Wellness Wednesday: One Drink, One Side, One Dessert Holiday Addition

One Drink, One Side, One Dessert Holiday Edition

The holidays are a wonderful time of year! It also means that you are invited to a work holiday party, your partners work holiday party, a Christmas with friends, a neighborhood holiday party, the list goes on and on. 

You don't want to show up empty handed so we have created three options to try at your next  holiday celebration!

Festive Black Raspberry Martini (Please Drink Responsibly)

Drinks are the silent killer when it comes to your waste line. All the fun festive drinks can have more sugar than a candy bar. That's like eating 2 or 3 candy bars in one sitting! If you are over 21 try this festive drink instead. 

**Also if you are not drinking alcohol this drink is awesome on its own! Skip the Vodka and add a little more sparking water or even some sparking cider! 

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Blackberry Sparkling ICE
• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz Chambord
• 1/2 oz pineapple juice

Instructions: Mix vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice in a shaker with ice, and strain into a martini glass. Top off with Black Raspberry Sparkling ICE and pop in some black berries and raspberries for a special touch! 

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta

This is the perfect amount of savory and sweet. These flavors are perfect for the holidays but so delicious you will save them all year round.

Ingredients: 

• 1 large butternut squash (peeled, and chopped).
• Hearty drizzle of olive oil (1-2 TBSP)
• Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
• 1-2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2-3 TBSP honey
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta
• ground cinnamon to taste

Instructions: 

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Lightly drizzle baking sheet with olive oil
3. Add cubed squash to the sheet along with another drizzle of olive oil 
4. Sprinkle with a light layer of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, based on taste preference
5. Roast at 400 F for 25 minutes on the center rack
6. At the 25 minute mark, pull out oven rack and add fresh cranberries to the roasting pan
7. Return to oven and add a sprinkle of cinnamon along with feta and honey. 
8. Enjoy! 

Holiday Chocolate Bark with Cranberries & Pistachios 

Chocolate bark is the easiest festive dessert to make ever! All you need is four ingredients and you can add festive sprinkles and share at a party, at work, with neighbors, or with your family. I you want more health benefits swap white chocolate for dark chocolate and the dark chocolate chips with dark chocolate. 

Ingredients: 

• 8 ounces white chocolate 
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup pistachios (roughly chopped) 
• 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Instructions: 

1. Combine the melted white chocolate and half of dried cranberries and pistachios. Spread mixture onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 
2. scatter remaining cranberries, pistachios and dried cranberries onto the surface and gently press into chocolate to make sure they stick. 
3. Place baking sheet in freezer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set. 
4. Break chocolate into pieces roughly into desired sizes. 
5. Enjoy! 

Medical Monday: Stomach Virus - What to do

Sincerely, 

Docs at IUC

Physicians Friday: What is Diverticulitis?

What is Diverticulitis?

Have you ever been in a doctors office and they start throwing around big words that you have never heard of but sound really scary so you get alarmed? Most people have, but at Island Urgent Care we really try to explain every diagnosis in the easiest way possible. We know that not everyone has gone to medical school and we want to relay our knowledge on to you! Diverticulitis seems like a scary diagnosis but we explain exactly what it is and how we treat it. 

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis starts after diverticula form.  Diverticula are out-pouches of the large intestine.  Your gastroenterologist would see these when performing a colonoscopy or radiologist may see them on an abdominal CT scan or MRI but otherwise you likely won’t know you have them until they get inflamed or infected.  Current theories believe that diverticula form due to dietary habits and a low fiber diet because this may cause the intestines to strain harder to move the stool.  These diverticula or pouches are prone to getting infected and when they do it is called diverticulitis.

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

The most common symptom is abdominal pain and the most common location of the pain is in the left lower side however early in the infection the pain can felt vaguely through the whole abdomen.  Other common symptoms include changes in stool either diarrhea or constipation, indigestion, nausea and vomiting and fever.

How do we determine if you have diverticulitis?

When someone has abdominal pain, we are often considering diverticulitis as one of the many possible causes of your symptoms and based on your personal medical history and examination we may recommend performing some laboratory testing and possibly x-ray or CT scan of the abdomen.  If you have a history of diverticulitis in the past and your symptoms fit with diverticulitis, a CT is not always necessary, and we will usually start treatment right away for a repeat flare of diverticulitis.

