Tasty Bites: Are We There Yet?

By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)

Preparing for vacation is daunting. Count underwear, match one pair of shoes with four outfits, and find someone to feed the cat. Rarely does the preparation turn to you – are you physically ready for your trip? It’s important not to forsake healthy habits in the haste of making your plans. Travel, particularly long airline flights, can wreak havoc on your body, so here are some tips to get you safely at your destination, feeling as well as you can possibly feel.

What Not to Wear

Choose loose fitting clothes and slip-on shoes. You don’t want to be tying tennis shoes when navigating through security. Wear either low-cut socks or better yet, a pair of compression stockings. Blood tends to pool in your feet when you sit, the back of your knees hugs the seat, and it’s important that you minimize the risk of “traveler’s thrombosis,” better known as a blood clot.

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Tasty Bites: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)

Omega-3 fatty acids are a big buzz in the world of nutrition. Chances are pretty good if you’ve found yourself glaring at lab results showing high triglycerides or high cholesterol, your doctor has recommended fish oil supplements. Many studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of fish oil slow the progression plaque build-up in the arteries, reduce the risk of heart attacks, reduce dangerous heart rhythms, and even reduce strokes in people who have heart disease. Many people swear by the benefits it provides in reducing arthritic pain and other joint discomforts.

Supplements are fine, but they are just that: supplements. I don’t consider them “in lieu of’s” and have always believed that a nutrient in its purest form is the healthiest. And supplements can have a hefty price tag, though not nearly as high as cholesterol medication. Enter the salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, and the lowly herring. They are loaded with healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

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