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The nails have it

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

If you have a bad day, get your nails done. Have a special occasion? Get your nails done in preparation. One appointment you cannot reschedule – nails. The day can be a total waste of make-up, but all is well if the nails look good.  

 

However, gel manicures come with a price, and your nails pay for it. According to the American Association of Dermatology, gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking. Repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.  

 

To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips: 

 

Be proactive with your manicurist.

Ask if tools are sterilized and look around to ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client.  

 

Wear sunscreen.

Before getting a gel manicure, apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to protect them from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. 

 

Only soak your fingertips in acetone.

When removing the nail polish, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands or fingers to protect the surrounding skin.  

 

Rehydrate your nails.

Between polishes, apply moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.  

 

Take a polish holiday.

Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair. Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only.  

 

Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your nail or have a persistent nail problem. 

 

 

 

 

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.

Nails

If you have a bad day, get your nails done. Have a special occasion? Get your nails done in preparation.

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Heat hurts hair (ouch!)

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Have you ever burnt yourself with a curling iron? If you have, you know it hurts a lot. That much heat is bad for your skin … and it’s not so great for your hair, either. Here’s why and some alternatives to prevent hair damage. 

 

Heat damage 

Our hair is made up of three layers: the cuticle (outermost protective layer made of keratin), the cortex (middle) and the medulla (center). According to a cosmetic chemist, using too much heat on your hair can damage the keratin and cause hair strand dehydration. This can cause hair to break more easily. Heat damage cannot be easily repaired. If you use your hair straightener daily, your hair may look shiny and smooth, but it likely has heat damage. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent damage. 

 

Avoiding heat damage 

Here are some ways that you can prevent heat damage to your hair: 

  • For heatless styles, try braids, buns and twists. 

  • When blow-drying your hair, use the lowest setting and hold the blow-dryer further away from your hair. 

  • Try using heatless styling methods such as pin curls and sock curls. 

  • If you need to use a straightener or curling iron, use heat protectant spray and turn the dial down to a lower setting. 

  • If you use heat every day, try altering your routine so that you use it fewer times per week. 

 

By preventing heat damage and knowing how to be safe, your hair will feel much healthier. Here’s to a curling iron burn-free world for all of us. 

 

 

 

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.

Heatless Hair

Have you ever burnt yourself with a curling iron? If you have, you know it hurts a lot. That much heat is bad for your skin …

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Microwaves save time, but what about your health?

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

After a long day at work and a night of kids’ activities, a microwave can be a lifesaver. Who has time to cook a meal in the oven when you get home at 8:30 p.m.? However, is the microwave saving or hurting us? Take our quiz to find out. As we know, most people using a microwave have very little spare time. So, our quiz is only four questions long. As fast as cooking your microwave snack, this quiz will be done.  

 

 

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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.

microwave

After a long day at work and a night of kids’ activities, a microwave can be a lifesaver.

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The strongest candle vs. running shoes

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

Who burns a candle in their garage? 

 

Why do running shoes smell so bad, especially if they’re wet? Shoes with that stench should not be allowed past the garage. Even the most potent candle can’t mask the stench of wet running shoes in the garage. Why is the odor potent? Why is it worse when shoes are wet? 

 

Bacteria. With 150,000 sweat glands in each foot, our feet sweat. If your shoes don’t get a chance to dry out between wearing, the bacteria in your shoes keep growing.  

 

Aside from going barefoot, there are remedies for smelly shoes and feet. 

 

  1. Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and thoroughly dry them, even between the toes. 

  2. Wear wicking socks made of natural or acrylic fiber blends that draw the moisture away from your feet instead of trapping it with socks made from 100% cotton. 

  3. Wear shoes made of breathable materials.  

  4. Wash shoes or insoles. 

  5. Avoid shoes made of plastic. 

  6. Don’t share shoes or towels, that’s sharing bacteria. 

 

Other remedies are to sprinkle corn starch or baking soda inside your shoes to absorb odor. Soaking your feet in a sink or tub of warm tea or Epsom salts are also methods of controlling foot odor.  

