Fidelis Care offers mobile StreetSide vehicles, local community offices, and community events to bring care closer to home. They also partner with local gardens (like the Bed-Stuy Farm through GrowNYC), nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to promote health and wellness across New York State, focusing on improving maternal health, behavioral health, as well as urban and rural health.

I remember talking to parents of my students’ who didn’t go for routine screenings for their kids or for themselves because they didn’t know that they should. Many of them didn’t have access to regular medical care, they would just go to the Emergency Room when they absolutely needed to (either with an accident or a severe illness). As a mom to a kid with Type 1 Diabetes, my kid goes to his endocrinologist every 3 months to make sure things are okay. I don’t know what we would have done if we didn’t have health insurance to cover the visits and all the medical supplies (including insulin, CGM monitor, and insulin pumps).

Fidelis Care New York is the only statewide health plan, accessible to all, regardless of income, background, or zip code.
Learn more at: https://www.fideliscare.org/

This is a sponsored post. As always, all opinions are completely my own.

The post Fidelis Care Launches “Here for Your Health” to Support the Well-Being of New Yorkers appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

I’ve always had foot issues. You can call it a love-hate relationship. I love the way my feet carry me through my life, whether it’s exploring NYC, working, taking care of my family in our home, or dancing. But the hate relationship? It’s my bunions.

My mother and my grandmother always had bunions, and I know how much my mom has suffered. We’ve got the same feet, however mine are much bigger! I’ve always had a problem with finding shoes and no matter what brand or size I tried, I was always uncomfortable. However, I developed bunions in my mid 20’s, and they’ve been a constant source of discomfort ever since, adding to even more issues with my feet. Through the years, I’ve had jobs as a production assistant and classroom teacher, which means being on my feet for at least 8 hours a day.

Bunion Symptoms:

If you don’t know what bunions are, they are those unattractive, often painful bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe. They push the toe inward toward the other toes, sometimes causing the entire foot to misalign. The pain can range from mild discomfort to throbbing agony, especially after a long day on my feet. While my left foot looks worse, it’s actually my right foot that is more uncomfortable. You can see that I have prominent red bumps on the base of my big toes, which get sore when I walk too much or when I wear shoes. While I’m lucky my bunions don’t hurt when I bend my foot now, I hope that doesn’t change in the future. I can see how my toes are slowly shifting towards my outer feet. 

While the exact cause of bunions are unclear, genetics and lifestyle choices influence the likelihood of developing bunions and the speed at which they progress and get worse like wearing tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes¹. 

In my case, I believe genetics plus my own shoe choices and career have also played a role. It seems like everyone on my mother’s side of the family has had bunions, so I wasn’t surprised that I developed them also. 

Bunion Relief:
I can get some relief by resting my feet after a long day of work or exploring NYC. I recently did a long sightseeing day over a month ago with a friend from London and my feet are finally recovering now. It’s getting longer and longer before my bunions feel better. I also use remedies like bunion pads if I know I must walk around a lot and that does help a little. I also like to soak my feet and elevate them when I get a chance. If I don’t need to wear fancy shoes, you can find me in sneakers and wearing supportive slippers at home to cushion my feet. I am careful with every shoe I wear – even sandals! Due to having flat feet, I sometimes wear orthotics from my podiatrist to help my bunions feel better because of the extra support. 

Living with Bunions:
I tried to ignore my bunions. I switched to wider shoes, made sure my heels were at most 1 to 1 ½ inches, and tried to wear sneakers as much as possible. While this did offer bunion relief, it didn’t fix the issue. While people living with bunions might find relief through nonsurgical treatment like wearing wide-toed shoes, over the counter medications, foot pads, ice packs, etc., surgery may be a long-term solution. I have not had bunion surgery myself.  That’s why I was curious to learn about Stryker, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies.

Stryker Bunion Surgical Treatment Options:

A leader in bunion solutions, Stryker offers various options that allow surgeons to treat their patients with the solution that is best suited to their specific needs. As they say, no one size fits all!

Stryker offers innovative surgical treatments, such as PROstep minimally invasive surgery and LapiFuse bunion correction surgery. Treatments that were designed to help you “free your feet” and resume your mobility and active lifestyle. 

The LapiFuse procedure preserves the joint movement of the big toe, it is specially designed to improve mobility, letting you get back to your active lifestyle². It’s designed to preserve toe length, reduce pain and restore the natural appearance of the foot³. 

PROstep is a minimally invasive surgery that gives patients the pain relief they need while providing the fast recovery they desire^4,5. The difference? Compared to the traditional bunion surgery, the minimally invasive PROstep bunion surgery gets patients back on their feet faster^4,5, with less pain⁴, and smaller scars⁶.

Only your doctor can help you decide if surgery is your best option. Click here to learn more at Stryker’s website.

This is a paid advertisement sponsored by Stryker.

Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. Only a physician can tell you if these products and associated procedures are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks, anticipated implant duration and possible outcomes.

