Category: Blog

Approximately 1 in every 10 Americans is diagnosed with diabetes, which means the holidays can be even trickier for diabetics than they are for everyone else trying to navigate the tempting treats available throughout the season. Those diagnosed with diabetes need to constantly be aware of what and how much they are eating to make sure their blood sugar levels don’t fluctuate too much, causing more serious complications.

From bringing healthier food options to gatherings to enjoying special treats in moderation, there are several things diabetics can do during the holidays to keep their blood sugar levels in check. For those hosting holiday parties, here are a few dishes you can make during the holidays that are healthy and delicious for all of your guests to enjoy!

Orange Baked Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 (14-16 lb) fully cooked, spiral-cut ham on the bone
• 6 garlic cloves
• 8.5 oz orange marmalade
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 orange, zested
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place ham in a heavy roasting pan.
3. Mince the garlic in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the marmalade, mustard, brown sugar, orange zest and orange juice and process until smooth.
4. Pour the glaze over the ham and bake for 1 hour, until the ham is fully heated and the glaze is well browned.
5. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Source:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/orange-baked-ham-recipe-1944518#/

Chopped Salad with Lemon and Dill

Ingredients:

• 5 cups shredded romaine lettuce (about 1 head)
• 2 cups shredded radicchio (about ½ head)
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon dried
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large bowl toss together the romaine, radicchio and scallions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dill and salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Pour the dressing onto the salad and toss.

Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/chopped-salad-with-lemon-and-dill-recipe-1946805

Hearty Winter Greens Saute

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch mustard greens, cleaned
• 1 bunch turnip greens, cleaned
• 1 bunch kale, cleaned
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, cleaned
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. Remove the center stems from all the greens and slice the leaves into 1/2-inch ribbons.
2. Pour the olive oil into a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic and saute until tender and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the ribbons of mustard greens, turnip greens and kale in batches, adding the next batch as the one prior wilts down.
4. Once those three greens are added to the pot, pour in the broth and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Add the ribbons of Swiss chard and cover with a lid. Let simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste for seasoning. Spoon the greens into a large serving dish.

Source:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/hearty-winter-greens-saute-recipe-1973711

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups (12-oz bag) milk chocolate chips, not semi-sweet
• Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.
2. Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth.
3. Beat in the white and brown sugars, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, then mix in the vanilla and pumpkin puree.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Slowly beat this flour mixture into the batter in thirds. Stir in the chips.
6. Scoop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges.
7. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Take the cookies off with a spatula and cool them on wire racks.

Source:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe-1946557

During the month of October, the nation comes together to educate and spread awareness about breast cancer. It’s a time to promote the importance of mammograms, early detection, prevention and research. Studies show one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the most common cancers among women. With breast cancer being so common, it is crucial women understand the importance of starting mammograms at age 40.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of your breast used to check for early signs of breast cancer. Images from a mammogram can detect breast cancer much earlier than a physical breast exam. At your appointment, you will stand in front of an X-ray machine and a technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate firmly presses your breast from above, flattening the breast and holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. You will feel some pressure, but it is not painful.

The Southwoods Center for Breast Health offers the most technologically advanced, comprehensive breast health services in the area. Southwoods’ advanced 3D Mammography (tomosynthesis) significantly increases the detection of breast cancer and offers more comfortable testing, faster scan times and less radiation exposure. This technology combined with our compassionate care makes Southwoods the number one choice for breast health.

When should I get a Mammogram?

Women 40 and older should have a screening mammogram annually. Early screening can significantly lower your risk of dying from breast cancer, and early detection can give you more options for treatment if diagnosed. According to the American Cancer Society, more than half a million breast cancer deaths have been prevented in the United States since 1989 because of these testing measures. If you are unsure when to begin screenings or are concerned you may be at risk, talk to your healthcare provider about the best screening plan for you.

Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammogram

Screening tests (yearly mammograms) are given routinely to people who appear to be healthy and are not suspected of having breast cancer. The goal of a screening mammogram is to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms can develop and the cancer is easier to treat.

Diagnostic tests (such as breast MRI, ultrasound or elastography) are given to people who are suspected of having breast cancer, either because of symptoms they may be experiencing or a screening test result. Diagnostic tests are used to determine whether or not breast cancer is present and, if so, whether or not it has traveled outside the breast. They can also be used to determine the course of treatment and gather more information about the cancer.

It’s important to remember regular medical screenings are the most effective way to detect various forms of cancer early in their development. Early detection is the best form of protection. In early stages, treatment is likely to be most effective and recovery a more probable outcome.

If it’s been over 12 months since your last mammogram, call the Southwoods Center for Breast Health at 330-965-5100 to schedule your appointment today.

After a procedure or suffering an injury or illness, the best place to recover is in the comfort of your own home. It is where you feel safest, the surroundings are familiar and where you spend the most time with family and friends. For over 25 years, Southwoods Health’s focus has been on the needs of the communities it serves. We’ve continued to expand clinical offerings to ensure patients have access to the important care they need, while providing an exceptional patient experience. We are proud to offer a new service with that same focus, in Southwoods Health at Home. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of home health care.

Faster Recovery

One of the biggest advantages of home health care is a faster recovery time. When you’re in the comfort of your own home, you can truly relax, which helps speed up your recovery and healing time. Hospitals can be noisy, temperatures can vary, and you may have a roommate – all factors that can make you uncomfortable and lead to a longer recovery.

Improving or Maintaining Level of Function
While a stay in the hospital is often necessary, it can sometimes lead to a decline in levels of function. Spending a prolonged period of time in a hospital bed can lead to muscle loss, weakness and loss of normal function. While you’re at home, you can receive personalized care and attention that will help you improve or maintain your level of function.

Medication Management

After an illness or procedure, you may be given new medications. With a home health care provider, you can avoid harmful drug interactions, make sure you are taking the correct doses and never miss a dose. When you aren’t feeling your best or sleeping more than usual, it can be easy to lose track of medication – Southwoods’ Health at Home professionals can ensure this doesn’t happen.

Living Environment Assessment

When you are back home after a stay in the hospital, it is important to make sure your home is safe for you to recover in. Steps without railings, slippery rugs, hard to reach cabinets and many other factors can all be a hazard to someone recovering from illness or surgery, and home health care professionals can help identify these issues.

Regaining Independence

It can be hard to admit you need help in your own home, however, having someone there to can put you on track to regaining independence over time. You can slowly start to do everyday tasks like cooking, bathing, getting dressed, taking out the trash and more as you continue to improve. A home health care provider can bring you peace of mind knowing that you have a set of helping hands.

Relief for family

Not only will home health care benefit you, it will also help family caregivers. It can be tough for family members to care for someone, especially if they do not have any medical or healthcare background. A home health care provider can assist with bathing, dressing, medical care and other tasks.

Whether you need help at home or are a family member or doctor assisting a patient, Southwoods can help. Our goal is to provide expert care, the Southwoods Way, offering compassionate support, encouragement and genuine peace of mind for you and your family. To learn more, visit www.SouthwoodsHealthAtHome.com.