health

Healthcare

Diabetes Help - SmartChoiceMD

Diabetes is approaching epidemic levels in the United States and much of the developed world. The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 22 million people in the United States alone were diagnosed with diabetes last year and that this number is steadily rising. Just 5-10% of people with diabetes have Type I, believed to be caused by an inherited defect in the pancreas which causes the organ to produce insufficient quantities of insulin. The vast majority of people with diabetes have Type 2, classified as a preventable illness due to its strong ties to lifestyle, diet, and exercise.

Continue reading  »

Healthcare

Diet Testing - SmartChoiceMD

Lately, scientific breakthroughs in understanding the unique differences in a person’s genetic makeup and metabolism have made visiting diet labs increasingly popular. In a recent paper published by researchers at the University of Tennessee in the journal Obesity, a number of genetic markers that influence weight loss were identified. It is believed that, in the near future, DNA samples and sensors similar to today’s FitBit and other lifestyle tracking devices will allow doctors to customize a special diet plan unique for the individual.

Continue reading  »

Wellness

When to weigh yourself - SmartChoiceMD

You don’t need to step on the scales to know if you’ve recently put on a few pounds. Many people fear to weigh themselves, thinking that if they don’t see a number, they can continue to maintain a flexible belief about their weight. But if you can summon up the courage to weigh yourself every day, you will find that it is a great way to stay motivated as you work towards achieving a healthier lifestyle.

Continue reading  »

Eating

Holiday Stress with SmartChoiceMD

As the end of the year approaches, a lot of people find that the holiday season is adding a lot of stress to their daily lives. With so many unhealthy treats available, it can be tempting to turn to food for relief, even if by doing so you’ve added guilt and a few extra pounds to your stress load. Instead of running away from all the delicious goodies, try making a few healthier choices, eating the right foods in order to reduce stress.

Continue reading  »

Eating

7 Easy Diet Tips for the Holiday - SmartChoiceMD

Once the Holidays are over, it’s rare for anyone to be the same number on the scale as they were going into them. Wouldn’t you love to be the exception to that rule? Knowing you are going to pack on a few as 2015 winds down, losing a few now will help you navigate through the holidays with a little less guilt and a little more confidence.  While many fad diets and trends recommend dangerous and risky behavior such as gobbling pills or wearing restrictive clothes, below are seven tips on how to safely and effectively get a jumpstart on losing weight.

Continue reading  »

Eating

Fatty Foods

Although many of our favorite foods and beverages taste really good, when we consume them, they can cause painful inflammation. The word inflammation, originally from a Latin root for “fire” and “flame”, refers to the fact that the cellular tissue in our bodies essentially respond as if they were being burned by the foods and beverages that we consume. Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to a host of lethal diseases, including cardiovascular and heart problems, arthritis, and even some forms of cancer.Below is a list of inflammatory foods to avoid eating, as well as some healthy alternatives:

Continue reading  »