Banner Health

01/09/2025

Those who frequently toss and turn at night may find relief by swapping their comforter for a weighted blanket. A weighted blanket is a knit or sewn blanket that is weighed down with a heavy material or with sand, rice, or plastic beads. Here’s what experts have to say about the science behind weighted blankets and how to pick the right one. (via Verywell Health)

Experts explain how the science behind weighted blankets and how to pick the right one.

01/09/2025

Diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing, is a type of breathing that involves the diaphragm. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing regularly may help us manage chronic stress, make us feel calmer and build our resilience.

Diaphragmatic breathing may help you reduce stress, feel more relaxed, get more oxygen to your body and improve your well-being. Here’s how to get started.

01/09/2025

The social, financial and environmental conditions in which we live and work — called social determinants of health (SDOH) — can also impact our well-being. In fact, SDOH may impact the majority of our overall health, with traditional medical care only responsible for 10 to 20%. And they can start impacting the health of a baby before birth since their effect on the mother directly affects the baby.

Social determinants of health may feel like they’re outside of your control, but you can address them and improve your well-being. Here’s how to start.

01/08/2025

Highly sensitive people are acutely aware of what’s happening around (and within) them. They are aware, insightful, empathetic, conscientious and often creative. These skills can help them build close bonds with others but can also be mentally and emotionally draining.

A highly sensitive person is more sensitive to the world around them. Here are signs that you are highly sensitive and how to harness this personality trait.

01/08/2025

Situational depression refers to symptoms of depression that occur for a short time and after facing a significant stressor that has overwhelmed our ability to cope. It’s formally known as adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatment for situational depression. (via Healthline)

Here’s what you should know about situational depression, including symptoms, what causes it, and how to treat it.

01/08/2025

Small changes to our diet can make a noticeable difference in our ENT health. Reducing processed foods and alcohol, adding more anti-inflammatory foods and staying well hydrated can help support healthy ear, nose and throat health. These simple choices benefit not only the ENT system but our overall well-being.

Learn how your diet can impact your ear, nose and throat health. Find foods to avoid and those supporting clear sinuses, immunity and overall ENT wellness.

01/07/2025

When people are stressed, tense or battling muscle aches and pains, they might consider getting a massage, taking a hot bath, stretching or trying deep breathing/meditation to promote healing. Some, however, are participating in a therapy trend called cupping.

Cupping therapy, or myofascial decompression, is an ancient therapeutic technique that uses cups to treat pain and increase blood flow to skin and tissue.

01/07/2025

Chest pain can be scary but it’s important to remember that it is usually not caused by something life-threatening. However, it’s always important not to ignore symptoms. Learn more: bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/advise-me/how-to-reduce-anxiety-around-chest-pain

01/07/2025

Many people enjoy noshing on snacks throughout the day, as they’re perfect for keeping hanger at bay. Snacks are also easier to prepare than full meals, making them super convenient to whip up on a moment’s notice. However, as far as nutrition goes, the conversation around snacks often involves specific foods to eat. What about the timing of snacks—and does it even matter? (via Real Simple )

Discover the best time of day to have a snack, according to registered dietitians. Then, learn whether or not you can snack too much, and whether or not you should aim to eat the same snack each day.

01/06/2025

Sibling rivalry can feel like a constant part of parenting. As soon as another child joins the family, it’s common for competition, jealousy and conflict to start popping up between siblings. While sibling rivalry is natural, it can leave parents feeling a bit stressed. The good news is there are easy ways to guide kids toward a healthier, friendlier relationship.

Do your kids get along? Learn what sibling rivalry is, its signs and how to manage conflict, encourage cooperation and foster positive relationships.

01/06/2025

Regardless of when a teen starts their period or not, young women should make their first visit to the OBGYN between the ages of 13 and 15. It is an important step in building a foundation for good health throughout their lifetime and keeping them confident and safe.

Your daughter’s first gynecology visit is a big milestone. It can be exciting and scary for your teen. Here’s how to prepare them for their first visit.

01/05/2025

You may hear the terms "iron deficient" and "iron deficient anemia" frequently. But what exactly do those words mean? (via USA TODAY)

You may hear the terms "iron deficient" and "iron deficient anemia" frequently. But what exactly do those words mean?

01/05/2025

When it comes to cardiovascular health, walking is one of the most accessible and most underrated forms of exercise that almost everyone can do. It’s free and can be done just about anywhere. And bonus: walking regularly each week could even extend our lives!

You really can walk yourself to better health and better you can feel—inside and out. But before you take a step, here are tips to keep in mind.

01/05/2025

Even for those of us who are squeamish about blood and/or needles, knowing our blood type can be important for many reasons, namely our health and the well-being of others. The easiest way for someone to determine their blood type is to look at their birth certificate.

Do you know your blood type? It could save your life and others. Here are four reasons you should know your blood type.

01/05/2025

Creating new habits takes time and dedication, making it easy to fall short when trying to form new patterns. But people on TikTok are buzzing about a hack to create new habits, claiming it can help them stick. While it’s getting plenty of attention, habit stacking isn’t exactly a new concept. But what does habit stacking involve, and might it actually help us keep our New Year's resolutions this year? Psychologists explain. (via Health)

Habit stacking, the practice of pairing a new habit with an established one, can make it easier and faster to build new habits. Here's what experts think of the habit hack, and how to make it work for you.

01/04/2025

Vision is among the most important factors in maintaining independence as we age. People can protect their vision and way of life by caring for their eyes and keeping vigilant with regular eye exams. Detecting common age related eye issues early is key.

How does age affect your eye health? A Banner Health ophthalmologist explains age-related vision loss and common diseases.

01/04/2025

As parents, we want to protect our children as much as possible. So how do we keep the germs at bay? And when someone catches something, how can we keep it from spreading to the rest of the family? Learn more: bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/6-common-contagious-childhood-conditions

01/04/2025

We're thrilled to announce the arrival of two more of our New Year's blessings:

Rebeca Raquel was born at 12:06 a.m. at East Morgan County Hospital. Congratulations to proud parents Brenda and Gustavo!

Mateo was born at 1:29 a.m. at Banner Gateway Medical Center to mom Kelly Trujillo Godoy. Congratulations to the happy family!