Provena Saint Joseph Hospital News

Today's Nutrition Month Tip: Our grandparents called in roughage. We call ...

Provena Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Our grandparents called in roughage. We call it fiber. Whatever the name, make sure you're getting at least 25 grams per day. Fiber helps combat hunger, therefore aiding in weight loss, and also plays a role in reducing risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. What does 25 grams of fiber looks like in a day? ? 1 cup oatmeal and ? 1 banana and ? 2 slice 100% whole grain bread and ? 1 cup carrots and ? 1 orange and ? 1/2 cup kidney beans, black beans or lentils and ? 1 cup broccoli

Free At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Kit - Call Today

Provena Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

March is colon cancer awareness month and a great month to learn a little bit more about this type of cancer and what you can do to prevent it and detect it early!

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, accounting for about 20 percent of all cancer deaths. This year alone, more than 140,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and about 60,000 will die from it. Colon cancer is also one of the most curable types of cancer if it is diagnosed early.

If you're over 50, have your doctor write you an order and call 847-931-5694 to schedule your colonoscopy today.

You should also be aware that 25% of colon cancer occurs in people under 50. One simple step you can take is performing an at home fecal occult test. Provena Saint Joseph Hospital is offering free at home fecal occult tests. The fecal occult blood test is one of a variety of color

Provena Health To Host 8th Annual Ethics Day

Provena Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Provena Health will host its eighth annual Ethics Day on Tuesday, March 16 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. Topics being addressed on this year’s program range from moral distress experienced by care providers to recent shifts in Catholic teaching related to medically-assisted nutrition and/or hydration.

The day brings together presenters from different healthcare backgrounds to share their expertise. Dr. Ronald Hamel, ethicist from the Catholic Health Association based in St. Louis, MO.; Presbyterian Chaplain Margaret Lindsey and Dr. John Rapp, Vice President of Mission Services from Adventist Health Midwest in Hinsdale, IL; and Dr. David McCurdy, ethicist from Advocate Health in Park Ridge, IL will share reflections on the place of spirituality in the faith-based healthcare environment.

“The purpose of Provena Health’s annual Ethics Day is to deepen the understanding of Provena’s mission, vision and values in day-to-day work, especially in the area of ethics,” shared Father William Grogan, System

Today is National Registered Dietitian Day!

Provena Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

As the nation's most credible source of timely, evidence-based food and nutrition information, registered dietitians are committed to improving the nutritional health of their patients and community (including employees!) by translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. Celebrate with us by getting your Bottom Line Challenge measurements done today!

Today's Nutrition Month Tip: Just say NO to Trans Fat!

Provena Health — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Not only do trans fats raise your bad cholesterol and lower your good cholesterol (HDL), they may add inches to your girth! Monkeys fed trans fat gained more weight than the control group, even when total calories were controlled, and they had dramatically more belly-fat in the end.

Today's Nutrition Month Tip: Strive for 5! 5 cups of fruits and vegetables...

Provena Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Strive for 5! 5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day, that is! ? Slice a banana into your cereal or yogurt ? Add lettuce, tomato and onion to your sandwich ? Top your pizza with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions or even spinach ? Toss zucchini and mushrooms into your pasta ? Grab a bunch of grapes for a mid afternoon snack But don't stop at 5! Dieters who were told to eat unlimited fruits and vegetables lost 21% more weight than those who just reduced fat intake. Fruits and veggies are "heavy" in water content, but "light" in calories, curbing your hunger and making you feel fuller.

Today's National Nutrition Month Tip: Drink tea and your cup will runneth o...

Provena Health — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Tea boosts the body's immune system, helping blood cells fight infection more efficiently. Tea may lower heart disease and cancer risk thanks to powerful antioxidants called flavonoids. Green tea may promote weight loss by boosting your metabolism.

Today's Nutrition Tip: Turn "ad" time into "ab" time!

Provena Health — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Turn "ad" time into "ab" time by using commercial breaks to do crunches and sit ups. Many people say they can't find time to exercise, yet seem to have time to watch television. There are generally six, 3-minute commercial breaks per hour of broadcasting, so you can get in 18 minutes of sit-ups, push ups, lunges and squats without missing the program!

Today's Nutrition Month Tip: Cut the Junk!

Provena Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Most Americans get one-third of their calories from junk food (sweets, desserts, soft drinks, alcohol, fruit flavored drinks and salty snacks). If you eat 2,000 calories per day, that means 660 calories might come from these low-nutrition foods! Cutting out these empty calories could result in a 5 pound weight loss each month!

Today's National Nutrition Month tip! To treat or not to treat?

