Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Group

12/08/2021

Today is Christmas tree day. Read on to find out some fun facts about the traditional fir.

From its fascinating origins to how yours is grown today, these incredible Christmas tree facts will add a little bit more wonder to your holiday season.

12/07/2021

Today we remember that attack on Pearl Harbor.

The surprise Japanese assault inflicted heavy losses but failed to strike a decisive blow.

12/06/2021

As the world waits to learn more about omicron and how severe the threat might be, the message from experts is clear – get vaccinated.

12/03/2021

A new life-changing procedure is having a big impact

12/02/2021

Parents can't imagine how they’ll survive watching their child fight cancer. Gretchen Jensen explains: “You can, and you will.”

12/01/2021

Your monthly cycle has become unpredictable, you’re having trouble sleeping and, wait … was that a hot flash?

11/30/2021

Travel can often be stressful. Holiday travel is always stressful.

11/22/2021

Looking for a great recipe for fall? Check this one out!
Broccoli pecan salad low on fat, high on flavor

A healthy, delicious addition to any holiday table

By Kathleen Purvis

November 12, 2021

Like a good black dress, one perfect potluck salad can take you all the way from Thanksgiving through the holiday party season. This one can be doubled, and it’s a welcome bowl of green and crunchy fall ingredients that’s low in fat and calories.

Broccoli Pecan Salad

Adapted from “Pecans: A Savor the South Cookbook” (UNC Press, 2012).

1/2 cup pecans

2 small or 1 medium head of broccoli (for 5 to 6 cups florets)

1/2 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries

1/2 cup diced red onion (about ½ of a medium onion)

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

3 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt

2 teaspoons sugar

3 tablespoons nonfat milk

3 teaspoons cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place the pecans in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are fragrant and just beginning to brown. Watch carefully so you don’t burn them. Set aside to cool, then chop coarsely.

Cut off the broccoli stems and discard or shred to use in broccoli slaw. Cut away the florets, then cut them into bite-size pieces, a little smaller than you’d cut them for steamed broccoli. Place in a large salad bowl.

Add the chopped, toasted pecans, the cranberries or cherries and the red onion. Toss to mix well.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar, milk, cider vinegar and salt.

Pour over the salad and toss well to coat everything with the dressing. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Make-ahead note: You can make this up to 24 hours in advance. The acid in the dressing will keep the broccoli green and crisp.

11/21/2021

Today is pumpkin pie day! Get ready for Thanksgiving and read on for fun facts about pumpkin pie. (did you know that pumpkin is a fruit?)

There's a whole history to the great orange globe.

11/20/2021

Now that cold weather has arrived, it is important to take care of your skin.

Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, thanks to cold, blustery weather and other factors. Here’s what you can do to keep skin moist and supple all day long.

11/19/2021

Today is World Toilet Day!
Toilets are facts of life. While we may not spend much time thinking about them, we do spend a lot of time sitting on them. To help you celebrate this year's World Toilet Day, here’s a look at 15 toilet facts to ponder the next time you hear nature’s call:

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the inventor of the modern toilet, Englishman Alexander Cu***ng secured the first patent for a flushing toilet in 1775.
A toilet uses almost seven gallons of water each time it is flushed.
In public restrooms, the first toilet cubicle is always the least used — which also means it is always the cleanest.
Only 80% of people wash their hands after using the toilet, and only 30% of those who do wash choose to use soap.
Only 5% of people wash their hands for the recommended minimum of 15 seconds.
The average person spends a cumulative three years sitting on a toilet during his or her life.
The average person uses a toilet about 2,500 times annually.
England’s King George II died in 1760 after falling off his toilet.
In 1890, the Scot Paper Company became the first manufacturer to use a roll for toilet paper.
About 75% of Americans place toilet paper on holders so the flap rolls over the top rather than rolling around the back.
Studies show the amount of time spent on a toilet is directly proportional to the number of features the toilet’s user has on his or her smartphone.
More than 7 million Americans have confessed to dropping their phones in the toilet.
An estimated 2.6 billion people around the world lack access to a modern toilet.
NASA invested more than $20 million in a suction-style toilet for the International Space Station.
A toilet or bathroom around the world goes by different names, including potty, privy, water closet, latrine, dunny, john, can, facility, restroom, washroom, powder room, lavatory, outhouse, convenience, bog, khazi, garderobe, cloakroom, throne room and many more.