Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Next time you’re tempted to skip the gym or indulge in that extra doughnut in the office break room, think about your future self. A healthy lifestyle may help prevent mental decline later in life, a European study suggests. Conversely, poor heart health and a high Body Mass Index (BMI) are linked to increased risk of age-related dementia and cognitive decline, say the authors of the study published in the March 12 edition of The Lancet. Healthy bodies mean healthy brains Researchers led by Miia Kivipelto, a professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, followed 1,260 Finnish adults…

How bad would it really be if I skipped working out today? We’ve all asked ourselves this question while deciding whether to stay home and catch up on a Netflix show or fit in a workout. According to The Washington Post, skipping your fitness routine can affect you in several ways. After 10 to 14 days without exercise, your body doesn’t process oxygen as well, and within four weeks your muscle fibers will get smaller. The inactivity will also decrease your caloric burn, which in turn will signal your body to store excess calories as fat. The article suggests sliding…

Affecting millions, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. The painful joint degeneration can effect large joints such as the knee, hip, neck and lower back. It was once believed that OA could be caused by the wear and tear on bones from regular exercise like jogging, but a recent article from the Northern Kentucky Tribune tells us not to put our running shoes away just yet. In a 2008 study, researchers found that long distance-runners showed no effect on their joints. A Stanford University study backed up these results, reporting that running over a long period…

This week, Chipotle announced it will remove  most foods and ingredients that contain  genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from its menu. Meat will still come from animals who eat genetically modified feed. GMOs have been a hot-button issue partly because we don’t understand  the long-term effects, according to St. Elizabeth registered dietitian, Karah Stanley.  Crops are often genetically-modified to protect them from pesticides, which is safe according to the FDA. Critics argue the real problem is the amount of pesticides used on plants. Currently, Chipotle is the  only fast food chain  to stop serving GMO foods. “Many countries have issued bans…

When you get a group of seasoned runners together, they’re bound to tell race stories. And there’s  one story it seems everyone shares: They’ve all had tummy troubles at a very inconvenient time. Proudly, many will say, “at least I made it to a bathroom!” Others… aren’t so lucky. If you’re taking part in  the Flying Pig this weekend, you  may have already mapped out bathrooms along the way. As my mom always says, “it’s better to know where they are and not need one, than to need one and not know where they are.” So what’s actually happening to…

Tired of hibernating? We rounded up a list of family-friendly events happening near you that are sure to get you in the mood for spring and your kids in the mood for summer vacation! Hang out with the animals Butterflies of the Philippines Through Sunday, June 21 Krohn Conservatory $7 for adults, $4 for children, ages 4 and under are free Canyon Falls Through Saturday, November 7 Newport Aquarium $23 for adults, $15 for children, ages 2 and under are free Humpback Whales Daily through Wednesday, August 5 Museum Center’s OMNIMAX Theatre 40 minutes $7.50 for tickets Zoo Babies…

The dreaded “wall” plagues even the most seasoned runner ““ whether you’re running a 5K or a full marathon. With Flying Pig weekend quickly approaching, St. Elizabeth physical therapist Stacey McConnell helps you finish your race as strong as you start it.

We all are a little guilty of giving our kiddos a not-so-healthy, but quick  snack. We know they’ll love it, and it can be easier to give them food they’ll eat instead of fighting about cleaning the greens off their plate. If you need a little advice  encouraging your kids to eat their vegetables – Bon Appetit can  help! The writers asked chefs how they encourage their kids to eat better. Do your kids love salad? How did you teach them to eat their veggies? Share your tips with us!

You likely have a friend who has tried meditation. Whether you’re wondering exactly what that friend did ““ or your curious to try meditation yourself ““ read on to learn more about this fun way to relax. What is meditation? Meditation is a state of mind or a relaxation technique. Many people use it as a way to gain mental clarity or reflect on internal, rather than external, stimuli. Meditative practices can be traced back to Asia in the 6th century B.C.   Although meditation, or self-reflective thought, has been adopted by nearly every religion, it is not a…

We know “concussion” is a buzzword for both amateur and professional athletes, even as the NFL recently reached a settlement agreement with former players. Now, Kentucky fourth- and fifth-graders are confronting this problem head on. A group of students from Mann Elementary created what they call the “Safe Tackle Football Helmet,” which conditions players to tackle with correct form. The helmet buzzes when the athlete’s head drops below a certain level, one of the key factors in head injuries. We aren’t the only ones who think this is a good idea. The team’s design won the Innovative Solution award at…