For important risk information on PROstep MIS visit: patients.stryker.com/prostep
For important risk information on LapiFuse visit: patients.stryker.com/lapifuse

References:

1. www.aaos.org
2. Galli, et al. JFAS vol. 54 (2015) 437–440.
3. Walker, Harris. Foot Ankle Clin N Am vol. 24 (2019) 641–648
4. Lee M, Walsh J, Smith MM, Ling J, Wines A, Lam P. Hallux Valgus Correction Comparing Percutaneous Chevron/Akin (PECA) and Open Scarf/Akin Osteotomies. Foot Ankle Intl 2017; 38(8): 838-846.
5. Maffulli N, Longo UG, Oliva F, Denaro V, Coppola C. Bosch Osteotomy and Scarf Osteotomy for Hallux Valgu
6. Lam P, Lee M, Xing J, Di Nallo M. Percutaneous Surgery for Mild to Moderate Hallux Valgus. Foot Ankle Clin N Am 2016; 21: 459-477.

The post How Living With Bunions Impacts My Daily Life appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

‘Member getting Italian Ices in hot summer weather? I saw OLIPOP Cherry Cola in the store recently and wondered, how can I make this in my Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker? Could I make a Cherry Cola Italian Ice?

I love cherry cola and was thrilled to see it in a healthier version with OLIPOP, so I figured it would make a great dessert. You’ll need a can of OLIPOP Cherry Cola (or 2) and some sugar free cherry syrup or sugar free black cherry jello. I ran it on the Italian Ice setting and it came out delicious.

This definitely gave me summer vibes and made me think of sitting on a beach, drinking a cherry cola.

Ingredients:

1-2 cans of Cherry Cola (I used OLIPOP)
1/4 packet of Sugar free Black Cherry Jello

Instructions:

As always, you need to put it in the freezer 24 hours before. I took my CREAMi Deluxe Pint and added a can of OLIPOP Cherry Cola. I let it settle down for a few minutes and then put it in the freezer. If you can’t find the Cherry Cola (which I think is brand new), use the Vintage Cola and add some sugar free cherry flavoring.
Let it settle down for a few minutes (you want the bubbles to go away) and then put it in the freezer for 24 hours.. If you can’t find the Cherry Cola (which I think is brand new), use the Vintage Cola and add some sugar free cherry flavoring.
Run your Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker on the Italian Ice setting. Remix until smooth and there are no ice crystals on the side.
Serve and enjoy!

Scroll down for the recipe!

Why get the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe?

With the Ninja® CREAMi® Deluxe, you can turn almost anything into ice cream and so much more. Make classic CREAMi® treats like ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and mix-in masterpieces. And now, make new CREAMi® scoopable and drinkable treats like Italian ice, Slushi, Creamiccino, frozen yogurt, and frozen drinks right at home.

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker Features

• FUNCTIONALITY: Make CREAMi scoopable and drinkable treats with the addition of the Slushi, Italian Ice, Frozen Drink, Creamiccino, and Frozen Yogurt functions..Cord length (in.): 31.5..Voltage: ‎120
• CAPACITY: Make more treats for the whole family to enjoy. The larger CREAMi Deluxe Pints hold 50% more ice cream than the original Ninja CREAMi.
• FLEXIBILITY: Turn one frozen base into two finished flavors – one in the top half of the Deluxe Pint and the other on the bottom. You can even process the top half to enjoy now and save the rest for later.
• CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe, you can have total control of your ingredients for low sugar, keto, dairy-free, and vegan options. Create frozen treats as unique as you are!
• EASY TO USE, EASY TO CLEAN: Create a CREAMi treat in three simple steps. Simply prepare your base, freeze overnight, process, and enjoy! Containers, lids, and paddle are all top-rack dishwasher safe to make cleanup a breeze.
• ADVANCED CREAMIFY TECHNOLOGY: The Dual-Drive Motors apply downward pressure and spin the XL Professional Creamerizer Paddle that finely shaves and transforms ice particles into delicious treats and frozen drinks.
• MIX-INS: Customize your flavor and texture by mixing in your favorite chocolate, nuts, candy, fruit, and more to personalize any CREAMi treat.

• LOOKING FOR MORE PINTS?: This unit is only compatible with the Ninja CREAMi NC500 pint accessories. It will NOT fit the NC100, NC200, NC299, and NC300 Series pints. To check which unit you have, locate the sku number at the bottom of your unit.
• RE-SPIN: Choose your preferred texture with the Re-spin function which makes your frozen treat even softer and creamier after the first round of processing.
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Motor Base with Dual-Drive Motors, XL Professional Creamerizer Paddle, (2) 24 oz. CREAMi Deluxe Pints with Storage Lids, Outer Bowl and Lid to house pint while processing.

Print

Cherry Cola Italian Ice

Use a natural soda to make Cherry Cola Italian Ice

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Cherry Cola Italian Ice, homemade italian ice, Ninja CREAMi, Ninja Creami Italian Ice, ninja CREAMi recipe

Prep Time 1 day day

Author Nancy M Horn

Ingredients

• 1- 2 cans Cherry Cola (I used OLIPOP)
• 1/4 packet Sugar free Black Cherry Jello

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Mix together the can of OLIPOP Cherry Cola and the cherry mix.
• Let it settle down for a few minutes and then put it in the freezer for 24 hours.. If you can't find the Cherry Cola (which I think is brand new), use the Vintage Cola and add some sugar free cherry flavoring.
• Run your Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker on the Italian Ice setting. Remix until smooth and there are no ice crystals on the side.

  Serve!

Find Products:

Ninja Creami Deluxe 11 in 1 Ice Cream Maker

Check Price on Amazon

OLIPOP Vintage Cola Flavor

Sugar Free Cherry Syrup for Drinks

Sugar Free Black Cherry Jello

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The post Cherry Cola Italian Ice (Ninja CREAMi) appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

As I’ve mentioned before, my weight has been something I’ve struggled with for a long time. I tried my first diet when I was 18 years old to fit into my prom dress. I got to my goal weight and then went to college and gained it back plus more. But lately since I’m in Perimenopause, going into menopause, things have been harder than ever. A plan that I had success with stopped working for me and I am frustrated. 

