How To Stay Healthy And Avoid Getting Sick During This Fall Season
By Jenna Visca
As fall rolls around, the leaves change color, the weather gets colder, and the smell of pumpkin spice latte wafts through the air. However, with the change of season, people may notice that they are getting sick more than usual. Maybe they briefly fight off a runny nose, or they could be bedridden for days, shaking and sweating from fever.
People getting sicker than usual at this time of year isn’t unusual according to Nuvance Health Family Medicine Doctor Chanpreet Singh.
“Fall marks the transition from warm to cooler temperatures, which can lead to increased indoor gatherings,” Singh explained. “This change can facilitate the spread of viruses, as people are more likely to be in close contact. Additionally, the start of the school year brings children together, increasing the likelihood of spreading infections.”
With these factors and more, now is as important a time as any for people to know how to avoid getting sick and the best ways to take care of themselves in case they do.
Singh said that the most common illnesses people face in the fall are the seasonal flu, the common cold, COVID-19, and allergies. While allergies may not be viral, he says that many people actually experience allergic reactions this time of year due to mold and ragweed pollen.
As for viral infections, Singh notes that seasonal flu affects the respiratory system and can cause fever, cough, and body aches, while the common cold is typically caused by rhinovirus-
es and leads to symptoms such as a runny nose and sore throat. COVID-19 is also a concern with the number of ongoing variants that can easily spread and can cause a number of symptoms ranging from cough and sore throat to fatigue and fever or chills.
One of the many ways people can stay healthy and prevent these viruses from spreading, Singh says, is to maintain good hygiene. People should regularly practice washing their hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, to keep their hands clean. The same applies for how people should
cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and avoid touching their face.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another way to prevent getting sick, as Singh said exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep all help support the immune system. People can also avoid contact with and maintain distance from those who are sick so they don’t catch anything, as well as stay up to date with vaccinations for viruses such as flu and COVID19 to help lessen their severity.
People may already know these methods, but that doesn’t mean they practice all of them.
According to Singh, one of the common measures many people ignore is hand hygiene. He says that a lot of people neglect regular hand washing, especially after being in public places. The other measure people ignore is staying at home when they’re sick.
“Some feel pressure to go out when they are unwell, risking spreading infections,” Singh said. “You should stay home especially if you are still getting fevers.”
Just because someone knows how to avoid getting sick doesn’t mean that it won’t happen. With how common it can
be to catch viruses in the fall, people should be aware of the home care and remedies they can use to help them feel better.
Singh says that people can take over-the-counter medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help alleviate any symptoms. Steam inhalation and humidifiers can relieve congestion, while warm saltwater gargles, as well as tea, honey and lozenges may soothe a sore throat.
Another overlooked home remedy is rest and hydration, as drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate sleep helps the body heal as it recovers from illness.
While home care can go a long way, Singh says that there are several cases where someone should go to the doctor. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, especially over 101°F, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or symptoms of dehydration such as decreased urination or dizziness warrant a doctor’s visit.
He also noted that if someone is in a high-risk group, such as the elderly or those with chronic health conditions, and experiences symptoms of illness, then they should seek care. This is because the higher the risk, the higher the odds are for them to get seriously ill. Most notably, if a person has symptoms that worsen or do not improve after a few days, then they should see a doctor. For more information on Nuvance Health, visit nuvancehealth.org.
Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.
—photo courtesy of Getty Images
Ames teaches a variety of dance steps during the class. He teaches moves while standing and while in a chair. The diversity of movement helps seniors move through their range of motion without realizing it, or giving them time to stop and think about how they weren’t able to do it before.
Dance And Movement Helps The Mind And Body
B y s am c ross
As the winter season approaches, it’s imperative for readers to stay vigilant about their health. However, not everyone realizes how many ways there are to stay in shape, keep the body moving, and keep the mind sharp.
