HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

Recipe: Green Smoothie

HEALTHY EATING

Ingredients

* 1 cup kale or spinach

* 1 banana, medium

* 1 cup low-fat milk (or optional coconut milk or almond milk)

* 1 cup plain yogurt

* 1 apple, medium (cored and sliced)

* 1 cup frozen fruit (all one fruit or a combination of mixed frozen fruits)

* 1 tablespoon flax seeds (optional)

* 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Directions

1. In a blender, blend the kale or spinach and the liquid of your choice.

2. Add in the rest of the ingredients, blending after each item.

3. Serve and enjoy, cold.

4. Reserve the leftover smoothie in the refrigerator to drink later in the day or the next day.

Nutrition information: 299 calories, 4g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 156 mg sodium, 56 g carbohydrates, 7g fiber, 13 g protein

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Skinny On Processed Foods

HEALTHY EATING

White bread, packaged cookies and turkey bacon. What do these foods have in common? They are all processed foods. Processed food is the opposite of “whole food,” or food in its natural state.

What does “processed foods” mean?

It means the food has been changed from its natural state. White bread, for instance, may contain wheat flour that has been bleached and stripped of some of its nutrients. Packaged cookies may have bleached and stripped flour in addition to added sweeteners, artificial colors, preservatives and flavors. Turkey bacon is cured, processed and packaged.

Not all processed foods are bad

There is a difference between foods that are minimally processed and “junk foods.” Frozen vegetables, for instance, may be considered “minimally processed.” They are not quite the same as picking the vegetables right from a garden. But if they don’t have added sugar or salt, frozen vegetables are a very healthy option.

In addition, some foods that are considered “processed” can help people eat better. Canned fruit (without added sugar) or bagged salads are a convenient option for many people. They eliminate the extra work of gathering the food, washing it and cutting it.

Sugar & salt overload

Many processed “junk” foods contain too much added sugar or salt. Also, they may have little to no fiber or vitamins.

Processed foods, including crackers and packaged snacks, are a major reason that people get too much sodium in their diets. Too much sodium raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Many processed foods also contain added sugars. The American Heart Association says we should limit added sugars to 6 teaspoons a day for women and 9 teaspoons for men. One 12-ounce soda exceeds that amount. Too much added sugar increases risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Processed = weight gain?

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health suggests that processed foods can cause weight gain. Participants who were given processed foods ate about 500 calories more per day than people who ate unprocessed foods. They also gained weight, while the people who ate unprocessed foods lost weight. You don’t have to cut all processed foods out of your diet. But cutting back on them – and eating more whole foods – will help you work toward a healthier weight.

Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Shopping Around For Contact Lenses

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Many people wear contact lenses. But you don’t have to buy your contacts from your eye care provider. You can choose to get your contacts prescription from your provider and then shop around for lenses.

Get an eye exam

Before you go shopping for lenses, make sure your eyes are healthy. See your eye care provider regularly. Your provider might be an optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on your needs.

During your visit, your provider will check your eyes and determine your contact lens prescription.

Getting your prescription

Your eye care prescriber can give you your prescription after your exam. Your provider cannot charge you for your prescription. You may have to pay for the eye exam and contact lens fitting.

What should my prescription include?

Your contact lens prescription must include:

* Your name

* Date of your eye exam

* Date of prescription

* Doctor’s name, mailing address, phone number and fax number

* Power, material, and/or manufacturer of the prescribed lens

* Base curve of the lens

* Diameter of the lens, when needed

Source: Federal Trade Commission

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Make Thrifty Count

Financial Health

Building personal wealth starts with making wise financial decisions. Be strategic about where you save money, so it is sustainable. Make it fun and economical, such as cooking a gourmet meal at home with your family and then turning off the lights to have a “candlelit” dinner. Or, get an annual state or national park pass and plan outdoor weekend adventures with your family, saving money while also making memories!

Be More Earth-Friendly

Many products we use regularly consume more energy than is needed. Choose energy-efficient products, such as ENERGY STAR certified LED light bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy than standard bulbs and last 15 times longer.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hepatitis: Causes & Types

MEDICAL NEWS

Hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver. If a person has hepatitis, their liver may be inflamed or damaged.

What causes hepatitis?

Many different things can cause hepatitis. They include:

* A virus

* Contaminated objects like needles or medical equipment

* Heavy alcohol use

* Certain medications

* Some medical conditions

Different types of hepatitis

Hepatitis A:

* Is spread through contaminated food, drinks or objects.

