The American Thyroid Association (ATA) documents how an average of 20 million Americans will develop some form of thyroid condition. That’s no small number! If left untreated, thyroid disease can affect cardiovascular wellbeing, pregnancy, and bone health. There are two thyroid conditions – Hyper and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism leads to excess production of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, whereas hypothyroidism results in underproduction of hormones. Understanding thyroid health is essential for disease control and prevention. Do you know the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease?

More and more individuals are finding it challenging to retire by age 65. A survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) on 1,026 adults age 35 and older shows longer expectancy of employment beyond traditional retirement age. Most participants were full-time workers who simply could not afford the cost of living if they retired by age 65. Financial uncertainties as well as health factors creates great stress for many adults working in later stages of life. As noted by AARP, “Indeed, 11 percent of these respondents say they expect to keep working into their 80s or beyond.” Employees and business owners are remaining in the workforce past retirement age in attempt to support health and living expenses. Consequently, retiring by age 65 is becoming less popular for older adults in today's society.

Holiday gifting can be wearisome and costly, particularly if you have lots of friends and family. Trying to decide who will like what is a chore in itself, let a lone keeping within budget and giving meaningful presents. There’s a gift that fits all, that is delicious and healthy holiday treats! Give your loved ones’ nutritious goodies that will warm-up their hearts and home this holiday season!

7 Nutritious Holiday Gift Ideas

1. Peppermint chocolate granola – Share love this holiday with delicious homemade granola. Mix nuts, dried cranberries, raisins, cinnamon, peppermint, dark chocolate chips, and seeds with oats. Then bake in the oven for a delicious granola treat! Oats are high in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and aids in digestive health. Nuts and seeds also add omega fatty acids and vitamins to the granola mix for a nutritious snack. For recipe details please click here.

The Oldways Whole Grains Council comments on nutritional benefits of oats:

Researchers at Colorado State University randomly assigned thirty-six overweight middle-aged men to eat either an oat or wheat cereal daily for twelve weeks. At the end of the three-month period, the men eating the oat cereal had lower concentrations of small, dense LDL cholesterol (thought to be particularly dangerous) and lower LDL overall, compared to those in the wheat group, while their HDL (“good”) cholesterol was unchanged.” 

Melanoma is type of skin cancer presenting as pink, white, or brownish skin spots with potential of spreading to other parts of the body. According to The American Cancer Society, melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. People with fair skin, moles, weakened immune system, family history of cancer, and exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light are more susceptible to melanoma, with UV being the greatest risk factor. Early detection and interventions are key in cancer control and prevention, with drug treatments proving effective in fighting melanoma.

Maintaining a state of balance is fundamental to health, wellness, and wellbeing. True, consuming nutritious foods, getting adequate sleep, and exercise are essential to health, yet it’s just as important to engage in activities that nourish the mind and soul. Creating a meaningful life looks different for each individual, involving lifestyle preferences and other influential factors. However, we can all benefit from a healthy state of mind, body, and soul. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outlines central aspects of physical and mental wellbeing in the Components of Productive Health and Well-being model noting, “Self-care includes all the choices you make on a daily basis that affect your physical, mental, and spiritual health. In fact, how you take care of yourself will have a greater impact on your health and well-being than the medical care you receive.”