The lymphatic system is a complex network of lymph vessels and nodes throughout the body. It connects to the circulatory system and is responsible for the body’s ability to fight infections. Lymph vessels travel the same route as blood vessels. The system can become overloaded with lymph fluid due to excessive fluid, missing/removed lymph nodes/vessels, […]

Teen Contraceptive Options
In the United States, 80% or more of pregnancies among adolescents age 15 to 19 years are unintended. National surveys report that ⅓ of high school students are sexually active and only ⅓ of those reported use effective contraception. Barriers to Seeking Contraception Potential barriers might include concerns about confidentiality or cost as well as […]

Heart Healthy Recipe: Asian Noodle Lettuce Wraps
Asian Noodle Lettuce Wraps Serves 6 View a printable version of this recipe. INGREDIENTS Wraps: ½ pound spaghetti 2 large carrots 1 red bell pepper 4 ounces bean sprouts 2 large cucumbers 1 handful of scallions 1 cup fresh cilantro, rough chopped ½ head napa cabbage ½ head purple cabbage 2 cups peanuts 6 large […]

Myths and Information Surrounding Contraception
The goal of contraception is to prevent unintended pregnancy. The unintended pregnancy rate in the United States is nearly 50%. Fortunately, this number has decreased over recent years, in part due to increased access to contraception. Our goal is to decrease it even more. In fact, it is one of the goals of Healthy People […]

Heart Healthy Recipe: Avocado & Black Bean Tostadas
Avocado & Black Bean Tostadas Serves 6 View a printable version of this recipe. INGREDIENTS Avocado Cream: 1 ripe avocado ¼ cup sour cream 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon cilantro, rough chopped salt & pepper to taste Salsa: 1 cup fresh tomato, diced ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup corn, fresh […]

Pre-eclampsia: What Every Mom Needs to Know
Many women have heard the word “pre-eclampsia,” but what exactly does it mean? What is Pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that can occur during or immediately after pregnancy. Many women with pre-eclampsia do not have any symptoms. Consequences of Pre-Eclampsia If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to liver or kidney dysfunction and even […]

Lower Your Blood Pressure; Improve Your Heart Health!
You may have heard that the American Heart Association recently made a change to blood pressure guidelines. This important change is the first in 14 years and reflects the results of several long-term studies (including the SPRINT study) which show that there are lower rates of cardiovascular events when blood pressure is controlled to lower […]

Heart Healthy Recipe: Berry and White Bean Breakfast Bars
*Makes 6 bars **Adapted from superhealthykids.com View a printable version of this recipe. Berry and White Bean Breakfast Bars INGREDIENTS Filling: 1 cup berries (fresh or frozen, thawed) 1 tablespoon chia seeds Batter: 1 (15 ounce) can white beans ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup peanut butter 1 tablespoon honey 1 […]

Pregnant with Tummy Troubles? Here’s How to Feel Better!
Pregnant with tummy troubles? Let us explain changes to your gastrointestinal system in pregnancy, and what you can do to feel better! Battling Constipation Progesterone, a pregnancy hormone, slows down the GI tract, which can have many unpleasant side effects. Bloating and constipation are two frequent side effects of this. Pressure from the pregnant uterus […]

Recognizing the Early Signs of a Heart Attack
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States at over 375,000 per year. They occur when blood flow to one of the heart’s arteries (blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood and nutrients) is obstructed causing loss of function of the heart tissue supplied by those arteries. What causes a heart attack? […]