Weight isn’t just weight anymore, as my health has been affected also. That’s why I am thinking about trying Calibrate to improve my metabolic health in 2022. Calibrate is a metabolic health company whose mission is to change the way the world treats weight. They pair doctor-prescribed GLP-1 medication with intensive lifestyle intervention (a comprehensive, fully integrated program combining curriculum and 1:1 accountability coaching, metabolic tracking and community, and telemedicine) straight to their members. Plus, it’s backed by science! 

I was impressed that over 20 years of research shows that this combination can improve health which leads to long term sustainable weight loss – which frankly is exactly what I want. I want to make healthy metabolic changes to my life. 

Here’s a scary stat: 74% of American adults live with overweight or obesity, up from 55% in 1990 and forecast to increase to 86% in 2030. And for me personally, after the last two years of serious health problems with my parents and health issues that I’ve personally had, I do not want to live with obesity any longer. Both of my parents have heart issues and my father has had type 2 diabetes for years, which means that I am at a greater risk for those issues. This past year I’ve been dealing with high blood pressure, and I’ve had pre-diabetes for years.

I’m scared that heart issues and type 2 diabetes are in my future and I will do my hardest to prevent that. I don’t like that my weight has limited me from taking part in things in my life (like vacations) and I want to be stronger and be able to keep up with my three very active children. I know that I need to be in better physical condition so I can be the best parent and person that I can be. I also want to have a better body image so my daughter doesn’t fall into the same cycles that I’ve fallen into. If I have good habits, that will give her a good reason to have them also. I have a big WHY, but what is next is the HOW.

Calibrate is the HOW, combining doctor-prescribed GLP-1 medication with curriculum,  1:1 coaching and community. Calibrate is entirely virtual and driven by technology, which after almost 2 years of Zooms and telehealth, this is something that is a plus, right? 

When you join Calibrate, you are committing for a year. While it seems like that is a lot, you are investing in your health and know that taking charge of your metabolic health isn’t a quick fix. Decades of clinical research show that diets don’t work – a recent CBNC story said that 95% of diets end up failing. Calibrate’s virtual One-Year Metabolic Reset pairs doctor-prescribed, medication (called GLP-1s) with 1:1 accountability coaching and tracking to drive sustainable weight loss and improve overall metabolic health. 

This is what Calibrate includes:

1. Doctors & Medication – With Calibrate, you get lab work done and a metabolic health assessment, a GLP-1 medication would be prescribed, and you have structured check ins to ensure you’re meeting metabolic marker improvements. This is all managed digitally by a remote medical team.
2. Curriculum & Coaching – You would be doing bi-weekly 1:1 video coaching sessions to set goals to help improve your metabolic health – which would include food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health (which really is something important to me considering I am struggling with depression). This isn’t a diet plan that simply focuses on food and exercise, but a holistic plan to support your metabolic health. 
3. Tracking & Community – a digital product for daily tracking of food, energy, and bi-weekly goals, alongside community events and groups for support.
   

Through Calibrate’s One-Year Metabolic reset, members are guaranteed that they will sustainably lose at least 10% of their body weight. This Results Guarantee was informed by Calibrate’s earliest members who saw an average weight loss of 15% and who honored the Calibrate Commitment that entails taking medication as directed, following through with medical team care and 1:1 accountability coaching, participating in tracking daily metrics and setting weekly goals, and reading all weekly content in preparation for coaching sessions. If you’re eligible and do not see at least 10% weight loss within one year, The Calibrate Results Guarantee promises a program refund (less the $249 Assessment cost). 

By making small, day-to-day tweaks, Calibrate members will alter their set point––the weight your body fights to maintain––to address their underlying biology, enabling long-term metabolic health and sustained weight loss. Calibrate is designed to drive weight loss of at least 10%, an amount that is clinically significant and sustainable for long-term health. Their members lose more than 10%––in fact, on average it’s 15%––but 10% remains the goal for each member because research shows that 10% leads to improvements across all metabolic and inflammatory markers. 

Does Calibrate take Health Insurance?

Calibrate does not yet take insurance for the membership cost, but members can use HSA and FSA funds to cover the cost of the program. Additionally, their team will work with you and your commercial/employer insurance to get medications and labs covered at $25/month or less.

Food Philosophy

Calibrate’s food philosophy is focused on helping you make healthier food choices––not counting calories or dieting. This includes minimizing fast-digesting carbs and preparing meals that provide enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats to give your body all of the nutrients it requires. And it works with nearly all dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and lactose-free. As someone with a dairy sensitivity and is eating primarily plant based right now, flexibility was important to me. 

Medications 

Calibrate doctors prescribe a variety of GLP-1s. They will prescribe one that is the best fit for your biology and that is also covered by your insurance. GLP-1s prescribed can include: semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®), liraglutide (Saxenda® and Victoza®), and dulaglutide (Trulicity®). GLP-1s work for people with broad health histories, and have no contraindications with other medications.

Coaching 

With Calibrate you have 1:1 video coaching with accountability coaches that help you set goals and make tweaks to your lifestyle using the Four Pillars of Metabolic Health: food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health. 