How is diverticulitis treated?

Our physicians at Island Urgent Care commonly treat diverticulitis by prescribing 2 antibiotics by mouth.  Also, often we will recommend a liquid or low residue diet for a few days during your recovery from the infection.  Occasionally if the symptoms are severe, hospitalization will be required and rarely surgery is needed to control the infection. 

Wellness Wednesday: Healthy Broccoli Salad

Healthy Broccoli Salad

This easy dish is perfect to being to a holiday party and not feel guilty about going for seconds, it is also a quick meal for a family dinner. Make sure to prepare a little extra to take for lunch the next day the left overs are delish! 

Broccoli: Everyone knows about this health food. It is the food that our parents always told us to eat, and they were right, broccoli has health benefits that are amazing! First off it has significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin A, manganese, vitamin B6, and various antioxidants. If that is not enough broccoli also detoxifies the body with the presents of vitamin C and sulfer combined with amino acids broccoli is a great detoxifier. Broccoli helps remove free radicals and toxins like uric acid from the body. By doing this it purifies your blood and keeps problems related to toxins like boils, itches, rashes, gout, arthritis and eczema at bay. 

It also promotes healthy skin with its high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, vitamins K &A, omega 3 fatty acids, amino acids and folate. These properties will leave your hair and skin glowing, healthy, and radiant!

It also can help treat stomach disorders with the rich amount of fiber in each serving. It also aids in bone health, helps in pregnancy, improves immunity, treats anemia, improves bone health, and regulates blood pressure!

Chia Seeds: You may have heard the frenzy over these little seeds in the last couple of months. An article was published in MedicalNewsToday about these little guys! CLICK HERE to read the article by Megan Ware RDN LD. But in a nutshell Chia Seeds aid in weight loss with the high amounts of fiber which helps people feel full longer, and having hight levels of omega-3-fatty acids may aid in weight loss. Chia Seeds can also help treat Diverticulitis due to the fiber content. Supports cardiovascular health and cholesterol. Also aids in digestion and detox. 

Ingredients: 

• 8 cups of broccoli florets (broccoli that had been chopped and washed) 
• 7-8 strips of bacon depending on preference (you can also go without bacon or sub for turkey bacon).
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup red onion (diced)
• 3/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1.5 tablespoons stone ground mustard
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (great source of protein!)
• 3 tablespoons honey 
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 

Directions:

1. Heat pan to medium high heat to cook bacon. Cook bacon until crispy usually 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel and blot off excess grease. Once dry chop into smaller bites.
2. Prepare dressing: add greek yogurt, stone ground mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Mix together with a whisk until well combined. 
3. In a large bowl toss broccoli florets, bacon bits, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and dressing together until everything is coated with dressing mixture. 
4. When ready to eat sprinkle on chia seeds. (Note: Chia seeds become gelatinous when mixed with liquid- they are still ok to eat and has great health benefits, however for the salad we want a dry seed texture.)
5. Serve!
6. Store in a sealed container in the fridge. 

Medical Monday: Athlete's Foot

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot, sometimes referred to as Tinea Pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes, but it can also affect other areas of the feet. The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and moist environment that encourages fungus

growth. Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, may mimic athlete's foot.

Causes

The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection is common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term "athlete's foot" became popular.

Symptoms

The signs of athlete's foot, include the following:

●        Dry-looking skin

●        Itching and burning between the toes, which may increase as the infection spreads to other parts of the feet

●        Scaling or peeling skin

●        Inflammation or swelling

●        Blisters, which often lead to cracking or peeling skin to the feet and toes. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, which may cause swelling.

Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's foot may persist for long periods. 

When to Visit us at Island Urgent Care

If you believe that you have a fungus infection that does not respond to proper foot hygiene and/or over the counter remedies, and there is no improvement within one to two weeks, please come see us.

Diagnosis and Treatment

We will determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem, by discussing your symptoms and examining the affected area(s). If it is, a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of antifungal medication, applied topically or taken by mouth, may be suggested.

Topical or oral antifungal drugs are often prescribed for tinea pedis. If the infection is caused by bacteria and not fungus, antibiotics that are effective against a broad spectrum of skin bacteria, such as penicillin, may be prescribed.