 

Until you find the remedy that works for you, keep your shoes on in social situations.  

 

 

 

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.

Strongest-Candle

Why do running shoes smell so bad, especially if they’re wet? Shoes with that stench should not be allowed past the garage.

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Guilt-free popover muffins

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

These popovers are crisp on the outside, nicely moist within. Using egg whites and fat-free milk make this favorite comfort food guilt-free.

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings, one popover

1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
¼ teaspoon salt
4 egg whites

Directions

Heat the oven to 425 F. Generously coat 6 large metal or glass muffin molds with cooking spray. Heat the muffin molds in the oven for two minutes.

In a large bowl, add the milk, flour, salt and egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth. Fill the heated muffin molds ⅔ full. Bake in the top part of the oven until golden brown and puffy, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Dietitians Tip - Make cheese popovers by topping each cup with 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese before cooking. The Parmesan cheese adds 7 calories, a trace amount of fat and cholesterol, and 25 milligrams of sodium to each popover.

Nutritional information

Per serving

Calories 101
Fat - trace amount
Cholesterol 1 mg
Sodium 152 mg
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fiber 0.5 g
Protein 6 g

Love the recipe? Download the recipe (PDF)

 

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.

Guilt-free Popover Muffins Recipe

These popovers are crisp on the outside, nicely moist within. Using egg whites and fat-free milk make this favorite comfort food guilt-free.

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Tips to become more active

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

How often do you say, “I’m going to get more active,” but you put it off? Maybe it seems overwhelming, and you aren’t sure where to start? We get it. Here are some tips that may help you to kick off your goal of being more active… and healthier because of it. 

 

Like any lifestyle change, adding activity to your daily routine is easier if you have a plan. Experts recommend doing moderate to vigorous activity to get and stay healthy. Work with your doctor to create a plan that is right for you. Start slowly. And set small goals. 

 

Tip 1: Start with walking. 

For most people, walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get moving. Keep track of the number of steps you take each day. You can use a phone app, a fitness tracker or a pedometer. Tracking can help you see the progress you're making toward your goals. That progress might inspire you to move more. 

 

Tip 2: Work up to a comfortable level. 

Even small amounts of activity add up. It's fine to be active several times throughout your day and week. If you're not active at all, work up to it. You may want to start by walking around the block every morning or walking for just 10 minutes. Over time, you can make your walks longer or walk more often throughout your day and week. 

 

Tip 3: Do activities you like. 

Find activities that fit your lifestyle and your personality.  

For example: 

  • Do you like to be active on your own or with others? Joining a group or a class helps some people stay motivated. 

  • Do you like structured activities like classes or everyday activities like gardening? 

Many people find that everyday activities are easier to fit into their life. Others are more likely to stay with an activity if it requires them to show up for a class or for a game. 

 

Tip 4: Take stock of how much you want to spend.  

How much money, if any, do you want to spend on gear or other expenses? There are activities to match every budget. You can walk around your neighborhood without spending any money. You may be able to join a community swimming, dancing or tai chi class for a small fee. 

 

 

 

 

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.

More Active

How often do you say, “I’m going to get more active,” but you put it off? Maybe it seems overwhelming, and you aren’t sure where to start? We get it.

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13 cancer terms you need to know

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

If you or a loved one have been recently diagnosed with cancer, you may find yourself confused or overwhelmed. Deciding on a treatment plan, as well as understanding cancer terms and what they mean, can also be confusing.

We've created this easy-to-understand infographic to help explain 13 cancer terms every patient should know.

Download 13 Cancer Terms You Need to Know (Infographic) PDF

Download 13 Cancer Terms You Need to Know (Infographic) PDF

 

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.

13 Cancer Terms You Need to Know

We've created this easy-to-understand infographic to help explain 13 cancer terms every patient should know.