Take a look at the Newtown Senior Center on a Friday morning. Matthew Ames, dance instructor and fitness coach, leads a class through his signature class Broadway Burn. He describes it as a cardio mobility class that focuses on the kinesphere of the body. The kinesphere is the sphere around the body, famously depicted by the Vitruvian Man, a drawing by Leonardo Da Vinci.
Ames said, “It’s the big bubble that our body can move through … Everybody was going through these giant movements through nice, slow range of motion, but they were still dancing. So they don’t realize that they are putting their body through places where they would normally go ‘I can’t do that.’”
Dance increases the mind’s ability to connect to the body.
Both Ames and Jen Turey, a dance instructor at Western Connecticut State University and a student working towards her PhD in dance education, referred back to a study that showed dance significantly improved cognitive function in older adults with Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. The study, “Dance Movement Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review,” was published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience , and authored by ChengCheng Wu, Huan-Yu Xiong, Jie-Jiao Zheng, and Xue-Qiang Wang.
This is not the only study that shows how beneficial dance is for the mind. Another study, “Effect of Dancing Interventions on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” by Tiago Paiva Prudente, Eleazar Mezaiko, Erika Aparecida Silveira, and Túlio Eduardo Nogueira, showed dancing outperformed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications in relieving depression symptoms.
Tamra Saric, an instructor at Lathrop School of Dance,
explained how dance made her feel: “When you start dancing, I’ve always felt like if I was sick, and I started dancing, I forgot I was sick, and when I stopped, I remembered …You almost have to let [everything] go, too, because you’re watching, and you’re listening, and you’re learning, and you are going to have to remember the things that are being taught to you, and you have to kind of process that and make your body do those things.”
Turey echoed this point, saying, “[there’s] a therapeutic element to [dance] as well. You know, you have to focus completely in order to execute the skills properly and safely. So your mind is transported into that realm of dance class … the movement can spark certain emotions to come out. The music as well can help. I feel like a lot of the teenagers relate a lot to this. They need that escape to let go of their high school day, the homework that’s lingering, the boyfriend that’s driving them nuts … it’s just a nice release.”
Ames told a story that shows how music can rebuild the brain following the devastating effects of dementia, “[She] had advanced stages of dementia. Could not recognize her daughter, [or] anybody in the family, but she had been a student of mine. And so every
time she’d come in, her husband and she used to dance to,” he started to sing, “It had to be you.” He started to move around the floor a bit as he continued, “What would happen is, even though she couldn’t recognize anybody, even family members, she would see me, and she would start dancing.”
Ames continued, “What actually is happening is we can’t undo the damage of Alzheimer’s and dementia, but we can rebuild bridges, or new pathways, using dance and music. That’s why it works. It’s simply because we’re not trying to undo the damage, we’re creating those new pathways.”
Saric recounted a story about the late Mrs Lathrop.
“Mrs Lathrop, right till the very end, she was in her mid90s, and I remember her, in her 90s, laying on her couch, you could see her in her picture window, her leg coming up, and she’s pointing and flexing and stretching … she just had that focus,” said Saric. “Just incredible. Even her presence, and her joy for entertaining,” she continued, “Mrs Lathrop’s last [Labor Day] parade … she was there … we had her oxygen tank down below, but she was not missing out. She was so happy … we had to keep playing the song ‘Saints.’ She just, oh, that
music kept her going.”
Saric added, “I think [dance] really keeps a youthfulness. We have our adult dances, and this is kind of like their therapy session, they’ve said. They just come here and they put work aside, love our families, but put that aside, and focus on yourself, and doing something that you love, that’s fun, that makes you feel good, and you can kind of release the ick and the troubles. [You] can just relax and let loose and have fun.”
The struggles of aging are well known. “I find that as we age getting up off of the floor is a huge issue. Practicing, developing the strong leg muscles, the glutes, and the hip flexors, that’s what’s going to help you get up and off the floor. Balance is something that’s a huge component to consider when aging. You have to try and avoid falls,” Turey explained.
