Health is a journey and every trainer you talk to, website you visit or medical professional you consult is advocating for one “trend” or “diet” that will help you reach your health goal. Social media is full of advertisements telling us about the “hip new trend that will take off the pounds fast” or “the new health product that will give you the sleek look you desire.” We are bombarded with so much that it can get confusing. So, what can you do? How do you cut through the malarkey and find that thing that will work best for you? Well, Step One is to talk to your doctor before trying any type of fad. Step Two: With any health craze you intend to pursue, make sure to exercise due diligence. To give you a start, here are five health trends and diets to avoid, and five to engage. Note: Everyone’s body is different – what works for others may not work for you and vice-versa.

What is a dietary supplement? According to the National Institute on Aging, dietary supplements are substances you might use to add nutrients to your diet or to lower your risk of health problems, like osteoporosis or arthritis. Dietary supplements come in the form of pills, capsules, powders, gel tabs, extracts and liquids.

In order to create an exercise plan that works best for you, it’s important to know what you need to change, where your faults lie and at what intensity you should start your workout. Once you find your starting line, or baseline, realistic goals can be made that you can accomplish in time.

How a person defines the word “metabolism” may depend on whether you ask a biologist or a dietician. From a biological standpoint, metabolism is a combination of biochemical processes your body uses to convert food into energy. These metabolic processes include breathing, eating and digesting food, the delivery of nutrients to your cells through the blood, the use of energy by your muscles, nerves and cells, and finally, the elimination of waste products from your body.

Staying healthy is a priority – especially during a pandemic – and proper nutrition is key to good health. So, what exactly should you be eating?

Just because the air is a little cooler doesn’t mean you can’t start or continue your outdoor exercise. This time of the year offers great outdoor visuals and the air holds less humidity. Hey, you may perform your best in this weather. There’s only one way to find out. Get outside and be active while you still can (without eight layers of clothing).

Keeping your feet in good health is paramount to your overall well-being. Your feet are the foundation for your biomechanics and are the link to you and your physical environment. High-quality, properly-fitting shoes are the key to providing your feet with support, protection and cushioning during your ambulatory hours.

Fat, as a group, gets a bad rap; but the truth is not all fats are bad for you. In fact, a small amount of fat is important for a healthy diet and body. Fat is a major source of energy and helps our bodies to absorb important vitamins and minerals. It is used by the body to build cell membranes and the sheaths surrounding nerves, and is also essential for blood clotting, muscle movement and inflammation. Fat is a necessary component for your body; however, not all fats are created equal.

The amount and quality of your sleep affects you both mentally and physically. Just what does it take to get a good night’s sleep? George Zureikat, MD, Medical Director of Mid-Michigan Sleep Center in Grand Blanc shared his expertise on the importance of being well-rested.

Ascension Medical Group (AMG) is pleased to announce the addition of four providers in the Mid-Michigan area. Located in healthcare practices serving the Grand Blanc, Flint and surrounding region, these physicians are offering specialized services and accepting new patients at the following office locations: