It's five in the morning and your alarm clock is still ringing in your ears. You can barely open your eyes, much less put together a work-appropriate outfit and walk outside to greet a new day. You shuffle to the kitchen to grab a cup of – what? What hot breakfast drink will wake you up while preserving your health? Around the world, tea is often the beverage of choice. In America, coffee predominantly rules. As a health-conscious person, you have to know: which is better for you? The answer is a resounding "it depends."

Coffee vs. Black Tea
The most popular type of tea is definitely black tea, and although it does contain less caffeine than your average cup of Joe, coffee is actually the healthier choice in this scenario. A moderate consumption of coffee promotes healthy blood flow and brain functioning. Coffee possesses more antioxidants than black tea, and it decreases your risk of cancer, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Coffee can also lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. While black tea contains many of the same nutrients and benefits, coffee provides a more potent amount.

Other Types of Tea
While coffee is preferable to black tea, other types of tea, such as green or herbal mixtures, are usually a better choice than coffee. Green tea is linked with the prevention of many diseases, including cancer, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. It differs from black tea, keeping more of its nutrients, because there is less processing involved when preparing green tea. Herbal teas also tend to have many beneficial nutrients, but they do not carry any caffeine.

You Can Make Anything Unhealthy
Although coffee is actually a healthier food staple than many people believe, anything can become unhealthy when overused or filled with sweeteners. Watch the amount of sugar you mix in with any type drink, tea or coffee, and choose a traditional cup of Joe over a sweetened, trendy latte.

If you have more questions about your diet, the staff at Plantation General Hospital can help. Just call our Consult-a-Nurse® service anytime at 1-866-442-2362. We can also provide a physician referral.

Related Posts:
Sodium and Its Health Risks
The Truth About Carbohydrates

A child’s first bike is a cherished memory for parents and kids alike. It is a sign that your son or daughter is growing up, is getting more independent, and is capable of learning new skills. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can occur when the child is improperly taught or not following important safety rules. Follow these tried-and-true tips to keep your children safe and preserve their bikes as treasured childhood memories.

Bicycle Gear
A bicycle helmet is a mandatory piece of gear that every child should wear when enjoying a ride, whether coasting down a busy street or just around your cul-de-sac. In the state of Florida, bicycle helmets are required by law for all children under 16. Make sure the helmets fit well and instruct your children to keep them on and strapped under their chins at all times. Unfastened or improperly sized helmets can fall off during an accident or fall, leaving the head exposed.

Elbow or knee pads are sometimes used to prevent scrapes during bicycle accidents. These may be necessary for your children while they are first learning to ride without training wheels.

Bicycle Check-ups
Periodically check your child’s bicycle to make sure it is in good working order. Check the tire pressure, the brakes, and look for any broken parts. Tell your child to come to you if he notices anything odd about his bicycle. Even the safest bicyclist could find himself hurt or stranded thanks to an ill-working bike.

Road Safety
Children can get farther than you realize on a bike, so make sure you have established some clearly defined boundaries on where they can and can’t ride. Always avoid busy streets without sidewalks or bike lanes. Younger children should be advised to stay in your neighborhood or subdivision, and parents of early elementary students should consider staying near them during their bicycle trips. If you do allow your child to take unsupervised trips, go over the following safety tips with them:

• Keep two hands on the handlebars as much as possible, and never try to bike with no hands.
• Look out for potholes, gravel, glass, animals, bottles or cans, pedestrians, and other bicyclists.
• Look both ways before the crossing the street.
• Don’t try to fit two people on a bike.
• Always stay observant.
• Never ride at night or during heavy rain storms.

Do you have any questions about your child’s safety or healthcare? The staff at Plantation General Hospital is here to help. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7724 anytime, day or night.

Related Posts:
Sugar: How Much Are Your Kids Getting?
Back-to-School Safety Guide
Protecting Your Kids at the Beach or Pool

Do you find yourself longing for a moment of quiet shut-eye at inconvenient moments? Maybe you experience an afternoon slump every workday, or the need for a nap appears when you still have a mile-long to-do list for the day. Chaining yourself to a coffee machine and painfully pushing through each hour is no way to live your life. If you’re getting enough sleep, chronic fatigue shouldn’t be something you need to suffer through. Simple lifestyle changes can give you the energy to greet each day with the momentum and passion you need.

