What is one of the first things you turn to when you feel the common cold setting in? For many of us, it’s vitamin C. Over the last few weeks I’ve heard people around me talk about catching colds this summer. Since I still have so many fun things I want to accomplish on my summer list, I decided to do some research on vitamin C and foods rich in vitamin C to help lessen my chances of catching a cold bug this summer! Here are some interesting facts I found... [More]

Sometimes I think the phrase ‘busy as a bee’ was made for me. Now, granted, my crammed schedule is a self-inflicted matter. In fact, I really like to keep myself busy! But my active schedule sometimes that leaves me a little squeezed for time. And as everyone knows, mornings can be the worst. It seems like I’m running out the door all too often without the most important thing of all – breakfast!.. [More]

This one is for all of you sports fans. Quiz: which professional athlete was nicknamed “The Iron Horse”? I’ll give you some clues. He was a professional baseball player in the 1920’s and 1930’s. He holds the record for most grand slams (23 of them!) He was “The luckiest man on the face of the earth”... [More]

If you are like me, you’re always looking for ways to make a delicious meal healthier without sacrificing taste. I have spent countless hours in the kitchen over the years in the attempt to lower calories, reduce sodium, or trim some fat from my meals. Likewise, I have also been trying to increase the nutrients in my diet. There have been some mistakes – some foods were never meant to be combined – but I did stumble upon some good ideas and have compiled a list of my favorite swaps. Try a few and let me know what you think!.. [More]

I know for many of you, retirement seems centuries away. For others, though, it is right around the corner! I think most of us agree that we are looking forward to retirement, or if we are already retired we are thoroughly enjoying it. My dad entered into retirement a few years ago, and was definitely excited! However, he also had some concerns... [More]

At my job here at Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire, I work as a Health Promotion Coach. In that position, I conduct health promotion appointments where we provide people with their biometric data. This information includes height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure and body fat percent. Additionally, we help people understand their health risks and offer suggestions on ways to help lower those risks. It’s very rewarding part of my work here!.. [More]

Today, in my continuing series on vitamins, I want to take a little time to pay homage to folic acid. First, let’s begin with introductions. Folic acid is part of a group of eight B vitamins. These vitamins are considered essential, meaning your body cannot make them so you must get them from your diet or from supplements. With our busy lives, this isn’t always easy... [More]