Author: Dr. Barbara Edwards | Princeton, NJ

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Places to Travel to Volunteer

Volunteer work can become a lifelong commitment for those who have discovered a passion for giving back. It is an opportunity to meet new people, have a new perspective on different places, and to help those who are less fortunate. There are hundreds if not thousands of organizations to volunteer with in locations worldwide, but where should one go? Keep in mind that some places may have different kinds of services and organizations available. Here are a few places to travel for volunteer work:

India

Despite a continued increase in economic growth and being a beautiful country, communities in India are still struggling with certain aspects of daily life. Some of these include proper housing, medical care, and access to clean water. Many hospitals and clinics need volunteers pertaining to dental and medical assistance as well as basic health, disease, and, of course, the pandemic.

South Africa

South Africa is not only known for its tourism, history and wildlife. It’s also known for its volunteer work concerning education, development, and conservation. This country is wonderful to both explore and work in to help the less fortunate. Volunteers can help with things like building construction and educational projects and activities for the youth.

Peru

Peru is very notable for its tourism spots like Machu Picchu and other ancient areas with gorgeous landmarks such as its mountains, beaches, and valleys. The country hosts an assortment of charity work and associations that help with water sanitation, farming, and healthcare.

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

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Things to do With Holiday Leftovers

Following a major holiday, there are usually plenty of leftovers to enjoy for days. Though eating the same thing for a couple meals straight can become stale fast. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy your leftovers!

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Mashed potatoes are a holiday favorite for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so try taking them in a new direction with these mashed potato pancakes. For these you need an egg, flour and mashed potatoes. You can add whatever you’d like into the mix to make them your own. After mixing, just form a pancake and fry them in the pan for about five minutes and enjoy!

Ham and Cheese Bake

After a long and tiring holiday, cooking may be one of the last things you want to do. Making something easy is always appreciated during this time of year. That’s why the Ham and Cheese Bake is an easy way to get rid of the leftovers that are taking up space in your fridge, and you can get rid of more than one leftover item by putting it in the bake.

Veggie Fried Rice

Spice up your veggies with this fried rice recipe. The recipe itself is Spicy Vegetable Egg Fried Rice, so if you are not one who likes spicy avoid adding the heat. Fried rice is a simple and effective way to use up those veggies. Just chop them up and add them to the rice and top it all with seasonings and sauces you like.

Don’t just keep eating the same meal after the holidays, try and change it up. Trying some new recipes can help clear out space in the fridge and give you more dinner ideas for the future!

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

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Getting a Workout in With Cold Weather

Working out when it is cold outside can seem nearly impossible with snow obstructing your running path, ice patches that can cause you to slip and even a chilly weather forecast can be enough to keep you inside. Though there are some benefits to working outside during the cooler months, read on for tips on getting in a workout.

YouTube Videos

If you are someone that does not want to risk going for a run during the winter, try watching some YouTube videos to learn how to do standing cardio. You can do this outside or inside. Exercising in colder temperatures helps build up your endurance and going along with some stationary cardio can help prevent you from slipping and falling while gaining the benefits of the cold temperature.

Shoveling

Now this kills two birds with one stone. Doing the snow clean up around your residence gets you outside and increases your heart rate. This chore is one of the best full-body workouts you can find yourself doing in the cold weather. Be careful not to overdo it when shoveling to avoid neck and back injuries. You should avoid this if you have any history of heart issues. Consider shoveling while it is snowing but before the snow gets too deep so that you are lifting lighter loads of snow.

Playing in the Snow

Bring out your inner child by just going outside and enjoying the snow fall. Find a big hill and go sledding–you’ll definitely get a workout climbing back up to the top. With the layers and walking, you are sure to work up a sweat all while having fun.

 

By working out outside in the cold you can boost your metabolism, work up your endurance and burn more calories. One of the great things about the winter is that you can get a workout in without even knowing and have fun. Don’t sweat the cold months, there are plenty of alternatives you can use to burn off some holiday treats!

 

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

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Five Ways To Eat Right During The Holidays

When it comes to the holidays, many people who are trying to eat healthy may find it hard to do so with all the sugar packed into our favorite holiday recipes. Though it may be challenging, it is possible so keep reading for a few tips to make sure you stay on top of your healthy habits.

Moderate Portions

There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a delicious holiday meal every so often, though the key is not to over indulge for every meal. Keep portion sizes in mind so you can still enjoy your favorite food without feeling uncomfortably full. When holiday dinners are full of foods that are unhealthy, strive for balance in your other meals by incorporating nutrient and protein rich meals, and don’t forget how important fiber and probiotics are. The holidays may make you feel like you have an excuse to skip your regular exercise, but this routine will help you stay on track during the holidays and into the new year.

Eat Slowly

This tip isn’t just for the holidays, but year round. When you are starving it’s easy to eat fast, but this leads to overeating. By being conscious of taking slower bites you will find yourself becoming full faster! Chewing food slowly enables you to enjoy what you’re eating for a longer period of time.

Avoid Alcohol

While attending a holiday party try to limit your alcohol intake. Choosing a seltzer, water or low calorie juice can be a good substitution for calorie-dense alcohol. If you decide to drink alcohol, consider making every other drink a healthier choice that’s alcohol-free to avoid over indulging.

Socialize

Take advantage of your time spent seeing distant family members. The busier you are talking to people can help to keep you away from the finger food that’s easy to subconsciously snack on. Many over eat when they are anxious, so try sticking near those family members who bring you comfort and find a spot away from the unhealthy appetizers.

Don’t Go Out on an Empty Stomach

If you were to eat something light before heading out for festivities you will not be as tempted to binge eat the food that is there. Be in control and mindful of your choices when it comes to holiday eating, eat when you’re hungry not just because the food is there.

 

Remember this is the most wonderful time of year. Struggling with staying healthy is normal during this season so don’t be so strict with your limits, just be overall conscious and you will have a healthy holiday season!

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

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Signs You Are Overworking Yourself

Work is part of being a productive member of society. Work can be anything from school work, work for one’s job, or domestic work within the home. While work is important for growth and keeping oneself busy, doing too much of it can be bad for one’s physical and mental health. Often people don’t know or realize that they are overworking, but there are symptoms to look out for. Here are some signs someone is overworking themselves:

Trouble Stopping

People who work too much often feel as though they have to keep working and are always responsible for some sort of a work-related task. This can take the form of being on work devices for too long or even being on them over the weekend or on break. Not taking breaks or taking days off for the weekend can have a huge impact on one’s mental health.

Working Overtime Regularly

There are times when working overtime is necessary for getting a project or assignment done. However, working weekends or the evenings regularly is not a healthy habit to have. Even if one is getting compensated for working overtime, the long term effects can become a huge detriment. Burnout is common amongst people who take on overtime shifts as well as amongst students.

Constant Distraction

People who feel overworked may get constantly distracted or become more easily distracted. Being overworked and stressed out can cause people to think about and over analyze their short and long term work. Constant stress can disrupt thinking processes which can lead to further distraction.

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.