Medical Directory - March 2019

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DIRECtoRY March 30, 2019

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

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Alcohol: Friend or foe? The answer isn’t cut and dry

Scott M. Behnan, DDS, MS

118 North Hanselman St. • Bad Axe, MI 48413 •

989.269.6811

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Alcohol can be both tonic and poison. Literature suggesting that light to moderate drinking presents a plethora of health benefits can be found if people go looking for it. However, alcohol also has its detractors, who say that the risks outweigh the benefits when it comes to drinking.

This makes it even more complicated to decided if consuming alcohol is something that can safely be included in one’s lifestyle or if it’s something to be avoided.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that alcohol can affect every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream.

The Mayo Clinic advises that moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits. These can include reducing risk of developing and dying from heart disease.

There’s a possible reduction in the risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when the arteries to the brain narrow or become blocked, impacting blood flow. Some think that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce one’s risk of diabetes.

The Harvard Medical School indicates that moderate drinking protecting against cardiovascular disease and diabetes makes sense biologically and scientifically.

Moderate amounts of

alcohol raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good” cholesterol), and higher HDL levels are associated with greater protection against heart disease.

Moderate alcohol consumption has also been linked with beneficial changes ranging from greater sensitivity to insulin to improvements in factors that influence blood clotting.

Alcohol has a dark side, too. Its most pronounced issue is the toll it can take on the liver. Heavy alcohol use can cause inflammation or scarring of the liver.

The World Cancer Research Fund also ties alcohol to cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, breast, liver, colon, and rectum. People who cannot control their drinking can develop addictions that affect both their personal and professional lives.

Moderation is essential when consuming alcohol.

Those who do not currently drink are not advised to do so just for the potential health benefits.

However, people who have one to two drinks (12 ounces of beer, eight ounces of malt liquor, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor) on a regular basis and are healthy overall should generally have few problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Still, it is always best to consult with a physician about alcohol consumption and its potential effects on one’s overall health.

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Strategies to reduce young athletes’ injury risk Sports can make a profound impact on the life of a young person. Stanford Children’s Health, a Bay Areabased pediatric and obstetric health care system that offers comprehensive clinical services, notes that children who participate in sports experience a range of physical, emotional and interpersonal benefits.

Improved vision, a reduced risk of obesity, the development of motor skills, and the development of social skills are just a handful of the many ways kids can benefit from sports.

Athletes’ parents typically recognize such benefits, but that likely doesn’t prevent them from being concerned about the children’s risk of suffering sports-related physical injuries, particularly for young athletes who compete in contact sports. While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of injury entirely, regardless of which sports kids play, there are some strategies athletes and their parents can take to reduce that risk.

• Make sure young athletes get their physicals. Recreational and scholastic sports leagues typically require athletes to get physicals before they’re allowed to compete.

Kids who participate in more loosely organized leagues should get a physical before each season even if the league does not require them

to do so. These examinations can uncover problems such as irregular heartbeat that may make kids vulnerable to injury or illness. When these issues are discovered, athletes, their parents, their physicians, and their coaches can then work together to develop a plan to protect kids without preventing them from participating in their favorite sports.

• Open and maintain a dialogue

with coaches before and throughout the season. Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit organizations that works to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries, recommends parents meet with coaches before the first practice of the season to inform them of a child’s medical history with asthma or other medical conditions that require special attention. If kids develop nagging injuries during a

season, whether it’s during competition or not, parents should report them to the coach directly, as kids may be hesitant to do so on their own.

• Warm up and stretch before games. Many coaches are fully aware of the importance of warming up and stretching before games. But parents can still keep an eye out to make sure kids do this prior to competition, as Safe Kids Worldwide notes warming up and stretching helps to prevent sports-related injuries by releasing muscle tension before kids begin physical activity.

• Encourage young athletes to hydrate and stay hydrated throughout competition. The NCAA notes that the consequences of dehydration are severe and can include increased core temperature and heart rate, decreased blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, general fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps. Hydrating before competition and staying hydrated throughout a game can help athletes maximize their performance and minimize their risk of injury and muscle cramps.

Young athletes benefit greatly from participating in sports. Parents and coaches can help kids capitalize on those benefits by encouraging them to employ various strategies designed to reduce their risk of injury.

How certain nutrients affect your body The effects of proper nutrition on the body are profound. When paired with routine exercise, a diet that’s rich in nutrients can lay the foundation for a long, healthy life.

Many people are aware that their bodies need nutrients like protein and carbohydrates every day, but they may not know just what these and other important nutrients do for their bodies.

Proteins The online medical resource WebMD notes that the body uses protein to build and repair tissues. An important component of every cell in the body, protein provides the body with amino acids that

help cells in the body perform various functions. Breastcancer.org notes that proteins help the body create hormones and enzymes and keep the immune system healthy. A diet that’s low in protein may make people more susceptible to illness and result in longer recovery times.

awhile for the body to break that fiber down, helping people feel full and stabilizing their blood sugar levels. Simple carbohydrates, which include processed foods such as sugar-sweetened beverages and dairy desserts, are quickly digested, which raises blood sugar levels and contributes to feelings of inflammation.

Carbohydrates The Cleveland Clinic notes that carbohydrates, or “carbs,” are the body’s main source of energy. Carbs are found in most foods, but not all carbs are the same. Foods that contain complex carbohydrates, which include quinoa and oatmeal, are loaded with fiber. It takes

Water The body is about 60 percent water, which performs a host of important functions. Water aids in digestion, absorption of nutrients and circulation, and also facilitates the transportation of See NUTRIENTS page 4

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

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Recommendations for screen time Computers, tablets, smartphones, and gaming systems have revolutionized popular culture and the way people engage with one another.

Devices also have transformed the way people live in their homes.

Cisco’s annual visual networking index forecast indicates there will be four networked devices and connections per person globally by 2020. In North America, there will be 13 networked devices and connections per person by that time. As more people are connected to tech than ever before, many

wonder if there’s a healthy amount of time to spend on their devices?

“Screen time” is defined as the amount of time spent each day using devices with screens, such as TVs, gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets. Although how much screen time people engage in is entirely up to them, there are health risks associated with excessive screen time.

People may not realize just how much screen time they engage in each day. Nielsen reports that American adults spend more than 11 hours per day watching, reading, listen-

ing to, or simply interacting with media, which is up from nine hours, 32 minutes just four years ago. Common Sense Media’s 2017 report shows American children age eight and under use screens for an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes per day. That time increases as kids age.

In terms of healthy screen time limits, the experts have weighed in.

The latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that children under 18 months should avoid screen time, other See SCREEN TIME page 5

Caseville Family DENTISTRY, PC

How to sanitize a mobile phone

Trusted Family Dental Care

The most germ-addled item in your home may not be the toilet or the kitchen sponge. Mobile phones pick up bacteria wherever they go. In addition, users touch their phones an average of 47 times a day according to the national average determined by a Deloitte research survey, introducing new contaminants to the device each time they do so.

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that cell phones carry 10 times more bacteria than many toilet seats, and there may be as many as 17,000 bacterial gene copies on the average high-schooler’s phone.

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While cell phone safety often focuses on protecting data, smartphone users also should consider keeping their phones clean to remove the potentially harmful microbes that accumulate on phones every day.

Avoid excess moisture when cleaning cell phones, advises the home and lifestyle experts at The Spruce as moisture can damage internal components. Most cell phone screens have an oleophobic coating that repels oils from hands and fingers.

Harsh cleansers or abrasive materials on the glass can prematurely remove this coating and/or scratch the

surface.

While you clean at your own risk, many tech experts suggest a spray mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol applied to a microfiber cloth to remove surface contaminants. Don’t directly wet the phone.

There also are pre-packaged cleansers sold for electronics usage. Invest in an antimicrobial cover to provide an added layer of protection for the phone.

Other ways to keep a phone clean are to wash your hands before use and to try to keep the phone away from areas that may be vulnerable to germs, such as bathrooms.

Accepting New Patients & Welcoming Former Patients

Scott E. Redwantz, DDS

Main Street • Caseville • 989-856-4096 Open Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm Visit us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/casevillefamilydentistry Caseville Family Dentistry does not discriminate on the basis of color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs or activities.

NUTRIENTS Continued from Page 3 nutrients through the body.

Water also helps the body get rid of waste.

WebMD notes that water also helps to energize muscles, which might suffer from fatigue

if the body’s fluid balance is not maintained.

Water also helps the body maintain a healthy temperature.

People consume protein, carbs and water every day. And while they might not know it, people who continue to do so are helping their bodies perform essential functions that dramatically improve their health.

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Practice healthier gaming techniques Gaming continues to grow in popularity, and with new ways to engage in social or individual game play available thanks to various technological devices, the frequency with which gamers engage in these recreational pursuits only increases. In fact, a 2018 report by Limelight Networks found that gamers spend an average of 5.96 hours each week playing games.

Excessive gaming can pose a threat to gamers’ overall health. The following physical and mental wellness tips can help gamers ensure they get to play without sacrificing their health.

• Remember to blink. Staring at screens for long periods of time can cause serious eye strain. Sometimes, when immersed in the intensity of game play, a gamer may forget to blink his or her eyes, and this can lead to tired, dry eyes.

As with other screen usage, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Per the Canadian Association of Optometrists, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away.

• Take frequent breaks. Gamers should get up out of their seats and take breaks at regular intervals. This gives their eyes and ears a rest and allows them to stretch and reset their posture. Sitting for long periods of time can affect circulation and have adverse effects on the neck and spine as well.

• Get some fresh air. Individuals should use break opportunities to go outside and get some fresh air and sunshine, if possible. The light and the clean air can improve energy levels and possibly help restore focus when it comes time to See GAMING page 6

SCREEN TIME

negative side effects. Screen time should not come at the Continued from Page 4 expense of physical activity, as that can contribute to obethan video chatting. Ages sity. People are urged to take 18 months to two years can frequent breaks from screens use high-quality programs to mitigate potential eye or apps if adults participate strain and headaches. with them. Children between The Department of Health the ages of two and five Government of Western Ausshould limit daily screen time tralia recommends adults age to an hour; age six and up 18 and older minimize time should follow consistently spent sitting or lying lookimposed limits. ing at screens, and to break Doctors may be hesitant up long periods of sitting as to prescribe screen limits for often as possible. adults. But people can use People who routinely certain health clues to deter- use screens for hours each mine if it’s time to cut back. day should weigh the benIf screens (and their blue efits and detriments to the light) are adversely affecting amount of time spent with sleep, reducing screen time devices and tailor their usage might be necessary to avoid accordingly.

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Minimize the appearance and discomfort of rosacea Skin is the largest organ in the human body. As a result, when skin is compromised, the results can be painful and noticeable.

Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects a large number of people. The American Academy of Dermatology says rosacea begins with a tendency to blush or flush

more easily than other people. Rosacea may first appear on the nose and cheeks or the forehead and chin before spreading to other areas like the ears, chest and back. If simple blushing were the only symptom, people may be content to let rosacea go See ROSACEA page 8

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GAMING Continued from Page 5 return to the game. Spending too many consecutive hours in a dark room can impact the brain and may affect how people learn, according to research led by Michigan State neuroscientists.

Dim lights can make it hard to retain memories, while bright light boosts information retention and mood.

• Stretch hands and wrists.

Maintaining overall good posture and stretching hands and wrists can offset complications of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that can affect mobility in the wrists and lead to inflammation

and pain.

• Recognize addiction.

People can get addicted to gaming just as they would to any other activity or substance. Novelty addiction is prolonged time spent on video games, the internet or smartphones.

Research indicates these novelties can trigger various psychological responses in the brain, and people grow accustomed to chasing those triggers. Incorporate other activities into one’s day so that gaming is not the endall.

People can enjoy gaming in a safe and healthy way by incorporating various wellness strategies into their gaming routines.

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How mattresses affect sleep quality People make many renovations around their homes to improve their quality of life. When attention turns to the bedroom, some changes can greatly affect quality of sleep.

The temperature of the bedroom, its configuration and lighting can impact a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. However, the item that may bear the most influence is the mattress.

The Better Sleep Council says whether one wakes up feeling rested and healthy depends largely on the age of a mattress and its condition.

A good mattress should alleviate pressure on joints while providing bodily support. It should not be a contributor to aches and pains.

Mattresses that are seven years or older may need to be replaced.

A century or two ago, mattresses were constructed of whatever people had on hand — from feathers to pine needles to straw. That’s all changed today. But even though there are many options, it’s key for people to discover which material is right for them.

Innerspring Innerspring (also called coil) mattresses have been around for some time.

These metal springs provide internal support.

The number of coils, types of coils and distribution pattern throughout the mattress impacts how well the bed will conform to the body. These mattresses may be best for back or stomach sleepers due to their level of support.

Keep in mind that innerspring mattresses may have limited durability and may start to sag after just a few years.

Memory foam Memory foam mattresses are relatively recent additions to the market.

According to the mattress shopping resource The Sleep Judge, memory foam mattresses may eventually replace innerspring mattresses.

Famous for its ability to contour to the shape of the user’s body, memory foam envelops a person and absorbs energy.

This means there’s less motion transfer.

That’s a big plus when sleeping with a partner who moves around in bed. Memory foam provides a high level of pressure point relief and promotes proper spine alignment.

Gel foam Gel foam mattresses bounce back to their original form when pressure is released. Hollow columns in the mattress allow for increased air flow that improves this pressure release and enables people to sleep coolly and comfortably.

Sometimes gel is paired with memory foam for a hybrid mattress.

Latex Latex mattresses are coveted due to their durability and comfort. Latex also conforms to the body, but more generally than memory foam, so it bounces back quickly.

One of the biggest draws to latex mattresses is how natural they are. Latex is made from natural rubber.

Cost can be prohibitive, however, as latex mattresses tend to be expensive.

Purchasing a new mattress can lead to better sleep. This is a bedroom renovation worth pursuing.

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The effects of caffeine on the body

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Caffeine is a vital component of many people’s daily routines. A morning cup of caffeinated coffee provides the boost people need to get out the door and on their way each morning.

The history of caffeine and its use in beverages is mired in mystery and myth, though the U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that the historical origins of caffeinated tea and coffee are relatively recent. The USNLM indicates that coffee

ROSACEA

did not become widespread in Europe until the 18th and 19th centuries, remaining something of a luxury until somewhat recently. And while England’s love of tea is widely known, caffeinated tea did not become common in Britain until the 18th century.

While it might have taken its time to take root in many cultures across the globe, there’s no denying the prevSee CAFFEINE page 11

prescribed to reduce inflammation and reduce bumps Continued from Page 6 and pustules.

Patients also are advised unaddressed. However, the to take some self-care steps AADA says rosacea has four to reduce flare-ups. These subtypes that can cause more include some easy techpronounced symptoms: niques: • Erythematotelangiectatic • Wear sunscreen with an rosacea: This causes redness, SPF of 30 or higher, as UV flushing and visible blood rays can exacerbate flarevessels. ups.

• Papulopustular rosacea: • Use gentle products on Redness, swelling and acnethe skin and avoid rubbing or like breakouts are hallmarks touching the face too much. of this type of rosacea.

• Keep a log of what trig• Phymatous rosacea: gers redness and avoid those When this occurs, skin thick- triggers. Specific foods, alcoens and has a bumpy texture. hol and certain cosmetics • Ocular rosacea: Ocular and other skin products may rosacea affects the eyes, be triggers. which can become red and • Use makeup to reduce irritated. Eyelids may swell, the signs of redness. and a person may have what Green-tinted foundations looks like a sty. and powders can offset red Treatments for rosacea undertones. vary depending on the type • Some people have found a patient has and its severalternative treatments like ity. The Mayo Clinic says gentle facial massage can treatment often involves a reduce swelling and inflamcombination of skin care mation. strategies and prescription Dermatologists can work medications. with patients to develop For example, the drug Bri- treatment plans for their monidine may be prescribed specific symptoms. Although to constrict blood vessels and rosacea cannot be cured, reduce redness. symptoms can be managed Oral antibiotics may be effectively.

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Types of tissue you can donate The decision to become an organ donor is a selfless act that quite often saves lives.

Many people sign up to be organ donors when getting or

renewing their driver’s licenses. But those same people may not know that they also can sign up to be tissue donors.

According to Donate Life

America, one tissue donor can help more than 75 people heal. Donated tissue is often used during surgeries and can help people in life-threatening situations. People with severe burns often benefit from tissue donation, as do athletes who have suffered torn ligaments or tendons and active and veteran military members who have been injured during combat.

MTF Biologics, a New Jersey-based organization that has spent more than 30 years developing tissue grafting solutions to help people heal, advises all people, regardless of their age or medical histories, to consider themselves potential tissue donors. Much like with organ donors, a person’s condition at the time of death will determine if their tissue can donated. That means pro-

spective tissue donors have nothing to lose by signing up.

Various types of tissue, including the following, can be donated.

