September is the perfect month to grab that last bit of summer before the cool fall air sets in. Unfortunately, bees and wasps also know the cold is coming and can be more aggressive. Along with being painful, a bee or wasp can be dangerous. Stings from bees and wasps cause four times more deaths than poisonous snake bites, due to severe allergic reaction.

Know the facts!

What are the symptoms of a bee or wasp sting?
• pain
• swelling
• redness
• itching
• warmth
• small amounts of bleeding or drainage
• hives
Symptoms that indicate a more serious and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction include:
• coughing
• tickling in the throat
• tightness in the throat or chest
• breathing problems or wheezing
• nausea or vomiting
• dizziness or fainting
• sweating
• anxiety

Treatment for stings: Specific treatment for stings should be determined by a physician. Should you get stung and start to react in an unusual manner, seek medical attention immediately. Remember that even people who are not allergic can be in danger if they are stung in the mouth, nose, or throat area because swelling can constrict the airway.
What to do when a bee or wasp sting occurs:
• Try to remain calm
• Remove the stinger by gently scraping across the site with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card.
Do not try to pull the stinger out, as this may release more venom. • Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to help reduce swelling and pain (10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for 30 to 60 minutes).
• If the sting occurs on an arm or leg, elevate the limb to help reduce swelling.
• A wet tea bag, a paste of baking soda and water or a paste of non-seasoned meat tenderizer and water left on the sting for 15 to 20 minutes may help reduce itching.
• Give acetaminophen for pain.
• Give an over-the-counter antihistamine, only if approved by your physician.
Observe the individual closely for the next hour for any signs of allergic reaction that would require emergency medical treatment. Seek emergency care immediately if the individual is stung in the mouth, nose, or throat area.

For life threatening emergencies always call 911.

Too much sun exposure is not only dangerous and can lead to skin cancer – it’s also very aging.  And while there are many procedures that can help the look of overexposed skin, the best tool is prevention.  

For information on procedures you can have to help the look of too much sun exposure go to www.provena.org/saintjoseph.bellavie  We are even having some great Sunset of Summer specials!

Sunburns are no fun, and we all know it. But, when sunburn does occur, the symptoms you feel are really the response by your immune system.

Here is what is happening. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are actually killing cells in your skin. The cells die from the UV rays, and your immune system detects the dead cells. To clean them up, your immune system increases blood flow to the area. This is why your skin gets red and warm when you have a sunburn.

And that should be enough for you to be convinced to slather on the sunscreen – in fact check the expiration on the sunscreen.  It may be time to get some new sunscreen.  You may even find an end of summer sale!

Unfortunately the compact design brings along some ergonomic issues due to the joined keyboard and monitor. Just as there are guidelines for a good ergonomic workstation there are recommendations for safe and healthy use of laptops.

 The laptop clamshell design places undue stress on the eyes and neck and the keyboard places the whole arm and hand in awkward positions, as well as the trunk. Either the screen will be at a comfortable height and distance or the keyboard, typically not both.

You might consider an external monitor, external keyboard (preferably one with a negative tilt keyboard tray for correct wrist positioning), both, or use of a docking station. Since the monitor is the most expensive part of the device, it’s best to place the monitor and elevate it so that your eyes are at screen level, using common objects (books or reams of paper) or a laptop stand. In a hotel consider using pillows or adjusting the chair to bring yourself up or down to the correct height when placing the computer on the desk, table, or counter.

On an airplane consider a window seat where you have control over the window shade so you can reduce direct glare on the screen. You can rest the computer on your lap, keeping your hips and knees level or the tray table, using magazines to raise the height. Rest your arms on the armrests, trying to keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle. If doing mostly reading, raise the device; if typing, work on good arm support. You can also sit on blankets to adjust your body height to the screen.

You can overcome the confines of the built in keyboard with a flexible keyboard or mouse. You can try these out in the store for comfort and fit of your hand grip. These roll up or store easily in a carrying case. Be sure the case has a handle and wheels or use a padded shoulder strap if using a messenger bag style. If this is not available switch hands or shoulders frequently. For presentations, consider using portable media storage (memory stick, flash drive, etc).

Consider the total weight of a cooling pad and the laptop when purchasing a carrying case. Pace yourself and take frequent rest breaks, stretching while up and away from the laptop. Small aches and pains are warning signs and are cumulative so make adjustments to your positioning and posture.