Cost 

Calibrate’s One-Year Metabolic Reset is $135 a month billed through Affirm or $1,620 billed once. While Calibrate does not yet take insurance for its membership cost, you can use your FSA or HSA funds to cover the cost of the program. The one-time Metabolic Health Assessment with a Calibrate doctor costs $249. Learn more here: joincalibrate.com/pricing. 

What I’m especially jazzed about is that Calibrate is designed for my biology, not my willpower and that this doctor-guided program focuses on science and making changes to my metabolic health.

Head over to https://www.joincalibrate.com/ and see if you’re eligible. 

Exclusive Discount: Use code Nancy100 for $100 off!

The post Making Healthy Metabolic Changes with Calibrate appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

As it gets colder, I’m reminded how much I love living in New York City. The city, even in these times, is still enjoyable in the cold weather. In fact, this is what NYC is built for and I’m glad I live here. But even in the cold weather, my incontinence is still a big issue in my life and I have to make sure I’m staying protected and prepared for enjoying this cold weather season. Read on for tips on how I keep my confidence up to ensure that I’m ready for spending time outside in the colder months in New York City as I live with incontinence. Enjoying the Colder Months in NYC Living with Incontinence

For those of you not in NYC, I recommend searching your local city events calendar for similar attractions in your area. Hopefully, these will give you some inspiration for an activity in your area. 

Dining Outside:

Even in cold weather, here in New York City, outdoor dining and less capacity dining is still a thing. There are plenty of places that will be open (hopefully with heaters or good insulation). You can enjoy a meal outside, but if you want to make sure you can use a bathroom, you’ll still need to go inside. With my incontinence, I need to make sure I can get to a bathroom quickly, but the fact is, sometimes I can’t. With Depend, I know I am protected against leaks and it lessens my anxiety about that. I always carry a small tote bag or fit an extra Depend in my purse along with wipes. We can still enjoy a meal outside (just wear extra layers!). This applies to dining anywhere too, not just New York! It’s always a great feeling knowing you’re prepared.

Outdoor Events and Festivals:

New York offers so many great outdoor activities. One of them is the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights. Everyone bundles up and sees all the wonderful outdoor displays – it really is amazing. There are many kiosks for snacks and the restrooms are clearly marked. The Bronx Zoo is large and there are plenty of places to stroll and still keep your social distance. Make sure to consult the Bronx Zoo map or signs, there can be some distance between restrooms. Most cities have holiday light festivals and/or other outdoor events, so be sure to check your local news for holiday happenings in your area.

Get tickets here: https://fxo.co/DCCA

Read my full review of Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights. 

Strolling in a City Park:

New York City has so many great public parks. Grab some hot cocoa and take a stroll through one of the parks. Central Park and Prospect Park are terrific to spend some time in. The air is crisp and clear and make sure to get a hot pretzel or some roasted chestnuts from one of the many vendors. However, there are 19 bathrooms and you can use this link to search for one near your location in Central Park. Prospect Park has 5 bathrooms. Keep in mind that some of the bathrooms may be closed. Wearing Depend takes away some of that stress that I always have when I’m out and about. 

Ice Skating: 

There are a bunch of terrific rinks in NYC – Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink in Central Park, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. Ice Skating is a wonderful way to get some exercise and have fun at the same time. I usually make sure I hit the restroom before I get on the ice. If you’re not able to enjoy the NYC rinks specifically, most major cities should have an ice rink of their own to take advantage of. Regardless, my biggest tip is to ensure you’re prepared before hitting the ice or any other outdoor activity for that matter.

Wollman Rink in Central Park (outdoors)

830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065 

https://fxo.co/DCFD

The Rink At Rockefeller Center (outdoors)

600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020

https://fxo.co/1168465/RockefellerCenter

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers (this one is indoors)

61 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011

https://www.chelseapiers.com/sr/

Also, a trip to Top of the Rock is a great thing to do whether you’re a local or a tourist. Checking out the holiday windows on 5th Avenue is also another great outdoor activity. I always make sure I look to see where a Starbucks is to make sure I have a nearby bathroom to go to.

If you are planning to spend time outside this winter with your family, we have a list of great outdoor activities here: https://www.themamamaven.com/ten-fun-family-activities-to-do-in-nyc-during-cold-weather/. 

I, along with nearly 65 million Americans, experience bladder leakage. But I don’t let it get in the way of how I want to live my life or keep me from adventures. If you or someone you know is looking for advice and resource on bladder leaks, join The Incontinence Community, a private Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/InconCommunity. Enjoying the Colder Months in NYC Living with Incontinence

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The post Enjoying the Colder Months in NYC Living with Incontinence appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Are you speaking up for your own health? While I’ve discussed this before, this year it seems like things are so different in this time we’re living through right now. We know that things are not going to be “normal” for quite some time and we can’t put off things like health issues until things calm down — because we don’t know when that will be. Plus waiting on health issues to correct themselves may not happen. I have family members that have faced huge challenges and I’m facing a couple of health challenges myself. But one thing that hasn’t changed, I know that I need to speak up for myself, health-wise. This is why taking charge of our health is more important than ever.

