Mary Ehret column

Latest Columns by Mary Ehret

January 28, 2012

Treat your Valentine right with chocolate

Walking through the aisles of the supermarket reminds us that Christmas is far behind and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

January 21, 2012

More foods with Vitamin D

Sunlight is usually sparse these winter days although we have seen a bit more this year in northeast Pennsylvania. Staying healthy seems to be even more difficult than in the other months of the years. The days are shorter and we tend to spend less time outside.Vitamin D, one of the body’s natural hormones can be obtained from food or the sun. Vitamin D is unique in that our body’s can synthesis it with the help of the sun. However, during the days of no or very little sunshine, our bodies are relying on a reserve of Vitamin D. Normally we do store enough during the summer months to last us through the winter, but older adults who don’t get out much could be at risk.

January 14, 2012

Eat more whole grains

Much of today’s media focuses on the New Year and a new diet. Weight loss advertisements are all over the television and radio. Choosing nutritious foods to eat can be confusing when our grocery stores are packed multiple brand names all claiming to be healthy and natural. One food that most Americans can improve upon in their diets is whole grains.

January 7, 2012

Save money and calories

The holiday and heating bills have hit our checkbooks and January historically is the time to find ways to save money. With just a bit of organizational skills and determination to stick to a budget, there are ways to save money and calories.

December 31, 2011

Beware of fad diets

If feeling healthy and being ten pounds lighter is on your list of New Year Resolutions, then the National Institute of Health and the Weight Control Information Network at http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm has a long list of myths for you!

December 24, 2011

Nutrient-rich holiday feasts

Merry Christmas!

December 17, 2011

Easy holiday appetizers

Looking for an easy recipe? Want to let the guilty feelings of eating unhealthy foods go? Many health professionals encourage us to increase vegetables in our diet. Most people do not meet the adult recommendations of 2 and 1/2 cups of non starchy vegetables a day.

November 26, 2011

National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when health professionals and those with diabetes take a moment to promote healthy lifestyle changes and good medical care as a way to manage the disease. Enjoying the Thanksgiving Holiday sometimes means over eating and being less active and more driving to visit with family and friends. As we close the month of November with the December holidays upon us, let’s take a moment to look at ways to encourage more physical activity and less overeating with the thought to manage diabetes.

November 19, 2011

Thanksgiving dinner without the stress

The holidays are about to start! Celebrations, family and friend get-togethers and food, lots of food.

November 12, 2011

Stay active in dark

Daylight savings time has ended and we are back to lighter mornings with early onset of darkness. It’s tough to be motivated to go out for a walk when it’s pitch black outside. The early onset of darkness gives permission in our minds for our television and computers to be turned on just a bit earlier!