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Our Commitment to Creating a Healthier Community [Podcast]

Posted March 10, 2022 by Iriel Hopkins and Marlo Schmidt

Listen to this episode of the Healthy Vitals Podcast.

Iriel Hopkins and Marlo Schmidt discuss ways in which Summa Health System contributes to a healthier community.


Featured Guests:

Iriel Hopkins, MSW, LSW | Marlo Schmidt, MBA, MS

Iriel Hopkins joined Summa Health in 2019 as the System Director of Community Relations and Diversity. During her time she has implemented many initiatives including but not limited to updating the cultural awareness mandatory employee education, securing grants for COVID education and vaccinations and partnering with local organization such as the Greater Akron Chamber, University of Akron, City of Akron and more. 

Marlo Schmidt joined Summa in 2004 as the Health Education Coordinator. In 2015 she took on the role of System Director of Community Benefit. In her role, she is responsible for steering Summa Health’s Community Reinvestment Board, leading the Community Engagement Committee and strengthening Summa’s partnership with Akron Public Schools.

Transcription:


Scott Webb (Host): Hospital and health systems don't operate on islands. Rather, they rely heavily on local businesses, governments, and most especially community members to assist in initiatives and inform their approaches to care. And joining me today to discuss community involvement and why it's so important to the Summa Health System, are Iriel Hopkins, System Director, Community Relations and Diversity at Summa Health and Marlo Schmidt, System Director of Community Benefits at Summa Health.

This is Healthy Vitals, a podcast from Summa Health. I'm Scott Webb. So first off, I want to thank you both for being here. I've been hosting Summa's podcasts for awhile, and it's always great to learn more and to share more with the community. And as we get rolling here, Marlo, why is community involvement so important to the Summa Health System?

 

Why is community involvement so important to the Summa Health System?

 

Marlo Schmidt, MBA, MS (Guest): Same as Summa's dedication to community involvement is really part of our legacy. It's embedded in our mission, our vision and values, and it's exemplified in our commitments to build and sustain our community. Summa, as an organization, we've always looked outside the traditional walls of our hospital and we offer a wide range of services and resources that extend beyond those walls. We understand we can't meet the needs of our community alone. And that is why we partner with our community. And that is one of our core commitments. We partner with many local agencies that have aligned missions and common values, and that helps us to implement programs and strategies that make the largest impact on the health of our community.

Iriel Hopkins, MSW, LSW (Guest): Absolutely. And Marlo, if I could just add to that, I think it's very important in terms of building trust with the community. A lot of times, there is a trust barrier and oftentimes people are just afraid to go to the hospital and maybe they go in for one thing and come out with you know, a diagnosis of something else. And so, how we build trust in the community is very important and that starts with being accessible to the community and being involved in some of the activities and programs that they have.

Host: Yeah. And Iriel, staying with you, why is the community so important to you?

 

Iriel Hopkins shares why community is so important to her

 

Iriel: The community is very important to me because, you know, without the community, there would be no Summa Health. There would be no patients, there would be no employees. And so having the community support, having the community's trust, having them know that we support them in all of the things that they are doing and that we care about disparities and that we are intentional about filling gaps that we see in our community, is important to us, but not only to us, but it's important to the community and the patients that we serve. And so, Marlo does an excellent job of always highlighting the clinical portion, it's only 20% of a health outcome. You know, it takes the community in terms of the transportation, the food system to make sure a person receives holistic care. And so that is why the community is important because we can't do it by ourselves.

Host: And Marlo, just to, you know, hearing you both today, thinking about the partnerships and how important the community is, I'm sure that you would echo what Iriel just said.

 

Marlo Schmidt shares why community is so important to her

 

Marlo: Absolutely. When I think about our community, it really plays an important role in every aspect of our lives. And this is my community. I'm from here, I'm raising my family here. And when we build a community that we're a part of, it makes us feel like we're part of something greater than ourselves. It gives us an opportunity to connect. And we really do want to help each other as a community, both personally, professionally, socially. And I really always appreciate seeing the outpouring of the community in supporting our local and small businesses. And when I think of a strong community, it's a place of opportunity. And that's what really gives me the most.

Host: Yeah, I'm sure. And, as you've mentioned here today, the partnerships are so important and so key, and I'm sure that you've have done some things in the past that you're quite proud of. And maybe you could share some of them with listeners, things that Summa has partnered with, or everybody has done where the community has lifted each other up and come together. Please share some of those things.

 

How has Summa Health supported its community?