Ames built off that, saying, “We’re never taught to walk. We’re put on the floor, and at an eventual point, we get tired of that. We hoist ourselves up, and we fall until we stop falling, but we balance at that point. As we get older, when something happens because we’ve been doing it by habit, all of a sudden, we don’t know our body, and because we don’t know our body, it becomes very
frustrating because we can’t do what we did before, but we don’t have the knowledge or skill to fix it.”
He explained that seniors have trouble rediscovering their balance because “it’s a form of body awareness that we don’t have because we’ve never had to think about it.”
One of Ames’ students, Joyce Goldin, told The Bee after class that she never misses the Broadway Burn class. “It leaves me with more energy. I feel my balance is better, I feel like I can cope with the struggles of getting older.” Goldin even said she didn’t go on the trip the senior center was hosting because “I didn’t want to miss this class!”
Ames also mentioned that he feels his classes give students more confidence.
“Dance gives people more confidence … It’s confidence in knowledge of your body,” said Ames. “It’s confidence in the way you walk … There’s a confidence for seniors. ‘I feel nervous. I like shuffle,’ but then, once they start dancing, they are moving.”
Turey said, following her point about avoiding falls, “[Dance helps with] strength, and balance, agility, flexibility, increasing someone’s stride when they walk. But mainly, what I find, is confidence. Like the adults just have this beautiful confidence … They see immediate results … The adult class community is so supportive of each other.”
Saric also touched on confidence in her interview. She discussed how the students look forward to the recitals every year and that she wants them to be able to give input on their routines, music, and costumes, “They want to feel confident, they want to feel comfortable, and we want them to feel that way.”
All three instructors ended their interview the same way: Get out there and dance. Ames said there are so many ways to get involved in dancing, whether it be through a studio such as Lathrop, or through classes at the community center such as Zumba, or getting up off the chair during a free concert, there are so many ways to start and very few to stop.
It’s joyous, it’s youthful, and above all else, it’s healthy. So, get up there, dance.
Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.
Matthew Ames teaches Broadway Burn at Newtown Senior Center every Friday morning.
—Bee Photos, Cross
Tamra Saric, an instructor at Lathrop School of Dance, is so excited to start the new school year and begin preparing for the recital in June.
Ensuring Babies And Toddlers Get A Strong Start In Life
The stakes of the upcoming 2024 election are high for parents, infants, toddlers and families across the country, with such issues as child care, paid leave, maternal health, Head Start and more at an inflection point.
“If policymakers don’t take action to address these issues, young children and families will suffer. We have to get it right. Individuals, advocates and organizations can take action between now and the election to help ensure policymakers know what babies need,” says Miriam Calderon, chief policy officer at ZERO TO THREE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every child has a strong start in life and a member of the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT).
Why is this issue so important?
The earliest years, including the prenatal period, substantially impact lifelong health and well-being. According to the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child, more than one million new neural connections are formed every second in the first few years of life. These are the connections that build brain architecture — the foundation upon which all later learning, behavior and health depend. The environments and experiences of young children affect not just the developing brain, but also physical growth and other physiological systems, including heart and lung function, digestion, and the ability to fight infections.
“Babies and toddlers only get one chance at a strong start in life,” says Calderon.
How can individuals and organizations take action?
Everyone from professional advocates to parents to concerned citizens can use ZERO TO THREE’s Election Toolkit to take action during this election cycle at the local, state and national level. Individuals can register to vote and spend time learning about each candidate’s position on matters that impact families. They can also reach out to the various campaigns in their voting district and let them know that affordable, comprehensive childhood and family services will be a priority issue for them at the ballot box in November. Individuals can also express their endorsement of policies that support infants, toddlers and their families by signing this petition from NCIT: bit.ly/NCITpetition.
Nonprofit organizations should also work toward educating both the public and candidates on the issues; however, it’s important that they understand the do’s and don’ts of working with elected officials and candidates for public office. NCIT’s full toolkit, available at ncit.org, is a good resource for navigating this election cycle.
“Babies can’t vote, but you can,” says Calderon. “To reach our goal of ensuring every infant, toddler and expectant parent has what they need to thrive, we need an active and engaged electorate that is willing to make their voices heard and an army of advocates prepared to stand up for children and families.”