Betsy Holmer
Provena Saint Joseph Hospital
Physical Therapist

Facts
You do not need to be knocked out to have a concussion. There is no set number of symptoms that automatically indicates a concussion. If you are showing signs of any symptoms, go to a health care professional. Sometimes severe symptoms can take hours or days to show up. Indirect blows can cause jarring of the brain in the head and result in a concussion.

Symptoms
Having uneven dilated pupils; Having a headache; Feeling sick or throwing up; Noticing blurred vision; Not seeing everything well; Having poor coordination or balance; Having slurred speech; Being slow to answer questions or follow directions; Irritability and low frustration tolerance; Anxiety and depressed mood; and/or Sleep disturbance.

Concussion categories
Grade 1
The mild concussion occurs when the person does not lose consciousness but may seem dazed.
Grade 2
The slightly more severe form occurs when the person does not lose consciousness but has a period of confusion and does not recall the event.
Grade 3
The classic concussion is the most severe form. It occurs when the person loses consciousness for a brief period of time and has no memory of the event. Evaluation from a health-care provider should be performed immediately.

Treatment
In most cases a person will recover from a concussion within a few hours or days. In more severe cases of concussion the last up to several weeks. The treatment for a concussion is usually to watch the person closely for any change in level of consciousness. The person may need to stay in the hospital for close observation. Surgery is usually not necessary. Headache and dizziness are common, but if the headache persists or becomes severe, it is best to seek medical attention. Prevention Wear safety gear for sports, even when playing recreational sports with friends and family. Wear your seat belt when driving. Make everyone in the car do the same. If you receive a blow, direct or indirect, sit down and take a few minutes to make sure you’re ok. Do not continue to play if any of the above symptoms are present!

Because humidity can greatly decrease your body’s ability to maintain its normal temperature, activity…even walking in high humidity can be dangerous.

Humidity makes the temperature feel hotter than it actually is. The heat index tells you the “apparent temperature” — how hot it feels to the average person — for various combinations of air temperature and relative humidity.

For example, when the air temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity is 75 percent, it actually feels like it’s 95 degrees Fahrenheit outside. You can find out the air temperature and the humidity level (and often the heat index) on any given day from local forecasts.

When the heat index is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you need to use caution when exercising outside. This is especially true if you are just starting a walking program; if you are obese; if you have any serious health problems; if you take medication; or if you are over age 50. Under these conditions, you may need to cut down the amount of time you spend walking to avoid heat illness.

When the heat index reaches 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are possible if you exercise intensely outdoors. You should decrease the intensity and length of your workouts, walk in a shaded area, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

When the heat index exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit, exercising outdoors is dangerous. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke are likely. Move your walking program indoors.

If you take care of your body’s needs, it is possible — and safe — to walk in hot weather

Here is some advice from the CDC — take a moment to read it and learn what to do should a tornado occur in your hometown.  A little preparation and education go a long way.

Signs of an Approaching Storm

Some tornadoes strike rapidly, without time for a tornado warning, and sometimes without a thunderstorm in the vicinity. When you are watching for rapidly emerging tornadoes, it is important to know that you cannot depend on seeing a funnel: clouds or rain may block your view. The following weather signs may mean that a tornado is approaching:

• A dark or green-colored sky.
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud.
• Large hail.
• A loud roar that sounds like a freight train.

If you notice any of these weather conditions, take cover immediately, and keep tuned to local radio and TV stations

Sighting a Funnel Cloud

If you see a funnel cloud nearby, take shelter immediately (see the following section for instructions on shelter). However, if you spot a tornado that is far away, help alert others to the hazard by reporting it to the newsroom of a local radio or TV station before taking shelter as described later. Use common sense and exercise caution: if you believe that you might be in danger, seek shelter immediately.

Taking Shelter

Your family could be anywhere when a tornado strikes–at home, at work, at school, or in the car. Discuss with your family where the best tornado shelters are and how family members can protect themselves from flying and falling debris.

The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.

At Home

Pick a place in the home where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. One basic rule is AVOID WINDOWS. An exploding window can injure or kill.

The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet.

For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. If possible, cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and protect your head with anything available–even your hands. Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects, such as pianos or refrigerators, on the area of floor that is directly above you. They could fall though the floor if the tornado strikes your house.

In a Mobile Home

DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME DURING A TORNADO. Mobile homes can turn over during strong winds. Even mobile homes with a tie-down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds.

Plan ahead. If you live in a mobile home, go to a nearby building, preferably one with a basement. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands.

If you live in a tornado-prone area, encourage your mobile home community to build a tornado shelter.

On the Road

The least desirable place to be during a tornado is in a motor vehicle. Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds.

DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under your vehicle. Follow the directions for seeking shelter outdoors (see next section).

Outdoors

If you are caught outside during a tornado and there is no adequate shelter immediately available–

• Avoid areas with many trees.
• Avoid vehicles.
• Lie down flat in a gully, ditch, or low spot on the ground.
• Protect your head with an object or with your arms.

Long-Span Buildings

A long-span building, such as a shopping mall, theater, or gymnasium, is especially dangerous because the roof structure is usually supported solely by the outside walls. Most such buildings hit by tornados cannot withstand the enormous pressure. They simply collapse.

If you are in a long-span building during a tornado, stay away from windows. Get to the lowest level of the building–the basement if possible–and away from the windows.

If there is no time to get to a tornado shelter or to a lower level, try to get under a door frame or get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. For instance, in a department store, get up against heavy shelving or counters. In a theater, get under the seats. Remember to protect your head.

OfficeBuildings, Schools, Hospitals, Churches, and OtherPublicBuildings

Extra care is required in offices, schools, hospitals, or any building where a large group of people is concentrated in a small area. The exterior walls of such buildings often have large windows.

If you are in any of these buildings–

• Move away from windows and glass doorways.
• Go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest possible floor.
• Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped.
• Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down.

Shelter for People with Special Needs

Advance planning is especially important if you require assistance to reach shelter from an approaching storm (see specific instructions in the next section).

• If you are in a wheelchair, get away from windows and go to an interior room of the house. If possible, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Do cover your head with anything available, even your hands.
• If you are unable to move from a bed or a chair and assistance is not available, protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows.
• If you are outside and a tornado is approaching, get into a ditch or gully. If possible, lie flat and cover your head with your arms.

For more information or if you or your loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact our intake department at (847) 931-5521.

What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe.
They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
Bipolar disorder often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25. Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life. Bipolar disorder is not easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called “mood episodes.” An overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode, and an extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode. Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. People with bipolar disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode. Extreme changes in energy, activity, sleep, and behavior go along with these changes in mood. It is possible for someone with bipolar disorder to experience a long-lasting period of unstable moods rather than discrete episodes of depression or mania. A person may be having an episode of bipolar disorder if he or she has a number of manic or depressive symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least one or two weeks. Sometimes symptoms are so severe that the person cannot function normally at work, school, or home. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are described below.

Symptoms of mania or a manic episode include:

Mood Changes

• A long period of feeling “high,” or an overly happy or outgoing mood
• Extremely irritable mood, agitation, feeling “jumpy” or “wired.”

Behavioral Changes

• Talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another, having racing thoughts
• Being easily distracted
• Increasing goal-directed activities, such as taking on new projects
• Being restless
• Sleeping little
• Having an unrealistic belief in one’s abilities

Symptoms of depression or a depressive episode include: 

Mood Changes

• A long period of feeling worried or empty
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex.

Behavioral Changes

• Feeling tired or “slowed down”
• Having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• Being restless or irritable
• Changing eating, sleeping, or other habits
• Thinking of death or suicide, or attempting suicide

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

The first step in getting a proper diagnosis is to talk to a doctor, who may conduct a physical examination, an interview, and lab tests. Bipolar disorder cannot currently be identified through a blood test or a brain scan, but these tests can help rule out other contributing factors, such as a stroke or brain tumor. If the problems are not caused by other illnesses, the doctor may conduct a mental health evaluation. The doctor may also provide a referral to a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, who is experienced in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. The doctor or mental health professional should conduct a complete diagnostic evaluation. He or she should discuss any family history of bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses and get a complete history of symptoms. The doctor or mental health professionals should also talk to the person’s close relatives or spouse and note how they describe the person’s symptoms and family medical history. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are depressed than when experiencing mania or hypomania. Therefore, a careful medical history is needed to assure that bipolar disorder is not mistakenly diagnosed as major depressive disorder, which is also called unipolar depression. Unlike people with bipolar disorder, people who have unipolar depression do not experience mania. Whenever possible, previous records and input from family and friends should also be included in the medical history.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

To date, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. But proper treatment helps most people with bipolar disorder gain better control of their mood swings and related symptoms. This is also true for people with the most severe forms of the illness. Because bipolar disorder is a lifelong and recurrent illness, people with the disorder need long-term treatment to maintain control of bipolar symptoms. An effective maintenance treatment plan includes medication and psychotherapy for preventing relapse and reducing symptom severity.

It may be very hard to take that first step to help yourself. It may take time, but you can get better with treatment.

