Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Having a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail isn’t unusual during holiday party season. But, alcohol isn’t just extra empty calories ““ it can have serious effects on your health. Before you leave for a New Year’s Eve party, here are a few facts to keep in mind. What is a standard drink? A standard drink equals 14.0 grams, or 0.6 ounces, of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in: 12 ounces of beer (5 percent alcohol content) 8 ounces of malt liquor (7 percent alcohol content) 5 ounces of wine (12 percent alcohol…

Yes, it’s possible to actually enjoy all parts of the holidays. If you’re feeling stressed, pause and take a deep breath ““ we’re here to help! Whether you can use the advice this year or need to save it for 2015, we have seven tips to make sure you have a wonderful holiday season. 1. Be pro-active Determine what is really important for you to do and what are optional tasks or commitments then prioritize. Let your family and friends know about the changes you plan to make and why. You may be surprised at the support you receive. 2.…

Oh my gosh! It’s the holidays! I have all of this work to do. And my schedule is packed with parties and lunches and cleaning and cooking. We know “slowing down” is easier said than done, that’s why we have ten suggestions to help you simplify the holidays. Trying all ten this year will probably just make your holidays more stressful, so take a deep breath and try one or two now, then save the rest for the New Year. 1. Start a new tradition Do you always make a fruitcake to take to Uncle Ben’s party? Do you always…

Heading to the airport can be a headache for everyone. For people with diabetes, getting through airport security with medications, insulin monitors and pumps and other supplies can be a special kind of pain, especially during busy holiday travel seasons. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has special guidelines for travelers with medical conditions and disabilities. They recommend calling the TSA Cares hotline at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before traveling with any questions. This should allow you to make sure you and your medications get through security safely. The hotline is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. ““ 11…

Okay, so maybe it’s not just the new Disney-Pixar trailer that leaves us yearning for summer. The cold weather may also have something to do with it” But nevertheless, we can’t wait for this film to hit theaters. With Mashable introducing each of the ‘Inside Out’ characters at the end of November, we have been on the edge of our seats waiting for the official U.S. trailer. Well, it has finally arrived and we’re already searching for June 19 tickets to the midnight showing. So why are we so excited? First, watch the trailer for yourself and then read on.…

Are you in need of a dish to bring to your holiday get-together? Side dishes and desserts are always in high quantity, so you may want to consider an appetizer. This dip is both decadent and light on calories so it won’t fill you up before the main entree. It’s a fool-proof dish, even for those of us not well versed in the kitchen. It requires a little bit of chopping, mixing of ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven. Enjoy! Recipe courtesy of Chef Chris Crowley at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

Without tight management, diabetes can wreck the body ““ literally, head to toe. Vision problems, including blindness, are among the major complications of diabetes, and sudden blurred vision is one of the warning signs used to diagnose the disease. Complete loss of vision is rare for people with diabetes, but the disease can lead to other issues, including glaucoma and damage to the retina. Consequences for your eyes include: Glaucoma ““ People with diabetes are 40 percent more likely than those without it to develop glaucoma, in which fluid pressure increases within the eye, leading to pinched nerves and blood…

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that infects the nose, throat and lungs. It can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and death for people who are already medically compromised. It can cause certain health conditions to become worse (diabetes, asthma, and heart and lung disease). The flu is contagious Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. How flu spreads People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away. Flu…

It’s a common sight. People text on the bus, at the office, in restaurants, even while they’re walking and driving. It’s a dreaded distraction to police and parents, not to mention a nuisance to the people surrounding the offenders. Now ““ it could be causing physical pain. Each time you look down to text, it’s equal to the weight of four bowling balls on your spine. No, this isn’t an easy way to get in that extra workout, it’s actually pretty harmful for your back and neck. And, if you’re experiencing pain from computer use, not mobile phone use, here…

We read earlier this month in The Enquirer  that hospitals are requesting that people who are sick not visit others in the hospital. Makes sense. We thought that could apply to holiday parties, as well. And now we’re updating that to include: Work Kids sporting events Family gatherings Even shopping Generally, any place with people It seems as though everywhere you turn adults and kids are battling cold and flu symptoms, coughing and sneezing with regularity. Nobody wants to miss a family  pot luck or a ballgame or not go to the office when vacation days have been used up.…