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    Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month: Fun facts about this delicious berry!

    Posted on: February 23rd, 2015 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

     

    They're not only delicious, but they're good for you, too!

    They’re not only delicious, but they’re good for you, too!

    Did you know that Florida is the second-largest strawberry producer in America?  In fact, our neighbor to the east, Plant City, is known as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.” Because of our warm climate, growers in our state are able to harvest their berries from November until the end of March, while other U.S. production areas are dormant.

    Florida berries are delicious AND packed with important nutrients – two great reasons to celebrate this fantastic crop! Today, Brevard Medical Equipment brings you 10 fun facts about this powerful little fruit.

    • Strawberries are high in potassium, Vitamin K, and magnesium, which are all important for bone health.
    • Eating eight strawberries a day has been shown to lower blood pressure and to have positive effects on memory and heart health.
    • Strawberries are packed with antioxidants that can improve cholesterol and increase eye health, along with high levels of Vitamin C, which can boost immunity and help prevent cancer.
    • You can dip your strawberries in dark chocolate for a double health treat, as dark chocolate has been shown to help keep white blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls.
    • Strawberries are picked at their full ripeness, unlike some other fruits, which don’t ripen until after they’re harvested.
    • Strawberries are the only fruit that have their seeds on the outside! The average berry has about 200 seeds.
    • A bit of balsamic vinegar, lemon, or orange juice can bring out the flavor of strawberries.
    • Need a memory boost? The anthocyanins in strawberries have been shown to increase short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks.
    • Strawberries are high in fiber, and one cup of the fruit contains only 54 calories.
    • Strawberries have a long history! Evidence that they grew wild in Italy has been found dating back to 234 B.C, and as early as 1300 A.D., the French began cultivating strawberries to use them medicinally.

    Here at Brevard Medical Equipment, we are proud of our Florida strawberry farmers! This month, help us celebrate by enjoying their fabulous berries and the health benefits that come along with them.

    You might even consider checking out the annual Florida Strawberry Festival, which is hosted by Plant City and runs from February 26th to March 8th this year. And, as always, if we can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to give our experts a call at 321-453-3370!

     

    Tips for Healthy Aging with Brevard Medical

    Posted on: September 23rd, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    Healthy aging is important, so read our blog for tips.

     

    Some people think of growing old as an experience they are not looking forward to. Brevard Medical is here to tell you different by celebrating Healthy Aging Month. September is Healthy Aging Month and it is focused around the bright side of aging and staying positive as age increases.

    The process of aging is filled with family time and new experiences after retirement. An important part of healthy aging is taking care of your body physically and mentally. Aging does not have to mean you are stuck in the house and can’t get out and see the world. Healthy aging month is all about shining a positive light on aging gracefully and well. Brevard Medical is bringing you tips for healthy aging month.

    • Exercise your mind. As we age, it may seem like we lose some cognitive ability. Fight it by staying sharp! Work on crossword puzzles, regularly read books, and memory games.
    • Don’t be afraid to use a helping hand. A walker or cane can keep you from falls and injuries. There is no better way to age gracefully than to age without getting hurt.
    • Stay physically active. Whether you take your dog on a short walk every day or you tend to the garden, physical activity will help you feel and look better than ever before.
    • Hang out with supportive and loving people. There is nothing like having great friends and family to keep you occupied and happy. Stay busy so you don’t have to spend much time alone. Consider joining a club or lunch group to stay social.
    • Get up and dance! Dancing is great for your mind, body, and soul. It can keep you physically active and social. You won’t even feel like you are doing a workout and dancing keeps your mind in check.

    Healthy Aging Month is all about you at Brevard Medical, so contact us today for all of your home medical needs. We are here so you can age gracefully!

    Fruits and Veggies, More Matters

    Posted on: September 16th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    More fruits and veggies can keep you healthy.

    Brevard Medical strives to bring you products that are life changing and helpful to your everyday life. Healthy eating is an important part of aging well and staying independent. September is Fruits and Veggies Month, with the theme “More Matters.”

    This means all forms of fruits and vegetables matter, canned, frozen, fresh, or dried. As long as you are getting the many benefits from these healthy foods, it doesn’t matter how you are taking them in. Less than half of Americans get adequate fruit and vegetable consumption each week. We are going to give you a few reasons why “more matters.”