 

Marlo: The hospitals really do play a vital role in our community. And we know that a healthy bird community requires more than access to medical services that we provide. And in fact, as Iriel mentioned before, clinical care accounts for only about 20% of the individual's overall health and quality of life, and that is why we commit to the social determinants of health to help individuals achieve their best wellbeing. So the social determinants of health are factors that influence a person's health, but typically fall outside the scope of what our health care professionals provide. And as Iriel mentioned, it includes education or socioeconomic status and even the zip code in which we live and work.

So one of the avenues that we address the social determinants is through our community re-investment board. And the purpose of our reinvestment board is really to invest and engage and transform our communities, health and wellbeing. And we do this through sponsorship and donations support. We focus on programs and services that address the social determinants. Our community's greatest health needs. And now those most impacted by COVID-19. And in 2020, we provided some support to over 55 organizations. I'm proud to say 98% of those donations stayed local and they helped more than 208,000 individuals. And more than 77,000 individuals who were disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

The types of programs that we invested in, address access to health care, safe, housing, education, economic stability, social justice, and access to healthy foods.

Iriel: Those are awesome things. And as Marlo mentioned in terms of how we address the social determinants of health, we have volunteered as a team for places like the Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity. We roll up our sleeves and we actually work beside our community members to achieve different initiatives.

We make sure we have a community leadership institute that immerses are assuming employees into the community and in some of the grassroots organizations, especially during COVID, we partner with some of the local funeral homes that are trusted members in the community. We've provided PPE in terms of sanitizers, gloves, and a vaccine cart holders. Anything that we could think of to sustain the health of our community. And to help people while they're going through, as Marlo said, disproportionate loss of life because of COVID. And so, again, as we mentioned, not only addressing the social determinants of health through our giving, but actually rolling up our sleeves and working beside and alongside some of our community partners as they're experiencing some of the gaps from COVID.

Host: Yeah. And you both COVID- 19 and the pandemic, and it's certainly, entering in our third year now. It's something we just can't get away from. Those things do appear to be getting better for all of us. Want to have you specifically talk Marlo about what Summa has done during the pandemic to help.

 

How has Summa Health supported its community through COVID-19?

 

Marlo: Well, early in the pandemic, when many services and people felt very isolated, Summa quickly pivoted to a virtual platform. And we were able to hold classes and serve our patients through Telehealth visits. And we had provided over 132,000 virtual visits in 2020. We provided virtual events. And we presented information to the community about COVID-19 from how to properly wear a face mask to giving birth safely and also receiving the care that they need.

And we're very proud of the Summa Health Equity Center, and they were also committed to finding solutions for their patients. And they quickly move to a virtual model to allow the expectant mothers as part of our centering program to continue to receive that support when they needed us most. And we also partnered with the community to provide a COVID-19 testing event.

And when vaccines became available, we supported a community-wide program that Iriel will share.

Iriel: Absolutely. So our Vital Vacs Campaign, really targeted places around Akron and zip codes that had, at the time it was a less than 40% vaccination rate. And so we used our data and heat maps and the health department in terms of really finding out where we could make the most impact with taking our mobile unit.

And so I would say that is the biggest success and achievement in terms of bringing services to the community, as you know, the emergency departments were full. We had a short staff with not just our hospital, but many hospitals. And so providing that alternative method to get care was very important. And not only did we do the first dose, but we may appointments to go back for the second dose to make sure everyone was served. Also in this time we took the opportunity to connect with each of our communities and zip codes to find out specifically what were the most effective ways to get messaging and communication as it relates to COVID. As we know that there was a lot of miscommunication around COVID. And so one of the things we really studied is, you know, how does each community receive information, whether that be short YouTube videos or Tik TOK videos, or billboards or yard signs. And so this really forced us to be creative in terms of messaging.

And how we got the message out about measures our community could take to remain safe, but also where to get care. And so that was something that I think will not only help served us with COVID, but in the future, we'll have a better relationship and communication pattern with our communities that we serve.

Host: Yeah, it sure sounds. So and Marlo, what can we expect in the future? Like what are you excited about that's coming?

 

What is next for Summa Health's community outreach plan?

 

Marlo: Well for 2022, I am really excited. This is our needs assessment year. So we will, once again, partner with the Summit County Public Health, and that is to conduct our community health needs assessment. And the purpose of the assessment is really to help improve the health of our community. So, during the process, over 200 indicators will be reviewed. Then community leaders and residents will be consulted through a variety of venues, of focus groups, interviews, and surveys. And from there, the significant health needs will be identified. Then we will come together as a system with our community partners in how we will address those needs. So, I'm excited to learn from the findings, how we can be even more intentional to impact the health of our community from those programs and services that Iriel has shared.

