Keeping a balanced diet can seem like a tall order in today's hustle and bustle. But guess what? Balanced eating does wonders not just for your body but for your mind, too.
Have you ever heard of the gut-brain axis? It's the dance between your belly and your brain. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that can play a significant role in mood regulation. A happy gut means a happy mind, thanks to neurotransmitters like serotonin that get a boost from good bacteria.
Omega-3 fatty acids: According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, flaxseeds and dietary supplements such as fish oil. These fats keep your brain sharp and inflammation in check. Think of them as brain boosters.
Antioxidants: Berries, dark chocolate and leafy greens are antioxidant powerhouses. They fight off brain fog and keep your memory crisp.
Complex carbs: Whole grains, legumes and veggies provide a slow and steady energy release: no more sugar crashes, just smooth sailing for your brain.
Vitamins and minerals: B vitamins and magnesium, found in eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds, are like the brain's best friends. They keep neurotransmitters humming and stress at bay.
Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir and kimchi are gut-friendly foods that keep the microbiome happy, keeping your mood steady. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy gut microbiome helps with digestion, boosts the immune system, contributes to blood sugar levels and may even influence mood and mental health.
Eat a rainbow: Fill your plate with various colorful fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Water is your brain's best friend. Drink up and stay sharp.
Ditch the junk: Cut back on processed foods and sugars. Your brain will thank you for avoiding those wild mood swings.
Mindful munching: Take time to savor your meals. Enjoy every bite and listen to your hunger cues.
Balanced eating isn't just about keeping fit – it's about keeping calm, too. Nourish your body right, and you'll find your mind more straightforward and your mood brighter. Remember, a balanced plate equals a balanced state. Bon appetit to a better brain.
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Keeping a balanced diet can seem like a tall order in today's hustle and bustle. But guess what? Balanced eating does wonders not just for your body but for your mind, too.
Most people agree that sugar tastes great. We tend to like it in soda, coffee, tea, cakes, cookies, candy, ketchup, bread and so many other items that surprise most people.
The problem is that it is so bad for our bodies.
According to a statement on Harvard Health, “Too much sugar can be one of the greatest threats to cardiovascular disease.” In addition to being bad for your heart, over time, it can also cause weight gain and be part of the reason for developing diabetes.
Houston Methodist states consuming too much sugar can spike your blood sugar, causing short-term consequences. They include:
Fatigue
Feeling foggy
Blurred vision
Increased thirst
Headaches
Houston Methodist also states that while reducing your blood sugar, your body may overact and cause low blood sugar, leading to:
Lightheadedness
Shakiness
Irritability
Sweating
Anxiety
The best way to avoid the potentially dangerous side effects of too much or too little sugar is to follow the guidelines set by the American Heart Association. The guidelines state that women should consume 100 calories (about six teaspoons or 24 grams) or less of added sugar daily. Men should have no more than 150 calories (about nine teaspoons or 36 grams) of added sugar per day. For reference, a typical can of soda has around 30 to 40 grams of sugar or 7 to 10 teaspoons of sugar. So, before you reach for a convenient can of soda, consider that one can is likely to exceed your daily allotment for sugar.
As with most things, having a sweet tooth is not horrible. But moderation is key.
For more information about sugar, read our blogs:
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
What about the short-term effects of too much sugar?
Once you have met your insurance deductible, it is wise to proceed with a surgery, procedure or screening because you can save money while improving the quality of your life, possibly even saving it.
A healthcare deductible is the money you spend to cover healthcare costs before your healthcare insurance company helps pay for your healthcare expenses. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, you will pay the first $1,000 in healthcare expenses in a calendar year. Once you have paid $1,000, your healthcare insurance company will start paying a percentage of costs for the rest of that calendar year. The deductible will reset on January 1, so it is wise to proceed with any needed procedures or surgeries once you have met your deductible.
You should have a couple of ways to determine if you have met your deductible.
If you have met your deductible, your healthcare insurance company will help pay for select surgeries, procedures and screenings, saving you money and improving your quality of life. A screening could even save your life. Below is a list of common surgeries and screenings covered by insurance, but please confirm with your healthcare insurance company that they cover expenses before scheduling.
Surgeries:
Hernia | Gallbladder |
Bursectomy – Relieves bursitis | Gastrointestinal |
Ligament reconstruction | Labral (cartilage) repair |
ACL reconstruction | Removal of cysts, lipomas or fascia |
Knee replacement – Total and partial | Knee arthroscopy |
Meniscus repair | Hip replacement – Total and partial |
Rotator cuff repair | Biceps tendon repair or release |
Shoulder replacement | Shoulder arthroscopy |
Elbow, wrist or thumb arthroscopy | Carpal tunnel release |
Dupuytren's contracture |
Screenings:
Procedures:
If you are ready to move forward, contact your doctor today to start the scheduling process. Need a doctor? Click here.
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Once you have met your healthcare insurance deductible, it is wise to proceed with a surgery, procedure or screening because you can save money while improving the quality of your life, possibly even saving it.
Blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C are important numbers to monitor for your health. One that often gets overlooked is your heart rate. This is the number of times your heart beats in a minute and is important because it provides insight into your fitness level and risk of heart disease. Learn more by taking our quiz. Don’t worry. We made the answers easy, so we don’t unnecessarily raise your heart rate.
Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
One important number to monitor for your health is your heart rate. Learn more by taking our quiz.
It’s almost Halloween and for many of us, we’ve already started planning our costumes, hanging up our decorations and watching scary movies. As we plan our holiday festivities, it’s important to keep Halloween safe and fun for all. Are you ready for Halloween? Take the quiz below to find out.
Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Are you ready for Halloween? Take the quiz below to find out.
Mark Kenamond, M.D., has joined the Genesis Cancer Care Center in Zanesville, specializing in radiation oncology.
Dr. Kenamond first became interested in imaging and pathology of medicine because his father was a radiologist. Dr. Kenamond was the recipient of a first-year stipend in medical school, which further drove his interest in learning radiation oncology.
During his internship in 2019, Dr. Kenamond received the E.B. Flink Award in Internal Medicine. The annual honor recognizes one student with the most outstanding performance during their third year of medical school.
Originally from Wheeling, West Virginia, he chose Genesis because of the welcoming opportunities to get to know his patients and colleagues.
“The staff is friendly,” said Dr. Kenamond. “I got to know everyone I’d be working with daily during my interview. I felt these are the kind of people I want to be around.”
His medical philosophy is to get to know the patient first, then create a treatment plan to deliver the best care possible. He is committed to providing outstanding patient care and advancing treatment plans in radiation oncology.
Dr. Kenamond is an avid runner and has participated in many marathons. He is also a skilled piano player, taking lessons until he began college.
Dr. Kenamond is accepting new patients at the Genesis Cancer Care Center, 2951 Maple Ave., Zanesville. Patients can schedule appointments by calling 740-454-5271. View his profile here.
Doctor of Medicine:
West Virginia University School of Medicine Morgantown, West Virginia
Residency:
Radiation Oncology
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Lexington, Kentucky
Internship:
Internal Medicine
Charleston Area Medical Center
Charleston, West Virginia
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Radiation Oncology