Lifestyle Archives - Thrive Carolinas

Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

September 9, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Written by: Nancy Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas When it comes to healthy eating, almonds and walnuts often steal the spotlight. But there’s another nut worth adding to your pantry—the macadamia. Often overlooked, these creamy, buttery nuts are a true nutritional powerhouse. Fun fact: they were even said to be Queen Elizabeth’s favorite nut. So why should macadamias earn a spot on your plate? Let’s dive into the science-backed benefits. Lower in Omega-6s & Carbs Most nuts are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to inflammation. Macadamias are unique because they’re naturally low in omega-6s and carbohydrates, making them easier on both inflammation and blood sugar balance. This makes them an especially smart choice for individuals seeking to support their metabolic health or...

Yoga & Learn September: Non-Negotiable Habits for Longevity

September 2, 2025

Blog, Dr NP, Exercise, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Yoga

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by Thrive Carolinas When it comes to longevity, the latest biotech buzzwords, telomeres, senolytics, miracle pills, and Silicon Valley “hacks” can be tempting distractions. But the truth is simple: the fundamentals matter most. Research consistently shows that practicing core habits every day, such as regular movement, adequate rest, whole foods, and meaningful connections, can add 7–10 years of healthy life. Healthspan and lifespan don’t come from shortcuts. They grow from small, consistent actions. Why Fundamentals Beat Fads The global wellness industry is now a $4.2 trillion market, growing nearly twice as fast as the global economy. Yet, as a population, we aren’t getting healthier; we’re getting more confused, overwhelmed, and frustrated. Each week brings a new “best” diet or lifestyle trend. With so many competing voices,...

Comparison of cane sugar and corn syrup side by side, highlighting their similar health risks.

Coke, Cane Sugar, and Your Health: What You Need to Know

August 26, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

Written by: Tracy Larson, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Coca-Cola and other sugary beverages are everywhere in the U.S. According to the CDC, about half of Americans consume at least one sugar-sweetened drink each day. Traditionally, Coca-Cola in the U.S. has been made with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), while in many other countries it’s made with cane sugar. Soon, Coca-Cola will introduce a cane sugar–sweetened version in the U.S. While that may sound like a healthier choice, the reality is more complicated. HFCS vs. Cane Sugar: What’s the Difference? HFCS is a man-made sweetener derived from cornstarch. It shows up in a wide range of foods, soft drinks, sweetened fruit drinks, desserts, flavored yogurts, cereals, baked goods, and candy. Food manufacturers favor HFCS because it’s cheaper than cane sugar, widely...

Boosting Your Brain with Creatine

August 19, 2025

Blog, Dr AF-Functional Medicine, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

Written by: Dr. Amy Fletcher Edited by: Thrive Carolinas At Thrive, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What supplements should I take to support both brain and body health?” While nothing replaces the foundations of wellness, nutritious food, exercise, sleep, and stress management, research is shining a spotlight on creatine as a powerful addition to your routine. Once known mainly as a performance booster for athletes in the 1980s, creatine is now being recognized for its potential to enhance cognitive function, mental clarity, and long-term brain health. What Is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps your cells make and recycle ATP the body’s main energy source. In the brain, this is especially important when demands on focus, memory, or problem-solving run high. Beyond energy production,...

Why 10,000 Steps a Day Isn’t the Magic Number

August 4, 2025

Blog, Dr NP, Exercise, Fitness, Group Fitness, Health, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD You’ve probably heard the popular health advice: “Get 10,000 steps a day.” But is this daily step goal rooted in science? The Origin of the 10,000-Step Myth Surprisingly, the 10,000-step recommendation didn’t come from medical research; it originated from a Japanese pedometer marketing campaign in the 1960s. Since then, it’s been widely adopted by health apps, fitness trackers, and wellness guidelines—despite lacking clinical evidence. What the Research Really Says A 2023 meta-analysis published in The Lancet reviewed multiple studies from 2014 onward, analyzing the impact of daily step counts on chronic health conditions. The researchers found that significant health benefits occur at much lower step counts than 10,000. In fact, just 7,000 steps per day was associated with the following risk reductions (compared to 2,000 steps/day): ...

Why You Need to Sun-Guard Your Eyes

July 22, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

[caption id="attachment_10577" align="alignleft" width="226"] By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD[/caption] Most of us understand the importance of protecting our skin from excessive sun exposure, but eye protection is often overlooked or dismissed as just a fashion statement. In reality, safeguarding your eyes from the sun is just as crucial. The Hidden Dangers of Sun Exposure to Your Eyes The sun emits a broad spectrum of light, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high-energy blue light. Both can be harmful to your eyes over time. Blue light, due to its shorter wavelength and higher energy, penetrates more deeply into the retina than other visible light, thereby increasing the potential for damage. UV radiation, both UVA and UVB, can be harmful at any time of day. Surprisingly, the early morning and late afternoon...

Mindful Eating This Summer: What to Know About the 2025 Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen

July 15, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables, but it’s also a great time to be mindful of how that produce is grown. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, highlighting two key lists: The Dirty Dozen: the fruits and vegetables most likely to carry high levels of pesticide residues The Clean Fifteen: produce with the lowest levels of pesticide contamination In 2025, the guide goes a step further, taking into account not just how much pesticide was found, but how toxic those chemicals are. What the 2025 Report Reveals The EWG analyzed over 53,000 USDA tests on 47 different types of produce. The results are eye-opening: Over 75% of non-organic fruits and vegetables tested had...

How to Avoid Bugs During the Summer: Natural Alternatives to DEET

July 8, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

[caption id="attachment_12816" align="alignleft" width="254"] Harlee Palmer, PA-C[/caption] Summer brings warm weather, outdoor adventures, and—unfortunately—bugs. Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other insects can quickly turn a relaxing evening into an itchy ordeal or even a health concern. While chemical repellents like DEET are effective, many people are looking for safer, more natural alternatives. Here’s how to enjoy your summer while minimizing bug bites naturally. Enjoying the outdoors during the summer often comes with the challenge of dealing with insects. Warmer weather provides ideal breeding conditions for bugs, which means you’re more likely to encounter them during these months. Mosquitoes become prevalent and can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika, and dengue. Ticks are another concern, carrying the risk of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Blackflies and...

Summertime and The Fire Element in Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture

June 25, 2025

Dr SG, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

[caption id="attachment_11875" align="alignleft" width="226"] Dr. Scott Greenapple[/caption] Summer is now officially here. In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Fire element governs summer, the season of the highest heat and outward expression. In TCM, this is considered the most Yang time of year. Yang distributes function and energy. The season, when we are in balance, rewards us with abundant energy, growth, fun-filled activities, and meaningful connections. As the days grow longer and nature reaches its full bloom under the intense sun, the Fire element, as it relates to us, supports our bodies with vitality, joy, and hopefully, our capacity to show love for one another and the universe at large. Each element in Chinese medicine is associated with what are known as meridians or channels, which are named after...

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Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

Yoga & Learn September: Non-Negotiable Habits for Longevity

Coke, Cane Sugar, and Your Health: What You Need to Know

Boosting Your Brain with Creatine

Why 10,000 Steps a Day Isn’t the Magic Number

Why You Need to Sun-Guard Your Eyes

Mindful Eating This Summer: What to Know About the 2025 Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen

How to Avoid Bugs During the Summer: Natural Alternatives to DEET

Summertime and The Fire Element in Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebobs

Monday Motivation: Garlic & Gut Health

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