Blount Memorial Health Column

It is estimated that 40 million Americans are overweight, and 11.5 million are morbidly obese. More than 25 percent of Americans are obese. Our state is ranked No. 4 in the country, with more than 30 percent of Tennesseans considered ...

Sometimes the vacation state of mind can be a problem for weight loss since often we overindulge and dine out frequently. Those who are trying to lose or maintain weight should remember to enjoy themselves, but be mindful of choices ...

More than 10 years ago when the Community Health Initiative was established, a community assessment identified substance abuse, among other issues, as an area of great concern in Blount County. The Substance Abuse Prevention Action Team was one of several ...

Watch your back! No, I'm not talking about someone pulling a Judas. Those are my words of wisdom for everyone from the weekend warrior to the elite athlete. Trust me, I speak from experience. For the last 15 years of ...

Breakfast is your body’s early morning refueling process, so improve your energy, brain activity and health by starting off your mornings with a nutritious meal. After 8-12 hours without food, your brain needs to replenish its glucose (blood sugar). The ...

It is possible to enjoy a meal out without going overboard and ruining your healthy eating habits. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to do your homework before you leave the house. There is currently ...

Eating healthy is hard enough, and the enticing menu items that call your name while dining out can make it even tougher. So what do you do when you go out to eat and you are faced with foods that ...

Health column

While you’re enjoying the summer heat, start up your barbecue to enjoy the taste, convenience and health benefits of grilled food. Grilling is a healthy way to prepare some of your favorite meats and vegetables, as it allows some extra ...

With the summer months quickly approaching, many people are planning vacations. Unfortunately, diabetes cannot be left at home and individuals with diabetes need to plan ahead. Before leaving, make an appointment with your physician. At this visit, hemoglobin A1C, blood ...

Studies show that many people who are obese also suffer from sleep disorders. Not only is obesity associated with sleep-disordered breathing due to compromised respiratory function, but sleep disorders also can make people less active, which can contribute to obesity. ...

Chia is an annual herb, which originated in Mexico and was cultivated by the Aztecs. Chia literally means “oily.” Chia (phonetic pronunciation KEE-ah) seeds are well known for sprouting the fast growing “hair” on little clay Chia Pets. Now, more ...

As a hospice social worker, I serve individuals who have a life-limiting illness that, if it follows the expected course, will result in death within six months or less. Hospice staff does not know the date and time of any ...

If you have diabetes, you probably know that diet and exercise can affect blood sugar levels. Did you know that stress also could affect blood sugar levels? How does it do this, and what can you do to decrease your ...

Are you confused about making healthy choices when you walk through the grocery store? It is hard not to be. We are bombarded by food marketing messages from TV, newspapers, magazines and the Internet. Food marketing is incredibly powerful and ...