Heart Healthy Recipe – Part 1

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February is American Heart Month. This month marks a month to raise awareness of the risks of Heart disease, promote easy ways people can focus on their heart health, and advocate cardiovascular health. As a part of American Heart Month, ExperCARE will feature several recipes throughout the month from the American Heart Association. Up first, a fan favorite…

American Heart Association Recipe

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with homemade Potato Chips

Ingredients

Servings  6

For the BBQ Sauce and Sandwiches:

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened, plain applesauce
  • 2 tablespoon sugar-free peach preserves
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 12 whole-wheat slider buns
  • 12 slices thinly sliced green apple (about 1 apple)
  • 12 slices thinly sliced red onion (about 1/2 an onion)

For the Homemade Potato Chips:

  • 1 medium Idaho baking potato
  • non-stick Cooking spray
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 baking sheets
  • parchment paper

For the Pulled Pork:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 1/2-3 pound lean, cut pork loin roast (all visible fat discarded)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened, plain applesauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 small onion (coarsely chopped)

Directions

For the BBQ Sauce and Sandwiches:

  1. Whisk together applesauce, preserves, chili powder and vinegar to make BBQ sauce.
  2. Toss sauce with pulled pork. Fill each slider bun with about 1/4 cup pork, apple slices and red onion slices.

For the Homemade Potato Chips:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Slice potato as thinly as possible, into about 1/8 inch thin slices.
  3. Place one sheet of parchment paper on one of the baking sheets. Spray evenly with cooking spray and place one layer of potato slices. Spray another coat of cooking spray over the potatoes. Place another sheet of parchment paper. Turn the other baking sheet upside down on top of the baking sheet with the potatoes.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover top baking sheet and parchment paper, sprinkle with pepper and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  5. Remove any chips that begin to turn too brown before the 15 minutes is over. Let cool and serve with pork sliders.

For the Pulled Pork:

  1. In a small bowl, combine thyme, garlic powder, 1 tsp. chili powder, paprika and pepper. Rub evenly over pork. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/4 cup vinegar, honey, chicken broth and water. In crock-pot, scatter onions to cover the bottom of dish. Place pork on top of onion and pour applesauce mixture over pork. Cook on low setting for 6-7 hours.
  3. Remove meat from crock-pot and discard remaining cooking liquid. When cool enough to touch, shred pork by hand or with two forks, discarding any fat and/or bones. (Optional- remove onions with serrated spoon).
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ExperCARE Donates Thousands of Hand Sanitizers to Area Churches for Holiday Services

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ExperCARE is proud to have recently donated over 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to area churches ahead of their holiday services.

They say their primary concern is their patient’s health and wellbeing. “2020 has been a year of challenge and change for every business, family and person,” said ExperCARE CEO and founder Catherine Grant. “ExperCARE is grateful for the patients who choose us as their first choice for on demand healthcare. We want everyone to do their part to keep safe during the holidays and we’re happy to help in this small way.”

In an effort to spread holiday cheer and promote hand hygiene, ExperCARE is thankful for the opportunity to deliver hand-held hand sanitizers to 25 different churches in the Savannah and Richmond Hill area.

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Access to Award-Winning Care During COVID-19 Pandemic

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WTOC goes behind the scenes with us to show how we’re continuing to provide award-winning access to care for anyone in need, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you WTOC for your coverage! Check out the full story here:  https://www.wtoc.com/2020/04/02/urgent-care-facilities-changing-procedures-still-aim-help-patients-quickly/

“One of the things that we’ve done well is responding to, how do we take care of people while also minimizing risk for our team? Also looking at, what are the different ways we can see people that may be a little outside of the box considering current circumstances,” ExperCARE CEO Catherine Grant said.

 

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and want testing or think you have been exposed to someone who has it and aren’t sure what to do next, ExperCARE is here for you!

“We can see them virtually and sometimes the whole thing can be taken care of virtually. However if they have respiratory symptoms, if they have a cough, if they have a fever or if they have other respiratory complaints, sore throat, we’re actually seeing all respiratory complaints outside of the clinic and we’re going to see people in their cars,” Grant said.

 

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A Sustainable You!

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As the new year comes around so too do the resolutions, “the new year, new me” mentality, and folks flooding in to get gym memberships. Now that a were are well into the new year of 2020, many of us realize it’s not so simple to stick to those life altering changes.

So how can we integrate healthy habits into our daily lives so that they are sustainable? At ExperCARE, we like to stress playing for the long game. When we try to change everything all at once it doesn’t always work… but making small shifts are easier to maintain long term. Here are five habits to add to your lifestyle:

  • Add a Walk to Your Daily Routine

Your brain needs a break at work, take twenty minutes and go on a walk. Ask a friend or colleague to join you, it’ll give you time to socialize AND exercise. By doing this, you’ll notice an increase in energy levels throughout the work day.

  • Try to Multi-Task

We all have those points in the workday where we feel as though we could be doing something else more productive, right? You should try to double task! Return someone’s phone call while going on a walk. Do some reps (crunches, curls, pushups) while you’re on a conference call. Listen to a book or podcast designed to help you grow while commuting to and from work or school.

