You’re probably aware that watching too much tv is linked to weight gain. The weight gain is usually due to mindless snacking while watching tv. Well, scientists from the University of Birmingham in the UK found that those who eat while watching tv have increased food intake even after the tv is shut off!
Continue readingLower CholesterolLet's Talk About Medications
Janie Ellington
I want to share with everyone a great resource. Janie Ellington is a pharmacist that runs the blog, Let’s Talk About Medications. I frequently see questions related to medications, but medications are not my specialty, which is why I’m sharing this resource with you. I’ve posted a recent interview with Janie below.
Tired of changes that don't last?
1. What is your current position?
I am a registered pharmacist. I manage an in-house pharmacy for a nonprofit pediatric clinic for children of low-income families who do not have health insurance. We are only open weekday mornings. During the cold and flu season, our patient load requires that we stay into the afternoon a bit, but I still have some time for other pursuits. That’s where my article writing and blogging comes in.
2. What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?
Over my career as a pharmacist, I have come across so many misconceptions with regard to medications and general health concerns and I have wished I had an opportunity to clarify some of those issues for the public on a wider scale than just the one-on-one that I get when I counsel when dispensing a new medication. I enjoy helping people who want to take more responsibility for their health and to understand how to use medications safely.
3. What services can you offer to someone struggling to be heart healthy?
My best advice to people who are struggling with any health concern is to educate themselves as much as they can. I have found that people who fail to take responsibility, by learning about issues concerning their health, often have worse outcomes overall. I would encourage people to participate fully in their own care.
My interests in health in general are not limited to prescription drugs. I also enjoy studying and writing about the benefits of natural approaches.
4. Are you able to benefit individuals struggling with weight loss?
Weight loss medications are a decision between you and your doctor, based on your individual health history and goals. When they’re prescribed, they typically work alongside the nutrition and lifestyle changes that support long term health, not instead of them. Your doctor and pharmacist are the best resources for understanding whether a specific medication is right for you.
5. Do you have a forum where questions can be submitted?
Yes, I would especially enjoy answering questions about health issues that I have written about in my blog. I can only answer specific questions based on what is known about the drug you are taking. Without access to your health information, I cannot effectively answer questions specific to your treatment.
6. What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with high cholesterol or blood pressure?
Everyone’s health picture is different, so the best step after a new diagnosis is an open conversation with your doctor about your treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or both. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle factors can meaningfully support cholesterol and blood pressure management, and they work well alongside medication when it’s prescribed. If your doctor does prescribe medication, understanding it well is one of the best things you can do. Know the common side effects, know which ones warrant a call to your doctor, and report anything concerning. Sometimes a different medication in the same class won’t cause the same reaction, since everyone responds differently.
I hope you’ve found this information useful and visit Janie’s blog to learn more.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
Heart HealthSelf-Improvement Gift Giveaway!
I’m participating in a joint venture with hundreds of other businesses. We’ve teamed up to put all our free gifts in one location – Self Improvement Gifts. I wanted to share this site with you, because the gifts cover a wide variety of topics – inspirational, motivational, health, self-esteem, financial, success, law of attraction. . .the list goes on.
You have to “sign-up” to enter the website for the free gifts, but it’s a free to be a member.
If this interests you, check it out!
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
eNutritionServices
Lose WeightLose Weight by Slowing Down
Eating slowly will help you feel fuller and decrease the calories you eat each meal, all of which leads to shedding the unwanted pounds! It takes ~20 minutes for your head to tell your stomach it’s full, so aim for at least 20 minutes to eat each meal.
Those who eat quickly until they are full are three times more likely to be overweight (research published in the British Medical Journal).
If you’re used to eating at a frenzied pace, slowing down won’t feel natural. Small steps, such as setting down your utensil between bites, will help you slow down. You may find you now have a chance to actually taste and enjoy your meals!
Tired of changes that don't last?
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
Lose WeightWillpower and weight loss
When you are trying to shed extra pounds I do not recommend you rely on willpower alone. Clear out the unhealthy foods that weaken your resolve to be heart healthy and lose weight out of your cupboards. Once you have established good habits and can “trust yourself” to enjoy the occasional goodie in moderation, bring a few treats back into your home. Until then, removing temptation is the better route to success!
Tired of changes that don't last?
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
Heart HealthMake Your Halloween Healthier
Halloween is just around the corner, which means trick-or-treating, and I stress the “treating”. Eliminating candy completely at Halloween is not a feasible option and why spoil a fun holiday the whole family should enjoy? However, by taking a few simple steps you can limit the amount of candy in your home and maintain a balance between holiday treats and your health goals.
- Are you throwing or attending a Halloween party? Limit the cookies/candy and aim for some traditional fall goodies, such as caramel covered apples, pumpkin dip and pumpkin bars, which are tasty treats that offer some good nutrition too. If you are the party host, plan some party activities that get guests up and moving – Monster Mash dance contest or a scarecrow building contest – to work off some of the holiday goodies while having a ghoulish good time.
- Limit the number of homes you take your children to for trick-or-treating. The fewer homes you visit, the less candy you take home.
- “Donate” excess candy to the office or your child’s teacher. You and/or your spouse can place a candy dish at your office to share with co-workers and your children can load up a bag to give to teachers for school treats throughout the year.
- Purchase only what you think you’ll need to hand out to trick-or-treaters. Estimate how many little devils and goblins came knocking on your door previous years and purchase just enough candy to cover your expected trick-or-treaters. This will limit the leftover candy you will be tempted to consume after the big night.
- Portion control is key. Watch how much you eat at a time. If you have a sweet tooth, keep the candy out of sight and limit yourself to one or two pieces each day.
Halloween comes around once a year and for those dealing with health issues, such as heart disease or excess weight; this may be a stressful time trying to balance a healthy diet with the influx of candy. By following the above tips and making good decisions you can enjoy this time of year and some sweets, too.
Happy Halloween!
Lisa Nelson RD