We do have a strong foundation and we're positioned to expand the programs, but I'm excited as mentioned to be more intentional and really address the most critical needs impacting the health of our community.

Iriel: I also agree with that statement. Not only do we have the community needs assessment, but we want to continue the Vital Vacs, not only vaccines. We want to be prepared if there's any other boosters that come out, we want to be prepared to, be able to serve the community. We also know flu vaccines are still available and requested. So we want to also make sure we are able to provide those as well as preventative care. One of the things we saw since COVID, a lot of people stop going to the hospital for their preventative care or surgeries that they may have needed. And so, we are catching up in terms of making sure people, you know, are up to date on those screenings and preventative care, you know, guidelines and things that they should be monitoring on a regular basis to again, make sure we have no gaps in care.

And so, again, we're going to continue with making sure access is very important to our community. As it relates to healthcare services. We want to continue our messaging and our relationships with the community partners that we built, not only just with COVID, but future services that we want to make sure the community is aware of. Again, keep being innovative and challenging ourselves to explore how we can provide more equitable care.

Host: Yeah, that all sounds awesome. Great to learn more about what Summa is doing, how Summa has been partnering with the community, how everybody is working together to reach each other, to lift each other up and give last words to you, hear Marlo today. How can folks find out more about Summa's work in the community? And most importantly, how can they get involved?

 

How can community members get involved?

 

Marlo: Well, Scott, the easiest way for people to learn more about us is to go to Summahealth.org/community. But through our needs assessment, we really want to hear from the community. So I would welcome either email or phone calls. My direct line is 234-312-5261 that they connect with me directly.

So then that way their voice can be heard doing the needs assessment. Also, as we engage with community partners and there's opportunities for us to work together, Iriel is really our lead that really connects with our community partners and she can share opportunities for how we can help them, and they can help us to improve the health of our community.

Iriel: As Marlo mentioned, I am the liaison and contact for all community related initiatives or requests, so please feel free to reach out. Best method of contact would be Hopkins.I@Summahealth.

Host: That's great and great to hear about the needs assessment. You know, it's one of those things where in order for an organization, a hospital system like Summa to help the community, you have to know what the community's needs are, what they need, what they want, what they expect. So glad that you're both so receptive to folks reaching out to you through phone, email.

As we mentioned, go into Summahealth.org/community is a great place to start. Awesome learning about all of this and getting to know you both a little bit today and the work that Summa is doing. So thanks so much and you will stay well.

Marlo: Thank you.

Iriel: Thank you.

Host: Visit Summahealth.org/community to learn more. And if you found this podcast to be helpful and informative, please share it on your social channels and be sure to check out the full podcast library for additional topics of interest. This is Healthy Vitals, a podcast from Summa Health. I'm Scott Webb. Stay well, and we'll talk again next time.

 

About the Author

Iriel Hopkins and Marlo Schmidt

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According to the Institute of Medicine and USDA, women should aim for about 25 grams of fiber per day, and men should aim for about 38 grams per day, or it is recommended to have about 14 grams for every 1000 calories. …

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Dr. Dmitri Kolychev, a neurologist at Summa Health, discusses the influx of Multiple Sclerosis diagnoses in the United States. Learn about MS symptoms, treatment options, and more in this episode of Healthy Vitals.

Nurses Week: Celebrating Nurses and Their Commitment to Our Community [Podcast]

Tiffany Collins discusses her journey and passion for nursing.

Getting Help for Long-Term Post-COVID Symptoms [Podcast]

While most people with COVID-19 recover and return to normal health within a few weeks, others have symptoms that linger for months after recovery. Even people who have had mild versions of the virus can experience persistent or late symptoms. These people are often referred to as "long haulers" and the condition has been termed post-COVID syndrome or "long COVID-19."

Maternal Health in the Black Community [Podcast]

Dr. Cheryl Johnson leads a discussion focusing on empowerment in the African American community, especially maternal health.

Testicular Cancer: An Overview from Prevention to Treatment [Podcast]

Dr. Dankoff provides an overview of testicular cancer. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.

Myth vs. Fact: What you need to know to feel confident in your healthy food choices

We’ve been told time and again all fats are unhealthy, multigrain is healthier than white bread and fruit juice is a good replacement for the whole fruit. But, are these facts or myths that have been ingrained in us? 

