By: Dr. Aparna Mele, Founder of My Gut Instinct The Transformative Power of Music Therapy on Health Music has been a universal language since the dawn of time, resonating emotions, evoking memories, and connecting people across cultures and generations. Beyond its role in entertainment, music holds immense therapeutic potential. Music therapy, a clinical and evidence-based […]
By Aparna Mele, MD, Founder of My Gut Instinct St Patrick’s Day, celebrating the patron saint of Ireland, is widely recognised and observed throughout the US as a celebration of Irish and Irish-American culture. Celebrations include prominent displays of the color green, religious observances, numerous parades, and copious consumption of alcohol. While tapping into our […]
By Aparna Mele MD Age is the strongest risk factor for dementia, because brain atrophy is a typical phenomenon of normal aging. But not just brain structure impacted, as aging also profoundly affects brain functioning and associated behavior, especially executive and working memory. Yet, healthy aging, i.e., staying physically, socially, and cognitively active in combination with optimal […]
By: Aparna Mele, MD Too swamped during the work week to even contemplate finding time to exercise? Good news, research suggests that cramming the recommended amount of physical activity into just the weekend still has significant health benefits. A study published in the journal Circulation, analyzed information from nearly 90,000 people in the U.K. who wore […]
By: Aparna Mele, MD If you have ever felt butterflies in your stomach when you are emotionally triggered, then you have officially experienced the gut-brain connection; that is, your brain talking to your gut during psychological stress. Well, did you know that the reverse is also true and that the gut talks to the brain […]
How blemished food can feed the planet… Nearly 800 million people worldwide suffer from hunger. SO why is it that 2.9 trillion pounds of food, about a third of the planet’s production, are discarded each year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations? That is enough to feel every one of […]
Isabel is a San Francisco native who has called West Lawn home for the past 18 years with her partner and two of her four adult children. Though her career has been eclectic and varied, Isabel thrives finding ways to bring knowledge and empowerment to the community. After arriving in Berks County, Isabel worked as a […]
By: Dr. Aparna Mele Fish are an overlooked food source for many people. There are dozens of varieties of fish, with a variety of flavors and cooking styles to suit any taste. Eating fish is a great alternative to eating red meat, potentially providing a broad range of health benefits — from heart health to […]
In the last 24 hours, the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 (corona virus) a global pandemic. The world is dealing with an issue of enormous scale and human impact, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus. We believe it is our role […]
Source: Everyday Food, January/February 2004 INGREDIENTS 2 1/4cup all purpose flour, plus more for work surface ¾ shelled unsalted pistachios 1.5 tsp baking powder 3 large eggs ¾ cup sugar ¾ cup golden raisins ¼ tsp salt 1tsp vanilla extract DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, pistachios, raisins, […]
When working out, the most critical part is the warm-up. Your workout simply won’t WORK OUT unless you have prepared your body for the demands it will soon encounter and skipping this important step will lead to both ineffective training and potentially serious injury. A pre-workout warm-up serves two major purposes—to enhance performance and prevent […]
It’s time to dispel the myth that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. In fact, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. Massage is a […]
There’s nothing new about pasta, but after declining popularity during the height of the low-carb craze, pasta is now starting to make a major comeback. Data from Google trends show that, based on search results, consumers are buying and preparing more rigatoni, tortellini, penne, fusilli and linguine. Top chefs are also featuring lighter pasta dishes […]
May brings Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate our moms and mother figures, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. But more than this, the love and attention of a mother, father, or caregiver molds who we are. What is the role of a parent in the early development […]
With the end of the harsh winter weather, which can be drying and damaging on the skin, seeking remedies to keep the skin healthy and youthful is always high on our to-do lists. Beyond topical treatments, there are actually skin-friendly foods that can be nurturing and rejuvenating. In actuality, whatever you eat that’s good for […]
When you are starting an exercise program, it is important to be mentally prepared, start with a positive attitude, and define clear-cut goals. Without a game plan to keep you motivated, you will feel overwhelmed and want to give up, before you even break a sweat! Motivation in fitness is the key to perseverance and […]
According to the U.S. Census in 2013, more than 35.5 million Americans listed their heritage as Irish. So, it is not surprising that for many Americans the month of March has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, and the chance to embrace Irish culture. Also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick, St. Patrick’s Day […]
These mini vegetarian shepherd’s pies feature lentils, carrot and corn, crowned with a velvety mashed potato topping. The recipe can also be made in a broiler-safe casserole dish. Serve with a spinach salad with oranges, walnuts and red-wine vinaigrette From: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2011 Ingredients 4 servings 1 pound Yukon Gold or white […]