• Talk to your doctor about treatment options and progress
• Keep a regular routine, such as eating meals at the same time every day and going to sleep at the same time every night
• Try to get enough sleep
• Stay on your medication • Learn about warning signs signaling a shift into depression or mania
• Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately.

What is shingles, and who can get it?

After you have chickenpox, the virus that causes it stays inactive in your body inside certain nerve cells. Most of the time your immune system keeps the virus in these cells. As you get older, or if your immune system gets weak, the varicella-zoster virus may escape from the nerve cells and cause shingles. If you have had the chickenpox vaccine, you are less likely to get chickenpox and therefore less likely to later develop shingles.

Most people who get shingles are older than 50 years of age or have a weak immune system. For example, you might get shingles if you have cancer, take medicines that weaken your immune system, or have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

The rash begins with reddish bumps. In a few days, these bumps turn into fluid-filled blisters. You might feel a stinging or burning pain. The rash might also itch. Shingles occurs most often on the trunk of the body, such as a band of blisters around your back and chest.

The blisters usually crust over and fall off after about a week. You may see changes in the color of your skin when the scabs fall off. In more severe cases of shingles, these color changes are permanent.

Even though the rash gets better or goes away in a few weeks, the pain may last longer. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia. In most people, however, the pain of shingles goes away in 1 to 2 months.

If shingles occurs on the face, it can also affect your eyes, causing swollen eyelids, redness and pain. Shingles of the eye can cause scars that damage your vision. It can also lead to glaucoma later in life. Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness. People who have herpes zoster ophthalmicus should see an eye doctor right away.

How is shingles treated?

Your doctor might also have you take a steroid medicine to reduce your pain and swelling. This medicine will also reduce your risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.

What can I do about the pain?

Applying a medicated anti-itch lotion (two brand names: Benadryl, Caladryl) to the blisters might reduce the pain and itching. Placing cool compresses soaked in water mixed with white vinegar on the blisters and sores might also ease pain and itching.

If shingles causes severe pain, your doctor might prescribe a stronger pain medicine.

Like shingles, postherpetic neuralgia causes a stinging or burning pain. Your skin might become very sensitive to temperature changes or a light touch, such as from a bedsheet, your clothing or moving air.

Most people who develop postherpetic neuralgia get better with time. Almost all of them are free of pain within 1 year. However, a few people have chronic pain (pain that doesn’t go away).

Some medicines that are used to treat depression and seizures can also help relieve the nerve pain of postherpetic neuralgia. These medicines may take several weeks before they begin to ease your pain.

Common side effects of the vaccine are headache and redness, swelling, itching and soreness at the injection site. People who have had shingles should get the vaccine to help stop the disease from reoccurring. The vaccine protects for at least 6 years, but may last a lot longer.

The shingles vaccine is not recommended for the following groups:

Having  a colonoscopy at age 50 reduces deaths from colorectal cancer.   Colonoscopy can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon and rectum, and polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer.  So schedule yours today and here is some info so you know what to expect:

The doctor usually provides written instructions about how to prepare for colonoscopy. The process is called a bowel prep. Generally, all solids must be emptied from the gastrointestinal tract by following a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure. Patients should not drink beverages containing red or purple dye.

Acceptable liquids include:

• fat-free broth
• strained fruit juice
• water
• plain coffee
• plain tea
• sports drinks, such as Gatorade
• gelatin

A laxative or an enema may be required the night before colonoscopy. A laxative is medicine that loosens stool and increases bowel movements. Laxatives are usually swallowed in pill form or as a powder dissolved in water. An enema is performed by flushing water, or sometimes a mild soap solution, into the anus using a special wash bottle.

Patients should inform the doctor of all medical conditions and any medications, vitamins, or supplements taken regularly, including

• aspirin
• arthritis medications
• blood thinners
• diabetes medications
• vitamins that contain iron

Driving is not permitted for 24 hours after colonoscopy to allow the sedative time to wear off. Before the appointment, patients should make plans for a ride home.

How is colonoscopy performed?
During colonoscopy, patients lie on their left side on an examination table. In most cases, a light sedative helps keep patients relaxed. Deeper sedation may be required in some cases. The doctor and medical staff monitor vital signs and attempt to make patients as comfortable as possible.

 During colonoscopy, patients lie on their left side on an examination table. The doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope, or scope, into the anus and slowly guides it through the rectum and into the colon. The scope inflates the large intestine with carbon dioxide gas to give the doctor a better view. A small camera mounted on the scope transmits a video image from inside the large intestine to a computer screen, allowing the doctor to carefully examine the intestinal lining. The doctor may ask the patient to move periodically so the scope can be adjusted for better viewing.