* Can make you sick for weeks or months, but most people recover.

* Can be prevented with a vaccine.

Hepatitis B:

* Is spread through blood, semen or other body fluids.

* Can spread through sex, sharing personal items or sharing needles.

* Can cause long-term liver problems like liver failure and cancer.

* Can be prevented with a vaccine.

Hepatitis C:

* Is spread through blood.

* Can spread when people share needles or other equipment.

* Causes long-term infection in about half of all cases.

* Can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver.

* More than 90 percent of people can be cured with proper medical treatment – new treatment has very few side effects.

Ask your doctor about hepatitis

Many people may have hepatitis and don’t know it. You may not have any symptoms at first. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can find out if you need a vaccine or if you should get tested for hepatitis. Proper medical care can help prevent, treat or cure this disease.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Stop The Spread Of Respiratory Infections

MEDICAL NEWS

The winter months are a peak time for the spread of infectious respiratory diseases. Cold weather often keeps people indoors, where it is easier for infections to spread.

Infectious respiratory diseases include the common cold, as well as other respiratory illnesses that can be more serious. Some people may be at increased risk of severe side effects from respiratory disease, including the elderly, children, and the immunocompromised.

Preventing the spread of respiratory disease helps keep everyone in your family and community safe. A few simple precautions can make all the difference. Once you know how these diseases are spread, you can take steps to contain them and make this winter a healthy one.

Airborne transmission

The most common way infectious respiratory diseases spread is by small aerosols that become airborne when an ill person coughs, laughs, talks, or sneezes. These tiny aerosols can hang in the air for hours and easily travel to the lungs when inhaled.

Surface transmission

Contact with a surface that is contaminated with droplets from an infected person is another route of transmission. If you touch something that has saliva or mucus on it and then later touch your mouth or face, you can become infected with the virus.

Close contact transmission

Being in close contact with someone infected with a virus can result in exposure to large virus-laden respiratory droplets. In contrast to the tiny aerosols that can hang in the air for an extended period, larger droplets fall quickly and most likely to spread when people are less than 3 feet apart.

Types of infectious respiratory viruses

* Chickenpox

* Coronavirus infections (including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV)

* Diphtheria

* Influenza (flu)

* Legionnaires’ disease

* Measles

* Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

* Mumps

* Pneumonia

* Pneumococcal meningitis

* Rubella (German measles)

* Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

* Tuberculosis

* Whooping cough

Prevent the spread

* Minimize close contact with ill people.

* Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

* Don’t share personal items such as food and utensils.

* Ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for you, including the flu and COVID vaccines.

* Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow and tissues (not your hands!).

* Stay home if you are ill.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
When Blood Pressure Is Low

MEDICAL NEWS

High blood pressure gets a lot of attention. But low blood pressure can cause health problems as well.

If blood pressure is too low, your organs will not receive enough blood. This can quickly become dangerous. While a one-time low blood pressure reading is not usually concerning, a doctor should address chronic low blood pressure that occurs with other symptoms.

Symptoms

The normal range for blood pressure is between 90/60 mm/Hg to 120/80 mm/Hg. However, some people naturally have lower blood pressure than others. Low blood pressure is a problem when accompanied by any of these symptoms:

* Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

* Nausea or vomiting

* Blurry vision

* Confusion

* Fainting

* Fatigue

* Weakness

* Clammy, pale skin

* Rapid, shallow breathing

* Sleepiness

* Depression

Causes

Low blood pressure can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed right away. Causes may include:

* Severe allergic reaction

* Sudden loss of blood volume due to dehydration, injury, or internal bleeding

* Septic shock caused by infection impacts the blood vessels causing blood pressure to drop

* Heart problems such as heart attack or changes in heart rhythm, which may prevent the heart from pumping blood efficiently

* Certain medications or substances can lower blood pressure

* Orthostatic hypotension which is temporary and happens when you change position quickly

* Endocrine or hormone imbalances

Treatment

If you have low blood pressure, your doctor is your best resource for treatment. Depending on the specific cause, treatment may include:

* Changing or switching medications if recommended by your doctor

* Drinking more fluids to stay well hydrated

* Moving slowly when going from sitting to standing

* Wearing compression socks to prevent blood from pooling in the legs

* Medicines to increase heart strength and improve blood pressure

* Avoiding alcohol

* In severe cases, receiving blood through an IV

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Misinformation & Social Media

WELL-BEING

While social media can be an easy way to catch up on the latest, it is not always a reliable source of factual information.

