Planting Seeds to retain better health

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

April showers bring May flowers, warmer temperatures and the beginning of the gardening season. Some of us may have a green thumb, and others may have a hard time keeping a succulent alive. Either way, gardening and tending to fresh produce plants may be the right activity for you.

Nutritional benefits 

We know it’s important to incorporate fruits and vegetables into our daily meals. Fresh produce that we can grow has many benefits. According to Franciscan Health, gardening can promote heart-healthy eating.

Since the food is not being transported or processed, you still retain all the nutritional benefits we don’t usually get from store-bought produce.

Physical benefits 

Gardening can be as intricate as you want it to be. No matter how big or small your garden is, the University of Texas in Austin says that gardening encourages a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility, muscle strength, joint mobility and overall physical well-being.

Mental health benefits 

While eating healthy and exercising is important, we also need to make sure we are taking care of our mental health. Being “unplugged” from your phone while enjoying a hobby, like gardening, is a great way to practice self-care.

Gardening is a hobby that allows you to be outside and benefit from the result. According to UNC Health Talk, gardening can build self-esteem, reduce stress and make you happier.

Gardening is a great way to stay active in the spring while gaining the nutritional benefits of fresh produce. Embrace your inner green thumb and try it out for yourself this spring.

Find more wellness resources at genesishcs.org/wellness.

Planting Seeds to retain better health

Gardening and tending to fresh produce plants may be the right activity for you.

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Early detection is key to surviving prostate cancer

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate. It is the most common nonskin cancer among men in the United States.

The earlier that prostate cancer is detected, the better your odds are of surviving it.

 

Prostate cancer 5-year survival rate:

Prostate Screening Stats

 

Screenings

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

  • Digital rectal exam

  • Supplemental PSA blood tests like prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), prostate health index (PHI), 4Kscore

 

Risk factors

The recommended age for screening depends on risk factors, including:

  • Men ages 50 to 70 are more likely to develop prostate cancer

  • Family history of prostate cancer

  • African American men are at a higher risk to develop prostate cancer

 

Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and when you should consider getting screened.

Visit Genesishcs.org/Screenings for more information on cancer screenings.

 


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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.

Prostate Screening

The earlier that prostate cancer is detected, the better your odds are of surviving it.

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Do it for your heart

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

We hear many recommendations about keeping our hearts healthy. With a plan, small changes are easier than you think. Try these manageable tips to help you become your heart’s hero.

 

Check blood pressure

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports almost half of American adults have high blood pressure. A healthy reading for people over the age of 20 is less than 120/80. High blood pressure doesn’t always have warning symptoms, so check yours often.

 

Prioritize rest

Poor sleeping habits can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The AHA recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Set a bedtime alarm to remind you when it’s time to wind down.

 

Stay relaxed

Breathing helps more than your lungs. Deep breathing can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. The AHA suggests a daily routine of “4-7-8 breathing.” Breathe in for four counts, hold for seven counts and breathe out slowly through your mouth for eight counts.

 

Learn your genetics

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends learning and sharing your family’s health history. This includes everyone from your parents and grandparents to nieces and nephews. Share details with your doctors so you can take action to reduce your chance of developing heart disease or other conditions.

 

Know the warning signs

While these suggestions are not substitutes for a well-balanced diet, ideal weight and plenty of exercise, you have the power to make a few heart-healthy changes now. In addition, take time to learn the warning signs of a heart attack to save your life or the life of someone you love. Call 911 immediately, even if you don’t think it’s a heart attack.

 

Heart attack symptoms:

  • Chest pain or discomfort

  • Arm or shoulder pain or discomfort

  • Pain in the jaw, neck or back

  • Shortness of breath

  • Feeling a cold sweat

  • Vomiting, feeling lightheaded or nauseous

 

 


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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.

Do it for your heart

Try these manageable tips to help you become your heart’s hero.

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Seven tips for a heart-healthy life

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Heart disease is the biggest obstacle to a long life. Follow LiveWell and our social media for frequent tips that can prevent or delay heart disease.

Heart arrhythmias

Have you ever felt your heart racing? Or maybe you noticed your heart beating extremely slow or irregularly through a tracking device.

A heart arrhythmia is when an unusual beating pattern occurs. Not all heart arrhythmias are bad. Your heart will often beat faster when you are nervous, excited or have too much caffeine.

However, if you have an untreated heart arrhythmia caused by a heart malfunction, it can lead to severe problems, including stroke.

Tips to reduce risk factors

Some risk factors you can’t do anything about. People over 60 years of age, who have heart defects or have a family history of heart disease, are more likely to have a heart arrhythmia.

However, follow the tips below to reduce your other risk factors:

• Lower your blood pressure.

• Maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet.

• Exercise for 150 minutes a week at a moderate aerobic level.

• Talk to your doctor about medications that might cause heart arrhythmias and discuss alternatives.

• Don’t use alcohol, tobacco or recreational drugs.

• Manage stress appropriately.

Symptoms

Having a symptom doesn’t mean you have a heart arrhythmia. If you have more than one, contact your doctor. Symptoms:

• Chest pain

• Dizziness

• Fainting or near fainting

• Fatigue

• Fluttering in the chest

• Racing or slow heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating

Smart devices

In addition to watching for symptoms, multiple smart devices, including watches, can alert you to an irregular heartbeat. An article on the American Heart Association website references a study in which smartwatches and fitness trackers detected irregular heart rhythms and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation with 98% accuracy.

Keep your heart beating regularly

Most people can take action to avoid or prolong developing a heart arrhythmia. If you notice symptoms or your smart device notifies you that you have a concern, call for medical help immediately.

For detailed tips on reducing risk factors, visit genesishcs.org/yourhealth.

Top 50 heart hospital

Genesis is one of America's Top 50 Heart Hospitals

For the 2nd year in a row, as rated by Fortune Magazine and PINC AI.

 


Ready to get healthy?

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.

Seven Tips

Heart disease is the biggest obstacle to a long life. Follow LiveWell and our social media for frequent tips that can prevent or delay heart disease.

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The facts say it all

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy matters.

Only colonoscopies can prevent colon cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps.

The Facts Say it All

 

What does survival rate mean?

Survival rate means the percentage of people who are alive five years after they were diagnosed or started treatment for a disease, such as cancer. It’s essential to detect colon cancer earlier rather than later.

 

Risk factors you can impact:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having Type 2 diabetes
  • Eating a lot of red meat and processed meat
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol

 

Risk factors you cannot impact:

  • Older age
  • Racial and ethnic background
  • Being a male
  • Having gallbladder removed
  • A personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
  • A personal history of certain diseases

 

Visit genesishcs.org/screenings for more information on cancer screenings.

 

 

 


Ready to get healthy?

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.

The Facts

Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy matters.

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