Change Your Diet
Food choices rank as a top cause of chronic fatigue. Whether you’re skipping meals, overloading on sugars and white flour, or depriving yourself of a crucial nutrient, the foods you choose (and don’t choose) can make your days feel long and tiring. To give yourself the most energy possible, try these diet tips:

• Eat a healthy breakfast that includes protein every morning. No exceptions!
• Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the entire day.
• Don’t go longer than four hours without something to munch on.
• Choose whole wheat bread over white.
• Make sure you’re getting plenty of fiber and omega-3s.
• Cut back on caffeine. It might worsen your fatigue initially, but as you break the addiction you will find you don’t need coffee or tea to artificially boost your wakefulness.
• If you won’t skip dessert entirely, at least save it for the end of the day.

Get Active
Many people who complain of fatigue lead a sedentary lifestyle. They sit at a desk all day, and spend their evenings in front of a television. Regular exercise, especially in the morning, will get your blood flowing and keep you awake all day.

Quick Tips
When you find yourself fading, try one of these instant fixes:

• Get up, stretch, and walk around.
• Splash your face with cold water.
• Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
• Talk to a friend.
• Eat a healthy snack.
• Turn on your favorite upbeat song.
• Clean up your workspace.

Are you experiencing unexplained periods of low-energy? Fatigue can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health concern. The staff at Plantation General Hospital can help. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362 with questions or to receive a physician referral.

Related Posts:
The Truth About Carbohydrates
Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

With another season of dessert-filled holidays behind you, the New Year is the perfect time to think about healthy changes you can make to your lifestyle. Whether you want to lose a few pounds, you’re trying to quit a dangerous smoking habit, or you just want to prevent future medical problems and enjoy your good health long into old age, 2012 is the year to take action.

Find a Nutritious Diet That Works for You
There are few medical problems that aren’t in some way linked with an unhealthy diet. If you are primarily living off fatty, sweet, or salty foods, now is the time to start opening up your kitchen and palate to healthier recipes. Begin by taking small steps one at a time.  Try finding several nutritious recipes your love, rather than fixating on cutting out unhealthy favorites. This positive focus will promote a feeling of abundance, rather than deprivation. Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled fresh produce and whole foods, rather than bags of chips and cartons of ice cream.

Fitness Resolutions
Gym membership numbers tend to spike every January – with good reason. Gyms provide accountability, focus, and encouragement while trying to establish an exercise routine. Many gyms also offer regular classes that will introduce you to new types of exercise, such as Pilates, water aerobics, or spin classes. On the other hand, gym memberships aren’t the only way to achieve your fitness goals this year. If you aren’t likely to get distracted while trying to exercise at home, investing in a few pieces of home gym equipment will save you money in the long run. You can also get a great cardio workout from running outside, joining a sports team, hiking, biking, or participating in water activities.

More Healthy Resolutions
What other promises can you make for 2012 to preserve your health? Here are some ideas:

• Quit smoking.
• Get enough sleep.
• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Switch to organic or natural cleaning substances.
• Pay attention to the recommended doctor appointments, exams, shots, and screenings for your age and gender.

Are you going into 2012 behind on your health screenings? Plantation General Hospital can help. Call our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. A healthcare professional is available 24/7 to answer your questions or provide a physician referral.

Related Posts:
Time to Quit Smoking
Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

The holidays are here! Unfortunately, for some people this season is anything but relaxing. Many find themselves complaining of depression, anxiety, flu symptoms, or weight gain. It’s time to reclaim the holidays of your youth. Adulthood doesn’t have to mean giving up the carefree memories of nights around the fireplace, drinking hot apple cider, and counting your gifts under the tree rather than the calories you consumed. This year, devote yourself to a happy, healthy, and stress-free holiday season.

Fighting the Flu
Aim for a tissue-free winter vacation this December. Make it a regular habit to wash your hands before each meal, avoid close contact with people who are sneezing and coughing, take a daily multivitamin, and stick to a weekly exercise routine. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time.

Put Aside Your Stress
Holiday stress may seem inescapable, but these simple tips should keep your spirits high and worry-free:

• Don’t say yes to every party invitation this season. Give yourself room to breathe.
• Allow yourself some weekly “me time” to relax. Aim for daily if you can.
• Put away your credit cards and shop with a reasonable budget. Holiday stress often stems from financial worries.
• Consider how many house guests you can really fit in your home, and for how long, before everyone starts getting a little crazy.
• Make time to just sit and talk with your spouse, children, or best friends.

Nutrition
Holidays get a notoriously bad reputation for widening waist measurements every year. Don’t fall into this unhealthy trap. Limit your snacking, your desserts, and your seconds at meal times. The moderate splurge is okay during special occasions, but don’t forgo your fruits and veggies in favor of chocolate fudge.

