?

If corn is healthy, then are foods with corn in them a healthy choice? Not necessarily.

Corn is used in many processed foods like chips and crackers. These products won’t have the same health benefits as real corn on the cob.

Many processed foods contain added salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. They may also remove many of corn’s natural nutrients. Some research shows that eating a lot of highly processed foods can lead to obesity and health problems.

Sources: American Heart Association, United States Department of Agriculture

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Colorectal Cancer: Don’t Wait For Signs

MEDICAL NEWS

Colorectal cancer is cancer in the colon or rectum. And, it kills thousands of people each year. But getting screened can prevent many of these deaths. Plus, screening can catch colon cancer in the early stages when it’s easier to treat.

Many people don’t have any signs or symptoms of colon cancer at first. If you wait until you have symptoms, the cancer may be more advanced.

Polyps and the cancer link

Polyps are clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Having polyps does not mean you will get colorectal cancer. Some polyps are harmless, while others can turn into cancer.

Polyps usually don’t hurt. People don’t know they have them until they have a colon cancer test.

Screening matters

Colorectal cancer may not have any signs, especially at first. That’s why many people should get screened for colorectal cancer even if they don’t have any symptoms.

Ask your doctor about colorectal screening. Your doctor can talk with you about whether you need a test and which test to get. This depends on many factors, such as:

* Your age

* Family history of colorectal cancer

* Any risk factors you have, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

* Lifestyle risk factors, like smoking or being overweight

There are several different screening tests for colorectal cancer. Some tests will check for blood or other signs of colon cancer in the stool.

Other tests use special tools to see directly inside the colon and rectum. During these tests, a doctor uses a thin, lighted tube and a special camera. The test may be:

* A colonoscopy, which looks inside the entire colon and rectum

* A flexible sigmoidoscopy, which looks inside the rectum and lower part of the colon

During a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, the doctor gives you medicine to help keep you comfortable. In most cases, you will go home after the test, but will need someone to drive you.

If you see any changes with your stool, talk to your doctor.

Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Clear Facts On Eye Drops

SELF-CARE CORNER

Staring at a computer, dry winter air, cold temperatures, allergies, medications. A number of things can make eyes red, dry or uncomfortable.

Many people turn to a bottle of eye drops for quick relief. But, if you use eye drops often, there are a few things you should know.

Seeing red

Redness relief eye drops contain an ingredient that shrinks blood vessels in the eye, giving you that bright-eyed effect. But, these drops can be harmful if you overuse them.

Using redness drops frequently can cause a “rebound” effect, making the redness even worse. Then you feel like you have to use the drops more and more to control the redness.

Don’t use redness relief drops on a regular basis. If your eyes are often red, you should see an eye care professional to get to the root cause.

Artificial tears

Artificial tear eye drops are generally safe to use regularly. They don’t contain any active ingredients. Instead, they are designed to mimic your own tears. These work well for occasional dryness or discomfort.

Keep an eye on preservatives

Many eye drops contain preservatives. These keep germs from growing in the drops. They allow you to use the same bottle of drops for a longer period of time.

Some people find that the preservatives in eye drops make their eyes itchy or irritated. If you notice any burning or stinging after using eye drops, even artificial tears, stop using them.

Preservative-free eye drops are available. These work well for people who are sensitive to preservatives. They are usually in small single-use vials that come in a pack. You use the vial once and throw it away.

Eye health red flags

The best way to keep eyes healthy is to see your eye health professional regularly. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist how often they should see you. It will depend on your age, any health issues and your eye health history.

Call your eye professional right away if you notice:

* Pain or itching in the eye

* Redness that won’t go away

* Dry eyes that aren’t relieved with artificial tears

* Changes in vision, such as not seeing as well

* Cloudy or blurry vision

* Floaters or other spots in your vision

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Caring For Toe Injuries

SELF-CARE CORNER

Toes are an important part of walking and balance. And their bones and ligaments are small, so they can be easily injured.

Many people think doctors won’t do anything about an injured toe. This is not true. A broken or sprained toe may need medical attention. But minor toe injuries may get better with some simple home care.

What to do if you hurt your toe

* If the pain is not severe, try putting ice on it for 10 minutes at a time. Be careful not to get the toe too cold.

* If needed, take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

* Stay off the foot if possible. Try to elevate it when sitting down.

* Look for signs of bruising and swelling, which could mean a possible sprain or broken toe.

* If the pain is severe, contact your doctor or seek urgent medical care.