  • Cook double

Less is not more in this situation. Make an effort to cook double batches of your dinner. Especially on the weekends, strive to cook extra, freeze it and use it for dinner or lunch when you’re in a rush! There’s a healthy meal right at your fingertips!

  • Pack Your Lunch the Night Before

Let’s face it! It’s so much easier to run out and go through the drive through on your lunch break. But… it’s so much healthier to pack a lunch from home. Each night, take 10 minutes to put leftovers in a container or bag some carrots, fresh fruit and a sandwich for the next day. Pro tip: leave a sticky note on the door out of your house, to remind yourself to grab your lunch on your rush out the door in the morning.

  • Drink Lots of Water

Make it a part of your day! When you feel fatigued, it’s often times because you are dehydrated. Grab a big bottle of water at the beginning of every day, have it sitting in your line of vision throughout the day and make a conscious effort to drink, drink, drink. Set alerts on your phone every couple of hours as a reminder. It’s great for your skin, digestive and circulatory systems, and helps . Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

If this still seems overwhelming, think even smaller… Start by doing just one of these new healthy habits each week. Focus on your achievements, not your setbacks.  Celebrate your successes.  This will help create momentum and increase your chances of sustained success.  You’ve got this!

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Preparing for the Unpredictable Flu: The Time is Now

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A sudden sense of symptoms that no one wants to feel: fever, aches, chills, and fatigue. These are all defining symptoms of the dreaded flu. Seasonal influenza is just around the corner, which means the time to prepare is now, especially since it’s expected to be a highly active flu season.

“Flu is unpredictable but we can predict that it will arrive,” says Dr. Bill Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). So ready or not here it comes. 

We are already seeing early flu-related activity right here in our region, and because of this health officials are warning of a more severe flu season than normal. While the flu is common, that is no reason to brush it off. The flu can be a very serious disease, especially for the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80,000 Americans died and 960,000 were hospitalized because of the flu during the 2017-2018 flu season. 

So how can you prepare? This time of year, flu vaccines are highly recommended. So if you are one who considers getting a flu shot, the CDC recommends that you get it now. Early vaccination is always better as it allows your body time to respond internally and create an army of flu-fighters. If you are on the fence about getting the flu shot, this is your year to do it. 2019 will be a highly active season. 

If you are wondering why you should get the vaccination this season, just remember the CDC says it will cut your chances of getting the flu in half. Even more importantly, it reduces your child’s risk of getting the disease that much more. According to the CDC, the flu shot reduces children’s risk of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit admission by 74 percent. It is often said that a flu shot can give you the flu, this is in fact a myth. The flu vaccine contains inactive germs, which means it’s impossible to actually give you the disease from the shot. If you feel a little under the weather after your flu shot, that is good news- your body’s immune system is building its army against the flu. You may feel sore or stiffness in your shoulder, but that is just a short term side effect of the shot. 

Did you know? Even if you do get the flu after getting the flu shot, health officials say it is proven that you will have less severe symptoms, a shorter illness, and you are also less likely to have complications. 

The flu shot is easy. ExperCARE has the flu vaccine at both of its locations: Savannah and Richmond Hill. We make it convenient for you! No appointments are needed, as walk-ins are always welcome. We are open when you are able to come and get your vaccination: 7 days a week with extended hours on weekdays and, of course, weekend hours. 

The flu shot protects millions of Americans from the widespread flu outbreak each year. 

 

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Walk This Way, Talk This Way

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How Walking Improves Your Overall Health

A walk a day keeps the doctor away! We know that’s not how the old saying goes, but walking is one of the best ways to improve and maintain your overall health. The temps are starting to drop (just a little), which means the gorgeous, crisp fall air is right around the corner. There’s no better time to take advantage of the great outdoors, than now. Physical activity doesn’t have to be rigorous or dreadful, it can be something you enjoy, such as walking! Consistency is key!

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say more than 145 million adults now include walking as part of their physical activity. Chances are, you had no idea there are as many health benefits to walking, as there are. Just 30 minutes a day is proven to increase your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones and muscles, release tension, give you a better nights sleep, help with digestion, and boost your metabolism. And here is how: 

Improves Endurance

Each time you walk, you are building up your stamina and cardio strength. Even runners incorporate walking into their routine, to help increase their endurance. Walking may take longer, but it bestows the same endurance as running and also reduces the risk of injury. Every step you take makes your heart that much stronger. 

Strengthens Bones & Muscles

Weight-bearing physical activity, such as walking, causes new bone tissue to form, leading to stronger bones. In addition, your muscles will strengthen and your balance will improve each time you get out and get active. This helps reduce falls and fractures. 

Releases Stress

Walking gives your mind a boost and improves energy levels. Like all forms of cardiovascular exercise, a brisk walk will boost endorphins. This leads to a reduction in stress hormones, mental clarity, and alleviates mild depression.