This article is courtesy of Statepoint.net.
“I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream!”
The First NCP Flu Vaccine
B y m eghan D ahlmeyer Families gathered in the grass. Children smiled and ran as they spotted their friends from school. There were sounds of laughter and joyous conversations, while seventy-fivedegree weather and sunny skies complemented the day. It was hard to believe this wasn’t a celebration The Newtown Bee had stumbled upon, or that the children in a line collecting outside 10 Queen Street were actually there for their annual vaccines.
On its own, the word vaccine can bring up feelings of anxiety, fear, or panic. Tears and screams are often expected when someone breaks out the boosters. But that wasn’t the case at Newtown Center Pediatrics’ (NCP) first flu clinic of the season. On Wednesday, September 18, it was ice cream
— not injections — that had these young patients reeling.
Ten years ago, on a whim, Dr Laura Nowacki and the NCP team decided to start an outdoor vaccine clinic — one with a pretty sweet twist. They paired ice cream with vaccines, a combination that has a long history with parents but has rarely shared the same site before.
“The clinics became a tradition. We love it. The parents love it. The kids, well … they love the ice cream,” Nowacki joked. “We’ve also had hula hoops and music — chalk is a new idea for next time. We’re a well-oiled machine at this point, and it’s been a lot of fun.”
The Newtown Bee witnessed this well-oiled machine in action. Families walked into the clinic, where they were
greeted by Liia Margit and Michelle Medina, who were running the check-in table. Together, and with the help of Liia’s daughter Aili, they directed more than 100 patients to the vaccine stations set up alongside the building.
Nowacki, Jennifer Burns, pediatric APRN, Stephanie Pruchnik, LPN and IBCLC, and Alyssa Ciraolo, LPN, were all on-site to administer the vaccines. The process was something to behold. The team worked quickly and efficiently, moving around each other with ease. As one chair was filled, another was emptied, continuing seamlessly until every patient who signed up had been vaccinated.
One of NCP’s final patients of the day was Aili. Stephanie Pruchnik was excited to provide The Newtown Bee with an
action shot while Aili received her flu vaccine. Aili was a perfect patient; her smile held for the photo, and she didn’t even flinch! Afterward, Aili headed to the most popular stop at the clinic — Jesse’s Ice Cream truck.
“I’ve done multiple clinics. This is my third year bringing my truck here,” explained Jesse Pruchnik, owner and operator of Jesse’s Ice Cream. Jesse became NCP’s MVP when he stepped in to serve ice cream at the clinic three years ago.
The truck on-site on September 18 was one of two operated by Jesse. “The other is a scoop truck for sundaes and personalized ice cream, while this one has all the traditional favorites. People rent our trucks, we book events, and can travel all over the state.”
The traditional favorites included items such as snow cones, soft serve cups, and character-themed treats. Everyone in attendance lounged in the grass while they enjoyed their celebratory ice creams. There were sticky hands and sticky faces, but what stood out most of all was the smiles.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Deborah Stiewing, who was there to support her daughter, Jessica Ragusa, and her grandchildren Adrian, Cecelia, and James.
“This is the best setup we could hope for,” Jessica added. Unsurprisingly, the many families gathered around Jesse’s Ice Cream truck agreed.
“The anticipation is worse — and then it’s done,” said Vicki Martin, mother to Haylee and Sevy Martin.
The Newtown Bee did not anticipate finding someone brave enough to be featured while receiving their vaccine. Aili Mowery surprised us all when she didn’t even flinch. Licensed Practical Nurse, Stephanie Pruchnik knew Aili would be the perfect volunteer for this photo opportunity.
Lewis and Wesley Cavataro were eager to pose with NCP’s resident ice cream truck. Owner Jesse of Jesse’s Ice Cream, made a surprise appearance as well. —Bee Photos, Dahlmeyer
Vaccine anxiety is completely normal for children and families to experience, though there were no worries to be seen once the ice cream was served. “The children are nervous about the pain, and parents worry about hurting their child and the side effects they might experience,” Nowacki explained. “The injection site might be sore and tender. You might see redness in that area or a lump. Some children get sleepy, and there is potential for a fever, though that’s less common.”
