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Lifestyle

Thrive Carolinas / Lifestyle (Page 5)

Jewelry and Skin Rashes: What You Need to Know

Skin rashes are among the most common reasons people seek medical attention, and jewelry is often an overlooked trigger. Many people have multiple body piercings and can be exposed to metals such as nickel, cadmium, chromium, copper, and cobalt.  One of the most common causes of rashes from jewelry is a nickel allergy.  Nickel is often mixed with other metals to create alloys used in jewelry. When it comes in contact with the skin, it can trigger an allergic reaction, known as allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in a red, itchy rash, blisters, or even swelling. Some people might be allergic to other metals used in jewelry, such as cobalt or chromium, though this is less common than nickel allergy. The rash is most often in the area of...

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More Evidence to Support Primary Prevention in Breast Cancer

By Dr. Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas A recent landmark study published in BMJ Oncology by researchers from the University of Edinburgh examined the incidence of 29 cancers in individuals aged 14 to 49 across 200 countries over a 30-year period. The findings were alarming: the incidence of cancers in those under 50 rose by 79%, accounting for over 3.26 million cases. The researchers suggested that this increase is not due to genetic factors but rather to environmental influences like poor diet (high in processed foods and added sugars), alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins. Our genes haven't changed in the last 30 years, but our environment has—highlighting the need for lifestyle changes to address this growing issue. The...

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The Science Behind an Apple a Day

The Science Behind an Apple a Day Nancy A. Palermo MD Everyone knows the saying,” An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While this cliché may not be entirely true, there is enough evidence that apples have nutritional value to be considered health-promoting food. Current research into the power of food shows there are real reasons this powerful fruit might just reduce your doctor’s visits. Apples are nutritional powerhouses. Providing 4 gm of fiber, Vitamin C, and K, but more importantly, one apple can provide 22% of the phenolic antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can lead to tissue damage. Getting sufficient antioxidants is associated with a reduction in cancer cell proliferation, a reduction in damage to our DNA, a reduction...

Motivation: The Vagus Nerve

Join Dr. Scott Greenapple for this week's Motivation and discover the importance of the vagus nerve as the link between your brain and internal organs. We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Yoga + Learn class. In this class, you’ll enjoy a rejuvenating yoga session and gain insights into the critical role the vagus nerve plays in your health. Led by Dr. Scott Greenapple, this special event is designed to help you understand how stimulating the vagus nerve can positively impact your body. Why the Vagus Nerve Matters The vagus nerve is the primary communication link between your brain and most of your internal organs, influencing various bodily functions. Stimulating it can: Reduce inflammation Improve heart rate variability Regulate autonomic functions like digestion and heart rate You can...

Getting More Protein in Your Diet: Protein Powders and Whey Protein 

Getting enough protein, especially 30g per meal, can be tough, and that’s where protein powders come in. However, many contain additives like artificial colors, sweeteners, and fillers that aren't ideal for health. Look for powders free from these and check the sugar content, as some can have high carbs, which isn’t helpful for weight management. Whey protein, a popular option, is made from the liquid whey left during cheese production. It comes in forms like concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. Whey protein isolate is highly concentrated, with 90-95% protein and minimal lactose, making it suitable for many lactose-intolerant individuals. Whey is known for its high biological value (BV), meaning the body can easily absorb and use it for muscle growth and repair. It's rich in essential amino acids, particularly branched-chain...

Group Classes: A Prescription to Tackle the Mental Health Epidemic

In May of this year, the Surgeon General, Dr Viveck Murthy, gave an advisory on our epidemic of loneliness and isolation. He laid out a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection in this rather extensive, wordy PDF. He details recommendations that individuals, governments, workplaces, health systems, and community organizations can take to increase connection in the lives of individuals and communities across the country to improve mental and physical health. It turns out we were already doing all of the things at Thrive, but let’s think about how they might help our overall health. We are still struggling with the downstream effects of the COVID epidemic. One of the most noticeable impacts on society is the decline of mental health. We struggled before the pandemic due to...

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What is Insulin Resistance?

[caption id="attachment_8775" align="alignleft" width="240"] Harlee Palmer, PA-C[/caption] By: Harlee Palmer, PA-C Insulin resistance is a growing health concern, often preceding type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. As the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. This leads to a range of metabolic issues that can have long-term health consequences. By some counts, over 80% of our population has some degree of insulin resistance. Early detection and lifestyle changes can sometimes mitigate these risks and even reverse insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from the blood, converting it into energy. In insulin resistance, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, requiring more of the...

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Late Summer: Earth Element

[caption id="attachment_11165" align="alignleft" width="232"] Dr. Scott Greenapple[/caption] In Chinese medicine, when the seasons change, the elements change. In Eastern philosophy, there are five elements, and summer has two parts: early and late summer. Late summer is the short period between summer and fall, a transitional period that prepares us for the fall season. The element is the Earth element. The two meridians associated with the Earth element are the stomach and spleen (pancreas is combined with the spleen). Earth is a stabilizing force during these times of transition. Being grounded to the earth is especially important this time of year. We need to get centered, balanced, and grounded as we start to organize and get ready for the harvest of fall. The meridians of the stomach and spleen/pancreas are...

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It’s Pumpkin Season

As fall approaches, temperatures drop, leaves start to change, and Starbucks releases its menu of fall favorites like Pumpkin spice. Pumpkins have become synonymous with fall, so it makes sense to feature them in autumn recipes and tout their many health benefits. Pumpkins are a type of squash in the Cucurbita family, which also includes other winter squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. They were discovered over 10,000 years ago in Guatemala and Mexico and were treasured for their seeds. With cultivation and agricultural changes, however, pumpkins, like many other harvests, have become sweeter, fleshier, and more like the winter squash we see in the supermarkets. Pumpkins have many health benefits, motivating you to include them in your fall recipes. Pumpkin is a starchy vegetable, but it is relatively low in...

Understanding Creatine

[caption id="attachment_12023" align="alignleft" width="225"] Dr. Amy Fletcher[/caption] Creatine is a naturally occurring compound critical in storing and releasing energy.    Creatine is found naturally in muscle cells and helps direct various physiologic functions by producing a high-energy molecule called ATP. It was first popularized in the 1980s to enhance athletic performance and strength. However, creatine is not just for bodybuilders and elite athletes. There is a growing body of research into its important role in optimizing overall health.     One of the primary considerations is the vital role of creatine in maintaining bone and muscle mass.  This becomes a critical area of focus as we age, whether or not we have athletic goals. All activiies of daily living require adequate muscle strength and stamina and we start to lose...

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