Provides Better Nights Sleep

Getting out and walking will not only trim you down, but will also give you a better nights sleep. Physical activity will boost natural sleep hormones (such as melatonin), which will keep you up less often at night. Be careful, as exercising too close to the time you go to sleep might keep you up!

Helps with Digestion

Walking can help you digest your food and boost your metabolism. How does it do this? It aids in the breaking down of food and improves your blood sugar levels. Sometimes a short walk after a meal is a good thing.  


The CDC reports that adults need at least 2.5 hours a week of aerobic physical activity. This should be at a moderate level, such as a fast-paced walk for no less than 10 minutes at a time. The CDC also says less than half of all adults get that recommended amount of physical activity. 

The best thing about walking is that it doesn’t require any kind of equipment or training. It is very low impact, you can do it anytime and anywhere, and you set the pace. It is a great form of physical activity for truly anyone, any age, and mostly any condition.

Did you know that walkable communities result in more physically active populations, that’s according to the CDC. We are lucky to live in Coastal Georgia, where the communities we live in offer some of the best walking spots around. There are so many beautiful and historic sights, nature trails, and iconic parks in our backyard. Here is a short list of ExperCARE’s favorite spots to take a stroll:

Savannah

  • Forsyth Park
  • River Street
  • Historic Wormsloe Site
  • Bluff Drive
  • Lake Mayer
  • Skidaway Island State Park
  • Tybee Island Beach

Richmond Hill

  • J.F. Gregory Park 
  • Sterling Creek Park
  • Fort McAllister State Park
  • Green Creek Trail

Don’t forget! One of the best places to take a stroll is just out your front door – Your neighborhood! Making it easy, makes consistency more likely! Whether we decide to walk our dogs through our neighborhoods, go for a run at Forsyth Park, or get our history on walking through Fort McAllister State Park, getting physical is a must. No matter what you do, get out and get active.

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Keeping Your Child Healthy During the Back to School Rush

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5 Tips from ExperCARE

Ready or not… here it comes! A fun, hot summer has come to a close and it’s time for back to school. Back to school means early mornings, a daily routine, hours of classes, and a chance for kids to learn, grow, and become more independent. But school can also translate to a place of sneezing, sniffles, and sharing more than just your child’s summer memories. Here are five tips to help keep the back to school transition as healthy and germ-free as possible! 

  1. Get Plenty of Sleep: Sleep is even more important than you think. Setting a bedtime routine and a consistent sleep schedule helps improve your child’s physical and emotional health, and also plays an important role in how they perform in school. Children aged 6-13 are supposed to get 9-11 hours of sleep. But why? Between school, friends, chores, sports, after school activities, and homework… Their bodies and brains need a break. 
  2. Maintain a Healthy Diet & Drink Plenty of Fluids: A strong immune system helps ward off those illnesses floating around the school hallways. Breakfast, as you know, is the most important meal of the day… especially for our kids. A balanced breakfast jump starts their day and gives them the brain power and capability to maintain steady energy from the time they leavethe house in the morning to the time they get home. If you’re able, pack a healthy lunch for your child. Make it fun, colorful, and delicious so that they’ll enjoy the meal. After they hop off the school bus, prepare a nutritious after-school snack for them like fruits, veggies, string cheese, or protein.  Allow them to grocery shop with you, so they can help pick out these healthy snacks and lunches… It’ll make it more fun! It’s also important to have your child drink lots of water. Hydration is critical for proper immune system function. Drink early (starting first thing in the morning) and drink enough (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child of about 88 pounds should drink 5 ounces of cold water every 20 minutes). Don’t forget about hydrating before and after outdoor activities and sports.
  3. Be Up-to-date on Your Vaccinations: It can seem overwhelming as a parent, but vaccines are some of the safest and most effective medicines we have. The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a vaccination schedule that covers about 14 different diseases. Vaccinations not only protect your child from deadly diseases, but they also keep other children safe.
  4. Stay Active: Physical activity helps prevent and reduce health problems for our children. When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want them to do. Teaching them these healthy, active habits at an early age helps lead to a lifetime of enjoying physical activity, especially as schedules get busier, demands are heightened at school, and sports become more competitive. Active lifestyles translate to a healthy weight, better sleep, stronger muscles and bones, and a more positive perspective on life.
  5. Wash Your Hands Regularly :It’s such a no brainer, and seems obvious, but often times is forgotten. Encourage your kids to get in the habit of washing their hands after coughing, sneezing, petting animals, eating food, using the bathroom, and just regularly. Every time your child touches someone or something they risk spreading germs. 

And of course, if your child comes down with the back to school bug (or runs a fever), keep them home and away from school to protect that bug from spreading. 

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The 5 Easiest Ways to Avoid Contagious Colds, Flus and Bugs

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There are many things you can do to help keep the germs that cause colds, flus and other bugs at bay. Here are 5 of the easiest and most effective.

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Should I get a flu shot?

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Should I get a flu shot? Why should I get a flu shot? Influenza, or “the flu”, is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.

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