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.

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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.

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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.

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If you have received a recent diagnosis of diabetes, learning to live with your condition may seem impossible. Your doctor is probably encouraging several lifestyle changes. You might have to remember to start taking a daily medication and adjust your diet. And you may even worry about possible health complications. Those who have been living with diabetes for years will assure you: it won’t always be this difficult. Your routine will change, but soon this lifestyle will come naturally to you, and you’ll learn the preventative measures to keep your condition under control.

Reshaping Your Priorities
As a diabetic, you will likely need to shift around your daily schedule and priorities to accommodate your new medical needs. You might need to adapt to a medication schedule, or you may need to set aside time each day to monitor your glucose levels. If you are used to eating spontaneously on the go, or skipping meals when you’re pressed for time, you will also need to learn how to schedule your day with regular meal and snack times included. Daily moderate exercise should be another addition to your new schedule.

Handling Diabetes at Work or School
Whether you are a student or an employee, you probably have co-workers, bosses, or teachers who will need to adjust to your new medical needs with you. The American Diabetes Association provides assurance that anti-discrimination laws exist to protect you against institutions that might try to withhold the reasonable accommodations you need to stay healthy at work or school. It is important to stand up for yourself if you feel discrimination is taking place. Diabetes should never hold you back from the education or opportunities you deserve.

November is American Diabetes Month, so this is a good time to get educated. To learn more managing diabetes, contact Plantation General Hospital’s free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. You may also benefit from our Diabetes Support Group, which meets the first Tuesday of each month. Just call 1-888-256-7724 for more information. We’ll make sure you don’t have to tackle diabetes on your own.

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In recent years, carbohydrates have received a tainted name among dieters. Breads, pastas, and starchy vegetables get credited with weight gain and fatigue. Many people looking to lose weight follow fad diets that encourage total avoidance of carbs, opting instead for plenty of meats and salads. Has the long-standing food pyramid been turned on its head? Not quite. While it is true that certain types of carbohydrates are not the ideal food staples, carbs still deserve their place in your kitchen and on your dinner plate.

Good and Bad Carbohydrates
Just like there are good and bad types of fat for your diet, not all carbohydrates interact with your body the same. White bread, pastries, sugary drinks, potato chips, and white rice do not provide much nutritional value, and a diet based on these foods will typically result in some extra pounds and a fatigued body. On the other hand, good carbs such as whole-grain breads, brown rice, vegetables, and fruits are used as healthy fuel for your body.

The Purposes of Carbohydrates
Good carbohydrates serve several purposes for your overall health. Primarily, your body needs carbs for energy, according to the New York Times Health Guide. Carbs also improve the health of your brain and nervous system. Whole grains contain fiber, along with many vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.

Fiber
Harvard School for Public Health recommends that adults receive around 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. The majority of American adults only get up to 15 grams a day, which can eventually lead to constipation, diabetes, heart disease, or colon cancer. Low-carb diets may shed pounds quickly, but the long-term health concerns can cause severe damage.

It is important to speak with a doctor before making any changes to your diet. If you have questions about carbohydrates in your diet, or if you would like a physician referral, call our free Consult-a-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362.

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February is American Heart Month, so this is a great time to give your ticker a checkup. How healthy is it? Are you taking the best care of your cardiovascular system that you can?

Consider these factors:

• Blood pressure: If your reading is higher than 120/80, talk to your doctor about ways to get it down. You can try lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, as well as medication.
• Cholesterol: Your total cholesterol reading should be no higher than 200. Do you know your number? If you don’t, have it checked. You can improve your cholesterol level by altering the food you eat. If that doesn’t help, your doctor may be able to prescribe medications.
• Sleep: Are you getting your zzzz’s? Research shows that people who don’t get enough sleep can develop heart disease as well as other medical problems. Make a point to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, and aim for seven to eight hours of shut-eye a night.
• Exercise: You may think you’re too busy to get regular exercise, but it’s important that you make time. Regular activity can improve your heart health, help you maintain a healthy weight, and even boost your mood.
• Weight: If you’re carrying extra pounds, especially around your midsection, you’re forcing your heart to work a lot harder than it should. Make every effort to lose the weight and keep it off. If you’re having trouble, don’t go it alone! Talk to your doctor about the best strategies for slimming down.
• Stress: Everyone experiences stress, but how do you handle yours? To keep your heart healthy, you need to manage stress by finding ways to relax each day. This may just mean turning off the computer, TV, and phone for a while. Or you could benefit from meditation, massage, and yoga.
• Diet: Eating heart-healthy food can help keep your cardiovascular system running smoothly. This means limiting salt and saturated fat, and instead focusing on lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. This kind of diet can do wonders for your heart and your overall well-being.

To learn more about heart-healthy diets and other preventative measures, contact Plantation General Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-866-442-2362. Serving Central Broward County, we’re here to answer all your questions.

Sources:

Plantation General Hospital

American Heart Association

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Nearly one in three American children is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity rates have nearly tripled in the past three decades and research shows obese children and adolescents are likely to become obese adults.

Obese children and teenagers are also more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes, than those who maintain a healthy weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Contributing Factors

Childhood obesity is the result of an imbalance between the calories a child consumes through food and beverages and the calories a child needs to support normal growth and development, metabolism and physical activity. A number of factors can contribute including:

Genetics: Studies show certain genetic characteristics may increase a child’s susceptibility to gain excess body weight. Genetic factors alone can play a role in specific cases of obesity, including in rare genetic disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome. However, childhood obesity usually exists in conjunction with behavioral and environmental factors.