Provena Health — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Tempted by treats you are trying to rid from your diet? Have no fear, the urge will ebb! Research suggests that cravings subside over time. People who eliminated sweets, saturated fats and fast foods from their diets desired these foods significantly less after 5 weeks.

March is National Nutrition Month!

Provena Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

March is National Nutrition Month, an entire month dedicated to promoting healthful eating! This year's theme, "Nutrition from the Ground Up" focuses on back to the basics, simple and economical healthy foods, food preparation and family meals at home. We hope that the "Nutrition Tip of the Day" will help you to "Eat Right ".

Today's National Nutrition Month Tip: Don't skip breakfast!

Provena Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CST

Research shows that breakfast eaters burn an extra 200-300 calories a day. One study found that those who skip breakfast are 4.5 times more likely to be obese than breakfast eaters. Breakfast eaters have a 35-50% lower rate for obesity, insulin resistance syndrome and heart disease. Researchers believe that breakfast may keep people from overeating later in the day, or may help balance hormones to control appetite. Breakfast eaters have also been found to have superior cognitive performance and memory recall compared to those who skip the morning meal.

Last Heart Month Tip: For a Healthy Heart, Forgive

Provena Health — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

When we are hurt our hearts often feel heavy and there may be more to that than we realize. Research on forgiveness is fairly new, but the findings are compelling. Anger-prone people were three times more likely to have heart attacks or bypass surgery than those who are less-angry according to a study, that included 13,000 men and women.

A University of Pittsburgh study of 680 women with chest pain found those who harbored feelings of anger were four times more likely to have unhealthy cholesterol levels and a higher body mass index, both of which are linked to heart disease.

Fact is, if you don't forgive, you hurt yourself more than the person who hurt you. It's really in your own best interest to forgive.

Every situation is unique but here are five universal steps to start the forg

Today's Heart Tip: Broken Heart Syndrome is real and serious.

Provena Health — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

We've all heard the phrase "she died of a broken heart" and we usually think that means the death was due to emotional heartache. But did you know that Broken Heart Syndrome is real and way more clinical than you think.

Broken Heart Syndrome, also called stress cardiomyopathy, is triggered by extreme and sudden emotional trauma. Reported triggers have included unexpected news of a death, domestic abuse, armed robbery, even a big surprise. The condition's symptoms suggest a heart attack (severe pressure-like chest pain and shortness of breath.)

Broken Heart syndrome is clinically different from a heart attack because the patients have few risk factors for heart disease and were previously healthy prior to the heart muscles weakening.

Your shoes are made for walking...and that's just what you'll do if you want to be good to your heart.

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that just 2 1/2 hours of brisk walking a week can cut your risk of heart attacks and strokes by nearly a third. The activity burns calories, raises your HDL ("good") cholesterol level and reduces your blood pressure, two important factors in preventing or controlling heart disease. And if you walk more, the numbers get even better: Five hours a week cuts your heart disease risk in half.

Any aerobic exercise, if done regularly, benefits your heart. And like other forms of aerobic exercise, walking strengthens your heart muscle and dilates your blood vessels. The advantage of walking

Today's Heart Tip: For a Healthy Heart, Spice it Up!!

Provena Health — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Extremely rich in antioxidants, spices help protect cells from damage caused by the effects of harmful environmental factors and free radicals that get past the body's defenses. They boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, preventing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic ailments.

Try to work the following seven spices into your cooking. They are so tasty and function as natural health supplements:

Yellow Curry Turmeric is found in yellow curry powder and is a concentrated source of antioxidants, comparable to strawberries, raspberry and cherries. A teaspoon of curry - which contains turmeric and other spices, has as much antioxidants as ½ cup of red grapes. Evidence suggests that c

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: Get High on Fiber...And lower your Cholesterol a...

Provena Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

For a healthy heart -- load up on the fiber!

Fiber is classified as "soluble" or "insoluble." When regularly eaten as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, soluble fiber has been shown to help lower blood cholesterol and may also help reduce the risk of diabetes and colon and rectal cancer.

The American Heart Association recommends that you eat at least 25–30 grams of dietary fiber — in both soluble and insoluble forms — every day. The more calories you require to meet your daily needs, the more dietary fiber you need. Try to eat at least 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories you consume.

Here are some tips to help you add more fiber to your diet.
Foods high in soluble fiber include oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, bar

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: Garlic - maybe not so great for your breath....G...

Provena Health — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Vampires beware! Garlic is healthy for the heart!

So, it's no way to get Edward Cullen to your dinner table but eating garlic is a good way to improve your heart health.

Numerous clinical trials have looked at the role and benefits of garlic supplements in heart disease. Many of these studies showed positive benefits of garlic in heart disease: in particular, lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

A few trials also suggested the benefits of garlic in the prevention of the formation of plaques in the blood. Another study also s

Today's Heart Month Tip: For a healthy heart - H2O is the way to go!!

