5 Super-Easy & Healthy Holiday Traditions You Can Start Today

It’s December 24 (aka: Christmas Eve), can you believe it? Chances are you can believe it because you’re stress levels are at an all-time high. Even if you’re shopping is done, and your groceries are picked up and safe traveling is complete, there’s always something left to do (is that the kitchen timer going off?).

But let’s not dwell on that. After all, things usually have a way of coming together, no extra worry needed.

So, amidst all of the crazy, yet festive chaos that is Christmas Eve, make sure you take a little time to have some holiday fun. After all, it’s probably safe to say that with everything you’ve managed to do this holiday season, you deserve to relax and enjoy yourself. However, we know that’s easier said than done.

With that in mind, here are 5 super-easy ways you can enjoy some yuletide merriment today (and the coming Christmases):

1.    Get a pop of flavor. While there’s no denying that cookies are king this time of year, it may be time to shake things up—or rather pop things up. That’s right, we’re talking about popcorn. Instead of using cookies as your base layer to decorate, try a healthier alternative, like popcorn. You can opt for melted dark chocolate drizzled over popcorn with almonds and sea salt, or popcorn with crushed peppermints, drizzled white chocolate and sprinkles galore. If you’re looking for something a little more ambitious, here are a few simple recipes to try: Dark Chocolate Drizzled Kettle Corn, Sweet and Salty M&M Popcorn, Funfetti Cake Batter Popcorn, Cookies & Cream Popcorn.

2.    Step up your style game. One of the best parts of Christmas morning has to be getting to lounge around in your pajamas—at least for a little bit. However, getting new (preferably matching) PJs for everyone can be a pricey proposition. So, instead, try picking out a new, cozy pair of festive socks for everyone. Not only can you find some fun options out there (snowmen, reindeer, trees, elves, polar bears and more), the simple act of giving something (even as small as socks) will give you a boost of endorphins, or feel-good hormones.

3.    Top off your favorite holiday drink. No, we aren’t talking about eggnog, apple cider or chai tea, although those are very tasty. Instead, we’re talking about the most notorious wintertime drink of all: hot cocoa. And while this tasty, cozy drink may taste like Christmas in a cup, you pay for it with all of the fat and sugar. So, instead of using premade mixes, try this healthy, homemade recipe and then create a hot chocolate bar. You can pick from whipped cream, marshmallows, caramel, candy canes, sprinkles or all of the above.

4.    Have a little friendly competition. Spending ample time with friends and family is one of the most important reasons for the season, but sometimes you just need a little break from it all. The perfect solution: some friendly competition. You can enjoy playing a Christmas version of ‘Who Am I?’, or you can try your luck at the Draw a Snowman Challenge. And if all else fails, Christmas Charades is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, partaking in games like these can improve critical thinking, as well as boost logic and reasoning skills.

5.    Camp out in your living room. While the weather outside may not be frightful, it’s definitely too chilly to be camping outside. So why not hunker down with everyone in your living room? You can enjoy a nice toasty fire, your go-to festive movie and ample cozy blankets for all. In addition to spending the night comfortable and snuggled up, you’ll get a boost in feelings of togetherness, as well as experiencing hygge. Plus, if you fall asleep downstairs, near the Christmas tree or stockings, it may spark nostalgic feelings of childhood and hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa.

‘Tis the season to be healthy.

To keep you focused on the things that really matter this holiday season ChoiceOne Urgent Care is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (holiday hours may vary). Whether it’s an allergic reaction, a broken bone or a flu bug, the experts at ChoiceOne keep the health of you and your family as their top priority. And should you ever need emergent care, GMC’s emergency departments and Children’s Emergency Center, are open to care for you and your family 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are staffed by expert doctors and nurses specially trained in emergency care.

