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​Uncontrolled levels of stress may be affecting your health in ways you are unaware of. Stress can have physical effects on the body, cause changes in your thoughts and feelings, and affect your behavior. Uncontrolled stress can contribute to health problems including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and more.

​We don't often think of baked goods as fitting into a healthy lifestyle. They can contain high amounts of calories from added sugar and saturated fats. However, there are some simple ways to make your favorite recipes healthier and more nutritious. Use the following ideas and examples to bake better baked goods. Handout

​Over the years, dairy alternatives have become incredibly popular. In fact, non-dairy sales are surging when compared to traditional dairy products, showing that many people are making the switch. Some reasons people may choose to remove dairy from their diets include lactose intolerance, allergies, veganism, and health concerns. Full-fat dairy contains high amounts of saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease.

​Do you ever find yourself craving sweets mid-day, late at night, or after a long, busy day? You're not alone! Many people experience intense cravings, especially for sweets. There is a clear explanation for why these sweet cravings occur.

​Iron is a mineral that plays an important role in the creation of healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are necessary for transporting oxygen throughout your body. There are two types of iron: heme and non-heme. Animal sources contain both heme and non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is also found in some plant foods and enriched grains, such as rice.

In This Issue: NEW! Go for the Gold with Health Plus Care Gap Alerts: Sickle Cell Disease with Emmanuel Volanakis, MD Suicide Prevention: A Time to ACT with Janet McCutchen, LPC, CEAP Occupational Safety: How to Have a Lock on Food Safety with Shaina Farfel, MSN, APRN, FNP-C Ask a Lifestyle Coach with Rachel Bowman, CHES Issue 414, 2021 August/September Medical Center Edition

The foods you eat greatly affect your health, from weight and blood pressure to risk of disease. Research has shown that eating a plant-based diet can have significant positive impacts on these health metrics over time. Plant-based foods are naturally lower in fat when compared to animal-sourced foods. They are also usually less processed and less expensive than animal-based foods.