In Good Health

  • Eating thrifty
    Folks who have a family history of diabetes think that there’s nothing they can do to keep from getting it. I say, “genes load the gun…
  • No milk for Johnny
    The results of a decade-long study conducted in the Norwegian town of Stavanger offers this simplistic option to parents with children suffering from…
  • Grab your hat & SPF
    While most of us think of mid-summer as a time for fairs and fireworks, in the healthcare world July is known as UV Safety Month. Overexposure to…
  • ‘Til death ...
    New research shows that happily married adults have lower blood pressure than singles with supportive social networks, suggesting marriage may…
  • Sweet mystery
    Dear Doc: What’s the best artificial sweetener to use? I’ve heard that Splenda is better than the others. What’s the…
  • Traveling eats
    If you’re hitting the road for vacation this summer and find yourself hit by the hungries with no healthy place to turn, you can find options…
  • Are you on the sumo diet?
    One of my favorite sushi restaurants is arranged in such a way that you can see the television from every seat. It always seems to be tuned to the…
  • Still sneezing?
    You’d like to think the worst of the allergy season in Maine is over with — but don’t be fooled. Pollen is still covering…
  • A fix for kids?
    Research out of Great Britain offers hope to parents across the globe whose weary morning appearance is caused by a crying infant at home. A…
  • Be smart & cool
    We’re closing in on that time of year again — the days when the air in Maine is thick with heavy humidity and we complain about the heat…

HEALTHY EVENTS
THURSDAY JULY 24
Diabetes: New to You of Need a Review?, Hannaford, 295 Forest Ave., Portland, 10-11:30 am, 761-5965
Join a registered and licensed dietician for this free class. Go to www.hannaford.com for more. Call to register.

FRIDAY JULY 25
Help Lower Cholesterol with Food First, Hannaford, 31 Hannaford Dr., Scarborough, 2-3:30 pm, 883-7670
Join a registered and licensed dietician for this free class. Go to www.hannaford.com for more. Call to register.
Nutrient Deficiencies on a Vegetarian Diet: A Case for Meat & Animal Fat in a Healthy Diet, Unitarian Universalist Church, 97 Main St., Yarmouth, 7-8:30 pm, 725-0832
We're told that good nutrition comes from eating fruits and vegetables and that animal fats will lead us to a heart attack. Is this "common knowledge" true. Nutrition writer and researcher Chris Masterjohn sheds surprising light on the subject. $5.

SATURDAY JULY 26
First Pregnancy One-Day Workshop, MMC's Dana Center, 9 am-4 pm, 662-6132
Class content includes info about the stages of labor, relaxation techniques, pain relief options and a teaching tour of the Family Birth Center. Completion of the class by 36-37 weeks gestation is recommended. $100 per couple.
Cholesterol — Villain or Hero? Fat & Fiction About the Food Chain's Most Misunderstood Nutrient, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 725-0832
In this lecture nutrition writer and researcher Chris Masterjohn sorts through the tangled web of research and writing on the most vilified nutrient in the American diet. $5.

MONDAY JULY 28
"It's Your Club Day," St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 396 Gilman Rd., Yarmouth, 7-8:30 pm, 800-272-3900
In this conversation series about memory loss and dementia for family and friends of memory-impaired adults, learn how to get your loved one to accept adult day care and other community services. Free.

THURSDAY JULY 31
Diabetes Update: Choosing Foods for Healthy Blood Sugars, Hannaford, 65 Gray Rd., Falmouth, 2-3:30 pm, 878-0050
Join a registered and licensed dietician for this free class. Go to www.hannaford.com for more. Call to register.

SATURDAY AUG 2
Younger Sibling Class, MMC's Dana Health Center, 10 am-noon, 662-6132
Big brothers and sisters can attend this class to help them prepare for the new baby. Children attend with their parents and grandparents are welcome. Class will be divided by ages (2-5 and 6-12). $15.

WEDNESDAY AUG 6
Baby Basics, MMC's Dana Center, 6-9 pm, 662-6132
Expectant first-time parents can learn about a mother's postpartum adjustments and common newborn needs and behaviors. Class includes how to baby-proof your home, how to bathe and swaddle your new baby, recommended sleep positions, handling home emergencies, car seat safety and other tips. $50 per couple.



ENLIGHTENED LIVING

Dr. Lisa Belisle is a confirmed neophile, family physician and medical advisor for the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers. She has an acupuncture practice in Yarmouth, where she lives with her husband and children. Contact her at belisl@mmc.org.

Affairs of the heart

Phthalates & your health

Cross training resolutions

Candles of compassion

The best breakfast

Lending support

Culture, literacy & health

The golden years

Chemical concerns

Celebrate the dog days

Fun in the sun

Charlie's chores

Great role models

Change and a body benefits

Finding fabulous food



YOUR WELLNESS

Dr. Scott Glocke is the director of Back Cove Family Chiropractic in Yarmouth. He has been a family wellness chiropractor for the past six years and specializes in wellness for the entire family. Contact him at drscott@backcovechiro.com.

Real downers

Hear, hear

Sugar or multi-vitamins?

Your Wellness - Shape up or pay the price

The debate continues

New approach

Backpack danger

Paying dearly

The word on sunscreens

A new look

Ear infection options

Stick your neck out

Exercise and the Brain



THE BRIGHT SIDE OF NUTRITION

Susan Fekety is a Yale-educated advanced practice nurse with special expertise in nutrition and dietary therapies. She provides women's health care and coordinates the First Line Therapy program at True North Health Center in Falmouth. Contact her at sfekety@truenorthhealthcenter.org.

What came first?

Thoughts on salt

Slow down on 'fast' carbs

Hold the meat

What's gluten?

Cool it!

Artificially sweet

Low impact eating

There's a fungus amungus

Beyond chocolate

I can eat plants…

Hungry for Spring?



ASK THE DOC

Sean McCloy, MD, MPH, MA is the medical director at Maine Integrative Wellness in Portland. He is dual board-certified in family medicine and holistic medicine. He specializes in integrative family medicine and can be seen walking around the Old Port with his therapy dog, Hershey. Send questions for Sean to editor@themaineswitch.com.

The scoop on plastics

An aching head

Ouch!

In search of questions