For me, I turned 50 last winter and I’ve had two big health issues. One was this summer when I started having very abnormal menstrual cycles. So much so that I had to see my doctor because I knew something wasn’t right. Sure enough they found an ovarian cyst that I needed to get biopsied. While it turned out to be benign, we found that there was a reason for my abnormal menstrual cycles and I will be taking care of that this month. It was scary, but I couldn’t just ignore it. Okay, I actually didn’t want to deal with it, but it just became too much. A relative is going through something similar now and I’m glad that they did not ignore their symptoms. I will be okay, I hope my relative will be okay too. Another issue I’m going through is with one of my eyes, which we are monitoring. But it also wasn’t something I could ignore. What are you doing to stay on top of your health?

Here are Some Tips to Keep on Top of Your Health

1. Schedule all your checkups at least once a year. You can spread them out or schedule around the fall so you can take advantage of your deductible/use your HSA account to pay for your visits, treatments and medications. Make sure to make a checklist to make sure you are seeing all your relevant doctors. You should be seeing your general practitioner, gynecologist, ophthalmologist, dermatologist, etc. and any other major doctors that you see yearly.
2. Take good notes to make sure you write down what your doctors say. If you need to do an audio recording to help you remember, just ask your doctor’s permission. If you are doing a telehealth, ask if you can record your video.
3. Make sure your family members are making their annual checkups also. That includes your parents and your children.
4. For any diagnoses, make sure you get a second opinion. Sometimes things can be misdiagnosed.
5. Telehealth appointments can be a great way to connect with a doctor easier these days if you have a condition that you can check in video-wise about (i.e. if you just need medication refills).

For men specifically, I want to express the importance  of paying attention to their health, especially prostate health. Did you know that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and that incontinence is one of the leading side effects for prostate cancer survivors?

I’m proud that Depend®, who has been so supportive of me and my incontinence journey, has teamed up with actor and health advocate Boris Kodjoe for the launch of the Stand Strong for Men’s Health initiative to celebrate men taking charge of their health and destigmatize incontinence.

Boris Kodjoe states that watching a close friend and mentor battle prostate cancer inspired him to start honest conversations around issues like incontinence, a leading side effect of the disease. Kodjoe also says, “As men, many of us don’t like to talk about personal issues like our health because we don’t want to be seen as weak or vulnerable, but the statistics show why we need these conversations. Data from PCF (Prostate Cancer Foundation) suggests that Black men are 75 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die of the disease. I’m excited to stand up with Depend to fight the stigma.”

LEGAL: ^†Depend shall donate to Prostate Cancer Foundation $0.50 for each Depend Shields, Guards or Depend Real Fit product purchased between 9/1/21-9/30/21 and 11/1/21-11/30/21. Min. Donation $150,000/Max. Donation $350,000. Void in MS. For more information , go to PCF.org

So, let’s be our own advocates for our health!

The post Taking Charge of Our Health is More Important Than Ever appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

I’m crazy about cooking (and snacking), but one thing I like to do is make sure that the recipes I make don’t irritate my bladder. It’s the reason why I limit myself to one cup of coffee a day (even though I’d like several). I try to really make snacks and meals that won’t bother my bladder and I suspect that some of you may do the same. According to The National Association for Continence, “One in five adults over 40 are affected by OAB (Overactive Bladder) or recurring symptoms of urgency and frequency.” While I do things like exercising, kegels, drinking more water, it’s a total no brainer to make sure I limit foods that are going to irritate my bladder and include foods that won’t bother it. I found some terrific recipes to share with you to possibly give you some relief. It’s been proven that foods like blueberries, pears, garlic, potatoes, whole grains, lean proteins, and bananas can help your bladder feel better, according to Healthline. Enjoy my Healthy Recipes That Won’t Irritate Your Bladder post!

Read on and start your grocery list!

Blueberries

Blueberries are a great source of anti-oxidants and they’ve also been linked to supporting urinary tract health. I buy big containers and just use them in everything, from salads to muffins to oatmeal, and even entrees.

Honey blueberry toast is a favorite in our house. It’s a quick and easy breakfast.

https://www.themamamaven.com/3-delicious-and-easy-breakfast-toast-recipes/

Oven dried blueberries are easy to make, and an excellent healthy snack that stores well. (KETO)

https://www.hintofhealthy.com/oven-dried-blueberries/

This healthy blueberry smoothie recipe is made in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients. It’s light & refreshing and makes a great breakfast or snack. (VEGAN)

https://joyfoodsunshine.com/blueberry-smoothie/

These delicious Banana Blueberry Muffins come together in no time and are perfect for breakfast or snacks! Blueberries and bananas are both good for your bladder.

https://www.goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au/blueberry-banana-muffins/

Wholesome, healthy, and delicious – these Blueberry Overnight Oats using oats, milk, and juicy ripe blueberries will be a new favorite breakfast option in your house. (GLUTEN-FREE) 

https://www.glutenfreepalate.com/blueberry-overnight-oats/

Fruit is so tasty on roast pork loin! Make the most deliciously moist pork tenderloin with a unique spicy blueberry glaze. This roast pork recipe is so unique – it’s going to be one of the best you’ve ever had.

https://diycandy.com/roast-pork-loin-spicy-blueberry-glaze/

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups is a healthy one bowl breakfast idea that you can meal prep for the whole week! It’s gluten-free, plus you have a vegan option! (VEGAN)

https://veronikaskitchen.com/blueberry-baked-oatmeal-cups/

Pears

Pears are also another great fruit to soothe your bladder. Like blueberries, they are also an alkaline food.