6 Easy Ways To Support (And Speed Up) Digestion

What’s not to love about Thanksgiving? A special day dedicated to cherishing those people you care about most, enjoying the crisp fall weather, maybe watching a little football and eating tons (and tons) of turkey—and all of the side dishes you can fit on one plate. And while most of us know it’s not necessarily great for your health to gobble till you wobble, it can be hard to resist all of the deliciousness Turkey Day has to offer.

So instead of giving you a long list of alternative (healthy) dishes you can include on your Thanksgiving menu in place of some of the traditional dishes—honey roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta, Garlic Mashed Cauliflower, butternut squash and wild mushroom stuffing—we’re going to provide a few simple ways you can improve digestion for all of your turkey day eating. Because let’s face it, just because all of those scrumptious dishes taste delicious going down, feeling overly full isn’t 

any fun. 

Here are a few ways to get (and keep) your digestive tract moving:

1.    Wake up, drink up. Not only does drinking water first thing in the morning help to replenish the fluids you lost while you were sleeping, it also helps to promote digestion and clean out your digestive tract. Some experts believe that room temperature or warm water is best. You can also try adding lemon or apple cider vinegar for additional benefits.

2.    Don’t skip breakfast. There’s a reason it’s known as the most important meal of the day. While it may sound like a great idea to avoid eating before the big feast, this actually makes you more likely to eat too much too fast. So take some extra time in the morning to enjoy some fiber-rich foods to get your metabolism going, to help keep hunger at bay and to get your digestive tract going. Things like whole-grain oatmeal with fruit, an omelet with veggies, even a slice of whole wheat toast, are great ways to get your fill of fiber.

3.    Make quality time count. One of the best ways to get your metabolism revving and ready to tackle a big meal is to get some exercise. Now this doesn’t mean you have to wake up extra early and head to the gym by yourself. Instead, try taking your family or friends along with you on a nice walk outside, or maybe play a little touch football. And bonus, by working up a sweat, you’ll also work up a heartier appetite—bring on the turkey!

4.    Fill up your cup. That’s right, it’s time for more water. One of the best things you can do throughout the day is to stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups of water throughout the day, especially while you’re eating. Not only does sipping water while you eat help to support your digestive tract, it also helps you to eat slower and feel full faster. Now that’s what we call a win-win!

5.    Don’t forget the ginger. While water is your best friend when it comes to digestion, having something with ginger in it may be a better bet if you’re battling post-meal tummy troubles. That’s because ginger helps to naturally relieve nausea and upset stomach symptoms. If possible, opt for ginger tea as the warm water will help to support digestion, while the ginger works its magic.

6.    Get comfortable. After indulging in your holiday feast, it’s important to stay relaxed and avoid stress, which can impact the digestive process. For starters, make sure you’re wearing something loose-fitting and comfortable, tight waistbands don’t help anyone. Also, make sure that a bathroom is close by as it’s important not to hold it, especially stool, as this can make it harder to pass later. Finally, don’t be hard on yourself after indulging as this can spike stress and detract from your enjoyment of the special day.

Have a Happy—And Healthy—Thanksgiving!

Everyone here at Gwinnett Medical Centerwishes you and your friends and family a Happy, Healthy and Safe Thanksgiving. However, in the event that you need medical care, you can count on ChoiceOne Urgent Care. Whether it’s an allergic reaction, a broken bone or an infection, the experts at ChoiceOnecan help. These specialists are available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at a convenient location near you.

4 First Aid Mistakes We’ve All Made (And What To Do Instead)

When was the last time you got a little bump, bruise or burn? Chances are it hasn’t been long. But the real question is, when you got said injury, how did you treat it?

Maybe you just ignored it and said a few choice words. Or maybe you relied on an old wives tale to guide your treatment. After all, who knows how to properly treat a cut? Turns out, it may be a lot easier than you think—and a lot more important.

To ensure optimal healing, while also preventing infection, make sure you avoid these common first-aid mistakes:

Myth 1: You should clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide.