With so much conflicting information, it can be difficult to make the healthiest choices and the unfortunate truth is we often fall victim to food myths.

We might reach for a food commonly believed to be healthy, but in actuality, it could be harmful to…

What Makes a Great Doctor - Personal Insights, Advice, and Why they Chose Medicine [Podcast]

Dr. Shanu Agarwal and resident Kortnie Broschinsky discuss their journey into healthcare.

Feeling the pressure? 8 ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle

Are you feeling the pressure to live a heart-healthy lifestyle? You’re not alone.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). What’s more, nearly half of all adults in this country are living with some type of cardiovascular disease.

The good news is you don’t have to be a statistic. While genetics do play a role in heart disease, there are several risk factors that can…

Occupational Therapy: What Is It, How Does It Help, Who Should See An OT [Podcast]

Craig Wood leads a discussion focusing on occupational therapy, its benefits, and why he got into the field.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – What You Need to Know [Podcast]

Karen Frantz DeSeptis and Ericka Malone lead a discussion on SIDS, and important information you need to know.

An Overview of Osteoporosis: Prevention to Treatment [Podcast]

Natalie Hiltbrand, an Osteoporosis Specialist at Summa Health, leads a discussion on osteoporosis treatment, as well as prevention.

10 Early Signs of Diabetes That Shouldn't Be Ignored

FsoHigh blood sugar can cause gradual, unassuming symptoms that can sneak up on you. Frequent urination and excessive thirst — the telltale signs of type 2 diabetes — are often mild and can easily be attributed to other factors.

In fact, most people don’t even know they have high blood sugar until they’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetesis a chronic condition that causes glucose (or sugar) levels in the body to rise. The problem is ignoring or writing off the symptoms…

How to introduce moderate exercise into your routine

Study after study has shown the positive effects of light-to-moderate physical activity and the negative effects of little or no exercise. Regular exercise is one of the most beneficial (and cost-effective) activities you can do to better your health.

Some benefits include:

  • Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: Stroke and heart diseaseare two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. According to the CDC, just 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity can put…

Addressing Common Pelvic Health Issues [Podcast]

Dr. Megan Cesta and senior physical therapist Amy Senn discuss common pelvic health issues women may experience.

Sunscreen 101 - 5 reasons you should make it part of your daily routine

Reviewed July 2025

Did you know skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and men 65 or older are twice as likely to develop melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — than women.

As we head into the summer months, most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen in the hot, blazing sun. But what you may not realize is…

Best and worst foods for your next sizzling cookout

Nothing says summer like the classic American barbeque: hamburgers, hot dogs and macaroni salad with berry pie for dessert. Cookouts with family and friends are a favorite summer pastime to enjoy good food, the great outdoors and warmer temperatures.

But considering on average a person consumes upwards of 2,000 calories on typical barbeque fare, it’s not a bad idea to switch up this year’s cookouts to include healthier options. Who said cookouts had to be unhealthy…

Food allergy vs. food intolerance: How to tell the difference

Chances are good at one time or another you have experienced unpleasant symptoms — an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea or bloating — after eating a delicious meal. Reactions from food are common, but it can be challenging to understand the cause.

Food intolerance can trigger some of the same physical symptoms as a food allergy. But, understanding the difference is vital to your health. Eating a food that your body is intolerant to can leave you feeling uncomfortable, but eating…

Weight Loss Options Built for Your Needs

Obesity and the need to lose weight is a deeply personal journey. With many new medical options available, it can be difficult to select the best individual approach to be successful with long-term weight loss.

Obesity is the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years, especially in the state of Ohio is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem. In…

7 ways to reduce sodium without sacrificing flavor this holiday season

With so many celebrations centered on food, it’s easy to lose track of how much we’re consuming — including our sodium intake. In fact, it’s not unusual for a typical holiday meal to meet or exceed our recommended daily value for sodium.

But, what’s all the fuss about? Sodium, or salt, is a mineral that’s essential for life. It’s regulated by your kidneys and is required for nerve and muscle function and maintaining your body’s…

All About Sleep Apnea [Podcast]

Dr. James Bavis & Dr. Ketan Deoras explain sleep apnea as well as signs, symptoms, and what to expect.

Breast Cancer: The Importance of Knowing Your Risk [Podcast]

Dr. Keristen Brantley & Dr. Victoria Van Fossen discuss Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

Alzheimer’s Awareness: Symptoms, Stages, and Support [Podcast]

Amanda Harvan sheds light on the symptoms, stages and support of Alzheimer's.

