Stress is defined as "any stimulus, such as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism." Put simply, stress is our response to daily life. The right amount of stress can be a positive force. It helps us do our best work and keeps us alert, energetic, focused, and engaged in the world around us. However, too much stress can leave us anxious, depressed, and uncomfortable. Everyday life continually presents us with stressful situations.…

This easy, tasty recipe gives a wonderful blend of sweet and salt to sweet potato wedges. Fantastic prosciutto is wrapped around sweet potato wedges and baked until it’s crispy and mouth-watering. Mix with basil leaves to create a popular new treat. Add a kick to traditional potato wedges with this innovative flavor combination!

News outlets have recently published news reports and opinion pieces based on a study about a possible link between hormone therapy and a very rare increased breast cancer death risk. Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses the facts.

With more than 30,000 items filling the shelves of the average grocery store, it is no wonder that you may feel confused when trying to select heart-healthy choices for you and your family. 3 Tips for Shopping for Healthy Food 1. Eat your veggies It always comes back to the green stuff. But it’s for good reason: The nutrients in vegetables (whether the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and/or polyphenols) all seem to be disease-fighters in a variety of ways. When it comes to your heart,…

Many restaurants offer delicious low-fat, low-cholesterol meals. These tips will help you make eating out enjoyable as well as healthy. Before you order: If you are familiar with the menu, decide what to order before entering the restaurant. This tactic will help you avoid any temping foods that might not be so healthy. If you are trying a new restaurant, take time to study the menu in order to avoid making unhealthy decisions. If possible, log on to the restaurant’s website before you…

A monthly self breast exam should be performed by all women starting at about the age of 20. A breast exam increases the chances of early detection and survival of breast cancer. Monthly Breast Self Exam 1. The first part of the breast exam is inspection, or looking at your breasts. Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well lighted room. Look at your breasts. Don’t be alarmed if they do not look equal. Most women’s breasts are not. With your arms relaxed by your…

Nothing tastes better than a creamy dip with fresh vegetables and herbs served with toasted pita bread. Nonfat and low-fat cream cheese are mixed together to cut down on the saturated fat, but not on the delicious taste. Tofu is added for smoothness, which gives it a rich taste as well as extra protein – a win-win recipe!

Are all types of chocolate healthy? Before you grab a chocolate candy bar or slice of chocolate cake, it’s important to understand that not all forms of chocolate contain high levels of flavanols. Cocoa naturally has a very strong, pungent taste, which comes from the flavanols. When cocoa is processed into your favorite chocolate products, it goes through several steps to reduce this taste. The more chocolate is processed (through things like fermentation, alkalizing, roasting, etc.), the…

Facial aging is how the appearance of your face changes with age. It occurs mainly as the result of changes in the skin and the deeper soft tissues of the face. Factors that influence external skin changes include natural aging, skin type, sun exposure, facial movement and routine skin care. Facial fat deeper within the face thins with normal aging and, as gravity pulls on the face, the underlying soft tissues droop. However, facial aging can be treated. These two types of changes are separate…

Breast Cancer Guidelines Breast Self-Exams. Although monthly self-exams have been controversial, most women do find breast lumps themselves. Examine your breasts each month after age 20. You will become familiar with the contours and feel of your breasts and will be more alert to changes. The best time to examine your breasts is after your menstrual cycle is finished. Clinical Breast Exams. Have your breasts examined by a healthcare provider at least once every three years after age 20,…

A sensational and explosive combination of roasted sweet yams, crunchy corn, black beans in a light jalapeño dressing.. This recipe is from Holly Clegg's Trim & Terrific Gulf Coast Favorites: Over 250 easy recipes from my Louisiana Kitchen.

Figs, high in fiber and potassium, combined with sweet caramelized onion, salty prosciutto and creamy goat cheese turn pizza into a palate-pleasing masterpiece.

Regular guacamole gets a different flavor with this Mediterranean alternative. Feta cheese, rice vinegar and dried oregano leaves add a delicious taste to traditional guacamole. Shake things up by combining two different flavors into one mouth-watering dip. This dip definitely satisfied the cravings of this avocado and feta addict.

Grab a large skillet for a quick journey to the Mediterranean. Take advantage of the scrumptious sauce. Serve with pasta or rice (try whole grain pasta or brown rice).

Chocolate sandwich cookies and reduced-fat cream cheese come together to make an appetizing combination. Sprinkle in white chocolate chips for that extra burst of flavor. Close your eyes for this bite of ecstasy — it takes only three ingredients. Make ahead of time and enjoy this rich and satisfying treat!

This is a go-to, make-ahead recipe when you want an impressive knockout appetizer. Hummus, feta cheese and Kalamata olives come together to create an exotic taste for your next gathering. Not only does this Greek Dip taste great, it’s low in calories as well. Move over Mexican — this Mediterranean-inspired dip will be your new party favorite! Serve with pita chips.

Rosacea Rosacea is a common disorder that mainly affects facial skin. It causes redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. Over time, the redness can become more intense, taking on a ruddy appearance. Superficial blood vessels may become visible. In some cases, rosacea appears on the chest, ears, neck, or scalp. Red solid bumps and pus-filled pimples can sometimes develop. The disorder can cause the nose to take on a bulbous, swollen appearance called rhinophyma. Rosacea can affect the…

Fruit tarts are very easy to make and can vary as the seasons change. Mix in your favorite fruits to make different tarts year round! The whole wheat crust adds a crunchy texture and extra fiber to any fruit tart. An addition of chocolate is just what it needs. Get your daily servings of fresh fruit by eating these yummy snacks.

General suggestions to reduce exposure to airborne allergens Keep windows and doors closed. Avoid using window or attic fans that draw in outside air. Use air conditioning. Refrain from outside activities, if possible, during times of high pollen counts (if you are sensitive to pollens). Note that peak pollination occurs at different times of the day for different plants (e.g., ragweed in the late morning, grasses in the afternoon). Shower or bathe and change clothes following…

Factors that can cause sleep problems Physical (such as ulcers) Medical (such as asthma) Psychiatric (such as depression and anxiety disorders) Environmental (such as alcohol) Short-term or acute insomnia can be caused by life stresses (such as job loss or change, death of a loved one, or moving), an illness, or environmental factors such as light, noise, or extreme temperatures. Long-term or chronic insomnia (insomnia that occurs at least three nights a week for a month or…