A healthy diet is one of your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. Simple tips for a heart healthy diet can keep heart disease away! Stay away from the S’s! That means salt, sugar, starches, and saturated fats. Sodium functions in the body to retain fluid, and as a result, raises blood pressure, which increases […]
February is American Heart Month. Despite continued advances in medicine, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. One in every 3 deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equaling 2,200 deaths per day. Each February marks the campaign to increase awareness of heart disease and focus […]
Heart disease is the number one killer in women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That’s approximately one woman every minute! But it doesn’t affect all women alike, and the warning signs for women aren’t the same in men. Well-known symptoms of heart attack include chest pain and radiating discomfort into the left arm. […]
Although genetics certainly play a role in the development of heart disease, exercise is an easy way to help decrease your risk. And now that it is officially February, American Heart Month, why don’t you get started with a regimen for healthy physical activity? It’s a new year, and you have thought about losing weight […]
Feeding a family can be an expensive so it’s unfortunate when unused food goes to waste. More than 1/3 of food produced globally is wasted or spoiled. Americans throw away up to 40% of the food they buy, and organic matter in landfills provides 20% of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes considerably […]
Once cold weather hits, a bowl of cereal just doesn’t cut it. But deciding how to keep a comforting wintertime breakfast meal healthful can be a challenge. When it is freezing cold outside and the snow is falling, many of us crave bacon, eggs, pancakes, and cinnamon buns. Problem is, these foods can really kill […]
As the largest organ of the body, your skin not only absorbs lots of nutrients, but it can also take in many toxins each day. Since your skin acts as your body’s barrier against those toxins, it’s so important to be aware of just what you’re using on your skin. If you’re putting dangerous ingredients […]
When boutique fitness classes, gym memberships, and pricey trainers can break the bank, it may seem like fitness is totally unaffordable. But you can get a great workout at home by stocking up on these highly affordable basics! Jump Rope: A versatile tool that can build up your endurance and stamina and meets your cardiovascular […]
Those who nibble on snacks in the mid-afternoon tend to pick healthier bites, according to a study from the University of Illinois at Chicago that was published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The researchers found that afternoon snackers ate more fiber, fruit, and veggies; while also losing more weight. Snacking helps you […]
Yes! A pre-workout meal, eaten three hours within your workout, can offer multiple health benefits that can power you through your fitness practice. Replenishing your glycogen stores with nutrition can improve your energy level significantly during a workout, as your muscles are fueled by the energy created by breaking down glycogen during exertion. Heavy weight-training […]
The holiday season can make it hard to stick to your fitness schedule. Between the chillier temps, holiday pies, land cross-country travel, it can be pretty tough to stay active during the holiday season. Family obligations, work parties, and last-minute shopping means that hitting the gym often gets delayed or crossed off the schedule altogether. […]
A lot of people are “going green” with their menus, buying food that is sustainable, local or organic. Some of those eating greener decide to grow their own food and compost all of their waste, while others are using reusable bags at the grocery store. However you decide to make food decisions that are environmentally […]
We all have those days when just thinking about having to wash a mound of dishes makes us want to cry, let alone creatively developing a spectacular gourmet meal every night for our families. Convenience is the reason that takeout seems like the perfect answer to a long day. But dinner doesn’t have to be […]
During the holidays, we are forever surrounded by food and the ever-present temptations of rich meals and indulgent portions. With so much accessibility to eating, how do you prevent that unpleasant holiday weight gain? The answer is MINDFUL EATING. Mindful eating is defined as the practice of being mentally present and aware, while you consume […]
There’s more to pumpkins than simply being Halloween jack-o’lanterns. They actually have many health benefits too! Pumpkins are rich in fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer. However, despite being filling, they are also low calorie, with less than 50 calories per serving of canned pumpkin, which by the way is also about 90% water! […]
Look forward to lunch again with these delicious and healthy on-the-go ideas from your grocery store. Most of us are time crunched and need lunch in a hurry on a busy workday. Well, take heart, there are healthy options you can quickly pick up at the grocery store, as healthy fast food items can […]
When training, no athlete wants a cold to run him down and limit his exercise program. Enter the diet, which can boost immune function and lower the risk of illness. To maintain your immune system, follow an individualized eating plan that is well-balanced and meets your energy, carbohydrate, protein, and micronutrients needs. Determine your fueling […]
Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your age. Assimilating our nutrition to the natural aging process of our body can help us maintain long term good health. Here are some tips for older adults (> age 60) to maintain their health through wiser nutritional choices Older adults have decreased caloric requirements, […]
When Halloween comes and goes, what do you do with all those jack-o-lanterns and decorative pumpkins? The obvious choice is to use them in delicious recipes. However, carved pumpkins start to quickly spoil after sitting out for 24 hours, making them potentially unsafe to eat. However, there are so many other clever ways you […]
Its name comes from the Greek words OROS, which means mountain; and GANOS, which means joy. The name says it all. Its leaves are often more flavorful when dried than fresh, and it has a warm, highly aromatic, and slightly bitter taste — the perfect seasoning for both robust and light and earthy sauces, roasted […]
When it comes to the health of your teeth, you really are what you eat. Empty calorie foods such as candy, sweets, and snack foods endanger dental health, not only because they do not offer any nutritional value, but also because the amount and type of sugar that they contain that can adhere to teeth. […]
What would we do without the quintessential egg? It is a staple in our diets, can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and an important ingredient in many sweet and savory dishes. But for a few decades, eggs have had a bad reputation because of their high cholesterol content. Years went by while many […]
On March 1, 1970, Earl and Mary Redner placed their savings and faith into Earl’s dream to open a grocery store, and run it his way. Forty five years and 53 stores later, Earl’s purchase of two failing stores has blossomed into the fulfillment of his dream to operate a successful family, employee, and locally-owned […]
Located in the heart of Exeter Township, Dr. Patrick Borja and his leading health professionals’ team at The Spine and Wellness Center are dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness objectives — combining skill and expertise that spans the entire chiropractic wellness spectrum. Dr. Patrick Borja is committed to “empowering you to live a healthier, happier” way of life […]
Corn is a delicious and versatile vegetable, plus enormously nutritious. A one-cup serving of corn provides five grams of protein, which is about 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance. You’ll also get four grams of fiber from one cup of cooked corn, which is 16 percent of women’s and 11 percent of men’s daily […]
Many people question the health benefits of juice as compared to whole fruit and specifically, if juice is healthy? The easy answer is that regardless of the fruit or the juicing method use, the most diverse and intact supply of nutrients always comes to us through the whole fruit. The edible skins of many fruits, […]
Penn State Health St Joseph is a nonprofit health network, founded in 1873 by the Sister of St Francis and providing a full-range of outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical and surgical services. It is a full service hospital and teaching facility with a 380,000 sq. ft., 212-bed state-of-the-art hospital and health campus that opened in […]
Are raw vegetables healthier than cooked? Do vegetables lose their nutritional value when cooked? Raw foodists argue that cooking kills vitamins and minerals in food and denatures the enzymes that aid in digestion, but it turns out that raw vegetables are not always healthier. A 2008 study from the British Journal of Nutrition noted that […]
For years, a low-fat diet was touted as the key to losing weight, managing cholesterol, and preventing deteriorated health. But it turns out that more than the amount of fat ingested, it is the types of fat you eat that really matter. Bad fats increase cholesterol and your risk of certain diseases, while good fats […]
Choosing healthier foods is easier than you think. By altering a few eating habits, you can make a big difference to you diet and is the most achievable way to lose weight. For our longevity and long term health, we are all encouraged to make healthier choices to help cut the excess saturated fat […]
Not only is breakfast the jump start everyone needs to energize their day, but breakfast is also linked to many health benefits, including weight control and improved performance (as long as you choose a healthy breakfast of course). Breakfast provides the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast – that’s where its name […]
Allium vegetables, often referred to as bulb vegetables, are aromatic vegetables used widely in cooking to add flavor to many dishes. Their earthy and pungent sweetness can transform any dish, and the sulfides that give them their strong aroma have been linked to a reduced risk for breast and colon cancer and have disease fighting […]
Coffee is the morning pick-me-up for millions, increasing wakefulness and improving concentration and focus. However, coffee may offer more than just an energy boost in the morning, and emerging evidence suggests that coffee offers multiple health benefits. Researchers at Harvard found that increasing coffee consumption to an average of 1.69 cups per day over a […]
The Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Chocolate has always been regarded as an occasional indulgence. New research shows that despite the high fat content, there remain many health benefits to eating dark chocolate in moderation. Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times each week can help lower your […]
BURGERS: New approaches to an American Classic It’s grilling season and burgers top the list of the most popular foods to slap on the grill in summer. Not only is it the quintessential comfort food, it is truly an American classic too. The trouble is, a broiled quarter pound hamburger has 20 grams of total […]