Save yourself the sting. While it’s important to disinfect a new wound (even papercuts), hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol can actually damage healthy tissue and make it take longer for your wound to heal.

Instead, rinse the cut with soap and water for five minutes to get it completely clean. If you’re still worried about infection, add some antibiotic ointment to top it off.

Myth 2: Let a wound air out.

Yes, it’s true that by allowing a wound to dry out, you’ll form a scab. However, this will only delay the overall healing process. Your wound needs moisture to get better and to regenerate new cells.

So after cleaning a wound, apply petroleum jelly and cover the skin with a bandage. Wash the wound and change the bandage daily until it goes away.

Myth 3: Apply ice to a burn.

If a burn is hot, it seems logical that something cold would help (i.e., ice is best). But this is far from the truth. In fact, ice, or very cold temperatures may freeze the skin, which only causes more damage.

Instead, run cool—not cold—water over it for several minutes. This will stop the burning action and reduce pain and swelling. Don’t break any blisters, which can increase your risk for infection. And keep the burn covered with a bandage that doesn’t stick to it.

Myth 4: Tilt your head backwards to stop a bloody nose.

We may be fighting against instinct here, but reclining your head backwards in the event of a nose bleed, just isn’t a good idea. That’s because when you tilt back, everything that was coming out of your nostrils is going to change direction and run down your throat instead (yuck!). Not only is that extremely unpleasant, but you’re also not actually stopping the bleeding.

So if your nose is running like a faucet, start by keeping your head upright, which will help to lower blood pressure in your nose. Next, use your fingers to squeeze the nostrils together for roughly 15 minutes. By then you should be in the clear.

Should you call for backup?

While these tips are great to keep in mind for minor injuries, they aren’t recommended for treating more serious injuries. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to call in the medical big guns. After all, that’s why they’re available 24/7 through our Emergency Departments, and 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at ChoiceOne Urgent Care. At GMC, our experts are always prepared to help, no matter what.

7 Things You Should Probably Know About Sunshine, But Don’t

Summertime is filled with long days of sunshine, sweet sunshine. But as delightful as it is to spend the whole afternoon soaking it up, all those UV rays can come back to bite you—does anyone have aloe? So, while you all know the importance of applying ample sunscreen (at least 1 ounce), 20 minutes before you head out—don’t skip those ears or toes—there are a few quick facts you may have missed.

1.    What time of the day are UV rays most intense?

The short answer is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. So, if you’re out and about during these peak hours, make sure that you’re bringing your A-game in terms of sun protection. And don’t forget that UV rays can reflect off of surfaces, including water, cement and sand.

2.    What’s the best form of UV protection?

If you hear that lovely summer weather calling your name, get out there and enjoy it. But make sure that in addition to sunscreen—which is essential—that you have a wide-brimmed hat (which can be super cute), sunglasses (that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays) and don’t skip the lipscreen.

3.    Speaking of sunscreen, how does it work?

Most of us just lather on this magic lotion, spray or gel without giving much thought to how it protects us from all those damaging rays. So what exactly does sunscreen do? As long as it’s broad spectrum—meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays—it works by absorbing, reflecting and scattering UV rays.

4.    How high of an SPF do you really need?

While the answer to this question depends on who you ask, the truth is that SPF 30 is the recommended minimum—and it’s hard to beat. That’s because SPF 30 blocks 97% of the suns UV rays, and SPF 50 blocks 98.5% of the suns UV rays. So the SPF decision is up to you, but make sure that it’s at least SPF 30.

5.    What is the UV index? And how does it apply to you?

The UV Index was developed in 1994 by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. It gives a forecast of the expected risk of exposure to UV rays and recommends what degree of caution you should take when outdoors. The range given now follows the Global Solar UV Index: from 1 (low risk of exposure) to 11 and higher (extreme risk of exposure). It’s never a bad idea to check your local weather and see what the UV index reading is for your area.