It is important to keep the feet dry by using foot powder in shoes and socks. The feet should be bathed frequently and all areas around the toes dried thoroughly. If someone in your family develops athlete’s foot, disinfect home showers and tubs after each use to discourage transmission of infection. 

Prevention

It is easy to prevent athlete's foot where bare feet come in contact with the fungus by practicing good foot hygiene. 

You can prevent fungal infection by practicing the following:

●        Wash feet daily with soap and water; dry carefully, especially between the toes

●        Avoid walking barefoot; use shower shoes in public showers.

●        Reduce perspiration by using talcum powder

●        Wear light and airy shoes

●        Change shoes and socks regularly to decrease moisture

●        Wear synthetic blend socks that wick away moisture, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily

Call us or visit us at IslandUrgentCare.Com to find a location near you!

Sincerely, 

Docs at IUC

Wellness Wednesday: 10 Tips for a Thinner Dinner (Holidays)

10 Tips for a Thinner Dinner

The holidays are a time for family, cheer, friends, and a very important aspect...food. Lots and Lots of food. Some people have several Thanksgiving dinners with different groups. Christmas is much of the same, people travel to several houses in the same day to celebrate with loved ones. 

We feel guilty if we don't eat the food provided and also feel guilty if we eat too much. So here are 10 tips for a thinner dinner during the Holidays!

1. Get Active Early: Getting active early will be a kick start to your metabolism while also burning off some calories early in the day before the festivities start. Go on a morning run or lift weights to get active. 

1. Eat Breakfast! You may think cutting calories before a big meal is a good way to not over eat, but that is incorrect. By eating breakfast you are starting your metabolism and will keep it going all day. Also your body will be satisfied and less likely to over eat later in the day. Eat a small but nutritious breakfast, like steel-cut oats, or an egg on a piece of whole grain toast. 
2. Have Dinner Early: By eating a big meal earlier in the day your body will have time to fully digest the food while you are awake and active and not while you are sleeping. This also allows the food to digest and ready to get active in a family game of flag football or volleyball! 
3. Don't Drink All Your Calories! Be aware of the calories you are consuming by drinking them. Sometimes our favorite drinks have more calories than our favorite food! Watch our for the non-alcoholic drinks as well. Sugary sodas and juices contain tons of unnecessary calories. Don't deprive yourself but after every drink have big glass of water. 

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink water! Drinking water can help curve cravings throughout the day especially when wanting seconds. Try a glass of water before indulging in more food. Sometimes your body is really craving hydration and not more food. 
2. Use a Smaller Plate: This is really easy. Use a smaller plate when eating dinner. Fit what you can and see how you feel. Most of the time we eat more than our body needs making us feel tired or sluggish. 
3. Eat Mindfully: It is so easy to get into a conversation with family and friends and the next thing you know all your food is gone. Really take the time to chew each bite and listen to your body. It will let you know when it is full. 
4. Cut Down On Oil: When preparing food try to cut down on the butter and oil used in your holiday dishes. There are so many substitutes when cooking and will make you feel better on the inside and out. 
5. Get Outside! After the food has digested suggest a family game of volleyball or football to get active and burn off some calories. Not the athletic type? Take a family walk in a park or in your neighborhood! 

1. Don't Worry So Much! Don't deny dessert or other foods that you love. Remember almost anything is OK in moderation. Stressing out about how much you have eaten can cause more damage. Spend time with loved ones and enjoy your favorite food. 

All of us at Island Urgent Care hope you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday. If you are in need of our care we are open Friday, November 24th, 2017 from 8am-5pm! 

Sincerely, 

Island Urgent Care Team

Physician Friday: Water in Your Ear? Swimmers Ear

Water in Your Ear - Swimmers Ear

Living in Hawaii we are lucky enough to spend all year swimming at the beach and pools. Often we spend so much time in the water we feel that uncomfortable sensation of water in our ear. Well that water can result in an outer canal infection otherwise known as Swimmers Ear. 

Check out how to treat this common condition. 

For more information please call us at (808) 735-0007 or visit IslandUrgentCare.Com. No appointment is ever necessary and we can see you NOW!

Sincerely, 

Doc's at IUC