This creamy Pear Smoothie Bowl is full of juicy pear flavors. It is quick and easy to make. (VEGAN)

https://www.fearlessdining.com/quick-easy-pear-smoothie-bowl/

This gluten-free pear crisp features oats, almond flour and pecans! It’s so delicious and is sweetened with pure maple syrup. (GLUTEN-FREE)

https://cookingwithmammac.com/awesome-gluten-free-pear-crisp/

Pear and gorgonzola salad with candied pecans is a light and healthy lunch or side salad.

https://whatagirleats.com/pear-and-gorgonzola-salad-with-candied-pecans/

Whole Grains

These Oatmeal Banana Muffins are a delicious start to the day! Eat for breakfast or as a midday snack.

https://www.beyondthechickencoop.com/oatmeal-banana-muffins/

Tabbouleh with pearl barley – chewy, herby and filling salad with the goodness of nuts and fresh crisp veggies.

https://www.tomatoblues.com/barley-salad-middle-eastern…/

Lean Proteins

This healthy marinated chicken features Greek seasonings for authentic flavor and cooks up in about 10 minutes. Use all week in your wraps and salads!

https://easyhealthllc.com/main-dish/easy-greek-chicken/

A super simple, yet flavorful recipe for Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken that’s stuffed with fresh mozzarella, basil, and sundried tomatoes and baked with a sweet balsamic glaze. (GLUTEN-FREE)

https://www.glutenfreepalate.com/caprese-stuffed-balsamic-chicken/

This salmon kale salad is made with fresh kale, apples, Parmesan salmon, roasted potatoes and green beans, and an easy tahini dressing.

(GLUTEN-FREE)

https://champagne-tastes.com/salmon-kale-salad/

This sheet pan chicken and veggies is an easy and healthy meal! The lean meat, potatoes and garlic are bladder friendly ingredients. (WHOLE30)

https://organicallyaddison.com/sheet-pan-chicken-thighs_with_veggies_whole30_paleo/

Full of lean protein, this dairy-free, gluten-free, healthy Green Goddess Cobb Salad is amazing. (GLUTEN-FREE)

https://thefeatherednester.com/chicken-cobb-salad-dairy-free/

This easy air fryer grilled chicken breast is a great healthy dinner entrée option. (GLUTEN-FREE)

https://www.themamamaven.com/easy-air-fryer-grilled-chicken-breast/

Potatoes

These easy slice and bake potatoes are not only a delicious and comforting side dish, they’re naturally easy on the bladder.

https://mykitchenserenity.com/easy-parmesan-herb-potatoes-recipe/

Use russet potatoes to quickly make these delicious air fryer steak fries. (GLUTEN-FREE)

https://www.themamamaven.com/easy-air-fryer-steak-fries-steak-frites/

So, which recipes do you want to make? What tips would you give on foods and recipes to help bladder issues?

Read my previous posts for Depend:

https://www.themamamaven.com/traveling-confidently-with-incontinence/

https://www.themamamaven.com/how-to-use-your-fsa-medicare-benefits-for-incontinence-product-expenses/

The post Healthy Recipes That Won’t Irritate Your Bladder appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Who misses travel? I know I do. I miss seeing new places and experiencing new adventures. But I’ve also had a break from experiencing incontinence while being so on the go during this recent stressful last year. I know my incontinence may differ from yours. I usually have a strong urge to go most of the time, as well as light bladder leakage, so I have to be mindful of this while I travel. Believe it or not, it’s not that hard to plan travel adventures with this, I just have to be a planner. You can be sure you can keep traveling confidently with incontinence. Here’s how I handle things.

Things I do to Travel Confidently With Incontinence

Scouting Out the Restrooms:

When I go into a museum or an unfamiliar building, I always scout out where the restrooms are and make a trip first. There are maps of places that you can consult before you even leave your home, but I usually don’t plan that far ahead. Keep in mind, because of recent events, a lot of restrooms in buildings may be closed, leaving only 1-2 restrooms that may be open.

On my recent trip to Philadelphia, we were in a science museum and we encountered closed restrooms. I had to go back to the restroom I had passed earlier and was able to use that. This is also the case at public attractions like zoos, so many things have changed now.

Most people will understand that knowing where a restroom is important and will direct you if you have trouble locating one. I used to be one of those people who would just hope that I could find a restroom on my own, but now I know that I have to be bolder and make sure I can find an open one I recommend downloading a bathroom locator app before you go. Some popular options include Where to Wee, Flush, Bathroom Scout and Fake Shower.

Most restaurants that you stop at will offer a restroom and I’ve used restrooms that we have no intention of eating at. Just go in confidently and most of the time, they will not stop you.

On the Open Road:

Going on road trips makes it pretty easy to find restrooms. If you are taking a road trip, you may also need to stop the second you see a rest stop. We recently traveled down to Philly and there were so many rest stops, which definitely made me relax. However, that isn’t always the case. When we travel to see my in-laws, there aren’t many rest stops, but I’ve traveled that route often enough that I know where to stop. I also try not to drink in the car, but once we get to our destination and I know there are restrooms, I will drink more.

In the Air:

While I haven’t flown since 2019, I usually make a point to scout out restrooms in the airport and on the plane as the first thing I do. When we resume flying, I will make sure to do the same.