Are veggie burgers really a healthier choice?

It’s no secret that meatless meals are becoming more popular. While this is certainly not anything new for our vegan or vegetarian consumers, terms like “plant based” and “meat alternatives” are quickly becoming more mainstream. Wildly popular, meatless burgers are even entering the fast food market with Burger King’s addition of the “Impossible Whopper” to their regular menu. But, are veggie burgers actually healthier than a…

Men’s Well-Being: All About Prostate Health [Podcast]

Dr. Kevin Spear discusses men's health and different risk factors and how to ensure optimal well-being.

Good vs. Bad: Understanding your cholesterol levels

Cholesterol normally gets a bad rap, but is it really as bad as it sounds? 

Cholesterol is essential for your body — in healthy doses, of course. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver, which your body needs to build cells and produce certain hormones and vitamin D. 

Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs to function. The problem is many people don’t only get cholesterol from their liver. They also get high amounts of…

The Latest Updates on COVID-19 [Podcast]

Dr. Thomas File shares the latest updates on COVID-19.

Can Obesity be Considered a Disease [Podcast]

Dr. Adrian Dan discusses obesity as a metabolic disease.

Can Obesity be Considered a Disease [Podcast]

Dr. Adrian Dan discusses obesity as a metabolic disease.

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness [Podcast]

Emily Hionides-Horner discusses 7 ways to overcome mental health stigma.

The Modern Guide to Heart Health [Podcast]

Dr. Peter Bittenbender shares his insight on the modern guide to heart health.

Tips on Maintaining Fitness and Physical Health During the Pandemic [Podcast]

Dr. Cipriani discusses tips on maintaining physician health during the pandemic.

Tips on Maintaining Fitness and Physical Health During the Pandemic [Podcast]

Dr. Cipriani discusses tips on maintaining physician health during the pandemic.

Tips for Managing Anxiety [Podcast]

Dr. Leslie Zaynor discusses tips for managing anxiety.

4 Impactful Lifestyle Changes That Help Improve Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced by the liver and has many important functions in your body. Your body uses it to protect nerves, make cell tissues, keep your cells flexible and produce certain hormones. In addition to your liver making cholesterol, there are many foods that contain cholesterol, including eggs, meats and dairy products. Eating too much of these foods can add too much cholesterol to your body and have negative side effects. 

Too…

Your Options for Weight Loss

The desire to lose weight and the process chosen to go about it is a deeply personal journey. With many new options on the market, it can be tough to understand the best approach to reaching long-term weight loss.

Obesity is now ranked as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem. It is also important to note that Obesity has been proven to increase the risk for cancer including Colon and Breast cancers. Weight loss is an important cancer risk reduction effort for many patients at higher risk for cancer and a component of cancer survivorship plans as well.

Breaking Down Protein Powders

In the last decade or two, protein powders have become increasingly popular among physically active and health-conscious individuals.

Protein powders are concentrated sources of protein — the essential building block for muscle, tissue, bones and blood — made from either animal or plant sources. While whole foods come complete with the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber you require, protein powders are an easy, convenient way to bolster your protein intake when…

First Unified World Obesity Day

Obesity has been deemed a disease of worldwide epidemic proportions. In the United States, obesity directly affects 40% of the adult population and an additional 30% are considered overweight. Obesity is now ranked as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem.

When talking about obesity, it is very…

5 Ways to Make Healthy Eating a Piece of Cake

Eat healthy. Exercise. Lose the extra holiday L-Bs. These are some of the most common goals many of us try to accomplish each year. But, it’s just about the time of year when these all-too familiar New Year’s Resolutions start to fall by the wayside.

Life can get in the way, temptations arise and we can default to old habits. So this year, let’s try something different. Instead of listing the same goals year after year, let’s put to practice lifestyle…

Are short workouts effective?

As a general goal, it is recommended that we get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, more if you’re looking to lose weight. However, some people find it hard to carve out those 30 minutes every day. Some may only have time for a short 10-minute workout. So, is it still worth exercising even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time?

Studies have shown that short workouts throughout the day are just as beneficial as long continuous ones.

 

In this…

How to Successfully Manage Your Diabetes During the Holidays

The holidays can be tough for anyone on a diet with all the celebrating, snacking and treats. Those with diabetes have to be especially careful around the holidays because gaining weight or rising blood sugar could be dangerous to your health.

