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Wellness Blog

Sports Physicals

Aisha Reuler, MD | July 13, 2017 | Post comment
 

Did you know that the State of Washington requires children in grade 6 and up to have a sports physical prior to participating in new sports activity or season? Sports physicals help to determine whether it is safe for a child or adolescent to participate in vigorous or competitive physical activity. With the first day of school less than 2 months away, I encourage my families to get their children in for an exam at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the sports season. This allows enough time for a follow-up on health issues that may be identified during the physical. 

Together we... Read More

Have a plan when giving your child their first smart phone

Sara Tamarin, MD | July 06, 2017 | 1 comment
 

Have you ever wanted to go back in time and not give your child their first taste of candy? Or perhaps you wished you didn’t show your child their first episode of “Thomas the Tank Engine?” As parents, we know that a treat or indulgence we’re excited to share, can end up becoming the bane of our existence and the never-ending pleas for ‘just one more’ becomes routine.

Imagine that kind of regret, but multiple it by a really big number, and that’s what can happen when parents give their child their first smartphone without laying out a clear set of rules and expectations. We must do... Read More

Tasty Cucumber Salad

Kimberly Schwittay, ARNP | June 29, 2017 | 1 comment
 

The Fourth of July always brings up fond memories of family, fun, laughter and of course, food. Here is one of my favorite go-to side dishes that’s easy, healthy, and oh, so tasty!
Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July!

Prep time: 10-15 min
Serves 4

Ingredients 1 large cucumber, chopped 1-pint Cherry tomatoes, cut in half 1/2 red onion, chopped 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup Feta, crumbled, or cut in cubes 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil... Read More

Pap Tests: No longer a yearly ritual

Martha (Marte) A. Hoffman, ARNP | June 15, 2017 | Post comment
 

As you have probably noticed, your annual preventive exam doesn't always include a pap test anymore.  Why is this?  To answer, you need to know what a pap test tests, why it’s done and what is different now.

A pap involves the collection of cells from the lowermost section of the uterus, called the cervix. The cervix is located at the top of the vagina and is accessed by inserting a speculum into the vagina, so your provider can see the area.  A small brush is swept around the cervix and loose cells are caught and sent for analysis.

The cells are examined for distortions in... Read More

Men: Be the example

Stephen Campbell, MD | June 08, 2017 | Post comment
 

In June we celebrate Men's Health Month. A time where we encourage awareness of preventable health problems and early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys. Healthy habits are some of the many examples we can provide to our children and loved ones for a lifetime of wellness.

Eat healthy.

Include a variety of vegetables and fruits daily. Think colorful! Fruits and vegetables have essential vitamins and minerals that can help protect from chronic disease.

Cut the fat!

Limit foods high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.

Get regular physical activity... Read More

Pounding the pavement?

Jenna Lisenby, DPT | June 01, 2017 | Post comment
 

If you can hear feet hitting the ground while you’re running, you're probably setting yourself up for injury. Excessive noise during running comes from bad form. Keep your feet close to the ground and try to use a quick, shuffling stride.

Don’t forget the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. How are you getting your... Read More

Wear sunscreen, prevent cancer

Monica Edenholm, PA-C | May 25, 2017 | Post comment
 

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime? Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer by protecting you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Think about the following when enjoying our onset of beautiful weather.

What sunscreen should you use? Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA/UVB rays) Use SPF 50 Water resistant When should you use sunscreen? Everyday. The sun’s rays are harmful year-round. Even on cloudy days too. How much sunscreen should I use? Use enough sunscreen to coat all skin that will not be covered by clothing. Remember... Read More

Nature is Nurture

Everett Health Tips, Staff | May 23, 2017 | Post comment
 

You’ve probably heard that nature is good for you, but did you know there’s real science to back it up? A study from Stanford University found that 90 minutes in nature decreased activity in the areas of the brain associated with depression and anxiety. Furthermore, people living in urban areas are 20% more likely to develop anxiety disorders and 40% more likely to develop mood disorders. But don’t despair just because you live in the city, spending even just fifteen minutes in the park can significantly improve your mental health. So whenever you get the chance to get outside, take it.... Read More

Watch Your Eyes

Everett Health Tips, Staff | May 23, 2017 | Post comment
 

You probably don’t need us to tell you that staring at your screen for too long is bad for your eyes. Luckily there are things you can do to limit the harm. One common technique is the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from your screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, focusing on a point 20 feet away. Position is another factor. Your screen should be 20-30 inches away, and you should be looking down at it at a 15-20 degree angle. Lastly, make sure your monitor brightness is appropriate. If your screen lights up a dark room, it’s too bright, and if it seems dull and gray, it’s too dim. Following... Read More

Watch Your Own Back

Everett Health Tips, Staff | May 23, 2017 | 2 comments
 

There’s no getting around it, carrying a backpack can be uncomfortable, fortunately, there are some rules you can follow to make carrying your bag less strenuous.

Rule 1: Your backpack should never fall more than 4 inches below your waist. Low-hanging backpacks put too much weight on your shoulders, which leads to bad posture, so keep your straps tight. Rule 2: Your backpack shouldn’t be more than 5-10% of your body weight. Limit your load if you can. Rule 3: Compartmentalize. If your backpack has different compartments, do your best to spread the weight evenly to avoid putting too... Read More

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