Transforming Healthcare: A Blog By Gwinnett Medical Center

If ever there was magic in a cup, it’d be coffee. Think about it—it’s an essential part of every morning ritual, the best way to perk up in the afternoon and a great way to unwind at the end of the day (thank you, decaf!). And even if you don’t consider yourself a routine coffee drinker—like 64% of Americans—chances are you still periodically enjoy a fancy schmancy drink of some sort from your local coffee shop (who doesn’t?).
And while there’s no debate over the delicious taste and smell of coffee, there seems to be some uncertainty surrounding its health perks (or lack thereof). So, is it actually good for your health? Yes. No. Maybe so. According to some of the most recent studies, it seems that coffee can help to lower your risk of certain cancers, as well as Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes, while also decreasing inflammation and extending your life.
With health benefits like that, you should probably grab a cup of java as we speak—for the sake of your health and all. Now you might…

It’s no secret that produce can be finicky. While there are some fruits and veggies that make spotting ripeness simple (thank you, bananas and avocados), others can be much trickier (we’re looking at you, pears and squash).

So when ripeness isn’t quite as obvious, what are you supposed to do? Do you just throw caution into the wind and pick at random? After all, even if you try your best to examine each piece of produce, you may still end up with something that’s under or over ripe.
But as you probably guessed, there’s definitely a method to the produce madness. For instance, there are different ways to gauge ripeness—besides just look and feel—like weight and smell. Also, did you know that some fruits and veggies continue to ripen after being harvested, while others don’t? This means that if certain fruits and veggies don’t look ripe at the store, they won’t at home either.
For example, when it comes to strawberries, pineapple, watermelon, apples, cherries, grapes and citrus fruits, w…

Not only are your eyes beautiful, they’re also pretty amazing. For instance did you know that out of all the muscles in your body, those that control your eyes are actually the most active? Or that you blink approximately 17 times every minute—and not just to lubricate your eyes, but also to give your mind a brief break? But all the qualities that make your eyes so impressive are the same qualities that make them so darn sensitive. Sometimes it feels like the smallest of things can irritate them. A ceiling fan? Yes—watch out for watering eyes. Fatigue and/or stress? Yup—prepare for eye twitching. Rubbing your eyes? You guessed it—brace yourself for a stye. And while none of these symptoms are enjoyable, a stye may just be the worst of them all. If you’ve ever had a stye, (we’re sorry that you have) then you know exactly what we’re talking about. Not only are these swollen, painful bumps uncomfortable, but they happen to form in the most awkward place possible: the edge of the eyelid. An…

Living a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle is something that all of us want. But the truth is it can be really hard to actually achieve, let alone sustain. Things like eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise don’t always come naturally—most of us have to work at it.
So amidst a busy schedule and a never-ending to-do list, what are you supposed to do to live your happiest, healthiest and fullest life? Well that’s exactly what Kristie Delgado, MS, GMC’s Fitness Specialist is here to help with.
Whether you need guidance with weekly meal planning and at-home exercise circuits, or tips to stay active during the workday and properly fuel pre- and post-workout, Kristie can help. In fact, you can get expert fitness and wellness advice, straight from Kristie, every single week! So mark your calendar for each Friday because you won't want to miss any of her blog posts.

But first things first, let’s get to know Kristie a little better.
Q: What exactly do you do here at GMC?

A: …

All of these classes and more will be offered by Gwinnett Medical Center. If a registration number is not listed, please call 678-312-5000 to register, or register online at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/classes.
Scroll to the bottom of the list to see some of our support groups. A full list of support groups is available here.
Classes
Monthly Pre-Diabetes Classes If you’ve been told you have pre-diabetes, or are at high risk of developing diabetes, take charge of your health! Learn effective lifestyle strategies that can dramatically improve your overall health and reduce your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. Topics include healthy eating, reading food labels, importance of exercise, and weight management. Presented by a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, this class is for ages 18 years and older. All classes will be held 5 – 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

For more information or to register, please call 678-312-6048.

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