Listen to interviews of several of our clients and other leaders in WNY with Rita Hubbard-Robinson, host of Millennium Health Matters Radio.
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Health Tips

  • Getting screened for breast cancer is important. It’s also important to know that not just women get breast cancer. Men can get it too. Believe it or not, lifestyle choices make a difference. So get some exercise, make healthier food choices, get enough sleep, refrain from smoking, and have a positive attitude! Learn about the importance of getting screened here.
  • Concussions are a major issue for children and teens. According to the Centers for Disease Control, just a simple bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes a rapid back and forth movement of the brain can result in a concussion. One local organization that is making a difference through educating teachers, coaches, and parents about concussion is PUCCS, which stands for Program for Understanding Childhood Concussion and Stroke. WNY health practitioners and PUCCS partner organizations teamed up with the Bills, Sabres and Bandits to take a proactive approach to preventing and treating concussions. Learn more at PUCCS.org.
  • Video Displays, other devices and dry eye. Did you know that video displays, which are a part of everyday life at home and at work for most of us, increase our risk for dry eye? Dry eye symptoms include discomfort, stinging, burning, a gritty feeling or episodes of blurred vision. Dr. Ephraim Atwal of Atwal Eyecare, official Lasik provider for the Buffalo Bills, says that a healthy ocular surface is critical for eye health. Dr. Atwal says if the ocular surface becomes irritated or damaged it activates an inflammatory response that results in dry eye. So don’t ignore your symptoms. Make it a point to talk to your eye doctor, because there are new treatments that can relieve some of the symptoms of dry eye.
  • Lead a Healthier Lifestyle. Evidence shows that some of the leading causes of death today due to heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung diseases, injuries, and HIV/AIDS, often can be prevented by improving personal health habits. Eating right, staying physically active, and not smoking are a few examples of good habits that can help you stay healthy.
  • Quit Smoking. About 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. Here in WNY, free tobacco cessation classes are available at Roswell on Mondays from noon to 1:30pm or 6-7:30m. There’s a new series of classes every 5 weeks. Parking is free, and there are event drop-in private sessions on Fridays from noon to 1pm at the Jacobs Family Conference Center Room H1320 where no appointment is necessary. Call 845-8667. And if you can’t attend all 5 sessions, it’s not a problem. You just get to come to the next one. You’ll get help with nicotine replacement, medication referrals, group support, stress management, relapse prevention, group support and more.
  • Food Allergies and Autoimmune Disorders. According to the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, food allergies amongst children increased by 50% in the past 14 years. Party and dinner hosts might want to encourage their guests to express their food concerns prior to the dinner. When you know what the concerns are it is important to read food labels, because the major culprits, like nuts, wheat, soy, dairy and eggs are often the primary or hidden ingredients in many common foods. It’s actually fairly easy to find recipes that do not have these allergens on the Internet. Also, many of the recipes we have in Buffalo Healthy Living as well as on our website, are gluten-free. Just go to www.buffalohealthyliving.com and check out our recipe section. I’m sure you’ll find some favorites!
  • Healthy Eating. According to the American Heart Association, more than two-thirds of American adults and one in three children and teens are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for heart disease and stroke as well as many other chronic illnesses and conditions. Taking simple steps to eating healthier is an important way to help maintain a healthy weight and prevent disease. Add some fresh fruits and vegetables to your cart. If those aren’t available, choose frozen or canned vegetables and fruits in water–without added sugars, saturated and trans fat, or salt. Certain fruits and vegetables offer great sources of fiber, including, beans, peas, oranges, bananas, strawberries and apples. Stock up on raw vegetables for snacking, such as, carrot and celery sticks, broccoli, cherry tomatoes or cauliflower. Choose whole-grain, high-fiber breads, such as those containing whole wheat, oats, oatmeal, whole rye, and buckwheat. Look for whole grains listed as the first item in the ingredient list. Of course it is ideal to substitute those appealing baked goods and sweets with fresh fruit salad or gelatin that contains fruit without added sugar. Visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org for guidelines and tips on eating healthy for your heart.
  • Did you know that people are at the greatest risk for UV exposure on cold, overcast days? This is because the winter sun sits in a lower position in the sky during these months, leading to an increase of UV radiation exposure. Buffalo Healthy Living and Battin Eye Care want to remind you to be proactive about your eye health this winter season. While the snow has yet to fall, the level of the sun in the sky and the eventual snow fall may create sensitivity and temporary blindness, especially for those who travel often. Symptoms of snow blindness may include increased tearing or watering of the eyes, bloodshot eyes, uncontrollable eyelid twitching, and eye pain. The most common symptom is a burning sensation in the eyes that might feel like sand in your eyes. In extreme cases, the eyes may swell up. If you notice eye sensitivity or the above symptoms from winter sun exposure, immediately remove yourself from the source of the ultraviolet radiation. Put cool, wet compresses over the eyes, use artificial tears to help alleviate the symptoms, and see an eye care health professional. Just as you protect your extremities from cold weather, protect your eyes from the winter sun. When the snow starts to fly, wear protective eyewear, like polarized sunglasses or snow goggles to help prevent snow blindness. UV rays do pass through clouds, so sunglasses should always be worn, even under overcast skies.
