Health Corner

Limit refined carbs:
Not all carbs are created equal.
Refined carbs have been highly processed to remove their fiber. They’re relatively low in nutrients and may harm your health when eaten in excess. Most ultra-processed foods are made from refined carbs, like processed corn, white flour, and added sugars.
Studies show that a diet high in refined carbs may be linked to overeating, weight gain, and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Eat adequate protein:
Eating enough protein is vital for optimal health, as it provides the raw materials your body needs to create new cells and tissues.
What’s more, this nutrient is particularly important for maintenance of a moderate body weight.
High protein intake may boost your metabolic rate — or calorie burn — while making you feel full. It may also reduce cravings and your desire to snack late at night.

Take vitamin D if you’re deficient:
Most people do not get enough vitamin D. While these widespread vitamin D inadequacies are not imminently harmful, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can help to optimize your health by improving bone strength, reducing symptoms of depression, strengthening your immune system, and lowering your risk for cancer.
If you do not spend a lot of time in the sunlight, your vitamin D levels may be low.
If you have access, it’s a great idea to have your levels tested, so that you can correct your levels through vitamin D supplementation if necessary.

Eat fatty fish:
Fish is a great source of high-quality protein and healthy fat. This is particularly true of fatty fish, such as salmon, which is loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and various other nutrients.
Studies show that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk for several conditions, including heart disease, dementia, and inflammatory bowel disease

Avoid ultra-processed foods:
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods containing ingredients that are significantly modified from their original form. They often contain additives like added sugar, highly refined oil, salt, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors as well.
Examples include:
snack cakes
fast food
frozen meals
packaged cookies
chips
UPFs are highly palatable, meaning they are easily overeaten, and activate reward-related regions in the brain, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. Studies show that diets high in ultra-processed food can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
In addition to low quality ingredients like refined oils, added sugar, and refined grains, they’re usually low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. Thus, they provide mostly empty calories.

Eat real food:
Real food is whole, single-ingredient foods that are unprocessed and free of additives. Incorporating these foods into your day can help improve your health, manage your weight and give you energy.

Take your vitamins.
Multivitamins contain vitamins and minerals that are essential to your health. No matter how healthy you eat or what diet you follow, it can be difficult for your body to get all of the nutrients it needs from food. Research your options and find a multivitamin that fits your needs and supports your health.

High levels of non-HDL, or “bad,” cholesterol
can lead to heart disease. Your health care
professional can consider non-HDL cholesterol
as the preferred number to monitor, rather
than total cholesterol, because it can be
measured without fasting beforehand and
is reliably calculated among all people.

Use of inhaled ni****ne delivery products,
which includes traditional ci******es,
e-ci******es and va**ng, is the leading cause
of preventable death in the U.S., including
about a third of all deaths from heart disease.
And about a third of U.S. children ages 3-11
are exposed to secondhand smoke or va**ng.

Drug interactions: Discuss whether the medication might interact with any other medicines, supplements, or foods you are taking.

Doctor's approval: Although generics are equivalent, consult your doctor if you have specific health conditions or concerns about switching.

Coverage and Timing: Some insurance plans may require you to wait a certain period before getting a refill. Make sure your refill timing aligns with your insurance policy to avoid out-of-pocket costs.