Kent State Interns

  October is breast cancer awareness month. Here are some statistics to raise awareness as well as support for the breast cancer community. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, accounting for 12% of all new cancer cases  It accounts for about 30% (1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is around 13% for women The 5-year survival rate for women with localized breast cancer is about 99% Research is constantly being put out to see if a healthy diet can help prevent cancer. While there is no definitive answer, we do know that a nutritious diet can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, and improves our quality of life. Certain elements to developing cancer remain out of our control, but having a healthy nutritious diet is something we can do within our control.  The goal of a healthy diet is not to look for "anti cancer" foods, but to provide ...

  Butternut squash ravioli is a delicious appetizer to add to your meal and is a great way to incorporate squash into your diet. Squash is packed with nutrients, and can be used in recipes like this one while being very delicious. Did you know butternut squash has a lot of health benefits when incorporated in the diet? Here are 6 proven benefits that butternut squash can provide Prevents chronic diseases Contains antioxidants which prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals Helps maintain bone health  Squash is rich in calcium which is scientifically proven to help with bone health Helps keep blood healthy Squash is a great source of iron, which can help prevent anemia  Supports heart health and function Squash contains magnesium, which is essential for more than 300 processes in your body  Helps protect eye health Squash contains vitamin A which helps play a role in eye function Keeps skin healthy Squash contains vitamin C and beta-carotene which is good for sk...

Did you know there is an entire day dedicated to one of the best foods ever? National Pasta Day is celebrated every October 17th. With a massive selection of shapes, sauces, and add-ins, the creative freedom in making a tasty pasta dish is endless. Unfortunately, pasta has started to get a bad rap in recent years due to its high carbohydrate content. For many people, such as those with diabetes or other chronic diseases, having to limit high-carb foods is inevitable. However, it is still important to note that carbs are the body's main source of fuel, and pasta is a great way to include them in our diets. Carb content aside, pasta has so many other health benefits. It's a great source of micronutrients such as iron and various B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate). There are also many ways to utilize your sauce and add-in choices to help maximize these nutrients. For example, choosing a marinara sauce, which contains vitamin C, will help you better absorb the iron f...

  If you have ever seen "dietitian" misspelled as dietician, dieteician, or another variation, raise your hand, please! I constantly see this, whether on social media posts, in articles, letters, or even written in documents from other business and medical professionals. And to be totally transparent? I wince a little every single time. As an aspiring registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), that T might look tiny, but it actually carries an immense amount of weight. It represents the years of rigorous study, the hundreds of hours of clinical practice, and every moment where professionals in this field have worked tirelessly to support individuals enduring complex health challenges while cutting through the noise of conflicting nutrition information. Contrary to what many people think, being an RDN isn’t just about telling someone to “eat more fruits and vegetables.” RDNs are licensed healthcare professionals who have completed a graduate degree from an accredited program, at...

  Beating the Fall Slump: How to Stay Energized When the Days Get Shorter The leaves are changing, football season is in full swing, and pumpkin spice everything is back — but let’s be real, fall can also bring on a major slump. Shorter days, colder weather, and the mid-semester grind can make you feel more tired, less motivated, and constantly reaching for caffeine. The good news? What you eat, drink, and how you structure your day can play a huge role in keeping your energy (and mood) steady. Get That Morning Light (and Vitamin D) When the sun sets earlier, your body will make less vitamin D , which can leave you feeling sluggish . Research shows that low vitamin D status is linked with higher rates of depressive symptoms , and supplementation may improve mood in some groups. Try to get 10–20 minutes of natural light in the morning (if able in Ohio) to helps reset your body clock. Food sources like eggs, salmon, fortified milk, and even mushrooms give...

  Hydration at the Tailgate: Don’t Let Dehydration Sack You Fall Saturdays = football, food, and hours of hanging out with friends. But let’s be real: between the salty snacks, long hours outside, and maybe a few adult beverages, staying hydrated can fall off the radar. The problem? Dehydration can sneak up on you and leave you feeling drained before the game even kicks off. The good news? With a little planning, you can keep your energy up and still enjoy everything game day has to offer. Pregame Like a Pro Think of water as part of your tailgate prep. If you show up already dehydrated, you’re starting from behind. Experts from UNC Health recommend drinking plenty of fluids a day or two before outdoor events and sipping water steadily throughout the day — not just chugging when you feel thirsty Chug a full water bottle (16–20 oz) before you head out. Bonus points if you throw in an electrolyte packet , like Liquid IV packet, a Nuun hydration tablet,...