Did you know that March 30th is National Doctor Day? This day is dedicated to appreciating the decade(s)-long trained medical professionals who help us with everything from the common cold to saving lives in an acute emergency. We all visit doctors throughout our lives, and at Rockaway Care Center we are fortunate to have physicians on our team with wound care, IV therapy, ventilator care, bariatrics, and the range of day-to-day services for all of our residents.
While most everyone needs doctors from time to time, in parallel we are encouraged to not need them by staying as healthy as possible. What is an easy way to do this at Rockaway Care Center? Namely, nutrition!
As a case in point, let’s explore the 150-year-old adage: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” because in fact apples are an easy way to help maintain good health. It’s recommended to have 3-5/week – though the “apple a day” phrase has a good ring to it.
Here’s what apples can do for you.
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower glucose levels (yes, even though they’re sweet fruit, it works), reducing diabetes risk.
- Lower the levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, reducing risk of heart disease.
- Maintain digestive health. (Read: Fiber.)
- Enhance bone strength.
- Support healthy brain function.
- Reduce risk of lung or breast cancers
- Reduce incidence of Alzheimer’s.
- Boost immunity.
- Reduce risks of asthma.
- Increase teeth and gum health by killing mouth bacteria. (Forgot your toothbrush? Finish your meal with an apple.)
- Control appetite – they’re low calorie yet high fiber, so they’re good stomach fillers without the guilt.
So what’s not to love about apples? To be sure, all fruits have health properties, but the thing about apples is that they are ubiquitous, affordable, and have a long shelf life. In other words, they’re convenient and practical, which is likely why they were recommended as a mainstay for health.
So when you’re next at the Rockaway Care Center cafeteria, and apples are served – grab one. And tell your visitors to bring you a few.
But don’t rely on apples alone. Nutrition has a large influence on our health, yet at the same time, especially if our health might already be compromised, placing us in need of a care center like Rockaway, we all the more so appreciate doctors. In fact the average modern lifespan’s longevity is largely due to doctors involved with life-elongating procedures such as bypass surgery, insulin administering, and prescribing antibiotics. By eating healthy, we can know that we’re going to the doctor for reasons we can’t necessarily control, and for that we are ever grateful.