Once the scope has reached the opening to the small intestine, it is slowly withdrawn and the lining of the large intestine is carefully examined again. Bleeding and puncture of the large intestine are possible but uncommon complications of colonoscopy.

Removal of Polyps and Biopsy
A doctor can remove growths, called polyps, during colonoscopy and later test them in a laboratory for signs of cancer.  Polyps are common in adults and are usually harmless. However, most colorectal cancer begins as a polyp, so removing polyps early is an effective way to prevent cancer.

The doctor can also take samples from abnormal-looking tissues during colonoscopy. The procedure, called a biopsy, allows the doctor to later look at the tissue with a microscope for signs of disease.

The doctor removes polyps and takes biopsy tissue using tiny tools passed through the scope. If bleeding occurs, the doctor can usually stop it with an electrical probe or special medications passed through the scope. Tissue removal and the treatments to stop bleeding are usually painless.

Recovery
Colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Cramping or bloating may occur during the first hour after the procedure. The sedative takes time to completely wear off. Patients may need to remain at the clinic for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure. Full recovery is expected by the next day. Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed.

Patients who develop any of these rare side effects should contact their doctor immediately:

• severe abdominal pain
• fever
• bloody bowel movements
• dizziness
• weakness

1.  Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is one of the best soups to eat. Vegetable soup is made with potatoes, carrots, onions, green beans and green peas. The combined nutrition of each vegetable adds a great number of vitamins and minerals to your diet. Potatoes are a good source of potassium and carrots provide beta carotene. Onions are known for their antioxidant properties, while green beans and peas provide fiber.

2.  Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a favorite low calorie and low fat food. It has 0 cholesterol and low carbohydrates. It’s a good soup to eat for lunch or dinner without the worry of adding to many calories. Tomato soup is also an excellent source of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in red vegetables such as tomatoes.

3.  Minestrone

Minestrone is very low in carbohydrates and calories. It’s made with potatoes, corn, carrots, tomatoes and other healthy vegetables. As with tomato soup, minestrone provides lycopene. Minestrone is also good for adding fiber, protein and iron into your diet.

4.  Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is loaded with nutrition. Black beans are legumes. Legumes provide the essential protein and fiber you need to maintain your diet. This soup is very low in fat as well. Most black bean soups are made with onions, carrots and garlic. These ingredients provide you with antioxidants, such as beta carotene and phytochemicals. They fight free radicals and cancer causing illnesses in your body. Black beans also have antioxidants. These antioxidants are similar to those found in dark berries.

5.  Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Chicken and vegetable soup is great for your diet. This soup is hearty enough to eat as a meal. It has provides large amounts of protein and fiber to keep your digestive tract working properly. A healthy digestive tract is essential for maintaining your weight. It breaks down food and converts it into energy. This energy is just what you need to exercise each day.

6.  Miso Soup

Miso soup is a Japanese specialty made with a variety of ingredients. However, healthy miso soup is made with tofu, green onions and seaweed. Seaweed has all the nutrition of leafy green vegetables and tofu is a nice source of protein. This soup is good for low fat diets.

7.  Turkey Soup

Turkey is one of the best low fat foods you’ll eat in your diet. Combined with a low sodium broth, this super food is excellent for losing weight or maintaining it after you reach your goals. It’s packed with protein, fiber, niacin and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 keeps your metabolism running smoothly by breaking down fats, carbohydrates and sugars.

When choosing any soup be aware that even healthy soups may contain high sodium. Sodium can lead to high blood pressure and water retention. Avoid these potential problems by not adding salt to store bought soups or to home made soup.  Here’s a great recipe for healthy turkey soup!

Ingredients

• 1 turkey carcass
• 4 cups water
• 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 large onions, 1 quartered and 3 chopped
• 1 cup diced rutabaga or turnip, peeled
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup pearl barley
• 1 can (14 ounces) unsalted tomatoes
• 1 can (16 ounces) white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 pound leftover light turkey meat, cut into bite-size chunks

Directions

In a large stockpot, combine the turkey carcass, water, broth and quartered onion. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Strain the mixture, discarding the carcass and onion. Chill the liquid in the refrigerator — overnight, if possible — and skim off the fat from the broth’s surface. Return the liquid to the stockpot.

Add the remaining ingredients to the broth mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 1 hour.

Ladle into individual bowls and serve immediately.