Packing for Incontinence During Travel:

I usually pack an extra Depend or two per day (my preference is Depend Silhouette Underwear), plus wipes, a Ziploc bag (in case I have to hold any refuse), tissues, and hand sanitizer. I do feel more secure knowing I can wear Depend and not worry about my light bladder leakage. The soft, smooth underwear allows me to be comfortable for all-day confidence and trusted protection

Kegels:

Don’t forget to do your Kegel exercises! According to WebMD, this can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which will help with leakage for women and men during travel. WebMD recommends “Tightly squeeze the muscles you use to start and stop urine flow for about 3 seconds, then relax them for 3 seconds. Try to do three sets of 10 Kegels per day.”

Freeze and Squeeze:

WebMD also recommends trying the Freeze and Squeeze exercise for those with overactive bladders. “Stop and focus on what you’re feeling in your bladder, and do two or three pelvic floor contractions. This should help lessen the urgency and give you more time to get to the toilet.”

Also, avoid foods that you know are going to irritate your bladder when you’re traveling. As much as I love my coffee and ice teas, I tend to go lighter with it when I travel as it’s going to dry me out and I’m going to need more water to drink and then I will need to use the restroom more. WebMD says, “Coffee and other caffeinated drinks, alcohol, carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners, and spicy or acidic foods are often bladder triggers.”

What tips would you give for traveling with incontinence?

Source:

https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/features/traveling-with-oab

The post Traveling Confidently With Incontinence appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

I’m pretty open with the fact that I have incontinence issues. One of the biggest reasons why I am open about it is so that I can help other people who may be experiencing incontinence and may not be as open about it. While it may be a hard thing to talk about, 65 million people in the US have experienced bladder leakage, according to Kimberly-Clark data. Some people may be looking for help and guidance from someone and hopefully I can be that voice. But one thing I haven’t talked about in my posts, is the cost. It can add up. But what can you do? Can you use your FSA or Medicare benefits for incontinence product expenses? Do you do that? I do!

FSA Card VS HSA Card?

If you’re not sure what an FSA is, it’s a flexible spending account. “An FSA is an employer offered benefit, which lets you set aside tax-free money so you can save on qualified health purchases including OTC products, prescriptions, vision health essentials and much more. FSAs are employer-sponsored and are owned by your employer, so you’re only eligible to participate if your employer offers the option… The IRS decides which items are eligible under FSA plans in general, but your employer may choose to limit exactly what your FSA may be used on. Account holders can either use an FSA card for their purchase or use their own debit card and submit receipts with a claim to their administrator for reimbursement.” The good thing is if you shop at a big box store, the register automatically knows what qualifies for an FSA expense and you can use your FSA card to pay for that portion of your bill with it (and then pay for the rest with your regular credit card/cash).

An HSA card is similar. “Health savings accounts (HSAs) are like personal savings accounts, but the money in them is used to pay for health care expenses. You — not your employer or insurance company — own and control the money in your HSA. One benefit of an HSA is that the money you deposit into the account is not taxed. To be eligible to open an HSA, you must have a special type of health insurance called a high-deductible plan.” 2

Besides buying in bulk or looking for sales, I recently started using my FSA card for purchasing Depend. Since it is a medical supply expense, it’s allowed. And did you know you can see your balance for your FSA card online? Your card should be linked to a website that will show you your balance, plus exactly what you can use your FSA card for. Using that website helps me with budgeting for knowing exactly where my FSA dollars are going.

Can you use Medicare Benefits?

If you have Medicare, you need to check your benefits, some plans allow you to be reimbursed. “Traditional Medicare does not cover any incontinence supplies like diapers and pads. However, depending on your financial circumstances and the type of medical insurance you choose, the cost of incontinence essentials may be reimbursed or at least be a tax-deductible expense.” 3

Make sure you check with your plan, because Medicare Advantage plans may cover supplies. “In many states some of the Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies, like Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare, do. Usually, you’ll need to purchase qualified items through an eligible provider, a company that has been approved to handle claims and will often process them for you. There are limits to how much product is covered on a monthly basis.” 4 
Your plan should be able to walk you through what’s covered and what to do.

Help Others In Need

If you happen to have leftover, unopened incontinence supplies, whether its from you or due to caregiving (I remember we had a lot left over after my husband’s grandmother passed away in 2016), consider donating them to a diaper bank or an organization that can take and distribute them. Due to the pandemic, there are a lot of people that are in need of incontinence supplies and diaper banks and other organizations will help get them to those populations. 5  

I found a list of places you can donate incontinence supplies here: https://simonfoundation.org/resources/directory-us-diaper-banks/ 

If there is nothing local to you, you can give supplies to

Local food banks
Homeless shelters
Senior citizen centers
Women’s shelters
Salvation Army
Goodwill
Assisted living centers/Nursing homes
VFW/American Legion centers
Local town offices
Houses of worship that has a health ministry

(Source: Simon Foundation’s website)

Sources

1
https://fsastore.com

2
https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/incontinence-supplies-covered-by-medicare/

4
https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/incontinence-supplies-covered-by-medicare/

5
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/isolated-alone-nonprofits-see-explosion-need-adult-incontinence-produc-rcna367

Photo credit:
HSA Card Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay 

The post How to Use Your FSA/Medicare Benefits for Incontinence Product Expenses appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Every year, Americans catch millions of colds, and 7 in 10 people will use over-the-counter medicines to treat their cold and flu symptoms. However, many of the multi-symptom cold and flu medicines contain acetaminophen. .

It’s one of the most common drug ingredients in the U.S., found in more than 600 different over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines, including many cold and flu medicines. It’s safe and effective when used as directed, but there’s a limit to how much you can take in one day.