If you slip into bad eating habits and they extend well into the New Year, you can do long-term damage to your body. Just a little preparation can go a long way towards keeping your weight and blood sugar down – check out these…

Here's the scoop on intermittent fasting

This recent weight loss trend places more of an emphasis on WHEN you eat than WHAT you eat (but keep in mind that both are important for success). Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating.

Depending on the type of intermittent fasting pattern you choose, your fasting time may be a few hours or a whole day a few times per week. During the fasting periods, you eat either very little or nothing at all.

Here are some of the…

What Does A Fast Food Meal Do To Your Body?

It’s quick, fast, and cheap; it also tastes really good! Americans spend roughly $50 billion on fast food each year. With the availability of food “on-demand” more and more people are opting for prepared foods, whether through a drive thru or delivered to your door.

But have you ever felt not-so-great after eating fast food--maybe a little tired or bloated? Did you notice you became hungry again pretty soon after eating? That’s because although most…

Battle it Out: Artificial Sweetener v. Sugar

The sweeter things in life are present at most celebrations...weddings, birthdays, work promotions, new baby, office parties...you get the idea. But if you are like many Americans trying to cut back on your refined sugar intake for health reasons and/or weight management, you may think opting for sugar replacements might be a healthier choice.

When it comes to real sugar (sucrose) versus artificial sweeteners, like the ones found in diet sodas and ‘zero-calorie”…

Myths vs. Facts: Binge Eating

According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders affect millions of Americans, mostly women between 12 and 35 years old. There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder (BED). The focus of this blog post will be on BED.

BED is the most common eating disorder in the US. It can be characterized by recurring episodes in which large quantities of food are consumed (more food than most people would consume over the same…

Sugar: It may be an Addiction

Most of us know that too much sugar is not good for our overall health. But what you may not know is that growing research is showing what’s bad for the body may also be bad for the brain.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that a group of men between 35 and 55 who consumed more than 67 grams of sugar daily from sweetened foods and beverages were more likely to develop anxietydepression, and other common mental disorders after 5 years, compared with men with a lower daily sugar intake. In no way does this imply that excess sugar causes mental disorders in the general population; rather this was a select study which also found no similar correlation for the women who participated in the research.

What are macros?

Paleo, keto, macros, carbs, complex carbs, clean eating, plant-based...we could keep going but I think you get the idea. With so many buzzwords out there, it can be difficult to analyze which ones would be a good addition to your weight loss journey or can help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Let’s explore one of these nutrition buzzwords: Macros.

Macros are short for macronutrients. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates and fats and make up the caloric content of food.

Controversial Use of E-cigarettes and Vaping- A "Heated" Debate

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) first entered the US market around 2007.  Wells Fargo Securities analysts now claim that these products have grown into a $4.4 billion industry. These products have many names including e-cigarettes, vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, and e-pipes among others. Most use a heating mechanism to turn liquid into a vapor that is then inhaled as an aerosol. E-cigs differ from traditional cigarettes because they do not “burn” or contain the 7,000 chemicals present in traditional combustible cigarettes. The tobacco industry continues to develop and market new nicotine delivery devices and without question the controversy over these products is still a heated debate.

Carbs: The Good, the Bad and the Yummy

Atkins, paleo, low-carb, no carb, how do you choose? If weight loss is a priority for you, or if you are just looking to eat healthier, there is an abundance of diets, meal plans and fads out there.

But what exactly are carbohydrates (carbs) and why are some of them so “bad” for us? Below is a breakdown of the types of carbohydrates, what they do to our bodies, which ones we can eat and those to avoid.

The Gift of Heart Health

When you think of February, you may think of Valentine's Day, chocolate and flowers. February also marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is it's also one of the most preventable.

Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart…

Medical Nutrition Therapy or Nutrition Education?

Medical Nutrition Therapy or Nutrition Education?

Obesity currently affects 34% of all Americans. It contributes to many other conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes, GERD, Sleep Apnea, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Joint Disorders, and a variety of cancers. Improving or eliminating obesity often can improve or cure these conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes.

A registered dietitian can approach obesity through either medical nutrition therapy or nutrition education.

Medical…

Eating-Mindfully

We eat for many reasons beyond hunger, which is why learning to eat mindfully helps you maintain or even lose weight if desired. As we celebrate Healthy Weight week this week, here are ten tips that provide some food for thought.

1. Reject the Diet Mentality.Throw out the diet books and magazine articles that offer you false hope of losing weight quickly, easily and permanently. Get angry at the lies that have led you to feel as if you were a failure every time a new diet…

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