There are lots of good reasons to exercise regularly, including reducing your risk of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, lower blood pressure, combat depression, look better and live longer. Now add a new reason: exercise helps the brain protect memory and sharpens thinking! In a study done at the University of […]
Yes! A pre-workout meal, eaten three hours within your workout, can offer multiple health benefits that can power you through your fitness practice. Replenishing your glycogen stores with nutrition can improve your energy level significantly during a workout, as your muscles are fueled by the energy created by breaking down glycogen during exertion. Heavy weight-training […]
In our lifelong quest to stay trim, the burning question we ask is how many calories should we eat a day? While recommended daily caloric intake in the United States is about 2700 calories for men and 2200 for women, the amount of calories we need to eat depends on multiple factors, including age, size, […]
The Benefit of Pulses Pulses are the delicious protein-packed sustainable foods that you know as dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. These little superfoods are big on flavor and have major health benefits. They are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, and are full of iron and antioxidants. They also happen to be gluten, sodium, […]
Pretzels can be a healthy snack, with vitamins, minerals and fiber. They can also be helpful with weight loss because they are low in calories, and are low in saturated and total fat. Pretzels are one of best snacks when it comes to fat content. A 100 gram serving of hard pretzels, or about 16 […]
Feel the heat with turmeric Turmeric has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. It has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Curcumin, the compound in turmeric responsible for that bright hue, is behind a whole host of the health […]
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help keep your digestive tract healthy by controlling growth of harmful bacteria. There are more than 100 trillion different microorganisms in the gut and their functions are vast, including the promotion of normal gut functioning, regulating metabolism, and constituting 75% of our immune systems! In fact, it is the dysregulation […]
Most dieters agonize over what to eat for their dinner. Now, research has suggested that those who want to lose weight should think instead about the plates on which they serve their meals. Does the color of your plate affect how much you eat? A new study by Dr. Brian Wansink et al from Cornell […]
Ginger has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting from multiple causes, including morning sickness, postoperative nausea, chemotherapy treatment, and motion sickness. Gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger, is responsible for its distinct aroma and also its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Its phenolic compounds can prevent gastrointestinal irritation, improve appetite, stimulate bile and saliva […]
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it brings with it a chance to increase disease awareness, education and support for one of the most deadly, yet most preventable, cancers in the U.S. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the US. It affects approximately 150,000 people […]
Meditation is a technique that involves resting the mind and achieving a state of consciousness unique from the normal waking state. In meditation the mind is clear, relaxed, and inwardly focused. While you remain completely awake and alert, your mind is not focused on the external world or the events surrounding you, but rather on […]
Over the years yoga has become increasing popular due to the mental and physical benefits that people of all shapes and sizes can experience. The variety of styles of yoga range from a very physical class in a heated room, to a mental class in a carpeted, comfortable and quiet room. At BLDG. 7 Yoga […]
Random Acts of Kindness Week is upon us! Observed during the second full week of February, this week is dedicated to promoting the idea of committing one random act of kindness each day during the week. It’s certainly not time consuming or hard, and it can be as simple as smiling at a passerby, helping […]
In the past five years there has been an explosion in popularity of so-called “ancient grains” in the American food market. What is an Ancient Grain? There is no official definition, and all whole grains in the larger sense can be considered “ancient”, as their roots trace back to the Neolithic times, roughly 10,000 years […]
In the colder months, salads are often pushed aside in favor of steaming soup. However, with a few modifications, salad can be expanded as a deliciously rich and savory meal for the winter, with bright fresh flavor combinations to celebrate the season! With the bitter cold of winter weather, choosing food with warming qualities as […]
The number of farmers’ markets nationally is growing, fueled by an increasing interest among consumers in buying local food and supporting more sustainable food sources. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there has been a 67% increase in the number of farmers’ markets since 2008, with more than 7,800 listed in the USDA’s National […]
The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. But unfortunately, with all the holiday parties and family gatherings, it also becomes a time for over-eating and weight gain for many. “Weight gain over the holidays is a large part of the typical weight gain that adults have over the years,” notes […]
