HealthyLife Articles

Tag: fall

  • Fall In Love With Fall Vegetables

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of a variety of fall vegetables.

    Perhaps the days of watermelon and cucumbers are behind us for now, but fall has plenty of delicious in-season veggies and fruits to offer.

    Eating what’s “in season” often means you can get food that’s fresher, more nutritious, and costs less. Check out the grocery store or farmer’s market for some of these delicious fall favorites:

    *  Pumpkins

    *  Carrots

    *  Winter squash, such as acorn, butternut and buttercup

    *  Broccoli

    *  Cauliflower

    *  Sweet potatoes

    *  Mushrooms

    *  Spinach

    *  Grapes

    Of course, some produce is available year-round when it can be shipped from far away. But, check out where the food was grown to ensure you’re getting something fresh. The USDA requires that fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, along with some meats and fish, have a label on them stating the “country of origin.” In general, the farther it’s had to travel, the less fresh it will be when it gets to your grocery store.

    Remember many of your favorites can be found in the frozen food section if it’s not available fresh at certain times of year.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • More Than A Bump On The Old Noggin

    BE FIT

    Image of a football player.

    You’re hearing more about sports-related concussions. Why? Because there are simply more of them. Like 3 million each year, says the CDC.

    Does anyone suspected of having a concussion need a CT or MRI scan right away? Dr. Howard Derman, director of the Methodist Concussion Center in Houston, explains. While there is damage to the brain cells in a concussion, the damage is at a microscopic level and cannot be seen on MRI or CT scans. The injured brain looks normal on these tests, even though it has been seriously injured. Even if a CT scan or MRI shows you’re “okay,” your doctor should also perform a physical exam.

    The signs and symptoms of concussion can appear immediately after the injury or may not appear until days after. Some of the many apparent signs to note are these:

    * Appears dazed or stunned

    * Answers questions slowly

    * Has nausea or vomiting

    * Feels sensitivity to light or noise

    * Cannot recall events prior to the hit or fall

    With a concussion, athletes need to be medically cleared to return to activity. The brain is bruised. It needs time to heal.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine