Hidal GO FITNewsletter Commit To Be Fit
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How
to be a
OCTOBER 2014
october is Domestic Violence & Breast Cancer awareness
Good Patient
Having a Primary Care Doctor is the first step in living a healthy life. During your first visit it is important to be honest and feel comfortable talking to him or her about your health, to receive better care. Here are some tips to ensure you have a successful visit: Make the Right Match • Do you prefer someone warm and casual, or someone with a more business-like demeanor? • What qualifications are important to you? Does it matter to you if your doctor attended a topranked school or has many years of experience? Consider your first visit with a new doctor a trial visit. Ask Questions If you weren’t satisfied with the visit, try another doc• I don’t quite understand — can you explain that again? tor. It will be worth it over the long run. Know that you • What is this test for? are your own best health care advocate. Don’t be afraid • Why do I need this treatment? to speak up about your concerns and needs. • How will this medication help me?
To Medicate or Not to Medicate?
Your child is sick, and you’re ready to ask the doctor for an antibiotic. But is this prescription medicine really the answer? Which of the health problems below need antibiotics? Colds and Flus Colds and flus are caused by viruses, which aren’t fazed by antibiotics. Antibiotics only work against bacteria. However, infections from viruses can sometimes lead to bacterial infections. Let your doctor know if your child’s sickness doesn’t get better or becomes worse. Sore Throat Most sore throats are triggered by viruses. So they won’t be eased by antibiotics. The exception is strep throat. How can you tell strep from other sore throats? You’ll need to take your child to the doctor for a test to find out. Ear Infections Many, but not all, ear infections are caused by bacteria and can be helped with antibiotics. Your child’s doctor will order an antibiotic if it can help. Sinus Infections Many sinus infections clear up on their own. But antibiotics may aid sinus infections that are especially severe or last longer than two weeks. Sources: American Medical Association, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Choosing fruits counts as a smart pick because fruits are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Colorful fruits and veggies are loaded with antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help prevent diseases like heart disease, stroke and cancer. Tired of eating the same old fruit? Swap these lesser known fruits for a new taste! Tomatillos are small, round, green or yellow fruits wrapped in a light-brown husk. They contain vitamin C. Tomatillos can be used in salads, salsas or sauces. Just remove the husk, wash and slice.
Asian pears are round, yellow, fiber-rich fruits that are crisp and juicy like apples. Their flavor is slightly sweet and tart. They are ripe straight from the store. You can eat them as-is or add them to slaws and sandwiches.
Cherimoyas are green fruits that resemble pinecones & are loaded with vitamin C. Their pulp tastes like a combo of pineapple, papaya and mango. To eat, cut one in half, remove the seeds and then scoop out the inside with a spoon.
Pitayas (dragon fruit) are a member of the cactus family. They have a red, white or yellow leathery skin. The fruit can be scooped out from the skin after cutting in half. Pitayas are high in vitamin C and are a source of lycopene.
Don’t Skip Your Flu Shot!
Fall is here and it’s time to gear up for flu season. The best time to get one is September through early November, before flu season starts. But it still helps to get a shot even in December, January or later. You can visit any of our County Health Clinics to get your flu vaccine with no out-of-pocket costs to employees that have the following health insurance providers: BCBS TX and United Health Care! Also, be on the look out for traveling clinics coming to a precinct or office near you.
CLINIC
ADDRESS
PHONE
3105 E. Richardson
956-318-2040
708 Edinburg St.
956-262-1141
Hidalgo
702 E. Texano
956-843-7463
McAllen
300 East Hackberry
956-682-6155
Mission
211 N. Schuercach, Ste. 1
956-585-2461
Pharr
300 W. Hall Acres, Ste. B
956-787-1531
1901 N. Bridge
956-968-7541
Edinburg Elsa
Weslaco
You can also visit www.flu.gov and use their FluVacine Finder to locate a pharmacy near you. Charges may apply.
F A M I L I E S
that play
T O G E T H E stay R fit
TOGETHER
Make moving more a goal for your entire family. Your views toward physical activity influence what your kids think of exercise. So set a good example by joining in yourself. Here are some fun ideas you can all do together: • Over the weekend go for a bike ride or hike together, and look at the fall colors. Have a pickup football game in the backyard. • When one of your children has a sports game, bike to the game as a family and cheer for your athlete. • Go for a family walk together after dinner instead of watching TV. • Start a family competition. See who can be the first person in your family to meet a certain physical activity goal, such as exercising five days in a week. • Sign up for a charity walk or run as a family. Train together for the event.
Love Beef Goulash? This month we have a healthier version of the recipe. It only take 30 minutes to make and feeds a family of 5. Scan the QR code to get the recipe!