Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

The Health Benefits of Nature

The world is filled with nature. Natural environments, ranging from forests and coastal areas to community parks, gardens, and even indoor spaces with plants, are an integral part of daily life. Beyond their aesthetic value, these environments are increasingly recognized as contributors to human health and wellbeing. Overview of Nature and Health A growing body […]

Guidelines for Proper Breast Milk Expression, Storage, and Handling

Breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants, whether a baby feeds directly at the breast or is given expressed milk. Breast milk expression is the process of removing milk using hands or a breast pump, and may be medically necessary in some situations. Premature birth, certain medical conditions, or periods of separation all may warrant […]

High Blood Sugar and Hunger

Lee en español What You Need to Know Polyphagia, also known as hyperphagia, is a medical term for excessive or insatiable hunger, even after a meal. This phenomenon is commonly experienced among individuals working to manage a diagnosis of diabetes and can present a significant barrier to effective diabetes self-management. Persistent feelings of hunger may […]

New Year, Less Stress: Diabetes and Caregiving

The New Year can bring new challenges for caregivers. Caregivers balancing a diabetes diagnosis and caregiver responsibilities should be mindful of limiting high-stress situations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people living with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression or other mental health challenges compared to those at a […]

The Intersection of Elder Abuse and Diabetes 

Elder abuse is a serious and often overlooked public health issue. Estimates of elder abuse vary, but systematic reviews and population studies consistently show that abuse and neglect are under-reported and affect a substantial number of older adults. Elder abuse is defined as intentional or negligent action(s) by a trusted adult or caregiver that induces […]

Taking Care of Yourself: Preventing Caregiver Burnout

Caregiving is one of the hardest and most meaningful things you can do. Whether it is an aging parent, a partner, or a friend, stepping into that role changes your life. It can bring closeness and purpose, but it also comes with long hours, constant worry, and stress that wears on you over time. That […]

Growing Healthier Families Through Home Gardening

Home gardening is more than a passion; it can be a powerful tool for building healthier families. Studies show that growing vegetables at home can lead to improved nutrition, encourage physical activity, and support emotional well-being. Beyond the overall health benefits, gardening together can strengthen family bonds and help ease the financial strain of food […]

Busy World, Quiet Mind: Prioritizing Mental Well-being in a Fast-Paced World

An important part of a healthy lifestyle that often gets overlooked is mental health. Mental health is our state of mental well-being that enables us to cope with the stressors of life. Mental health is important for making decisions, building relationships, and shaping our world. When life is busy, stress and feeling overwhelmed can lead […]