Low back pain can result from an acute injury or from chronic overuse that leads to arthritis. This, in turn, can break down the fluid-filled disks in your spine that act as shock absorbers. Whatever the cause, there are some practices you can do to strengthen your back and keep lower back pain at bay.

Did you know that November is National Peanut Butter Month? Who can resist that peanutty smell and the way it sticks to the roof of your mouth... Here are 8 reasons you may want to find a way to eat peanut butter even more often than you already do.

Have you considered Bariatric or weight loss surgery? It's a big decision and a huge lifestyle change. Franciscan Health Fitness Centers is here to help you both pre- and post-op on your journey to better health.

Is detoxing healthy or hazardous? Here's what doctors are saying about this on-again, off-again trend.

There are many different opinions on just how much water you should be drinking every day. One thing we do know is, water is essential to good health. Are you getting enough? Let’s see if we can help you find out.

It's aways a good time to take stock of what you are doing to keep your heart healthy. Here are five numbers that can help you keep track of your health.

Knowing what to eat before and after exercise can be a minefield. We are all individuals and what makes us thrive is dependent on our many unique factors. Trying different options, listening to our bodies and finding what is right for us is key to feeling energized and getting the most out of our workouts.

Vitamin D has been considered an important nutrient for many years. Recently, there has been a lot of research into it due to its possible role in protecting people from the effects of COVID-19. 

Which type of yogurt is your family’s “go-to”? Even with so many flavor, texture and brand choices, one thing is clear – yogurt is good for you!

Is there anything more refreshing than the smell and taste of a freshly squeezed lemon? Used for everything from cooking to cleaning, lemons can also be used to give drinks more flavor. 

The added sugars in the foods we are eating can turn a normally healthy food into a not so healthy food! Added sugars are different than sugars from fruits and dairy products, because added sugars are added to our food and come with calories, but minimal nutrition. The nutrition facts label is changing, and the new label will list total sugars and added sugars, so you know how much is natural versus added. 

 They can help us lower our calorie intake and reduce our risk of heart disease, stroke and protect us from certain cancers when eaten as part of an overall healthy diet. It is important to find fruits and vegetables we enjoy and eat a variety, because each fruit and vegetable has a unique nutritional profile.

Why eat whole grains? Whole grains are packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, phytochemicals and minerals. 

Why meal plan? Meal planning is a great place to start improving your food choices. When we plan out our week and make healthy foods and recipes available and ready to eat when we are hungry, it can help us avoid the fast-food line, and it can improve our overall diet quality. 

Fruit and vegetables have been in our diet for the entirety of human history. We eat them raw, cooked, chilled and frozen – in ever increasingly creative combinations. And we're always trying to find new ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into our daily diet.

Whether you have been recently diagnosed or are currently living with diabetes mellitus,it is important that you understand how you can live a healthier life. 

So how does caffeine affect exercise? Caffeine, a very commonly used stimulant during exercise, walks a fine line between beneficial and detrimental to your workout.

As the New Year begins and you find yourself working on the “New You”, remember the old saying, “You are what you eat.” If you pay close attention to what you are eating and drinking, you will get even better results.

Being aware of your risk factors and making healthy choices puts your future in your own hands.

How much water is enough? Drinking water before you exercise or go out into the sun is an important first step.

As more of us continue to work from home, we're likely to find ourseves sitting for prolonged periods of times. Take 30 seconds to feel better. Avoid the health risks of sedentary behavior. 

Awareness. Prevention. Education. Health Information for You and Your Loved One. We strive to be the leading wellness resource for individuals looking to live a healthy lifestyle.

March is National Nutrition Month but your body needs good eating habits year-round. Try to incorporate these healthy eating tips so you can lead by example when it comes to your family’s nutrition.

Make your meals healthier by swapping ingredients and lowering your calorie/fat intake with these easy tips. Don’t forget to include these healthy choices on your next grocery list! 

Learn the American Heart Association’s 7 key health factors and behaviors to decrease your risk for heart disease and stroke. Find out how to keep your heart healthy. 

Handwashing is a vital part of our everyday lives, but is even more important during certain times of year, like cold and flu season. But proper handwashing is not just for the winter months – it's a year-round good habit. 

Wondering how you can afford to eat a few pieces of holiday candy and not completely blow your eating plan out of the water? We have a few ideas of how you can indulge with less bulge!

In the words of Ben Franklin, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” To improve your health and meet your nutrition and fitness goals, you must plan out what you will eat! Make a grocery list for the entire week and go shopping weekly. Plan out your meals and snacks the night before to ensure you stay on track.

Snacking is an effective way to fit extra nutrients into your diet and prevent overeating at mealtimes. Here are some important reasons to always get your snack in each day!