  • Find Your Passion to Make Exercising Fun. It seems like everyone has something to say about exercise and it gets boring to listen to all the advice. And they always seem to talk about it at the beginning of the year. I hear people say all the time – “I’ve got to do something!” I have to get in shape! So what is that something? I think it’s different for every person. I never really embraced exercise. I knew it was important – I mentally classified it as something I had to do, not something I wanted to do – like cleaning the bathroom or doing the wash. I can’t tall you how many join gyms I joined, paid my dues, went for a short while, and then stopped because it was a chore, and nothing more. But something changed for me, and I don’t look at it that way anymore. It changed because I found something that I love to do, and feel inspired by it. I discovered hip-hop dance. It’s actually a combination of hip-hop and Zumba. I’m not a great dancer either, but I have a great teacher and just watching how talented he is makes up for the steps I can’t seem to learn as quickly. Best of all, It’s fun, my class is great, and we have this camaraderie with each other. It’s really a blast, and find I’d rather go to class than go out to dinner. I think there has to be that something for everyone that serves as an inspiration. Whether it’s yoga, Tai Chi, or taking a walk …. Speaking of… I’ve even begun to look at walking my dog differently. Instead of feeling it’s a chore I feel grateful to him for accompanying me on my walks. So whether it’s changing your perspective, or just finding something you love that keeps you moving, I think being inspired makes all the difference. Read about my hip-hop teacher on page 9 of the January issue of Buffalo Healthy Living. Pick up a copy at any Wegmans or Tops or read it at buffalohealthyliving.com.
  • Did you know? Peanuts do not grow on trees and really aren’t considered nuts at all. They’re actually legumes. Unlike many plants, the peanut flowers form above ground, but the fruit – or peanuts – grow below the soil by the roots. The National Peanut Board says that it takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter. The world’s largest peanut butter factory can produce 25,000 jars each day. That means millions of peanuts must be harvested and transformed to create those delicious jars of creamy and crunchy peanut butter. But peanut butter isn’t just delicious tasting, it’s nutritious for you! One serving of peanut butter has 3 mg of the powerful antioxidant vitamin E, 49 mg of bone-building magnesium, 208 mg of muscle-friendly potassium, and 0.17 mg of immunity-boosting vitamin B6. Research shows that eating peanuts can decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. However there is a difference between natural or organic peanut butters and commercial brands. Natural peanut butters offer lower sugars, lower sodium, no pesticides or added preservatives, and minimize unhealthy fats. While they are a better option if you’re unable to find a natural or organic option or find the organic nut butters too expensive, don’t stress. If you’re eating only 2 tablespoons of peanut butter a day, a commercial brand peanut butter with slightly more salt and sugar isn’t going to be the end of the world. So whether on sandwiches, as a dip, as an ingredient for flavorful sauces, or just by the spoonful, enjoy a helping of delicious peanut butter any time of the day.For more tips like this, check out our January issue on stands now across WNY. Visit us at buffalohealthyliving.com or on Facebook and Twitter. Live your life healthy with Buffalo Healthy Living Magazine.
  • Brain Injury Awareness. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, each year an estimated 3.5 million children and adults in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury, more commonly known as (TBI). Another 795,000 individuals sustain an acquired brain injury from non-traumatic causes. TBIs can affect the functionality of the brain—affecting thinking, reasoning, and memory. According to Dr. Laszlo Mechtler, Medical Director of Dent Neurologic Institute, those who suffer from repeated traumatic brain injuries or concussions may also suffer from progressive degenerative disease. One of every 60 people in the United States lives with a TBI related disability. Traumatic Brain Injuries can cause debilitating life-long symptoms. But when someone sustains brain injury, the individual is not the only one who is affected. Those they love, colleagues, friends, and extended family, are all impacted as well. The Brain Injury Association of America’s Not Alone campaign highlights the need to support those who have suffered from brain-related injuries, providing a platform for educating the general public and the needs and support of these individuals and their families. Events during March include blue jeans for brain injury where you and colleagues can show your support. You can also get involved in the discussion of traumatic brain injury through the Buffalo chapter of the Brain Injury Association of New York State.
  • Girls and Sports.  Prior to 1970, if a woman wanted to pursue a professional degree in college, chances were she wouldn’t be admitted to a law or medical school program because she was a woman? There were quotas on the number of women allowed to enter these programs. In 1972, Congress passed Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments Act, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender at educational institutions. This law opened the door for women to become doctors, lawyers and college athletes. March is Girls in Sports month. The women’s sports foundation strongly believe that participation in sports helps to mold our future leaders – be it in sports, families, schools, jobs, or communities. Renowned and inspiring female athletes have shared stories on the importance of leadership, mentoring, perseverance and the important role athletics plays in their lives and educational careers. For example Olympic cyclist Dotsie Bausch is a successful motivational speaker when not she’s not competing. Our very own University at Buffalo Athletics department currently offers 20 division 1 intercollegiate sports, where both men and women play at the highest levels. UB Bulls women’s basketball has taken the number 14 seed, and a first appearance in the NCAA tournament game this year. And the University at Buffalo women’s soccer program is headed to Spain for a pre-season 7-day Tour which began this weekend, combining training, friendlies, stadium tours and team activities that will help bring the group of players closer together and build a foundation that will carry them into their future.  Whether at a high school level or collegiate level, the importance of girls and women in sports have blazed new trails and shines a spotlight on how being physically active can have a profound impact on the life of a woman or girls.
  • Burning Calories. You burn more calories during the 23 hours of a single day than you do during a one-hour workout. Many people put a high level of importance on the calorie burn during a workout over the movement we do during the rest of the day. Regular exercise is very important — it’s great for building strength, stamina, fitness, and improving overall health, and it does help burn calories — but it’s not going to be the largest amount of calories burned during the course of a day. Instead of concentrated focus on burning as many calories as possible during every workout session, try to keep your calorie burn going during the remaining 23 hours of the day. For example, stay as active as possible during waking hours — stand up as often as possible and walk for a minimum of at least 5 minutes out of every hour spent sitting. During workouts, tune into your body. Listen to it more; the movements, how you feel, and how your muscles are working. Create fitness goals that make sense for your personal needs and preferences that will inspire you to live an active lifestyle. It’s always a great time to start something new.