Aside from culinary uses, lemons can also be used as a natural remedy for cleaning, beauty, and alternative medicine. The acid in lemons can dissolve stains and act as a deodorizer. For a daily boost of the benefits of lemon, add sliced lemon to your ice water. Learn more ways to incorporate fresh lemon into your diet with these lemon recipes.

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Marie Beechy, RN, Primary Care Nurse

A: Workplace stress is a common occurrence. Most people today are trying to juggle having a family, building a career and maintaining some semblance of a personal life. These three tips will help you keep the stress from becoming unmanageable:

1. Deal with difficult situations ASAP- Avoiding a tough subject is one of the biggest causes of workplace stress. Don’t wait until the boss approaches you about a problem. Take charge, and set the time and place to address it sooner rather than later. When you take control of a problem, it loses some of its stressful power over you.
2. Let go of some ‘obligations’- A lot of the stress we feel at work or home is a result of overbooking our lives. Learn to say no to things that aren’t a top priority and focus on the things that are truly important.
3. Develop a mental list of coping skills- When the stress gets too high, stop and take action. Taking a 10 minute walk, calling a trusted friend, or practicing a mediation moment can make all the difference in reducing your stress.

Stress can build up quickly unless you make time to deal with it on a regular basis. For more ideas and techniques on dealing with stress, visit the HelpGuide.

The post Q: “How do I deal with the stress I experience at work?” appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

Although the US Food and Drug Administration has classified HFCS with the label “generally recognized as safe,” others argue that the ingredient is harmful to humans. Some researchers believe the inception of HFCS into the food supply has a direct correlation to the increase in obesity, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, studies have found that HFCS can alter the appetite-regulating hormones Leptin and Ghrelin causing your brain and stomach to think you are still hungry even after a big meal.

High Fructose Corn Syrup and table sugar both contain 4 calories per gram. Doctors and Dietitians agree that too much sugar in any form can be harmful. Since studies are still inconclusive about the direct effects of HFCS, limit processed foods that contain the sweetener and stick to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Learn more about the controversy surrounding this ingredient from WebMD and the Mayo Clinic.

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Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. About 90% of skin cancer cases are caused from the sun’s ultraviolet light and are largely preventable. Just 15 minutes of exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin. Although sunshine and summertime go hand-in-hand, protect your skin from harmful UV rays this summer by taking extra precautions.  

• Using SPF 15 or higher, apply one ounce of sunscreen, about the volume of a golf ball.
• Sunscreen can lose potency when exposed to heat or light. If an expiration date can’t be found, toss it out and buy a new bottle.
• Cover up exposed areas with a wide-brimmed hat or sun protective clothing.
• Protect your eyes from glare by choosing sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Avoid peak hours, as the most harmful rays are between 10am and 4pm.

Monthly head-to-toe skin exams can help identify any unusual changes or new growths on the skin. When found early, skin cancer is nearly always curable. During a self-examination, check for changes in color, shape, size, border, or texture. Other warning signs include a mole or spot appearing after the age of 21, or growths larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser. Spots or sores that don’t heal within 3 weeks should also be brought to a doctor’s attention.

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Join us for a special HEALTH SCREENING event for those who are near and dear to us.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 @ 6:30-10am
210 West Mill Street, Crowley

Complete Wellness Lab Panel
Just $50 per person (Retail $529)

Additional Tests available at reduced rates!
Make your appointment today!
Call 783-7840 prior to June 10.

CONFIDENTIAL RESULTS: Each participant will receive the original copy of their lab results within five (5) business days of testing and a follow-up phone consultation from our nurse. Sterling Wellness will send results directly to your physician with your written authorization.
Lipid and Glucose Finger Sticks Available for $30 per test – results in 10 minutes.
Please click here for additional lab options..
All tests are done through a venipuncture draw.
Our phlebotomists have an average of 15-20 years of experience.
Sterling Wellness Solutions does not diagnose, treat or prescribe medicine.

The post Family & Friends Screening appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that food allergies are on the rise. However, there is speculation about what is causing the increase. Some researchers point to less exposure to good bacteria like probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods. Others speculate vaccines and sterile environments could be a contributing factor. Some doctors even encourage exposing children to common allergens like tree nuts and shellfish at an earlier age to build immunity.

Food allergies are not the same as food intolerances and should be managed differently. If you suspect a food allergy, it is critical to get a professional diagnosis and discuss reaction treatments with your doctor. Antihistamines may be suitable for mild cases, but severe situations may require an epinephrine injection. Visit the Food Allergy Research & Education site to learn more about managing and treating food allergies.

The post Fighting Food Allergies appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

May is Employee Health and Fitness Month!      

Employers everywhere are recognizing the benefit of healthy employees.  It’s no secret that healthier employees are happier, more productive, and log fewer sick days.

Throughout the month of May, Sterling Wellness Solutions will be participating in Employee Health and Fitness Month by posting each staff member’s favorite health or wellness tip on our Facebook page. ‘Like’ our page on Facebook to follow our Employee Health and Fitness campaign and learn the secret health habits practiced by our team of experts.

We encourage you to take advantage of this health observation month by taking simple steps toward health and fitness in the workplace. Consider stretching breaks before or after meetings, walking meetings, or lunchtime physical activity opportunities. If you or your employer would like help organizing a lunchtime walk, educational presentation, or stretching class, let us know!

The post The Heart and Soul of Every Company appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

The Tour de Cure is an annual event held in 44 states across the nation.  Riders are encouraged to raise funds toward educational outreach, advocacy efforts, and research for diabetes.  Barriere’s team raised an impressive grand total of $12,000 to earn second place out of 60 teams. Furthermore, three of the top five individual fundraisers were from Barriere’s team; 2^nd Place Craig Clark, 3^rd Place Tiffany Clark, and 5^th Place Pete Boiling.

Barriere’s team captain, Craig Clark, said this was his first year to participate in the Tour. Clark has only been cycling since last June and completed the 100 mile century ride. Clark is motivated to ride to fight diabetes because he has several friends and family members who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Next year the team hopes to rally together to host a crawfish cook-off with the goal of raising $20,000 for the American Diabetes Association.

Congratulations to all of the riders of the Barriere Tour de Cure team: Eric Amerland, Pete Boiling, Shannon Brayden, Charlie Cassreino, Craig Clark, Tiffany Clark, Gideon LeBerton, Brad Leckert, Michelle Lignieres, Doug Olsen, and Lisa Kirwin. Together this team rode over 713 miles and burned around 24,000 calories, equivalent to almost 15lbs of fat!

 
For more information about the American Diabetes Association or the annual Tour de Cure race, visit tour.diabetes.org

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To size a ball that fits your body, make sure your knees are at a right angle and your feet are flat on the floor. Simply sitting on the ball with proper posture will activate rarely used core muscles that are required to maintain good form. Frequent use of a stability ball has been shown to decrease discomfort to those who suffer from back pain. Try replacing your desk chair with an ab ball for portions of your day, or sit on one while watching TV.

For examples of core strengthening exercises on an fitness ball, view this slide-show from MayoClinic.

The post Your Abs will Have a Ball! appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

Garlic belongs to the allium family which is also home to onions, chives, and leeks. The potent sulfur compound allicin can act as a powerful antibiotic against germs. Garlic’s compounds also have the ability to fight off cancer, particularly breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

Try minced garlic in soups and casseroles, or roast garlic with olive oil for a more mild flavor. Use moderation when eating garlic, as excess can cause heartburn and leave a distinct odor on the skin and breath.

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