Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, has gained popularity as a health beverage thanks to its numerous health benefits. However, it’s important to be cautious when consuming this drink. Lexi Fitzgerald, an OSF HealthCare dietitian, explains that the actual benefits of kombucha are still not fully understood and that it’s crucial to prepare the drink correctly to ensure its safety. If you choose to make it at home, follow a reliable recipe and handle the ingredients with care. Unsafe or unclean conditions may cause harmful bacteria to grow, leading to illness. Young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems should avoid kombucha due to the presence of bacteria.
May is Stroke Awareness Month, highlighting the signs of a stroke using the acronym BEFAST. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, check for abnormalities in their balance, eyes, face, arms, and speech. The “T” in BEFAST stands for time, emphasizing the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately. Leslie Ingold, regional stroke coordinator at OSF HealthCare, stresses recognizing sudden and unexplained symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the face or leg; confusion; slurred speech; vision problems; dizziness; balance issues; or severe headache without any known cause. Every minute a stroke goes untreated results in the loss of around two million brain cells that cannot be recovered.
To prevent strokes manage risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol through healthy diets and regular exercise while avoiding tobacco alcohol drugs scheduling appointments with primary care providers are crucial steps towards protecting your brain from damage caused by these conditions