October is Liver Awareness Month, devoted to the importance of liver awareness that gives you the opportunity to focus on the important role the liver plays. This month, there should also be a heightened awareness about different forms of liver disease, including the threat posed by obesity and fat deposition in the liver created by […]
Celiac disease is a genetic disease, affecting estimated 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population. This autoimmune disorder is signified by an allergy to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, that when ingested, leads to damage of the lining of the small intestine. This process then interferes with the […]
Quinoa, pronounced keen wah, is an ancient grain relatively new to our gluten free markets. In its native country of Bolivia, it’s known as the mother grain and has been a staple in diets there for thousands of years. Red quinoa is beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. Quinoa comes in three varieties […]
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and a chance to increase disease awareness, education, and support for one of the most deadly, and yet one of the most preventable cancers in the US. As pointed out by the Colon Cancer Alliance, “the dangers, prevention, and treatment of colon cancer are still not widely known and […]
The grapefruit was bred in the 18th century as a cross between a pomelo and an orange. They were given the name grapefruit because of the way they grew in clusters similar to grapes. Beyond being absolutely delicious and refreshing, grapefruits are low in calories, and full of nutrients. According to the USDA National Nutrient […]
January is National Mental Wellness Month and a chance to respect our mental well-being as part of our total body health. There is more to mental wellness than just mental health, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope […]
In this season of giving, giving back to help others is a strong message in most people’s minds. Choosing a volunteer activity or activities, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year, can be one of the best things you can do both for the community and your own health! Research has shown that […]
It’s apple pickin’ season and I have a simple, crowd pleasing Apple Harvest Salad recipe that’s as good for you as it is flavorful. The superstar of the dish is a freshly picked apple. Yup, it’s that simple and that splendid at the same time. I visited Weaver’s Orchard, my local orchard, to find a […]
A version of this article appeared in print in the Reading Eagle on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Our society has unfortunately experienced a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from chronic diseases (such as heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders). In the past few years, it’s become increasingly evident that […]
It’s really possible to sweat out your appetite. Doing several rounds of intense intervals might make you eat less, reports new Australian research. In the study, researchers found that men who completed an intense sprint session consumed fewer calories over the ensuing 38 hours than those who completed a continuous workout at moderate intensity. “Intense […]
You know it’s important to encourage them to eat healthy foods, but it’s not easy. Teach your child to grow a cucumber, and she’ll probably eat more of them. Take her to the local orchard, and watch as a new-found love for gardening evolves. The first rule of thumb is to introduce vegetables along side […]
Most dieters agonize over what to eat for their dinner. Now, research has suggested that those who want to lose weight should think instead about the plates on which they serve their meals. Does the color of your plate affect how much you eat? A new study by Dr. Brian Wansink et al from Cornell […]
SERVINGS: 6 2 ruby red grapefruit 2 navel oranges 3 tangerines (or 5 mandarin oranges) 1 Tbsp chopped crystallized ginger 1 Tbsp chopped pistachios 2 tsp champagne vinegar 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (we used California Olive Ranch) Preparation Instructions 1. SLICE peel from grapefruit, oranges, and tangerines. Cut fruit into slices and arrange […]
June 4 is National Running Day, a day to celebrate the runner in all of us. It is a day to reaffirm your commitment to running or make a pledge to include running in your life for longevity and lifelong health! Everyone knows that running is a great way to get into shape, but […]
Ingredients 2 tbsp reduced fat sesame ginger dressing 1/4 tsp chopped garlic Dash of ginger 4-6 oz Salmon filet 3 Cups fresh or frozen stir fry vegetable or any vegetable Preparation Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine dressing, garlic, and ginger in small bowl, add salmon and coat both sides. Cover and chill for […]
Esophagus cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the US, affecting approximately 18,000 people a year. The lifetime risk of developing esophageal cancer in the United States is about 1 in 125 in men and about 1 in 435 in women, highlighting a threefold higher rate of this disease in men over women. Over 85% […]
January 21st is National Hugging Day. Hugging is just good medicine. It transfers energy and strength and creates an emotional lift. It is a potent communication tool, as sometimes hugs can deliver the same message when words aren’t sufficient. It provides a health boost for the mind, body, and spirit. Here are 10 other important […]
It is estimated that between 15-25% of school children in the United States are overweight, placing them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Only about half of all Americans aged 12 to 21 exercises regularly. Regular physical activity can help children be healthier now and in the future. Daily activity can […]