Health Matters
January 2017 Newsletter
Get a Healthy Start to the New Year!
When making New Year's resolutions this year, make sure your health is a priority. Here are some ideas to consider to ensure that 2017 is your healthiest year yet!
  • Make healthy food choices. Don't make a resolution to diet this year; instead, resolve to add healthier foods to what you eat already. The American Diabetes Association has some tips here.
  • Be active! You don't have to join a gym to be active this year, though many do waive their introductory fees in the new year. Instead, think of ways to incorporate exercise in your everyday life, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Sleep more. Sleep plays a big factor in your health. Make sure you're going to bed at a reasonable hour, and try having a bedtime routine that helps you relax before trying to go to sleep.
  • Quit smoking. The American Lung Association has some resources to help you be smoke-free in 2017. Find them here.
  • Reduce stress. Figure out ways to relax to help minimize your stress. Unplug daily, and consider yoga or meditation to help you find peace and practice mindfulness.

By keeping health at the forefront of your resolutions and following the tips above, you'll be able to make lifestyle changes this year, rather than New Year’s resolutions that are quickly abandoned by February.

Medical Research Update

One of the greatest results of the 2013 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is the huge increase in research funding. One of these studies focuses on super oxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), the second most common form of inherited ALS. Data shows that in certain ALS patients, this protein changes shape in the body, turning it from a beneficial enzyme to one that could cause ALS. The action of this protein also has implications for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease research. 
Story of Caring

The Conneally family of Greater Nebraska is excited to ring in the new year with their sons Daniel and Patrick. After experiencing two premature births--the couple lost one child and had Patrick before 30 weeks--Daniel was delivered at 37 weeks, thanks to the drug 17P. This drug was developed by the March of Dimes and helps keep expecting mothers from going into labor. 

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Wellness Challenge
Do you love to spend your cold January days off watching movies? If so, do you like to snack while watching? Then here's a question for you: Which type of movie is likely to be the most fattening?

A. Comedies B. Musicals C. Tearjerkers    

If you answered C. Tearjerkers, you're right! People eat approximately 30 percent more when they watch sad movies as opposed to more upbeat entertainment, according to a study. But it doesn’t have to be fattening. Here are some healthy snacks to try.
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Test Yourself
January is Birth Defects Prevention Month. Learn how to have a safe pregnancy here.
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Health Tip
If you find yourself with a lingering seasonal cold and the dry air has your throat irritated, try gargling with warm salt water. This helps reduce inflammation, loosen mucus and even flush irritants away. Dissolve a half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle for 30 to 60 seconds three times each day. Do not swallow the mixture! For a sweeter solution, mix a tablespoon of honey with some warm water and lemon and sip this instead. If your sore throat lasts for more than a week, or if the pain is too much for you to swallow, seek medical advice to rule out a more serious diagnosis. 
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Featured Recipe
Here are 12 simple soups you can make to stay warm this winter. Check them out here.