5 foods that help fight depression – Mission Health Blog

A woman eats a bowl of yogurt topped with berries.

Choosing nutrient-packed foods that help fight depression and bolster positive mental wellness is an excellent way to boost your mood naturally while also supporting other aspects of your health and well-being.

You may already know about the many benefits of a well-balanced diet for your heart, bones and muscles — but did you know you can also eat for your mind?

Given the known links between mental and physical health, food can have a sizable impact on both physical and emotional feelings and functions. While nutrition isn’t a fix-all solution for all mental health problems, everyday choices about what we eat can affect our mood.

In particular, choosing nutrient-packed foods that help fight depression and bolster positive mental wellness is an excellent way to boost your mood naturally while also supporting other aspects of your health and well-being.

“Minimizing processed foods has been shown to decrease inflammation in the body,”

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How to familiarize yourself with your breasts through a self-exam – Mission Health Blog

Women should take note of any changes or irregularities in the look and feel of their breasts.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, there are better treatment options and a greater chance of survival if breast cancer is detected at an early stage. Women who familiarize themselves with their breasts and get regular screenings can increase their odds of detecting breast cancer before it becomes more difficult to treat.

Why familiarize yourself with your breasts?

Starting at age 20, women should be familiar with their breasts and promptly report any changes to a healthcare provider. Although most breast changes are harmless, some changes may indicate something serious.

Dr. Joyce Moore, a breast surgeon at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONE, says the

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What are the warning signs of a stroke? – Mission Health Blog

Acting quickly in response to a stroke is important to reduce the chances of brain damage and other complications.

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability. While the risk of stroke increases with age, one can occur at any age. Globally, 1 in 4 adults over age 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime, and approximately 14.5 million people worldwide will have a stroke this year. That’s why it is critical to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and seek help as quickly as possible.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, which prevents it from getting oxygen and nutrients, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. When the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, the cells begin to die. This can cause brain damage

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3 healthy Thanksgiving recipes guests will love – Mission Health Blog

By making some simple substitutions, you can create healthy Thanksgiving recipes that the whole family will love.

For many families, Thanksgiving is known for its casserole, desserts and, of course, turkey – sometimes deep-fried. But with a table full of temptations, it can be hard to stick to the everyday nutrition that doctors advise.

Fortunately, there are many healthy and delicious Thanksgiving recipes. Home cooks and professional chefs alike have mastered the art of wholesome holiday meals that don’t skimp on taste, and it often comes down to making just a few changes or substitutions.

Taking inspiration from the American Heart Association (AHA), American Diabetes Association (ADA) and others, here’s what experts suggest you do to dress your table with a healthy twist, plus three recipes that put that advice to work.

Easy swaps to try when cooking or baking

One of the first recommendations nutritionists offer on healthy meal

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How many types of diabetes are there? – Mission Health Blog

Image Caption While some types of diabetes may not be preventable, all types are treatable.

How many types of diabetes are there? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Although there are three main types of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes – the lines between these are blurring as doctors learn more about the disease and how it affects people at different stages of life.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a build-up of sugar – glucose – in the blood that happens when the body doesn’t convert the food you eat into energy like it should. Usually, our bodies make a hormone called insulin in the pancreas to help break down food into energy. Sometimes the pancreas stops making insulin, or the body stops being able to use insulin effectively. That’s when sugar builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar, which can

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