Written by Emily Stefforia, October 2022 Dietetic Intern, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center It seems like every month there is a new dietary supplement that social media promises to be a “quick fix”. Ads for pills, powders, juices, and shakes seem to flood the internet. One supplement that has increased in popularity is “greens powder.” Ranging from $20 to $100 per package, their presence on social media is undeniable. So, should you make the investment? Lets dive deeper! What is a “greens powder”? It is a dietary supplement usually in powder form, made by dehydrating and blending t ..read more

Written by Taylor Ducke, June 2022 Dietetic Intern, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center Wellness shots. They come in small bottles, but do they provide big health benefits? There are claims that wellness shots, also known as immunity shots, can boost your immune system, reduce signs of aging, protect against cancer, and more. These drinks can be found at most grocery stores in HealthMarkets or the specialty drink section. But what are wellness shots and do they actually provide these benefits? What is a wellness shot? Wellness shots are usually 1-2 ounce bottles of orange, pineapple, o ..read more

Photo by John Carroll HAITI He’s 9 months old and a U.S. citizen. Why does Florida DCF want to send him to Haiti? BY JACQUELINE CHARLES AND JAY WEAVER UPDATED NOVEMBER 03, 2022 He was born in Broward County to a troubled mother who lost permanent custody due to mental health struggles. His mother’s parental rights to three of her older children had already been terminated. His father, back in Haiti, was not in the picture. Urged on by the Florida Department of Children & Families, a circuit court judge has ruled that 9-month-old Ector — by birthright an American citizen — should be sent ..read more

Did you know that 62% of Americans drink coffee every single day? The strong, fragrant brew is a favorite among young and old, and is enjoyed for both its flavor and the accompanying caffeine boost. However, in addition to the caffeine buzz, did you know that coffee also contains good nutrition and may provide other health benefits? What Does the Nutrition Look Like? Coffee contains several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, including: Riboflavin and Niacin, B-vitamins that are important for energy and other functions in the body Magnesium, a mineral with many roles, such as helping the ..read more

Written by Holly Walter, Dietetic Intern, OSF HealthCare, Saint Francis Medical Center As you might have noticed at the grocery store or with ads on TV, sparkling water is a popular drink! New products and flavors are being released all the time. The global market size for sparkling waters in 2020 was $30 billion, and that’s expected to grow to $77 billion by 2028. Since it looks like these waters won’t be going away anytime soon, now is a great time to look at their health benefits. What is Sparkling Water? First, it’s helpful to know exactly what we’re talking about. Sparkling water is water ..read more

By Emma Eggen, Dietetic Intern, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center A rumbling tummy and an unpleasant trip to the bathroom may be the norm for some folks after a big meal. Many people are seeking answers to ease their troubles without the hassle of the doctor’s office. At-home food sensitivity test kits claim to have the answer by sending you a test kit right to your door. After you mail it back to them, they’ll send your results directly to your email, but are they results you can trust? What is a food sensitivity? A food sensitivity, otherwise known as a food intolerance, is when th ..read more

Thunderstorms are often accompanied by high voltage lightning. They bring fast-moving wind, hail, and floods. Tornadoes often cause rivers to flood and leave devastating effects on many homes. After every thunderstorm or hurricane, many homeowners are left counting heavy losses.  They cause damage to the foundation, roof, floor, and panes. Homeowners in areas prone to tornadoes, hail, and flooding should seek expert help on how to protect and repair their homes after damage.  Roof damage Some tornadoes can move at a speed of more than 70 miles per hour. This is fast enough to rip off ..read more

Truck drivers are taught not to speed, but they often break this rule. Truck accidents due to speeding are often fatal, considering the huge size of trucks and the heavy loads they carry. Trucking companies do everything possible to ensure drivers do not speed.  They install speed limiters or AI technology to monitor speed. However, it is not every truck that has these technologies. The challenges of speeding are prevalent across all states. Here are reasons why most truck drivers speed.  Rush for delivery Speeding increases the chances of being involved in an accident. Since trucks ..read more

Most employees are interested in the convenience and flexibility of working remotely. Working remotely can save you a lot of time and money. It eliminates the costs of commuting and reduces other costs associated with the traditional workplace. There are numerous jobs that you can consider if you want to work remotely. First, you have to gauge your skills and your expertise level. Internet connectivity is still important for research. Here are five jobs to consider if you want to work remotely. Freelance writing If you are craving more freedom, freelance writing might be the best job to work r ..read more

For the last few decades, governments and many stakeholders have been seriously discussing the issues of environmental pollution and climate change. One of the long-term solutions agreed upon is to adopt the use of green energy.  Specifically, motor vehicles have been blamed for air pollution due to the burning of fossil energy. Hope re-emerged after the manufacture of electric vehicles began. Regardless of the achievement, there have been debates about whether the vehicles are really green or not.  Understanding the difference between fossil fuel and electric-powered cars A report b ..read more