Thrive Blog

Postpartum depression can make women feel sad, hopeless and anxious. Sometimes, women feel as if they cannot love or care for their baby. It’s important to reach out for help when these feelings are present.

Before Renita and Angel became teenage parents, they turned to the First Steps program to get ready for parenthood and become a family. Today, they are thriving as they are raising their daughter and navigating life on their own.

Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America for three years running. With more than 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S., injuries are also on the rise. Adults of all ages are enjoying this sport that blends tennis, ping pong and badminton.

Practicing gratitude is a small, but mighty, health habit. According to UCLA Health, research shows that giving thanks and being grateful daily can help people sleep better, reduce depression symptoms, lessen anxiety, relieve stress and support heart health. In fact, gratitude can help lower blood pressure and calm us.  

A primary care provider, also known as a PCP, is your go-to for all your medical care – annual check-ups, preventive care, health conditions, and illnesses that pop up. As a primary care provider in Family Medicine, my goal is to help people reach their full potential in health and wellness – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Being physically active helps us feel good, sleep better, lifts our mood, reduces anxiety and lowers blood pressure. Long-term, physical activity can boost brain, heart and bone health. When we head outdoors to work out, studies show that physical activity outdoors lowers the body’s blood pressure and heart rate.  

February is American Heart Month. This is a good time to understand your risk for heart disease and take  steps toward better heart health.

Roughly half of all Americans have at least one of the top three risk factors for heart disease: High blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking.

With two young children, our family likes to go outside and play in the snow. We usually build snow forts because my husband is an expert! While sledding is fun too, our kiddos aren’t quite ready for Mankato’s bigger hills yet.

Winter weather is here. When it gets brutally cold, it’s important to take precautions against frostbite. When wind chills dip to -15 F or lower, you can get frostbite in 30 minutes or less. Follow these tips from the CDC to stay safe.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting all year for this. Sweaters, movies, hot cocoa, and best of all, endless bowls of chili! It warms my heart (and stomach) just thinking about it. This meal can be prepared in the slow-cooker or on the stove. Regardless, the end result will be a nutritious, … Continued