6.    Is there anything that makes sunburns more likely?

If you’ve got all the sun-protection bases covered, make sure you don’t overlook everyday things like citrus juice, perfume and medications like Ibuprofen, Doxycycline and sulfa medications, all of which can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn.

7.    Besides your skin, can the sun harm your health?

When it comes to the sunshine, the top health concerns are skin cancer and sunburns. While you may just brush off sunburns as no big deal, did you know that just 5 sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of melanoma? And despite this serious risk, only 14% of American men and 30% of American women regularly use sunscreen when outside for more than an hour (yikes!). So, it’s time to get serious about sun protection, for your skin—and your lips and eyes.

However, in the event that you’re battling a severe sunburn, it’s important to find relief. And sometimes the aloe, ice packs, cold baths and hydrating foods just don’t cut it. That’s where the experts at ChoiceOne Urgent Care come in. With care available seven days a week, 8 A-M to 8 P-M, they can provide comprehensive care for all of summer’s illnesses and injuries.

Ditch The Itch: 4 Plants You Should Definitely Avoid This Summer

We all know to steer clear of the three poison amigos—also known as poison ivy, oak and sumac. But have you ever really stopped to think about what these plants actually look like and how to avoid them? Chances are you aren’t the only one who may be drawing a blank here (did we miss the lesson on poison ivy 101?).

So in case you’re one of the many who doesn’t know the facts about poison ivy and oak by heart (does it always have 3 leaves or is it 5?), we thought it would be a good idea to provide a quick refresher on what these plants look like, where they grow and what other plants may cause some serious itching—besides these 3.

Here is your summer survival guide: plant edition

1.    What: Poison ivyis the notorious plant that inspired the old adage, “Leaves of three, let them be.” In addition to leaflets of 3 and its vine or shrub shape, you should watch for different colored leaves throughout the different seasons—reddish in the spring, green in the summer and yellow, orange or red in the fall.  

                                                 

Where:Thanks to the lovely climate of GA, and a variety of landscapes, you can find poison ivy just about anywhere—along the road, on a fence post, in a sunny setting or in the woods—you name it, it’s there.

Why: The dreaded rash that usually forms after touching poison ivy is due to oil in the plant sap—which is on its leaves and stems—called urushiol. The oil will typically cause a reaction (consisting of blistering, itchy rash) within 12-72 hours. And contrary to popular belief, this rash is not contagious, even if it seems to spread.

2.    What: Poison Oak, often mistaken for poison ivy, is a shrubby or viney plant that has three leaves with a classic oak leaf shape (but it’s unrelated to the oak tree). Poison oak usually has leaves that are a deep green (sometimes reddish), with a lighter underside. And if it has any berries, they will hang in clusters and be yellow-white.

Where: Poison oak isn’t nearly as common as poison ivy. So if you do spot some growing, it will likely be in a dry, sunny area.

Why: Just like its ivy counterpart, poison oak causes a reaction from urushioloil that can lead to a painful, itchy rash with blistering. Typically a rash will appear within 12 to 72 hours after contact and it will subside in just a few itchy weeks.

3.    What: Stinging Nettle, just like the poisonous trio, stinging nettle has a few relatives, like bull nettle, nettle tree and wood nettle, which can all cause painful, itchy reactions. With its bright green, jagged leaves, stinging nettle is sure to catch your attention. If its color doesn’t, you’ll likely notice its tall, single stem that grows upwards of 8 feet.

Where: While stinging nettle is common throughout GA, you’ll most likely notice it in dense, shady areas—in other words, the perfect place for a stream-side hike.

Why: This plant definitely got its name for a reason. With microscopic, stinging hairs that grow on the leaves, and sometimes on the stem, you’ll feel a painful, sting accompanied by burning/itching and sometimes blistering. These symptoms will appear as soon as you touch it, but they’ll likely go away within 24 hours—thankfully!