    More matters:

    1. Fruits and vegetables are vibrantly colored and add flavor to your plate. Your plate will be more colorful and appealing.
    2. More fiber in healthy foods. Fiber can keep you feel fuller longer, so you are less likely to overeat. Your digestive system will also benefit greatly.
    3. Variety of options. There are many different fruits and vegetables out there that you may have never even heard of. Fruits and veggies give you many opportunities to make delicious and healthy recipes.
    4. Low in calories. Fruits and vegetables can settle sweet and salty cravings for a lot less calories than junk food. They leave you feeling satisfied without the guilt after.
    5. Quick and natural snack option. You can feel good knowing you are eating a food that is not heavily processed. They are conveniently easy to wash and peel on the go.
    6. Packed with vital nutrients. From calcium to vitamin C, you can find that all fruits and vegetables are packed with good things for you. From inside to the outside, fruits and veggies can keep you healthy all around.

    Now that you know why “more matters” when it comes to fruits and veggies make a list of these healthy foods to get at the store next time you go. Contact us if you have any questions about our products or services.

    Celebrating American Heart Health Month with Heart-Healthy Foods – Part 2

    Posted on: February 13th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    February is American Heart Health Month at Brevard Medical Equipment.  Having a strong, healthy heart is the key to a long and healthy life. One of the main ways to a healthy heart can be waiting in the refrigerator or pantry right now. Here are some of the best foods you can eat for heart health.

    Oatmeal

    Oatmeal has been associated with healthy hearts for a long time and for good reason.  Oatmeal is full of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and folate. Having a big bowl of oatmeal can lo
    wer levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and help keep arteries clean. Plus the fiber fills us up and keeps the body running smoothly.

    There are many types of oatmeal to choose from like the higher-in-fiber coarse or steel-cut oats which are healthier than the instant varieties. Add fruit to your oatmeal for even more benefits.

    Walnuts

    Walnuts, along with almonds and macadamia nuts, are full of omega-3 fatty acids and mono- and polyunsaturated fat. These types of nuts are great sources of fiber too. Try to avoid the sugar, salt and chocolate covered variety of these nuts.

    Berries

    There are many berries that are “berry” good for you. The darker the color, the better they are for you. Choose blueberries, blackberries, raspberries or strawberries as a snack and enjoy the benefits that include anti-inflammatory properties and you can reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. All berries are great for vascular health.

    Beans and legumes

    Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber, beans are great for your heart and the rest of you, too. Try adding more lentils, chickpeas, black beans and kidney beans to the foods you already enjoy like salads and soups.

    Spinach

    Popeye was right!  Spinach is great for the body and heart. Spinach can help keep your heart healthy because it’s loaded with lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber.  If you aren’t a fan of cooked spinach, try adding it to sandwiches and salads with your lettuce.

    Brevard Medical Equipment is your source for walkers and wheelchairs for everyday use and cruise rentals.

     

    Celebrating American Heart Health Month with Heart-Healthy Foods

    Posted on: February 11th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    February is American Heart Health Month at Brevard Medical Equipment.  Having a strong, healthy heart is the key to a long and healthy life. One of the main ways to a healthy heart can be waiting in the refrigerator or pantry right now. Here are some of the best foods you can eat for heart health.

    Salmon

    Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids; the kind that is good for the heart. Salmon has been found to reduce blood pressure and prevent the blood from clotting. Salmon is also rich in carotenoid astaxanthin, a very powerful antioxidant.  Try to eat two servings of this super fish per week, and you may cut your heart attack risk by up to one-third.  Other heart healthy fish include mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines.

    Avocado

    It’s not just for guacamole anymore! The avocado is packed with monounsaturated fat. These new and trendy super foods can help lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while raising the amount of HDL (the good) cholesterol in your body. They also allow for the absorption of beta-carotene and lycopene.

    Chopped or sliced, you can add avocado to almost anything!

