SMDC Health System - Soul & Science of Living

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LET'S TALK TURKEY -- AND SODIUM

Before you buy your Thanksgiving turkey, check out its sodium content. A survey of frozen turkeys in local grocery stores found a single serving can range from 210 to 760 milligrams. Fresh turkey has only 75 milligrams.

Compare sodium in a traditional turkey dinner and a healthier alternative.

More living well stories

	HIGH HEEL HAZARDS High heels are fashionable but they pose hazards, too. Long-term wear can cause painful foot deformities, says Dr. Kirsten Moore, an SMDC Podiatrist. They can also damage your knees, hips and back, says Dr. Anne Normand, an SMDC orthopaedic surgeon. Learn more and get tips for buying shoes.

	KNOW YOUR HEART HEALTH NUMBERS If you’re concerned about your heart health, you need to know your numbers for cholesterol, triglycerides, waist circumference and body mass index. “Optimal levels have changed,” says Dr. Lisa Abrahams, an interventional cardiologist at the SMDC Heart & Vascular Center. “What you thought was good in the past may be wrong now.”

	OVERUSE OF ACETAMINOPHEN CAN CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE Overuse of acetaminophen, a popular pain reliever found in Tylenol and many over-the-counter cold remedies, can cause liver damage. A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel has recommended changes. Pharmacist Dianne Witten answers questions you may have about using both over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions that contain acetaminophen.

	THE DARK SIDE OF THE SUN Ultraviolet radiation is a known carcinogen According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed annually. Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization have identifed ultraviolet radiation as a proven human carcinogen. Find out how you can protect yourself with tips from Lloyd Ketchum, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist in the SMDC Cancer Center.

	DEALING WITH A SPORTS INJURY Whether you're a weekend tennis player, professional athlete or performing artist, you're at risk for muscle, joint or bone injuries. You're not even immune from injury if you're a physician specializing in sports injuries. Read how orthopaedic physician Ann Sudoh, MD, is making her way back from a bad ankle injury and what advice she has for recovering athletes. RUNNING GRANDMA'S MARATHON? These tips will keep you on course. Grandma's Marathon is just weeks away -- Saturday, June 20. Whether you're running the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon or the full 26-mile marathon, Steve Harrington, MD, and our Sports Medicine team have some tips for you.

	HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DO I NEED? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38 percent of adults are physically inactive during their leisure hours, never engaging in either light, moderate or vigorous physicial activity. Learn how much physical activity -- and what kind of activity -- you need and how to stay active for life.

TREATING VARICOSE VEINS

Barb Oswskey developed varicose veins after years of working at jobs that required her to spend long hours on her feet. Other factors can also lead to the development of varicose veins. However, there are lifestyle changes that can help prevent varicose veins and new treatments to relieve discomfort from the ones you have.