“Like most things,” Nowacki continued, “The benefit outweighs the risk.”
The CDC has reported that the number of both influenza and RSV hospitalizations is increasing following children returning to school. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is another virus families can protect themselves against by receiving a vaccine. RSV can cause severe respiratory distress, particularly in babies and young children. In some cases, it may lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which can require hospitalization. The vaccine offers an important layer of protection for these vulnerable groups.
“Flu could take the forefront in the number of hospitalizations. That’s why we’re out here,” said Nowacki. “The plan is to get ahead of it.”
In society, the typical consequences of illness are missing school or work. This can create setbacks, and in some cases, those setbacks could last a week or more. But there are other, more critical reasons to vaccinate your family.
“You’re protecting those around you — the immunocompromised, children under five, and the elderly,” Nowacki emphasized. “Influenza can cause complications, such as strep throat or ear infections, and may even lead to hospitalization in otherwise healthy people. Vaccines help prevent these severe outcomes.”
The annual flu vaccine clinics at Newtown Center Pediatrics offer a refreshing approach to what is often a stressful experience for families. By pairing vaccines with ice cream and a fun, outdoor atmosphere, NCP transformed a potentially anxietyinducing day into one filled with smiles, laughter, and a sense of community. The clinic wasn’t just about delivering flu shots; it was about creating a space where children and parents alike felt at ease while receiving important
protection against seasonal illnesses.
At the heart of the clinic was the message that vaccines are essential for the health and safety of both individuals and the community. With flu season approaching, Nowacki and the NCP team are dedicated to
ensuring families are prepared, not just for their own well-being, but for the sake of those most vulnerable. Thanks to creative solutions like this outdoor clinic, getting vaccinated doesn’t have to be something to fear — it can be something to celebrate.
Ocular
• Comprehensive Eye Exams
• Contact Lens Evaluation & Medically Necessay Contact Lenses
• Monitoring for Medical Conditions including glaucoma, macular degeration, dry eye, neurological ocular conditions, and binocular conditions
• Eye Strain - Overuse of computers (eye discomfort, dryness or headaches)
• Distance Vision (driving)
• Near Vision (reading)
• Focusing
• Astigmatism (irregular surface causing blurry vision)
Stephanie Pruchnik, LPN & IBCLC, and Dr Laura Nowacki pose for The Newtown Bee as their first successful flu vaccine clinic of the 2024-2025 season winds down.
Deborah Stiewing showed up in support for Jessica Ragusa as Adrian, Cecelia, and James Ragusa got their annual flu vaccines. Also featured here are friends Dalton and Wyatt Dudeck. It’s hard to believe these boys just had their flu shots as well.
Michelle Medina
Liia Margit greeted dozens
We wouldn’t forget the rest of the Dudeck family. Peyson and Gena were joined by Dalton and Wyatt who were both eager to pose for another photo.
Three Habits Your Dentist Will Thank You For
Regular dental visits are important for a healthy smile, but you can take these steps between checkups to ensure your dentist sees your oral health at its best.
1. Brush up on your dental routine. “A consistent routine of brushing and cleaning between your teeth is essential,” said American Dental Association (ADA) dentist, Mirissa Price, DMD. “My patients often ask me, do I really need to floss if I’m brushing regularly? The answer is always yes.”
The ADA recommends brushing twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste to remove cavity-causing
plaque and help prevent harmful conditions such as gum disease. A worn toothbrush won’t clean as effectively, so replace the brush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Yet, even the best toothbrush can’t fully reach all the spaces where plaque forms. That’s why the ADA also recommends cleaning between your teeth daily using dental floss, dental picks or water flossers. “If you floss thoroughly, it doesn’t matter when you do it,” added Price. “It might feel strange at first, but your gums will get used to the routine quickly if you make this a daily habit.”
