S P EC I A L S EC T I O N I N S I D E DESERT SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
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The Arizona Republic
November 2017
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Trending now: Healthy news just for you Kids and Teens
Childhood obesity on the rise THE MESSAGE: Childhood obesity has seen a 10-fold increase since 1975, according to a study published in The Lancet. THE SCOOP: In the U.S. more than 1 in 5 children are considered obese. THE BOTTOM LINE: A focus on proper nutrition and weight reduction is needed to combat obesity in children. If you think your child is overweight, talk with your physician. SOURCE: WebMD
Family first:
20s:
Get more Zzzzs to avoid diabetes during pregnancy THE MESSAGE: Researchers have discovered an association between lack of sleep and gestational diabetes, which is an abnormal rise in blood sugar during pregnancy.
Staying
THE SCOOP: Looking at pooled data from eight studies, the researchers found that women who got less than 6.25 hours of sleep at night had three times the chance of developing gestational diabetes compared with those who slept more. THE BOTTOM LINE: While the researchers note the reason for this association is not clear, if you are pregnant and having sleep issues talk to your doctor. SOURCES: NY Times
30 to 40s:
, together
Tips to exercise and eat right at any stage of life Story By Meghann Finn Sepulveda | Photos By Rick D'Elia
A
family approach to developing good eating and exercise habits often starts at home with parents who take time to prepare healthy meals and incorporate physical exercise into their daily schedules. When parents model this behavior, children are taught how to make choices that will positively influence their life-long health.
Yog-Aerobics?
Encourage healthy eating habits
THE MESSAGE: Your heart may benefit if you do both yoga and aerobics. THE SCOOP: A new study found while each type of exercise is beneficial in preventing risk factors for heart disease, people who did both saw two times the benefit. Moreover, those who did both saw improvement in heart function and capacity for exercise. THE BOTTOM LINE: While this is a preliminary finding, adding yoga, if you do aerobics, or aerobics if you do yoga to your workout routine can’t hurt! SOURCES: American College of Cardiology
Lucia Schitzer (above) makes school lunches with her kids, Yasi, 5, Benzi, 8, Aviva, 11, Gavi, 7. Lucia and her husband Ken own Luci's Healthy Marketplace at 16th St. and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix.
To help your child maintain a healthy weight, balance the calories your child consumes from foods and beverages with the calories your child uses through physical activity and normal growth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “A good way to do this is by letting the kids help prepare the meal so they will be more likely to eat it,” said Lindsey Manz, a registered dietitian at Cardon Children’s Medical Center. “Also make it a habit to eat dinner together without any distractions.” As a busy mom, Lucia Schnitzer, co-owner of Luci’s Urban Concepts, knows firsthand that good nutrition and balance is key for her family, including her husband and four children who range in age from 5 to 11 years old. FAMILY FIRST, continued on page 2
50 PLUS:
Remember: Medicare open enrollment ends December 7 THE MESSAGE: It’s that time of year to review your Medicare coverage and make any changes before the enrollment period ends on December 7.
to a stress-free holiday
THE SCOOP: Review the materials from your current Medicare plan insurer and take the time to compare other plans. You might be able to save money on your premiums or out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. You’ll also want to make sure that your physician is still a member of your plan if you are on an Advantage plan. THE BOTTOM LINE: Get assistance if you need it. Free resources are available from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (shiptacenter.org, 800-333-4114), the Medicare Rights Center (medicareinteractive.org) and from Medicare (medicare.gov, 800-633-4227). SOURCES: Washington Post
How to stay happy and healthy this season By Meghann Finn Sepulveda
T
he holidays. It’s when we gather with family and reconnect with friends. It’s also the time of year when we tend to overstretch ourselves with shopping, cooking, decorating, and entertaining, which can be overwhelming,
cause anxiety and bring unwanted stress. As the holidays approach, it’s important to slow down and implement good self-care practices so you can enjoy all the season has to offer. STRESS-FREE, continued on page 4
Only one heart. Only one you. Individualized heart care, devoted to you.
No two hearts are exactly the same. That’s why the cardiovascular specialists of Abrazo Community Health Network embrace an individualized care plan for every single heart we encounter. From preventative care to treating heart conditions, every element is designed to take care of our first priority: you.
Take A Heart Risk Assessment Visit AbrazoHealth.com/MyHeartTest Call 866-631-6572 to find a doctor near you. Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital | Abrazo Arrowhead Campus | Abrazo Central Campus | Abrazo Scottsdale Campus | Abrazo West Campus