If you have questions about staying healthy this holiday season,  Plantation General Hospital is here to help. Just call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. We are standing by to answer your questions or supply a physician referral.

Related Posts:
What You Should Know about Toy Safety
How to Make Your New Year’s Stress Free

You’re counting calories. You select low-fat options at the grocery store. You’ve cut down on sugar. You’re watching out for cholesterol and carbs. You probably feel like you can’t fit another dietary restriction into your lifestyle – but the risk of too much sodium isn’t just weight gain. A salty diet often results in cardiovascular problems and other health concerns that can turn fatal.

Cardiovascular Complications
A diet oversaturated in sodium can wreak havoc on your arteries. Excess sodium will cause your blood pressure to rise, ultimately leaving your arteries hardened, thick, and prone to clots. Heart attacks and strokes are common complications that many patients could avoid if they watch their sodium intake.

High blood pressure will also affect your blood vessels, such as the ones running through your eyes or kidneys. When these vessels become thick and narrow, you could suffer from kidney failure or vision loss. Problems with your blood vessels may also result in an aneurysm. Limited blood flow in a weakened vessel could create a bulge that eventually ruptures, creating a life-threatening situation.

Don’t assume that a low blood pressure reading means your high-sodium diet isn’t affecting you. According to the Huffington Post, even if a sodium-filled diet does not result in high blood pressure, there is still a correlation between high salt intake and cardiovascular problems.

A Weakened Metabolism
A high-sodium diet can create several problems with your metabolism, commonly leading to weight gain, infertility, mood swings, or diabetes. Some untreated metabolism disorders can also lead to stroke or heart disease.

Stomach Problems
Salt can react harshly against your digestive system. Patients who consume too much sodium often find themselves struggling with chronic stomach ulcers, and in extreme cases too much salt has been linked with gastric cancer.

Compromised Mental Abilities
Extremely high blood pressure will weaken your mental facilities, causing patients to experience neurological symptoms such as memory loss. If you find yourself struggling to learn new material or adapt new habits, an excess of sodium may be to blame. Those with low-sodium diets often report better brain clarity and sharper mental abilities.

If you have questions about your diet, the team at Plantation General Hospital can help. Just call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. A healthcare professional can help you determine healthy sodium levels that will protect you from high blood pressure, digestive problems, and other health concerns.

Related Posts:
The Truth About Carbohydrates
Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

We all know the dangers of smoking, but no one will deny the challenge of quitting once an addiction takes hold. The cravings may seem impossible to fight, but putting your cigarette habit to rest is doable if you are motivated to see the process through, even when the temptations seem irresistible.

Why Quit
The strongest motivation to quit comes from knowledge of the dangers you face each time you light up a cigarette. The risk of lung cancer is well publicized, but according to the American Cancer Society, smoking can also lead to several other types of cancer including:

• Sinus cancer
• Mouth cancer
• Nose cancer
• Throat cancer
• Larynx cancer
• Esophagus cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Leukemia

Other health problems linked with smoking include heart attack, stroke, vision problems, blood clots, and lung disease.

Immediate Results
Although you won’t actually observe your risk for lung cancer or other health complications decreasing, there will be some rewards you can immediately begin noticing. These observations can help keep your motivations high. Some results you may notice are:

• Whiter teeth
• Better-smelling breath
• Improved sense of smell
• Improved sense of taste
• Fading of yellow-colored fingertips or fingernails
• Improved physical abilities
• Better breathing

 Your Quit Day
The American Cancer Society recommends choosing an official “quit day” that gives you enough time to prepare, but not so much time that you’ll talk yourself out of it. You will need to plan your strategy before the quit day approaches. Some quit cold turkey, while others gradually decrease the amount of cigarettes they smoke per day. You might want the assistance of gum or patches to curb any cravings. Preparing for your quit day might also include talking to your doctor, getting a prescription, or starting recommended medications.

Tips for Quitting
Once your quit day approaches, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay active and hydrated
• Avoid places or situations where you know temptation will be stronger
• Change your routine so that you won’t be reminded of the times that you usually took smoke breaks
• Join a support group for encouragement and accountability

 Plantation General Hospital wants to help you quit smoking. Let us get involved or provide support. For questions or recommendations on local support groups, call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. 

Related Posts:
Keeping Your Lungs Healthy
Steps to Pulmonary Rehabilitation