Make sure your toothbrush,
•Diagnostic hearing evaluations
• Hearing aids, repairs, service and accessories
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• Assistive listening devices
• Participating with most health insurances
Accepting new patients 18 years and older
Office Hours by Appointment 203-304-9744 annehear711@gmail.com 107 Church Hill Rd, Suite 2E Sandy Hook, CT 06482
toothpaste and floss each have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That’s how you know a dental product is safe and effective.
2. Skip the spoonful of sugar. “I’m a dentist but I still enjoy a cupcake now and then, so it’s not about cutting out sugar completely,” said ADA dentist, Erinne Kennedy, DMD. “Rather it’s the small changes, like choosing fresh fruit instead of juice or eating a snack that balances protein and carbohydrates, such as whole wheat toast and cottage cheese, that can go a long way to protect your teeth.”
Plaque bacteria use the sugar you consume to produce acids that attack the hard surfaces of teeth, leading to tooth decay. To help reduce the amount of sugar in your diet, read the nutrition facts on foods and beverages, and choose options that are lowest in sugar. Look for terms ending in “-ose,” which indicate a sugar ingredient.
It’s important to distinguish between natural and added sugars. Natural sugars, found in healthy options such as fresh fruit and milk, do not carry the same health risks as added sugars often found in processed options like snacks and juices. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10% of your total calories for the day. A nutritious, balanced diet that’s low in sugar is beneficial for your teeth and your whole body.
3. Nix the nicotine. “Despite
the influx of nicotine products claiming to be better for you, there is no such thing as ‘good for you’ nicotine or a safe amount of nicotine,” said Kennedy. “All products pose risks to your dental and overall health, whether you’re a habitual or casual user.”
When you smoke, your saliva flow is reduced, which changes the natural process inside your mouth that helps clear away cavity-causing bacteria. Meanwhile, the chemicals in tobacco can irritate your gums and the lining of your mouth, which can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss. Smoking can also cause life-threatening cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue or jaw. And smokeless doesn’t mean harmless — smoke-free tobacco products have been linked with these same issues.
E-cigarettes, also known as
“vapes,” come with their own risks. Researchers have found harmful materials in vape cartridges, including chemicals known to cause cancer, heavy metals and sugar for flavorings that may contribute to cavity formation. Using a high heat setting can turn the smoke more yellow and make it stick to your teeth longer, which could result in tooth discoloration. “Quitting nicotine now will help you lead a healthier life,” added Kennedy.
For more dental health resources from ADA, visit MouthHealthy.org/dentalcare. “It’s a matter of taking habits that may cost you in the long run off ‘autopilot’ and incorporating healthy habits that then become second nature,” said Price.
This article is courtesy of Statepoint.net.
How To Simplify Morning Routines And Make Sure Families Eat Breakfast
With school-year routines in full gear, one element of the morning rush remains crucial: ensuring children (and their parents!) are fueled for the day ahead.
Numerous studies have shown the benefits of a balanced breakfast, from improved academic performance and cognitive function to better mood and energy levels throughout the day. Yet, according to National Institutes of Health, nearly 25% of Americans skip this vital meal. Experts say that finding the time for breakfast has big pay-offs.
“Whether you’re a busy parent or a student headed back to the classroom, your morning meal does not have to be overly-complicated or elaborate,” said integrative registered dietitian and gut health nutritionist, Dahlia Marin of Married to Health. “Starting the day with a variety of colors, high fiber carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats will feed your inner-ecosystem of gut bugs, resulting in stabilized blood sugar levels, sustained energy, and mental clarity rather than a brain, body and gut scattering to constantly find their next short-lived energy fix.”
Because of tight schedules, many families seeking breakfast options understandably end up turning to packaged products or skip the meal altogether. While convenience can help families adhere to a breakfast routine, it’s important to be mindful that the nutritional value of these items found in the supermarket can vary tremendously. Avoiding ultra-processed foods, which play a role in rising rates of
obesity, diabetes and heart disease, is a great start. This is where brands like Amy’s Kitchen stand out: As the leading organic frozen food company, Amy’s is revolutionizing the breakfast game with its new line of innovative, delicious frozen breakfast offerings. By swapping traditional eggs for their signature house-made organic tofu, Amy’s has created a collection of morning classics that cater to a variety of dietary lifestyles and restrictions.
According to WISEcode data, after scoring 100 frozen breakfast foods from more than 20 household brands, more than 40% were categorized as Super Ultra Processed Foods. The good news? Better-for-you options are available. In fact, three of Amy’s Kitchen products topped the list as some of the best frozen breakfast options in terms of processing:
the Tofu Scramble, the California Scramble and the Mexican Scramble — aligning with the brand’s emphasis on simplicity and fewer processed ingredients.
As families navigate busy weekday mornings, the convenience and delicious taste of Amy’s Kitchen’s frozen breakfast options provide a muchneeded solution to the morning rush. By delivering proteinrich breakfast favorites that can be easily prepared to eat at home or on-the-go, parents and students will be empowered to start their day off right, fueled and ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. To learn more, visit amys.com.
“When it comes to forming a healthy breakfast routine, busy families should absolutely seek out convenience, but not at the cost of quality,” says Marin.
This article is courtesy of Statepoint.net.
Ridofranz / iStock via Getty Images Plus
What To Know After A Bladder Cancer Diagnosis
A bladder cancer diagnosis can be scary, but according to those who’ve been through it, advocating for yourself and taking charge of your journey can help you make informed decisions when it comes to your treatment to get the best care possible.
“For me, a second opinion turned an originally doom-andgloom picture into a more hopeful, optimistic and clear path forward,” said Mary Beth M., a bladder cancer survivor. “It’s so important to seek a second or even a third opinion if you feel uncertain during your journey with bladder cancer.”
In today’s healthcare landscape, where costs are rising and policies are restrictive, effective advocacy from survivors, healthcare providers and supporters is crucial. Collaborating and advocating responsibly can strengthen the healthcare system and improve
the quality of cancer care that patients receive.
“Being your own advocate isn’t just about speaking up, it’s about taking charge of your own well-being and ensuring that you get the care you deserve,” said Mary Beth.
Here are a few ways you can take charge of your journey:
Stay informed. Learn everything you can about bladder cancer, your treatment options, your health insurance coverage, and other aspects of your care. This will help you navigate decision-making from an informed standpoint.
Prioritize self-care. Taking care of your body and mind can help prepare you to deal with both your illness and the stress of treatment.
Lean on support networks, including loved ones and your care team. Big decisions don’t need to be made alone. Talking to others who are also going
through this experience can help you gain practical knowledge and feel less isolated. Ask for Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC). BLC is a technology that allows urologists to see tumors that standard White Light Cystoscopy alone may miss. Better detection can lead to more accurate risk categorization, which drives appropriate disease management and possibly better patient outcomes. If BLC was not used in your original transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), it may be worth asking for it to check for residual tumors and ensure accurate diagnosis. In fact, up to 86% of residual tumors are found at the original resection site after initial white-light TURBT.
BLC makes cancer cells in the bladder glow bright pink, which helps make lesions visible and defines their borders. This procedure can be useful in
Ready For Open Enrollment? Four Tips For Choosing The Right Medicare Plan
With so many Medicare options available, selecting a plan can seem daunting. This year you may be wondering how news of Medicare drug price negotiations, economic uncertainties and other factors may impact your coverage in 2025. Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to beneficiaries. Additionally, there are a variety of options that coordinate with original Medicare, such as Medicare Supplement plans and Prescription Drug Plans, or replace original Medicare with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans combined with Prescription Drug Plans.
During this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which takes place between October 15 to December 7, here’s what Cigna Healthcare, which serves millions of Medicare customers nationwide, wants you to know:
1. Check for plan changes: If your current plan is working for you, you can likely keep it. However, it’s a good idea to review your plan every AEP, especially if you’ve experienced major life, health or financial changes. Any changes to your current plan will be outlined in your Medicare plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter, which you can expect to receive in September.
