Kidney Health 101
Learning about chronic kidney disease and how to keep kidneys as healthy as possible By Alison Stanton As we get older, our kidney function will naturally begin to decline. “After the age of 40, kidney function will commonly decrease, due to the loss of kidney cells called nephrons,” says Mandip S. Kang, M.D. FASN, a […]
Nutrition for Kidney Health
According to Tracy Garrett, a registered dietitian nutritionist with the Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing, promoting healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels are the biggest factors in the prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). “For those who want to prevent CKD, the emphasis is on a healthy, balanced eating plan, which would […]
Romance and Heart Health
Positive relationships can have a definite effect on blood pressure, circulation, weight and sleep quality By Allison Stanton Around the world, the heart shape is recognized as a sign of love. This symbol and its meaning are especially popular this month, as store shelves are bursting with heart-shaped boxes of candy, pillows and other Valentine’s […]
A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Recently, a man went to his doctor because he was not feeling well lately. The doctor examined the man, left and returned with three pill bottles. The doctor said, “Take the green pill with a big glass of water in the morning. Take the blue pill with a big glass of water after lunch. Then, […]
A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
In recognition of Global Belly Laugh Day on January 24, Sun Health reminds you that laughter and smiling can have an instant positive effect on your health and wellbeing. Recent scientific studies have proven that humor can reduce pain, decrease stress and improve quality of life. Researchers believe the ability to laugh — either naturally […]
Meditation and Mindfulness
How they help with physical and emotional health, and tips on practicing them By Alison Stanton As Sally Charalambous has discovered firsthand, an important key to physical, emotional and spiritual health involves a concept known as mindfulness. Sally, a retired registered nurse, who teaches group classes on meditation for Sun Health, says mindfulness, especially as […]
Mindfulness during the Holiday Season
This time of year can be especially busy and stressful for many people. “If during the holiday period, all we focus on is doing and overdoing, we can expect chaos,” Sally says. “However, we can choose differently. There is more to life than getting and having; with meditation and mindfulness, we can focus on being […]
An Ounce of Prevention
Diabetes Prevention Program helps those with prediabetes By Alison Stanton After being diagnosed with prediabetes, Mary Nielson knew it was time to get serious about changing her diet and lifestyle. “I had already been losing weight, but I had hit a spot where it was not going any further. My hemoglobin A1c level kept coming […]
Spotting the Signs
Valley Fever symptoms, risk factors and treatments By Alison Stanton The Valley of the Sun may be known for its sunny weather and bright blue skies, but there can also be a dark side to desert life: Valley Fever. “When it comes to the number of Valley Fever cases, Maricopa County is ground zero,” says […]
Love Your Lungs
In order to help keep their lungs as healthy as possible, older adults should do the following: Don’t smoke; if you are already a smoker, try to quit. Engage in regular aerobic exercise that can help strengthen the lungs. Have a primary care physician check the lungs during annual checkups. Work on improving overall health, […]