Provena Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Staying hydrated may protect your heart and reduce the risk of heart attack.

A University of California study shows people who drank more than five glasses of water each day were less likely to die from a heart attack than those who drank fewer than two glasses a day.

Researchers studied more than 20,000 healthy men and women aged 38 to 100 for six years.
They found women who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses. The protective effect of water was even greater in men. Men who drank more water had a 54% lower risk of a fatal heart attack.

When researchers included drinking other liquids such as coffee, tea, juice, milk, and alcohol, the risk of heart attack increased. Wo

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: Take a Crash Course in Cholesterol!

Provena Health — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Some are surprised to know that we actually need some cholesterol in our bodies and cholesterol only causes a problem when we have too much of it in your blood because excess cholesterol is deposited in the lining of the arteries, including the arteries that feed your heart muscle.

This narrows the area inside the artery, where blood flows. High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high.

For a healthier heart -- and to lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack-- you should have your cholesterol checked at least every five years, starting at age 20. The most accurate test is a lipoprotein profile, a blood test given after fasting for nine to 12 hours. The test will give you these details: You can do that at the Women's Heart Center.

Call the

Today's Heart Tip: For a healthy heart -- LOL! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!

Provena Health — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

A hearty laugh -- the kind makes it hard to catch your breath and sends a stream of tears from your eyes -- does a lot more than make you feel good.

Research has shown the laughter can cause the lining of blood vessel walls called endothelium to relax, increasing blood flow for up to 45 minutes after the laughter attack.

Damage to the endothelium can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and eventually cardiovascular diseases. That's NO laughing matter. So today rent a REALLY funny movie, play a prank on someone who won't mind or read a laugh out loud book. What an awesome way to make your heart healthier.

And when you're in that great laughter-inspired mood call the Women's Heart Center and sign up for your Screen, Score & More! 847-931-5514. Ladies -- learning about the health of your heart is not funny business.

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: Take a Seat on a Church Pew...Turns out it's rea...

Provena Health — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Going to church is good for your Heart? Most churchgoers would probably say yes. But it actually has been studied and proven that regularly attending church has heart and many other health benefits. Here are some interesting statistics:

1.     Active church members have a 60% less chance of heart attack.
2.     Active church members have a 55% less chance of a car accident.
3.     Active church members live an average of 5.7 years longer.
4.     While only 30% of the non-churchgoers say they are very happy, 70% of the highly committed church attendees say they are very happy.
5.     The National Institute of Health has now developed five protective factors that help fight coronary disease. The leading one is weekly church attendance,
6.   &

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: For a Healthier Heart - Get a Pet!

Provena Health — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Studies show that pet owners have lower rates of heart disease than non-pet owners. And not only do pets help to lower your risk of heart disease, they help patients recover from heart failure. A small study in the US showed that visits from therapeutic dogs lowered anxiety, stress and heart and lung pressure among heart failure patients.

Decades of research show that pets help to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without pets. Male pet owners benefit more than female pet owners and that may be because of the connection that having a pet creates because it's often not as easy for a man to emotionally connect with others as it is for a woman, and owning a pet can help. It's this feeling of connection to others that helps to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety which impacts on heart disease.

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: Be Grateful

Provena Health — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

Acknowledging the good things in your life not only can make you happier and calmer, it may also improve a woman's heart health.

Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude have lower blood pressure, feel less irritated, and are more likely to embrace healthy habits like quitting smoking and losing weight.

Here's two ways to do it: Write and hand-deliver thank-you letters when you have an occasion to express appreciation. And make a habit of writing down three good things that happened each day and/or three things you are grateful for before you go to bed...a warm home, a loving family, a nice dinner together...our blessings don't have to be fancy for us to appreciate them! This may make you sleep better which will also help your heart health!

Today's Healthy Heart Tip: Warm up with Green Tea. It may help your Heart.

Provena Health — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:00:00 CST

On a cold, February day, nothing beats snuggling up with a cup of hot tea - and some say if it's green tea it could help your heart. It's still up for debate but some researchers believe that drinking green tea improves the health of the cells lining the blood vessels and helps lower one's risk of heart disease.

Researchers have found that people who drink green tea have better blood vessel function just 30 minutes later. Specifically, green tea improves the function of endothelial cells. Endothelial cell dysfunction plays a significant role in the development of clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.

The study suggests that powerful antioxidants in green tea called flavonoids may protect the heart. The study's authors say their results are the first to show that green tea offers a short-term improvement in artery. Plus green tea is delicious and is available in regular and decaf. Ask your doctor.