2. Research your coverage: There are a few key things to watch for when shopping for a plan. One of them is whether your favorite providers and specialists will be in-network.
You should also review each plan’s formulary — that is, the list of drugs covered under the plan. You’ll want to find a plan that will cover your current medications and any you anticipate your doctor prescribing over the course of the year ahead. Finally, carefully consider your total spend for your prescription drug plan coverage (ie, premiums plus pharmacy costs) since the maximum out-of-pocket costs for drugs you utilize will be capped at $2,000 in 2025.
3. Look for value: No matter what the economic outlook is, it’s wise to select a plan that provides great value. To that end, you may want to consider an MA plan, which offers quality and affordability. MA plans cover everything original Medicare does, plus more; most also include dental, vision and hearing benefits, prescription drug coverage, and other extras such as over-the-counter drugs, transportation to doctor’s visits and pharmacies, healthy grocery purchases, and fitness services. MA plans are often available with $0 premiums, but you’ll also want to check on what your annual out-of-pocket costs could be based on your health status.
4. Understand your plan: Before enrolling in a particular plan, make sure you understand its ins and outs. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24/7; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare. gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at shiptacenter.org. You can also contact individual
Medicare plans, including Cigna Healthcare at CignaMedicareInformation.com.
“AEP is your opportunity to assess your budget and your health needs and find an option that will work for you and your lifestyle in 2025,” says Ryan Kocher, chief growth officer for Cigna Healthcare Medicare. This article is courtesy of Statepoint.net.
both surveillance and operating room settings. If you are interested in considering BLC, speak with your urologist. You can also find a list of locations that offer BLC at: rebrand.ly/ LocateBLC.
Being your own advocate — or having an advocate work in your best interest — is important when battling bladder cancer and will help in both learning about the best treatment options and accessing them.
This article is from Statepoint.net and is sponsored by Photocure, Inc.
Embracing A Healthy Lifestyle Powered By Protein
Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. It works to build and repair muscles, is needed to carry oxygen to different parts of your body to give you energy, supports your immune system, and helps you feel full for longer.
Here’s how to get enough of this important macronutrient so you can embrace a healthy lifestyle.
Mix it up: According to registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist, Laura Ali, eating protein from different sources helps ensure you get a variety of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, selenium, B vitamins and healthy fats. Getting some variety in your diet also makes life much more interesting so that healthy habits are easier to follow. Choose from lean proteins such as lean beef, chicken, pork and of course seafood. And don’t forget to include proteins such as beans, nuts, seeds, eggs and dairy products.
Time it right: When you eat protein also matters. A protein-filled snack shortly after a workout aids muscle repair and recovery, says Ali, who also advises including some protein with each meal. Spacing protein consumption throughout the day gives you the constant supply needed to repair tissue, build hormones and carry oxygen. Make it easy: When it comes to healthy habits, convenience can help keep you on track, so look for sources of protein that can be prepared quickly or taken on the go. Committed to supporting consumers’ health and well-being, StarKist makes it easier than ever to get your daily protein intake. Known for its tuna, StarKist is becoming a leading protein provider with a lineup of convenient, ready-toeat products that also includes salmon, chicken, and most recently, beef. Each fully cooked, ready-to-eat protein product provides 8-17 grams of protein per serving and comes in a convenient, portable pouch — ideal for busy, on-the-go lifestyles. With over 30 flavors, including Buffalo Style, Thai Chili and Lemon Pepper, it’s easy to add high-quality, delicious protein to any meal, anywhere.
Track your intake: Consider using a nutrition tracker to ensure you meet your target protein intake each day. Doing so can help you stay accountable to your overarching nutrition goals and keep the momentum going over time.
For nutritious, protein-packed meal inspiration and products visit starkist.com/products/pouches/.
Protein can leave you feeling energized and help you meet your goals. Fortunately, getting the protein you need when you need it is easy these days, thanks to new, delicious options available today. This article is courtesy of Statepoint.net.
