Posts by Megan Johnson McCullough

Cloudy, blurry vision might mean you have cataracts. Cataracts are the result of protein building up in the eye that blocks clear vision. Light is not able to pass clearly to the eye like it used to. This condition is much more common in older adults, especially those over age 60. There are 4 types:Congenital cataracts occurs when a baby is actually born with cataracts. They might also form in early...
11/4/2023 4:00:00 AM
We know that vegetables are good for us because they are loaded with vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. We need them for energy and digestion. But did you know that there are two types of vegetables: starchy vegetables and non-starchy vegetables?Most carb counters are aware of this, but not everyone is, mostly because most of us have been raised with the mantra that vegetables are vegetables...
10/28/2023 4:00:00 AM
Nuts are a nutritious snack to help us make it to the next meal. A handful is meant to do the trick, but reaching for more is a common occurrence. Depending on the type, these crunchy nibbles are filled with heart healthy ingredients and even omega-3 fatty acids. They also have fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Problem is that this good becomes bad when the calories and fat start to add up because...
10/13/2023 4:00:00 AM
These cold desserts satisfy our taste buds on a hot day, cheer us up when we are down, put a smile on a child’s face, and are rewarding treats. The dilemma is choosing one or the other; what are the practical differences? Ice cream seems nostalgic and traditional while fro-yo is thought to be healthier, is trendy and usually has a world of toppings to consider. But which one is better for our waistline?...
8/15/2022 4:00:00 AM
NeurotransmittersThe body hears the mind. Our nervous system sends messages through neurotransmitters every second of our lives telling us how to feel, act, and function. Endorphins are among these communicators and are released when we feel stress or pain. The more endorphins released, the better we feel as they work their electrical signaling power to decrease these symptoms. And guess what helps...
4/11/2022 5:00:00 AM
The technical term for sneezing is “sternutation.” The mucus membranes (lining) in the nose and throat become irritated. There are a number of triggers that can cause a sneeze. The most common culprits are symptoms arising from a cold, flu, or allergies. Environmental triggers include pollen, dust, strong odors, pepper, powders, change in temperature, pet dander, mold, looking into bright lights, and...
2/11/2022 6:00:00 AM
Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential nutrients in our body that consist of the chain of chemicals obtained from protein. We have 20 different amino acids in our body, 8 of which are considered essential, and 3 are the branch chain aminos that BCAAs are composed of. This chemical chain includes leucine (aids in the muscle making process), isoleucine, and valine. We get this protein source...
1/28/2022 6:00:00 AM
Did you know that the only items required by federal law to label expiration dates are infant formula and particular types of baby foods? The expiration date is the recommended last day the item should be eaten or used for consumption. We live in a world of prolonged shelf life due to the processed nature of what we now eat and many of us are always looking at these expiration dates. But what do they...
11/5/2020 8:00:00 AM
Interval training can help anyone get the most out of their cardiovascular workouts. This training involves alternating short, high intensity bursts with active rest periods. Doesn’t sound very complicated or challenging on paper, but it's not necessarily easy to complete, but it's so worth it. The best part is that anyone can do intervals, from the novice to the advanced gym goer. All you need is...
8/6/2020 7:00:00 AM
Stretching is often an overlooked part of a workout routine or sporting activity. But flexibility and range of motion in our joints is important for many reasons when it comes to our muscles and connective tissue. It is common to leave out this activity pre or post exercise, but maybe some of the benefits will persuade you to add stretching to your routine or to your day.You don’t have to stretch your...
5/1/2020 7:00:00 AM