4.    What: Leadwort, while may sound like a made-up plant name, plumbagois actually more common than you might think. It’s often utilized in gardening because of its ability to provide ample ground cover, along with dusty blue flowers that grow all summer long—pretty right?

Where: Because plumbago is often purposefully planted, you are most likely to see it in gardens with part or full sun. While it’s most popular use is groundcover, you may notice it cascading down fences, along borders or in containers.

Why:Despite its frequent use in gardens for that pop of blue color, plumbago can be extremely irritating if you touch it. Often times, handling it will lead to redness, irritation and blistering on contact, so try to resist touching those eye-catching flowers.

I’ve touched one of these plants, now what?

In this instance, rubbing alcohol and water—seriously, a lot of water—are your best friends to help remove any oil or sap. If you can wash off the oil within 5 minutes, you may be able to avoid a rash—fingers crossed.

If the oil has been on the skin for more than 5 minutes, you should still wash your skin, just for good measure and to prevent the oil from spreading. And don’t forget to clean off any clothing, outdoor gear, furniture or flooring to prevent spreading the oil around.

And add oatmeal to your lukewarm (not hot) bath water and soak in it to help ease itching, especially with poison ivy. And while you’re at it, grab some calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or an over-the-counter antihistamine to get some relief. And if resisting the itch is getting to be too much—because it’s darn hard not to give in and scratch it—or you notice other symptoms, like a fever, swelling or discomfort, get the care—and itch-relief—you need, exactly when you need it. 

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Your Survival Guide For Holiday Parties

With the countdown to Christmas officially underway, your only focus should be on having fun. Holiday cheer comes in all shapes and sizes. For some, this may mean doing some last minute shopping, traveling to see friends and family or attending that annual holiday party. Oh—and who can forget baking some cookies, too?

And with only a few days to go until the big 2-5 (can you believe it’s already here?) it’s hard to keep all that seasonal stress under wraps. That’s why we’ve created a Santa-approved survival guide to help make all of your upcoming holiday parties the best—and healthiest—yet.

Crunch your calories. Before heading to the party, which likely has some irresistible treats, help yourself to some healthy helpings of lean protein, whole grains and fresh produce. Maybe those freshly-baked treats won’t look so delicious with a full tummy—right?

Make a plan. And stick to it. Before heading to a party, decide what foods you’re willing to splurge on—whatever you think you’ll enjoy the most—and avoid those other high-calorie treats. By deciding on the splurge upfront, you’ll be able to savor every bite.

Be the life of the party. And we’re not talking about having an extra glass of eggnog. Instead, focus on socializing and talking up a storm with everyone you can. After all, it’s hard to eat nonstop when you’re busy talking. And, if you hear your favorite carol playing, a little dancing can burn extra calories.

Take a load off. While it’s great to be up and moving around during the party, you’ll want to be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Take advantage of sitting when you can and try this simple foot stretch: Raise, point and curl your toes throughout the night.

Give yourself a timeout. There’s no denying that catching up with family and friends can be delightful, but it can also be exhausting. To avoid festivity fatigue, give yourself a break. This may mean stepping outdoors for some fresh air, going on a short walk or offering to help the host with something so you’ll be occupied.

Avoid holiday road hazards. While snow may not be in the forecast, safety should still be a top priority while you’re driving. Between dense traffic, distracted drivers and chilly weather, you’ll want to be sure you’re prepared. Make sure that seatbelts are fastened; your vehicle is cleared off (if there is frost or winter weather) and that you stay alert.

Get some sleep for goodness sake. Staying well-rested isn’t just important for heart health, concentration, mood and digestion, it will also help you look and feel your best for all of the festivities.

Have peace of mind. To keep you focused on the things that really matter this holiday season ChoiceOne Urgent Care is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (holiday hours may vary). Whether it’s an allergic reaction, a broken bone or a flu bug, the experts at ChoiceOne keep the health of you and your family as their top priority. 

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