* If pain and swelling don’t get better within two days, see a health care provider.

* Elevate the affected toe to help with swelling.

Sprained vs. broken toe

A sprain means that the ligaments in the toe have been injured. You can usually walk on a sprained toe, but it may still be very sore from swelling and bruising.

Sprains may happen when you overstretch the toe during sports, running or jumping. “Turf toe” is a sprain of the big toe that is quite common in athletes.

If you have a broken toe, you may not be able to move the toe or put weight on it. It may have a lot of swelling and bruising. The pain may not get better, even after a couple of days. Broken toes can happen during sports and activities. They also occur with falls and accidents or when you drop something heavy on your foot.

Should you get medical care?

Some minor toe injuries can be treated at home. But toe sprains and breaks can be more serious. Don’t ignore toe pain that lasts more than two days. See a health care provider if you think your toe is sprained or broken.

If you have diabetes

Always see a health care provider for any kind of foot or toe injury.

Sources: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Can You Lower Triglycerides Naturally?

SELF-CARE CORNER

Triglycerides are a type of lipid, or fat, in your blood. Everyone has some triglycerides. But high triglycerides, when combined with high “bad” cholesterol and low “good” cholesterol, could be bad for heart health.

How do I know my triglyceride levels?

High triglycerides have no signs or symptoms. The only way to know whether you have high triglycerides is through a blood test.

Ask your doctor how often you should get this test. Most adults need a cholesterol or “lipid” test at least every four to six years. But if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend the test more often.

If your cholesterol tests shows that triglyceride levels are high, you may be able to bring them down by making some lifestyle changes.

Heart healthy changes are key

Talk to your doctor about your triglyceride levels. Your doctor may recommend making certain diet and exercise changes to improve your heart health. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor how you can keep blood sugar levels under good control.

Exercise and weight loss

Exercise is great for overall health, and it can lower your triglycerides. Try to walk or do another exercise you enjoy for 30 minutes, five days a week.

Even a small amount of weight loss can improve triglyceride levels. Losing just 5 percent of your weight can boost your health and lower heart disease risk. Ask your doctor or nutritionist for tips on how to lose excess weight.

Limit or Avoid Alcohol

Your doctor may also recommend you limit or avoid alcohol to lower your triglyceride levels.

Prescription Medicine

In addition to making lifestyle changes, prescription medicines may also be recommended to bring triglycerides down.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Lipid Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Busting Diet Myths

HEALTHY EATING

Losing weight can be challenging. It means you have to change your eating and exercise habits. But does it mean you have to give up all the foods you love?

Many myths about a healthy diet can make the task harder than it needs to be. But the truth is, you can change your diet for the better and still enjoy your food.

Learn to recognize these common diet myths. You can make a healthy change to your eating habits.

Myth:Dieting means I can’t eat my favorite foods.

Fact:You can use moderation to still enjoy your favorite foods. Moderation means you can have a small amount once in a while. It means you may have to cut back, but you don’t have to give it up.

Having your favorite high-calorie foods in small amounts can be fine for most people. A small piece of cake at a birthday party or a little piece of dark chocolate can still fit into your healthy eating plan.

Myth:To lose weight, you have to give up breads, pasta and other grains.

Fact:Many grains can be part of your healthy diet. You should limit refined, processed grains like white bread and white pasta. But whole grains contain fiber and nutrients you need. Examples of healthy grains include:

* Whole wheat bread and pasta

* Brown rice

* Quinoa

* Oats

Read the nutrition label on whole grain products to help avoid high-calorie choices and added sugars.

Myth:Gluten-free foods are healthier options for weight loss.

Fact:Only people who have celiac disease or sensitivities to gluten need to avoid gluten.

Just because a food says it is “gluten-free” does not mean it’s healthier or has fewer calories than a food that contains gluten. In fact, if you avoid gluten, you could miss out on important nutrients. See a doctor if you think you have a gluten sensitivity.

Myth:You should avoid fat to lose weight.

Fact:Some fat in your food is necessary and healthy. Try to eat foods that contain healthy monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. Eating small amounts of healthy fat can even help you feel full.

These foods contain healthy fats that are important for overall health:

* Olive oil

* Avocadoes

* Nuts

* Seeds

* Eggs

* Salmon, trout

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Build A Strong Family Foundation

FAMILY LIFE

Happy families have a strong foundation. This helps parents and children deal with changes and hard times. Every family faces challenges and stress. Here’s how to protect your family from whatever life throws at you.

