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 […]
Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog
Diabetes Distress
What is Diabetes Distress People living with diabetes are at risk for developing psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. The stress associated with managing diabetes can become a significant problem and this stress can contribute to the development of psychological disorders. In some cases, people living with diabetes may experience what is known as […]
Starch Retrogradation: A Method for Post-Mealtime Blood Sugar Management in Individuals with Diabetes
Navigating Endometriosis Flare-Ups: Gentle Strategies for Relief
What is Endometriosis?Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle. Because it is outside the uterus, the blood cannot exit the body, which can cause swelling, irritation, scar tissue, and adhesions. The most […]
Key Tips for Safe Wound, Foot, and Skin Care
For individuals with conditions like diabetes and kidney or heart disease, proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and complications. Even minor cuts or scrapes can become serious if not treated promptly. This guide offers clear steps to clean and protect wounds, helpful tips to support your skin health, and signs that mean you […]
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby
Breastfeeding is more than just a way to feed a baby; it is a natural process that offers a wide range of benefits for both mom and baby. Not only does it provide ideal nutrition for infants, but it also offers physical and emotional benefits for mothers. Recognizing these shared advantages can help parents make […]
Summer Safety with Diabetes
Having water on hand is one of the easiest ways to stay hydrated in the summer. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank, 2020, Clemson Extension With warmer weather and longer days, the summer months provide more opportunities for outdoor activities. But before planning that trip to the beach or afternoon hike, make sure you are […]
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, occurs when the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Gastric refers to the stomach, and paresis is a condition where muscle weakness or paralysis occurs due to nerve damage. The effects of gastroparesis are that muscles in the stomach do not move well or have impaired mobility, causing […]
Fit and Busy
Staying Active with a Packed Schedule It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we have a hectic schedule. However, making time for physical activity is easier than it may seem. There are many ways to be active and incorporate healthy movement in your day that do not involve much time but will still have a […]
Busy Body, Healthy Plate: Balancing Nutrition in a Fast-Paced World
Busy lives often result in less attention to balanced nutrition. However, there are many small changes that you can implement to make meeting your nutrition goals possible. The USDA gives some basic guidelines and encourages eating nutrient-dense foods across all food groups. A healthy diet includes vegetables, fruits, dairy, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy […]
Nutrition Recommendations for Diabetes
Introduction Diabetes is a complex chronic disease that, when left untreated, can impact every part of the body. Often, one may hear older generations refer to diabetes as a “touch of sugar” or “sugar diabetes.” While these names for the condition of diabetes are technically inaccurate terms, they do in some ways describe a small […]
Spring Into Health: Simple Habits for a Healthier You
Spring is the perfect time to start or resume a few healthy habits. Healthy living does not need to be complicated or restrictive. In fact, incorporating just three simple habits can lead to positive results. What steps do you need to take to “spring” into health? 1. Eat Real Food Nature is filled with amazing […]
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 […]
Kidney Health and Diabetes
The kidneys are vital organs essential for survival, playing massive roles in waste management within the human body to support functions of all organ systems. To carry out their roles, the kidneys remove waste by filtering the blood and using the waste and extra fluids to produce urine. During this process, the kidneys remove acids […]
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), one of the most notable risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity. Obesity raises the risk for type 2 diabetes by increasing the body’s resistance to insulin, the hormone responsible for removing glucose (sugar) from the blood and delivering it to the body’s cells for energy. Additionally, […]
Winter’s Toll – Why We’re More Susceptible to Illness
One thing is certain: we are in the heart of cold and flu season. But have you ever wondered why we seem more susceptible to getting sick during the winter months? Research shows that spending more time indoors, dry air, and frigid temperatures could all be to blame. Let’s dive deeper into these factors and […]
Overcoming the “Winter Blues”
Prickly Pear and Diabetes
Plant-based dietary additives are becoming more popular as they’re affordable and offer less side effects than some traditional medications. One such plant being used is the prickly pear cactus, which is native to Central America and the Southwestern United States. In these regions, prickly pears have been traditionally used as herbal remedies for their potential […]
Bites Burns Blood: First Aid for Skin Issues Resulting from Being Outdoors
Flu Vaccination
Flu season is in full swing during the coldest months of the year, and it’s time to get your annual flu shot. The flu vaccine is now recommended for everyone ages six months and older.1


