    Olive Oil

    Cook with olive oil, especially virgin and extra virgin olive oils. People in the Mediterranean part of the world have known about this secret for years, but it was slow to get to this country.  Relatively few people from that area died of heart disease. Olive oil is full of monounsaturated fats and it lowers bad LDL cholesterol and reduces your risk of developing heart disease. If you watch any TV cooking shows, you will see the cooks always use olive oil.

    Healthy hearts mean healthier lives and healthier lives mean happier and longer lives. Brevard Medical Equipment wants all of our customers to live life to the fullest. See us for CPAP supplies, wheelchairs and other supplies to use when you are home or traveling. We have more to learn about heart-healthy foods in our next blog.

     

    Keeping Women’s Hearts Berry Healthy

    Posted on: February 26th, 2013 by BrevardBlogger 35 Comments

    A new study shows that eating berries can offer women a healthy benefit for their heart. The study involved 94,000 women who completed questionnaires that tracked their diets and eating habits. The study lasted for 18 years and the questionnaire was answered by the participants every four.

    Strawberries have been shown to help clear the plaque in the arteries and heart of women.

    In the course of the study, 405 participants had heart attacks. Researchers looked at the data collected about the participants’ diets and discovered that those who ate blueberries and strawberries the most were 32% less likely to suffer a heart attack compared to the participants who ate berries once a month or less. The women who ate three or more servings (one cup = one serving) per week decreased their risk for heart attacks by one-third.

    Those women who rarely ate blueberries and strawberries still ate a diet rich in other fruits and vegetables. Although they maintained a healthy diet, the absence of blueberries and strawberries resulted in an unchanged level of heart health.

    Why Blueberries and Strawberries?

    Many fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, wines, eggplants and blackberries contain compounds called flavonoids. Blueberries and strawberries also contain flavonoids, but they also include anthocyanins, unique to these two berries, which widen arteries and reduce plaque buildup, a main cause of heart attacks.

    Other Berry Benefits

    Besides flavonoids, berries are also packed with other nutrients including:

    • Vitamin C
    • Potassium
    • Folate

    Additionally, regularly eating berries produces a slower mental decline with age and assists with weight loss.

    Though the focus of this blog is on women, this is not to say that men are not affected by the health benefits of berries. All berries provide the nutrients that benefit the body, whether male or female. There are still many studies being conducted to better understand the health potential that berries have to the human body, but it is fairly evident that it packs a load of beneficial compounds.

    The associates at Brevard Medical Equipment understand the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. If you’re looking for other healthy food or lifestyle ideas, stop in and speak with us or contact us through our online contact form.

    Red Wine Keeps Your Heart Healthy for Valentine’s Day

    Posted on: February 12th, 2013 by BrevardBlogger 33 Comments

    Valentine’s Day has snuck up on us again and whether you’re heading out for dinner or staying in, Brevard Medical has a small meal idea that can mean the world of difference to you and your heart. A new study has found that a red meat dinner accompanied with a glass of red wine can be beneficial to your heart.

    Adding a glass of red wine to your dinner a couple of nights a week can do great things for your heart health.

    University of Jerusalem researchers have found that drinking red wine while eating red meat can prevent the build-up of cholesterol in the body. The study revolves around a compound called malondialdehydes that form in the blood stream. When eating red meat along, the compounds contribute to the formation of “bad” cholesterol that increases your risk of heart disease.

    The study found that the malondialdehydes were not absorbed into the blood stream when red meat is eaten with red wine. After four meals, it was found that those who did not consume wine saw a 97 percent rise in their modified cholesterol levels, while those who drank wine saw theirs either unaffected or decreased.

    Red wine possesses numerous other benefits originating from the makeup of wine and the fruits from which it comes:

    • The skins of red grapes contain resveratrol, a compound that gives wine its color, but also is known to have cancer-fighting effects.
    • Red wine contains the antioxidant polyphenols and flavonols. These give your body the “good” cholesterol in the blood, increases circulation and improves sugar metabolism.
    • Drinking one glass a day could help prevent bowel cancer.

    Although the many benefits with drinking red wine are impressive, drinking too much can have adverse effects. As with all alcoholic drinks, moderation and responsibility are the factors that draw the fine line between health benefits and health risks. Drink responsibly and enjoy your red wine on Valentine’s!