Tuesday Tips!

Here are this Tuesday's tips, if there is a topic that you would like to hear about specifically just leave me a comment!

If you do not have insurance (or are not using it), called "self-pay patient", then you can usually negotiate a cheaper rate for services. This is because health care providers, especially hospitals, inflate their fees. They do this because they have a "deal" worked out with insurance providers to give them a "discount". Just tell them you are paying for the service yourself and ask for a discount. I recently got $30 knocked off of an $100 office visit for my son because our insurance hadn't kicked in yet.


Get your flu shot! Yes, it's already that time. You want to get it early because it takes two weeks to fully protect you. You cannot get the flu from the shot, the virus is already dead and cannot infect you. However, your body will be working hard to make extra antibodies to protect you and you may need more rest and protein to help it along.


Since we've all started once again venturing outside, be sure to stay hydrated. It's tempting in the "cooler" weather to not drink so much. The thirst sensation often feels like hunger, so many of us eat when we are really thirsty. Be sure to drink before, during, and after all activity. You probably don't need to drink a sports drink, unless you are at a 3 hour football practice or other very long, strenuous activity. Your body stores plenty of electrolytes and those drinks have lots of calories. If your urine is pale yellow to clear then you are drinking enough; the darker it gets the more you need to drink. You can also weigh yourself before and after your workout and drink 20-24 fl. oz. for every pound of weight that you have lost during your workout.

Eat a breakfast high in protein and low in carbs and sugars. It will jump start your metabolism while giving you enough real fuel to get to lunch without becoming tired and hungry. Breakfast burritos or quiches are good options. Eggs are a wonder food- great for you and quick to prepare!