Show love through attention

Connect with your kids or spouse each day. Take time to ask about their day or do an activity together. Have family meals when you can, play games or take walks together. Avoid being on screens too much, when no one is talking or noticing one another.

Be open to learning

Having a strong family takes knowledge and care. No one knows everything about families and relationships. Parents can take classes about child development. See a marriage counselor if your marriage is having trouble. You can also look into support groups. Ask your family’s doctor if you need help dealing with specific challenges.

Care for yourself

If you get burned out, you can’t help others in your family. Take quiet time to listen to music, take a bath or do whatever relaxes and calms you. Get regular exercise, such as walking, and include family members if you can. Talk to a trusted friend when you’re stressed or overwhelmed.

Build your community

Connect with others who understand and support you. Join a sports team, a group or a religious organization that supports family life. Community can make life fun and help you learn from others, too.

Be open about problems

If you’re stressed and need some time alone, tell your spouse or your kids. Explain that you need some time to calm down, rather than blowing up or feeling resentment toward them.

Don’t overschedule

Try to keep your activities and family calendar reasonable. When everyone is too busy, there’s not much time to connect.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Breaking Bad Habits Now

WELL-BEING

If you’re hoping to make a change, these tips may help:

Avoid.If certain places or people make you want to engage in unhealthy habits, try your best to stay away.

Replace.Focus on what you can do instead of the bad habit. For instance, take a walk or drink a glass of water.

Plan.If you know you’ll be tempted with a bad habit, practice what you can do. Picture yourself not giving in. Have a plan for yourself.

Buddy up.Ask a friend or family member to support you. They can cheer you on and encourage you when you need it.

Source: National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Blood Cancer: Key Facts

MEDICAL NEWS

Your blood is made up of many different types of cells. These include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells protect the body from harmful substances and prevent infections.

Blood cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal cells do not work properly, preventing them from carrying out their essential functions. As the dysfunctional cells accumulate in the blood, they crowd out healthy cells.

It’s important to know what signs and symptoms to look for. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about blood cancer.

Three main types of blood cancer

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer that affects the bone marrow where blood cells are made. From the bone marrow, it spreads to the blood and can affect other organs.

Lymphoma

This type of blood cancer impacts the white blood cells in the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin, which spreads directly from one lymph node to another, and Non-Hodgkin, which spreads erratically through the lymph nodes.

Multiple myeloma

Myeloma affects plasma cells. These are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infections. When the plasma cells don’t function correctly, the body’s immune system doesn’t work properly.

Symptoms of blood cancer

Talk to your doctor if you experience the following:

* Fatigue

* Fever

* Unexplained weight loss

* Bone pain

* Swollen lymph nodes

* Frequent infections

Survival rates have steadily increased

Fifty years ago, there were few successful treatments for blood cancer. Now, there is a range of treatment options available, and more people achieve remission than ever before. Early detection and improved treatments have increased five-year survival rates and provide hope for the future.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Beating Jet Lag

SELF-CARE CORNER

Summer travel plans may take you to places across the globe. While this can be exciting, switching to a different time zone can take a toll on the body.

The body has its own internal clock that tells you when to be awake and when to sleep. This is your circadian rhythm.

If you travel to a different time zone, the clock gets disrupted:

You may be awake when it’s nighttime or want to sleep during the day. This can make you exhausted. Jet lag can also cause:

* Headaches

* Feeling irritable

* Trouble concentrating

* Loss of appetite

* Upset stomach

* Diarrhea

There are some ways to fight jet lag so you can enjoy your trip:

* Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your arrival.

* Avoid alcohol. Some people think a nightcap will help them sleep. But alcohol actually disrupts sleep and makes you more tired.

* Use your travel time wisely. If you’ll be on a plane during the “new” night time, try to rest. Use a sleep mask and ear plugs. Avoid staring at TV screens or other devices.

* Be careful with caffeine. If you must have caffeine, drink it in the new time zone’s morning hours. Avoid it after lunch.

* Get out in the sun. When you get to your destination, go outside if it’s daytime. This will help to tell your body when to be awake.

* Skip naps if possible. Napping could make it harder for you to fall asleep at the correct time. If you take a nap at 6 p.m., you could be awake most of the night.

* Consider melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes to tell you that it’s time for sleep. Taking melatonin at your new bedtime can help you sleep better. It is available over-the-counter, but ask your doctor before trying it.

Source: National Sleep Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026