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Groov’n to the sound of a healthier you

aduranplazola
Submitted by aduranplazola on

The bass is booming, the treble is high and your favorite artist hits that note on the guitar. Your feet begin to tap, your head starts to bop and your body moves joyously to the sound of the music. Listening to music is extremely powerful. It has countless benefits for the mind and body. Music can help slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure and ultimately calm the mind. Other benefits include increased memory and a sharper mind. 

 

Effects of music on the body 

In a Cochrane Systematic Review, scientists found that patients with coronary heart disease had reduced heart rate and lower blood pressure after listening to music. That’s enough to make you build a playlist and plug in your headphones. Observe your mood and body when listening to music and choose slow rhythms that are calming and make you relax for optimal results on your heart rate.  

 

Effects of music on the mind 

Try calming your anxiety with a bit of music before a test and observe the difference. A study at McGill University in Montreal tested patients about to undergo surgery. The participants were randomly assigned to listen to music or take anti-anxiety medications. Those who listened to music had less anxiety than those who took drugs.  

How our brain computes music is fascinating. Vibrations travel through the air inside the ear canal when you listen to music. Those vibrations stimulate the eardrum and are transmitted into electrical signals that travel through the auditory nerve to the brain stem. They are then collected and converted into what we perceive as music. According to a study done at John Hopkins University, areas of the brain used to compute technical information light up when you hear new music. The next time you hear a new song you like, try to learn it. New music gets your brain moving and grooving in ways familiar tunes don’t. 

 

Effects of music on memory 

Part of staying young is keeping your memory intact. Experts say using music to remember events from the past is an excellent tool for memory exercise. Reach into your memory bank for an event that happened in your life and play a song from that period and you will recall more. Listen to music often and get groov’n to a healthier you.    

 

 

 

 

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.

Groovin

The bass is booming, the treble is high and your favorite artist hits that note on the guitar.

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Spring asparagus frittata

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

This brunch or dinner frittata uses whole eggs with a higher proportion of whites. Folate-rich asparagus tops this delicious egg dish.

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

Cooking spray
1 large shallot, minced
2 whole eggs
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon minced fresh dill weed
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup fresh asparagus in ½-inch pieces, cooked
¼ cup shredded, reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese
Directions

Spray large nonstick, ovenproof skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat 30 seconds. Add shallot and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until tender. Remove shallot to a large bowl.

Beat in eggs, egg whites, dill weed, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture into skillet. Cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes or until almost set. Sprinkle on asparagus and cheese.

Place skillet in preheated broiler, about 4 inches from heat. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until cheese melts and eggs are set. Watch closely so frittata doesn’t burn. Remove from broiler. Cut in half.

Nutritional Information

Per serving

Calories 185
Fat 7.5 g
Cholesterol 193.5 mg
Sodium 555 mg
Carbohydrates 11 g
Fiber 3 g
Protein 20.5 g

Love the recipe? Download the recipe: Spring Asparagus Frittata Recipe

 

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.

Spring Asparagus Frittata

This brunch or dinner frittata uses whole eggs with a higher proportion of whites. Folate-rich asparagus tops this delicious egg dish.

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Raisin walnut oatmeal mix

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Oatmeal is incredibly nutritious and rich in fiber, and it may help you control your weight by keeping you feeling fuller longer.

Ingredients

(Serves 6)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
½ cup raisins or dried sweetened cranberries
¼ cup coarsely chopped walnuts or sliced almonds
Granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup (optional)

Directions

Combine cinnamon, salt and oats in a bowl. Stir well to mix. Stir in raisins and walnuts. Pack mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Prepare as you would oatmeal, using twice as much water as oats. (Use 6 cups water in a large pot for the entire mix.) Sweeten to taste.

Nutritional information

(Per Serving)

Calories 230
Fat 2.5 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 181 mg
Carbohydrates 40 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 7.5 g

Love the recipe? Download the recipe: Raisin Walnut Oatmeal Mix (PDF)

 

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.

Raisin walnut oatmeal

Oatmeal is incredibly nutritious and rich in fiber, and it may help you control your weight by keeping you feeling fuller longer.

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