Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]