Grant Regional | aspire to live well | Fall 2019

It’s not too late for a back-to- school checkup In a nutshell, they’re just plain good Toasted or raw. Whole or chopped. Crunchy or smooth. However you eat them, nuts are a nutritional powerhouse. Nuts are packed with minerals, fiber and protein. They’re cholesterol-free. Plus, they’re a source of heart- heathy fats. In fact, studies suggest that eating a handful of nuts every day—as part of a healthy diet—may help pro- tect against heart disease. So get cracking and be creative: ●   ● Sprinkle almonds in salads, stir-fries, cereal or yogurt. ●   ● Add chopped walnuts to muffins, bread and pancake batter. ●   ● Toast pine nuts as a topping for casseroles and cooked veggies. Easy does it As nourishing as nuts are, an ounce can have up to 200 calories. So it’s possible to get too much of a good thing. A good serving size is a small handful of whole nuts or 2 tablespoons of nut butter. To keep leftover nuts fresh in the meantime, store them in the fridge. They won’t go rancid as quickly. Do the same for nut butters after you’ve opened the jars. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Heart Association; International Food Information Council Your kid’s biggest back-to-school worry might be what to wear on that all-important first day. But as a parent, you have a few more crucial to-dos to help your child be healthy and ready to go this school year. It’s a good idea to set up two key doctor visits: A wellness checkup. Kids and teens need a yearly wellness exam to help them stay healthy. During this checkup, the provider may: ●   ● Check for health issues like diabetes, anemia, obesity and depression. ●   ● Discuss healthy habits, like eating well and exercising, with you and your child. ●   ● Answer any questions teens may have about issues such as drinking and smoking. ●   ● Update your child’s vaccines for protection from serious diseases. (Many states require proof of these before your child can enroll in school.) ●   ● Talk about sports-specific issues, like how to avoid injuries. ●   ● Do a vision screening and refer your child to an eye doctor if needed. A dental checkup. Regular visits to the dentist help keep teeth healthy and strong. Your child will get a cleaning and advice about brushing and flossing to promote a fabulous smile. And the dentist can find and treat any problems sooner rather than later. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Dental Association PA R E N T S : CALL TODAY Our providers who treat children are accepting new patients. Call 608- 723-2131 to make an appointment. 6 FALL 2019