Behavioral: Certain behaviors can contribute to an energy imbalance and consequently to obesity including poor dietary patterns which can consist of large portion sizes, eating meals away from home like fast food, frequent snacking or excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Sedentary behavior is also a major factor. Children tend to spend more time watching TV, DVDS, playing on the computer, etc. than participating in physical activities.

Environmental: Home, day care, school and community environments can impact a child’s behavior related to food intake and physical activity. Parents are role models for children who are likely to develop eating and physical activity habits similar to their parents. Child care providers and teachers share responsibility with parents during important developmental years- influencing access to physical activity opportunities and healthy food choices.

Tips for parents:

Encourage healthy eating habits: Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products, include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products, choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein, serve reasonably-sized portions, substitute water for sugar-sweetened beverages and limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat. Check out the www.mypyramid.gov for more information.

Make favorite dishes healthier: Regularly prepare healthier recipes your family enjoys. To get new ideas about how to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet check out tasty recipes from www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.

Remove calorie-rich temptations: Reduce high-fat, salty and high-sugar snacks. Offer nutritious options that are 100 calories or less including: a medium size apple or banana, 1 cup blueberries or grapes, 1 cup carrots, broccoli or bell peppers with 2 tablespoons of hummus.

Help kids stay active: Encourage an appropriate amount of physical activity including brisk walking, playing soccer, swimming, dancing, etc. Also help children avoid too much sedentary time by limiting time they watch TV, play video games, surf the web to no more than 2 hours per day.

If you have any questions about childhood obesity, call Plantation General Hospital’s Health Information Line at 1-866-442-2362 or visit www.plantationgeneral.com and click on the Health Library.

An estimated 67% of American adults 20 and older are overweight or obese. Obesity has taken center stage as one of the biggest health concerns in the U.S. with even First Lady Michelle Obama launching the “Let’s Move” campaign earlier this year to fight childhood obesity.

Research has shown being overweight or obese in late adolescence can increase the risk of death in adulthood. The higher risk is also found in obese people over the age of 65 and adults who have a high waist circumference or a high waist-to-hip ratio.

Meanwhile, a new National Cancer Institute study found women who had a normal body mass index (BMI) at age 20 and gained at least a pound through the decades, had nearly doubled the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause compared to women who kept their weight steady.

Other health conditions linked to untreated obesity include:

• Heart disease
• Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
• Increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, complications during labor and deliver, malformations of the baby
• Type 2 diabetes
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Gallstones
• Worsening arthritis symptoms
• Joint problems, back pain
• Increased risk of certain cancers

Many of the complications linked to obesity are almost also preventable. But weight loss cannot be a gimmick or quick fix; it has to be part of a lifestyle change. Your physician may recommend:

• Diet
• Exercise program
• Behavior therapy
• Weight loss programs
• Medication
• Weight loss surgery

Before beginning any exercise or diet plan, you should consult a physician. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse hotline at 1-866-442-2362 for a doctor referral, or for more information about Plantation General Hospital log onto www.plantationgeneral.com.

It’s no secret swimsuit season starts early in Florida. But getting in shape to look good in a bathing suit shouldn’t be your only concern when it comes to weight loss. Approximately two thirds of U.S. adults and one fifth of children are obese or overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins predict if the obesity problem continues to climb at this rate, by 2015 75% of adults and nearly 24% of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese. It’s estimated obese Americans spend about 42% more than healthy-weight people on medical care each year.

Research shows obesity can increase the risk for several conditions including and not limited to:

· Coronary heart disease

· Stroke

· Type 2 diabetes

· Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

· Hypertension (high blood pressure)

· Liver and Gallbladder disease

· Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

· Osteoarthritis

So how can you fight back? Here are ten tips to get you in gear in the fight against obesity:

1. Watch your portion sizes. Most servings are larger than the standard portion size, so we’re all getting extra calories we don’t need. For example a serving size of meat, poultry or fish is 2-3 oz.- about the size of a deck of cards.

2. Cook with less fat. Use egg substitutes or egg whites instead of whole eggs, applesauce in place of oil or try plain nonfat yogurt in place of sour cream.

3. Don’t hit the drive-thru. Fast food may be quick and less expensive, but one meal at one of these chains is often enough calories and fat content for almost the entire day. If you do stop, avoid supersizing, skip the fries for a small side salad and skip the mayor or other sauces.

4. Never shop hungry. If you go grocery shopping while you’re hungry, you’ll wind up with foods in your cart you might not otherwise buy. Eat first, make a list and stick to it.

5. Don’t forget those fruits and veggies. Apples, oranges, bananas, baby carrots and beansare more nutritional snack choices and inexpensive too!

6. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water isn’t just good for you, but it gives the stomach a feeling of fullness- helping reduce the tendency to overeat.

7. Skip the soda. Carbonated beverages are loaded with sugars, which have calories you don’t need.

8. Avoid late night snacking. Don’t eat when you’re up late and bored, only snack on nutritious options during the day when you’re actually hungry.

9. Lace up those sneakers! Moderate exercise several times a week can help you lose weight, is good for your heart and reduces stress.

10. Get the whole family involved. It’s easier to follow all of these tips if you aren’t going it alone. Cook healthy meals together as a family and instead of hitting the movies on the weekend head out to the park.

Before beginning any exercise or diet plan, you should consult a physician. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse hotline at 1-866-442-2362 for a doctor referral.