Let’s get Figgy
It’s fig season – but you better hurry and enjoy the tiny fruit while you can because fig season only goes through October. Not only is this small fruit a delight to eat, but it packs 7 percent of a person’s daily allowance of fiber. They are a great source of polyphenols, which can decrease the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The opportunities to use figs during mealtimes are endless: add sliced figs to yogurt or oatmeal, toss them into a salad, or place them on charcuterie boards next to your favorite salty cheese. One of our favorites is bacon-wrapped figs! Simply wrap each fig with half a slice of bacon and bake in a 425-degree oven until the bacon is nice and crispy. Serve warm for the best combination of sweet and salty you’ve ever tasted.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and that gives you the opportunity to have a crucial conversation with the men in your life. An estimated 192,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. That’s one new case every 3 minutes and another death from prostate cancer every 16 minutes. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men in the U.S. – more likely to occur than colon, kidney, melanoma, and stomach cancers combined. (pcf.org)
Although prostate cancer can be silent, there are some common signs and symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty in starting urination, difficulty holding urine, weakened or interrupted urine flow, burning or pain when urinating, blood in urine or pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. If a man is experiencing these symptoms, he needs to make an appointment with his doctor.
Screening for prostate cancer is easy, whether it’s done by a blood test or physical exam. Prostate cancer has a very high cure rate of nearly 100% if detected early. Encourage your husband, father, brothers, and friends to talk to his doctor about regular screening. It could save his life!
Helping Your Child with Depression
Let’s face it – being a teenager in the year 2020 is a lot harder than it was in the 80s and 90s. Sure, every teen goes through a moody phase, but depression is more than moodiness. It is estimated that one in five adolescents will suffer from depression; however, most never receive the help they need. We hope to provide some insight into signs and symptoms as well as things parents can do to help.
What are the signs and symptoms of teen depression? It is important to understand depression in teens is not the same as depression in adults. Teen depression may not manifest as sadness, rather in irritability, anger, and agitation. Other common signs are unexplained aches and pains, extreme sensitivity to criticism, and withdrawal from some – but not all – people. Teens lack the capacity to identify their state as depression, so it is important that a parent step in to advocate for them.
How can a parent help a depressed teen? Remember, depression is not a phase. It is a real issue that needs to be addressed. If you suspect your teen is depressed, bring it up to them in a loving way with no judgment. Don’t ask a lot of questions – just listen and acknowledge their feelings. If your teen will not open up, trust your gut, and consult a professional.
What are some practical tips to help a teen navigate depression?
- A depressed teen has the tendency to withdraw from friends and activities they used to enjoy. Gently encourage them to connect again by making face-to-face conversations a priority, getting them involved in an activity that fosters their talent or volunteering for a cause important to them.
- The link between physical and mental health cannot be denied. Lack of exercise and a poor diet will make depression worse. Help your teen become physically active, limit their screen time, encourage sleep, and provide healthy meals.
- Stay active and involved in their treatment, from attending doctor’s appointments to helping with medication. Depression is not a straight and narrow road. It’s bumpy and can last for a while. Be patient and celebrate the wins along the way!