The FDA has set a maximum daily dose of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period for adults. And if you look at the directions, it will tell you how many tablets/capsules/gelcaps to take per day. Don’t exceed the dosage.

Here’s a list of all the cold and flu medicines that contain acetaminophen.

Over-the-Counter

Actifed®
Alka-Seltzer Plus®
Cepacol®
Contac®
Coricidin®
DayQuil®
Dimetapp®
Dristan®
Excedrin®
Feverall®
Formula 44®
Goody’s® Powders
Liquiprin®
Midol®
Mucinex®
NyQuil®
Panadol®
Robitussin®
Saint Joseph® Aspirin-Free
Singlet®
Sinutab®
Sudafed®
Theraflu®
Triaminic®
TYLENOL® Brand Products
Vanquish®
Vicks®
*And store brands

*Many OTC and Rx medicines have store-brand or generic versions. For example, there are many store-brand products that are similar to brands like TYLENOL®, NyQuil®, and Robitussin®. Prescription medicines that come in generic form may list the ingredients in place of a drug name. For example, the generic version of “Vicodin” has “hydrocodone and acetaminophen” written on its label. Your prescription label may list the ingredients, the brand name, or both. Always read and follow the label and ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about the ingredients in your medicine.

Keep Track of Acetaminophen Dosing

When you aren’t feeling well, its easy to not remember what dose of acetaminophen you’ve taken, so what I do is make a note in my iPhone Notes App. I mark the time and how much I took (usually 2 capsules).
You can also mark it on an index card or post-it note, which is what I used to do when my kids were small. I was afraid that I would give them too much, so this way my husband and I knew what time and dose we gave to our children.

Steps to use Acetaminophen Safely
– Always read and follow the medicine label
– Know if your medicines contain acetaminophen
– Take only one medicine at a time that contains acetaminophen
– Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions. Most health insurance companies will have a telehealth or nurse on demand that you can call.

Of those who exceed the maximum daily dose, most do so by taking the next dose too soon, using multiple products containing acetaminophen, or taking too much at one time. Recent data shows that older adults (ages 60+) are at risk of taking too much acetaminophen. Teens and young adults ages 12-29 are also at the greatest risk of taking too much acetaminophen. It’s important to teach your teens to check their medicine labels before taking cold or pain medicines, since accidentally taking too much acetaminophen could damage their liver. This would include kids going off to college where they won’t have your watchful eye.

By knowing how much you’re dosing, you can stop that.

How to Dose Your Children Safely with Acetaminophen

Most of us are so careful when it comes to our children and dosing acetaminophen is included with that. However, when you’re giving a dose in the middle of the night or the wee hours in the morning, it’s hard to keep track of what you’ve already given them. Here’s as handy graphic (and a printable copy) so you can make sure you’re dosing your children properly with acetaminophen   Go here for infant and child dosing (or to print this chart out in Spanish).

Get a downloadable version of this chart here: http://bit.ly/KYDcoldflu (look for downloadable materials)

Make sure to double check your medicine labels so you don’t accidentally double up on acetaminophen. Check out http://bit.ly/KYDcoldflu​ for more information.

Photo credits:

Pin 1 Image: by Mojpe from Pixabay
Pin 2 Image by press and  from Pixabay

The post How Much Acetaminophen Should You Be Taking? + Printable Dosing Chart for Kids appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

It’s almost the end of the year and while 2020 has been tough, there’s something I bet you’re not doing. Besides taking care of others, are you taking charge of your own health? Have you had routine doctor checkups in the last 6 months? Have you been putting off appointments because of Covid? Please, make sure you do, because issues may come up and you may not catch things in time. My own mother had a serious medical issue in June and another close relative is going through something big right now. Last month, I shared about how to help someone that is struggling right now and this is why I wrote this – someone in my life is struggling. If that beloved relative had not gone for their checkup, they would be even worse off now (it was that serious). I am proud to team up with Depend to work with them on their Stand Strong for Men’s Health program. Did you know that there is a link between incontinence and prostate cancer? Incontinence is actually one of the leading side effects for prostate cancer survivors.

We spoke to Dr. Jennifer Caudle, Depend partner and board-certified family physician about prostate cancer.

What are the signs of Prostate Cancer?

“According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer; as a result, many of these men may develop incontinence. This is why Depend is committed to improving men’s health and conquering one of the most common cancers through the Stand Strong for Men’s Health program in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. It is very important to recognize the signs of prostate cancer and talk to your doctor if you are having any of the symptoms such as a weak flow of urine or frequent urination. Some will have the sudden urge to urinate or trouble starting to urinate. Others are unable to completely empty their bladder or have pain with urination. It’s important to remember, however, that some of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions and some men may have no symptoms at all.”

When should someone call their doctor?

“According to a recent study by Cleveland Clinic, 72 percent of men would rather do household chores than go to the doctor! But It’s important to have those honest conversations and call your doctor whenever you have symptoms that are unusual, troubling or unexplained. It’s also important to make sure to get regular check-ups to support early detection and learn what your normal is. Together, we can help create awareness about prostate cancer, destigmatize male incontinence and culturally change the way men approach their health.” 

What is the typical age men should be concerned about Prostate Cancer?

“When a man should be screened for prostate cancer depends on a number of factors such as his age, family and personal history, his underlying conditions, race and other factors etc. The decision to undergo screening for prostate cancer should be a decision the patient and his doctor make together based on the current guidelines, available data and his risk factors.”