• Cornea: The cornea is the clear covering of the eye. The National Eye Institute notes that, unlike most other tissues in the body, the cornea does not contain blood vessels to provide nourishment or protection against infection. By donating their corneas, donors can help restore sight to people who lost theirs due to disease or injury.

• Heart valves: Donate Life notes that, each year, more than 100,000 heart valve procedures are conducted to repair or replace diseased or defective heart valves. Heart valve transplants can help save the lives of children born with

heart defects and adults whose heart valves have been damaged.

• Skin: Every day burn victims benefit from donors who have chosen to donate their skin. Skin grafts treat people with serious burns by stopping infections and reducing scarring and pain. MTF Biologics also notes that donated skin tissue helps reconstruct the breasts of women following mastectomy procedures.

• Bone: Doctors used donated bone tissue to treat patients with various diseases and ailments, include orthopedic cancers, spinal injuries, trauma, and damaged joints.

Tissue donations save and improve thousands of lives every day. People interested in becoming tissue donors can register at www.donatelife.net.

Northwood Meadows A Senior Living Community

6086 Beechwood Drive, Cass City Surgeons use donated tissue to save and improve patients’ lives every day.

Canned food myths debunked The affordability of canned foods entices many people to stock up on the essentials. However, there are some people who still harbor concerns about the safety of canned foods.

Getting to the truth about canned foods can assuage

some of those concerns and help those on the fence stock up on these budget-friendly staples.

Myth #1: Canned foods are not as healthy as fresh foods.

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

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Pros and cons of joint replacement surgery To people outside the medical field, joint replacement surgery might sound like a solution that’s considered only after all other options have been exhausted. But joint replacement surgery has become very common, even though some studies have suggested certain procedures are being performed unnecessarily.

A 2014 study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology found that one-third of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery may not be appropriate candidates for the procedure because their symptoms are not severe enough to merit aggressive

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intervention like surgery.

The decision to undergo surgery is always a patient’s to make. Weighing some pros and cons of joint replacement surgery can help patients make the most informed decisions possible.

Pros The Cleveland Clinic notes that many patients who have undergone joint replacement surgeries have experienced dramatic improvement within a relatively short time after undergoing the surgery.

Much of that improvement is related to pain, which for many people becomes overwhelming prior to surgery.

Another benefit to joint replacement surgery is the recovery time. For example, the Cleveland Clinic notes that patients who have knee replacement surgery are usually standing and even moving the joint the day after their surgeries.

Within six weeks, those same patients are typically walking comfortably with very little support. While each patient is different, any fears that joint replacement surgery will require patients to be immobile for months after surgery are unwarranted.

Joint replacement surgery also can be a long-term solution, whereas the alter-

natives might not be. The Cleveland Clinic says that roughly 85 percent of knee implants will last 20 years, and that life expectancy figures to grow as technology advances.

Cons As beneficial as joint replacement surgery can be, it’s not without downsides.

Cost is one such disadvantage. How much a patient pays for the surgery depends on his or her coverage, but AARP notes that the average knee replacement surgery costs $31,000. Such costs can be prohibitive for aging men and women who are no longer working.

Another potential disadvantage to going under the knife, especially for those who are borderline candidates for replacement surgeries, is the likelihood that surgery won’t have a significant impact on quality of life.

A 2017 study published in the journal BMJ found that knee replacement had minimal effects on quality of life, especially for patients whose arthritis was not severe.

Joint replacement surgeries are common. When deciding if surgery is their best option, patients should consider the pros and cons of going under the knife before making their final choice.

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170 N. CASEVILLE RD | PIGEON, MI | 989.453.3223 scheurer.org

CAFFEINE

of energy that so many coffee drinkers rely on every day.

Continued from Page 8 But not all side effects of caffeine consumption are alence of caffeine in the 21st beneficial. Because it increascentury. A bitter substance es the release of acid in the that occurs naturally in more stomach, caffeine can somethan 60 plants, caffeine can times contribute to upset be found in coffee beans; stomach or heartburn. tea leaves; kola nuts, which In addition, caffeine can are used to flavor sodas; and interfere with the absorpcacao pods, which are vital to tion of calcium in the body, the creation of many chocothough the organization late products.

American Bone Health notes Many people get their caf- that such interference may feine from beverages, and the only occur among heavy cofamount of caffeine such peo- fee drinkers who consume ple consume may depend on upwards of four cups of cofwhich beverages they choose. fee per day.