Social media sites tend to amplify sensationalized messages. Information that contains an emotional appeal, quotes a supposed expert, or points to a deeper conspiracy is more likely to catch our attention. The result is that plain facts are often ignored or disbelieved.

Six ways to prevent misinformation

Avoid the sensational

The headline or title of a social media post can be the first clue to its reliability. Avoid catchy, overly sensationalized headlines. Don’t fall for clickbait.

Check the source

Watch out for anecdotal stories or information heard from a friend of a friend of a distant family member. Look for real experts from reputable organizations.

Verify the facts

Double-check when you hear new information to see if other reputable sources support the facts. Misinformation goes viral all the time, so verify before you share.

Ask questions

Before you believe something you read on social media, ask yourself if you truly think the information is accurate. A moment to reflect may save you from falling prey to fake news.

Notice your feelings

A lot of misinformation is designed to tap into frustration and outrage. Look for information that encourages you to think objectively and acknowledge nuance.

Limit time on social media

The more time you spend on social media, the more likely you will run into misinformation. Keep your time on social media brief and focus on meaningful connection, not information surfing.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Warning Signs Of Mental Illness

WELL-BEING

Mental illness affects many people. It can include conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Many times, a person will show early signs of mental illness. This means they can get medical help before the condition becomes serious.

Changes in behavior

Sometimes a person’s actions or personality seems to change when they have a mental illness. Some signs include:

* Mood swings. Mood and attitude may shift back and forth from happy to sad or angry.

* Fear or feeling uneasy. A person may feel afraid, anxious or panicked about everyday things.

* Lack of interest. They may not want to do activities or be around people.

* Trouble with work performance or schoolwork.

Changes in thoughts

* Feeling out of control. They may be unable to manage daily tasks or stress.

* Clouded thinking. It may feel like they can’t concentrate on tasks or remember things.

* Feeling numb. They may have trouble feeling emotions about anything.

* Not being connected with reality. A person’s thoughts or actions may not be logical or make sense.

Physical changes

Mental illness can affect the body, too. Some changes to watch for include:

* Feeling very tired or sleeping much more than usual.

* Getting very little sleep or an inability to sleep.

* Eating much more than usual.

* Eating less than usual or not at all.

* Changes in senses like smell, touch or sight.

* Unexplained injuries, like repeated cuts or scratches. These can be signs of self-harm.

Get medical care

If you notice these signs in yourself, talk with your doctor. Mental illness is a real illness, and there are treatments available to help. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tell someone.

If these changes happen to a loved one, talk with them about getting medical care. Tell them you are here for them and want to help.

If you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide, seek emergency care or go to an emergency room.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Can We Talk?

Stress Management

Counseling can help relieve life’s stresses.

You don’t have to have a mental illness or lie on a couch and confess your dark secrets to benefit from counseling. Sitting upright and talking about everyday stresses, phobias, or life changes with a professional therapist can help you learn how to take control of situations that bother you.

Talk therapy can help you:

* Resolve conflicts

* Relieve anxiety and stress

* Deal with phobias

* Cope with major life changes or physical health problems

* Deal with a substance abuse problem, past trauma, sexual issues, grief or loss

Types of talk therapy:

There are different types of psychotherapy, also called counseling, psychosocial therapy, or simply − therapy.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type focuses on teaching problem-solving skills to deal with negative thoughts and behavior.

2. Psychotherapy. This uses face-to-face discussions to talk about, define, and resolve problems. It can help you understand the issues that may be behind your thoughts and feelings.

3. Support groups. A therapist conducts treatment in a group setting in which people in similar situations listen to and support one another and share coping techniques.

What you can expect?

During your first appointment, or intake interview, you will describe your reason for being there. The counselor may ask questions for more detail to outline a treatment plan that may include number of visits, how many times a week or month to meet, and type of therapy that will be most helpful to you. Your sessions will last about an hour at a time. Family members or friends may be asked to participate in certain sessions. Don’t feel obligated to stick with the plan if you feel confident enough to deal with situations on your own. On the other hand, speak with your therapist if you feel you need more visits than what was initially advised.

Action Step

Therapists are not all alike. Some may specialize in addictions or phobias while others work best with children and families. Ask questions to make sure the fit is right.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026