Back-to-School Wellness for Moms

wellness

Summer days have wound down and the kids have gone back to school. After the crazy days of summer caring for the kids, this is the time for moms to think about themselves and their wellness. Parents, especially moms, are known for putting their needs aside in an effort to care for their children. This is normal behavior, but over time it can take ill effects on the mother if she does not take time for herself. The weeks before the return to school is stressful. Shopping for school clothes, taking care of any school paperwork, trying to readjust your child to the “school routine” of going to … [Read more...]

Foods and Breast Cancer

Fruit-and-Vegetable-basket

October is breast cancer awareness month. As a dietitian I am frequently asked what measures can be taken to decrease the risk of cancer. The truth is no special food or diet can prevent you from getting breast cancer, or cure your cancer if you have been diagnosed. However, some foods can help reduce risk. As with most disease there are risk factors that are controllable and others that are not. The non-controllable risk factors associated with breast cancer are: family history, genetics, gender as women are nearly 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer then men, risk increases … [Read more...]

Happy wife = happy heart

0758Ettinger

You've heard the expression "A happy wife equals a happy life", right? Well what about "A happy wife equals a happy heart"? Believe it or not, but they ARE related. In October of last year, I got married :) For the first and ONLY time! When we made the decision to tie the knot, we couldn't be happier! Planning the wedding was so exciting. However, it was interesting to listen to people around us and their reactions to the announcement, particularly my soon-to-be husband's friends..."why would you do that"..."the old ball and chain"..."are you crazy? I'd love to get rid of my wife", and on … [Read more...]

Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First

oxygen mask

When you take a flight, each airline has a safety debriefing.  The stewardess stands in the middle of the isle demonstrating the message of putting on your own oxygen mask first.  The message is understandable, if you aren't breathing, how could you possibly save someone else's life.  This message holds true in our everyday life as well.  Many times we put off our own needs and health to prioritize others first.  Kids, family, spouses, significant others, work, errands, friends, all of these can cut into the time of your own needs.  And while serving all of these things or attempting to be … [Read more...]