For example, the USNLM The USNLM notes that says that an eight-ounce cup most people can consume up of coffee typically contains to 400 milligrams of caffeine anywhere from 95 to 200 per day without suffering any milligrams of caffeine. ill effects. But exceeding that A 12-ounce can of soda is amount may contribute to considerably less caffeina number of unwanted side ated, containing about 35 effects, including restlessto 45 milligrams of caffeine ness, insomnia, headaches, on average. The extra boost dizziness, dehydration, people get from sodas might anxiety, and rapid or abnorbe due to sugar, as sodas are mal hearth rhythm. It’s also notoriously high in sugar. important to recognize that Caffeine has various effects some people are more sension the body, some of which tive to caffeine than others, are beneficial. For examso what’s good for the goose ple, the USNLM notes that is not necessarily good for caffeine is a diuretic, which the gander. means it can help the body Caffeine plays a vital role get rid of extra salt and water in many people’s lives, and by increasing the need to uri- understanding its effects can nate. Caffeine also stimulates help people make smart decithe central nervous system, sions regarding their caffeine providing that morning boost consumption.

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Cass City Family Practice

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5854 State St. • Kingston 989.683.8065

Family Health Care of Cass City

6230 Hospital Dr. • Cass City 989.872.2410

Melanie Kramer, MD

Erica Knoerr

Family Nurse Practitioner

Kimberly Knoll

Family Nurse Practitioner

Thumb Pediatrics

6190 Hospital Dr., Suite 105, Cass City 989.872.8503 Dr. Robert Van Howe

Also seeing patients at Millwood Street Primary Care

Nancy Wade, MD

Andrea Mosher Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Darcy Schlund-Tenbusch

Family Nurse Practitioner

Cass City Medical Practice

4674 Hill St. Cass City 989.872.8202

John Bitner, MD

Richard Hall, DO

989.672.1555

Marlene Schank

Family Nurse Practitioner

Mary Krause

Family Nurse Practitioner

Hills & Dales Caro Family Practice

Millwood Street Primary Care

130 Millwood St Caro

Afonso Ferreira, MD

michigansthumb.com

Norma Abbott

Family Nurse Practitioner

1514 W. Caro Road Caro

Christine Henderson 989.672.1399 Blake Putnam, MD Family Nurse Practitioner

OFFICE HOURS MAY VARY • NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

Fresh foods, once harvested, have a finite shelf life.

Plus, once fruit or vegetables are picked, their vitamin and mineral content decreases each day that they are not consumed.

Many canned foods are picked and processed on the same day, helping to retain nutrients at their peak and lock them in for many months.

Also, according to the Hy-Vee supermarket chain, sometimes canned foods are packed with additional nutrients, such as increased lycopene in canned tomatoes.

Myth #2: Canned foods are full of preservatives.

The perception that canned foods are “processed” foods often leads people to believe they’re full of unsavory ingredients. The term processing is used to describe any food that has been changed from its natural form.

So removing corn from a cob counts as processing, as is baking or boiling potatoes.

Canned foods are preserved by heating the items and sealing them under pressure.

No other preservatives are needed to keep them fresh.

Myth #3: Can linings are dangerous.

There has been controversy concerning BPA-containing plastics for many years.

Even though the Food and Drug Administration, as well as other international food safety agencies, has evaluated the extensive body of science and continue to affirm BPA’s safety in food packaging, some manufacturers are voluntarily moving away from it.

Consumers can find many foods packed in cans with non-BPA linings. However, even foods packaged in BPA are considered safe for consumption.

Myth #4: Canned foods

are full of sodium.

Some canned foods will contain salt as an added ingredient to improve taste and act as a freshness preservative. But canned foods do not rank among the biggest offenders in regard to excessive amounts of sodium.

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that identified the top 10 food categories that contribute to high sodium diets. Pizza, cured meats, cold cuts, and rolls made the list, while canned foods did not.

Myth #5: Canned foods do not taste good.

Because foods are canned when they are at peak freshness and ripeness after harvest, they retain full flavor if properly stored.

Myth #6: All dented cans are unsafe.

Cans can become dented in transit. Drop a can and it will dent. But that doesn’t necessarily mean foods inside dented cans are unsafe to eat.

If a can is bulging or if the top or bottom of the can moves or makes a popping sound, the seal has probably been broken or compromised by bacteria and should be thrown out.

Canned foods are safe and can make for valuable additions to any pantry.