The coolest thing about ChooseMyPlate.gov

     Okay, by now pretty much everyone has seen the MyPlate icon that has replaced the food pyramid. In case you haven’t, here it is: 

MyPlate illustrates the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar image—a place setting for a meal. Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your cup or bowl.
-ChooseMyPlate.gov

       But here’s something I think is the coolest part of ChooseMyPlate.gov: USDA’s SuperTracker!

Thanks for visiting, now drive safe!

     When I was in kindergarten, my godmother was hit by a drunk driver. Most people don’t remember what happened to them when they were 5 or 6, and frankly, I don’t remember much of it either. But I vividly remember staying at my next door neighbor’s house waiting for my aunt to pick us up so my mom could catch the next flight up to Boston to be with her family.

Give the gift of life this holiday season.

When was the last time you saved three lives in a just over an hour?

     Would it interest you to know you can save three lives every eight weeks? In one year, you can save 18 lives. All it takes is a blood donation. According to The American Red Cross, each whole blood donation can help up to three people. Consider sharing the holiday warmth this season by giving the gift of life.

Do you know how to spot a stroke?

Stroke Symptoms poster provided
by National Stroke Association

     This probably isn’t what most people think about when the holidays come around, but a few years ago, my mom was at a holiday party with her coworkers, when one of them collapsed suddenly. He tried to decline treatment and go on with his day, but luckily there were people there who recognized the signs of a stroke and called 911 despite his protests. Thinking about that made me wonder – would I recognize the signs of a stroke and know to call 911 even if the victim said not to?

Happy holidays, and oh, can we talk?

     After you’ve opened the presents and eaten the holiday ham, there’s nothing like a family game of Monopoly or a fierce game of Wii tennis on Christmas Day. If you have family around this holiday season, it might also be a good time to pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and talk about family health history. You’ve heard me right. Family health history isn’t as fun as a board game, but it’s an important discussion to have.

Last minute gift idea- a relaxing massage

     The holidays are almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you may still have a few gifts that need to be bought.

Have you thought about giving the gift of relaxation?

Happy Anniversary Meritus Health!

     One year ago, we went from Washington County Hospital and Antietam Health Services to Meritus Health. We moved a hospital. And we changed the way we think about healthcare.

     We no longer think of the hospital and the health system as two separate and exclusive entities. Now, they all fall under the largest health system in western Maryland. We have changed our policies and procedures to focus even more on the full continuum of care – if you go home from the hospital, do you need home medical equipment? Are you seeing your primary care physician regularly? Do you understand the medicine that’s been prescribed? Do you have a way to pay for that medicine? Our job is help you stay healthy, so you don’t have to go to the hospital.

Questions about nutrition?

Hello everyone!!

     It’s hard to believe, but our blog has been up for 3 ½ months now! In that time, we’ve had more than 8,500 page views! On this blog, we focus on tips for healthier living and delve into a bunch of different topics, from cholesterol to sleep hygiene to safety tips for holiday shopping.

     From your comments, I get the impression that you’re finding this information to be extremely useful, and I’m thrilled! I’m so glad we can help you live your healthiest life. Because you, dear readers, enjoy a good blog, I want to take this time to point you toward another blog run by us that focuses solely on nutrition.

Good sleep hygiene—it’s elementary

     We all know how important oral hygiene is – poor oral hygiene leads to gum disease, gingivitis, cavities, and even heart disease. But, do you know how important good sleep hygiene is? First, do you know what sleep hygiene is? Sleep hygiene is all about getting a good night’s sleep and being consistent about it. Kind of like when you were in elementary school and you had a set bedtime.