Provided by FoundCare’s Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Sharron Frederick

Being overwhelmed by high expectations, distressed by money woes, and the stress related to the holidays can bring anyone down, especially those prone to depression. Depression is a mood disorder that may affect how you think, feel, and act. During the holidays, it can be especially hard to act cheerful when you’re just not feeling cheerful.

You couldn’t miss Zulma if you tried. She’s vivacious, witty, and has an infectious laugh—a laugh that meets you before you even see Zulma, and tickles you to the point of laughing along even if you’d missed her joke. So, when I met Zulma for the first time, it was her jokes and our laughs that broke the ice, and while this was my first experience with her, I quickly realized that this is the kind of rapport she maintains with the healthcare providers and staff at FoundCare.

In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, we visited with FoundCare Dentist Dr. Dorotie Lacroze for some tips on how to maintain good oral health.

Myriam Glémaud, Psy.D., Director of Behavioral Health and Clinical Integration at FoundCare

Malnutrition Awareness Week is upon us, so we sat down with FoundCare’s Chief Medical Officer and Board Certified Pediatrician, Dr. Oneka Marriott, to ask her a few questions regarding malnutrition in children.

“FoundCare is like a family to me. They don’t just know my medical history. They know my hopes and dreams, too.”

FoundCare's Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Leslie Diaz, joined WPBF 25 News Anchor, Erin Guy, to share information about Hepatitis Testing and how it works.

We’ve gathered a few of our favorite websites and diabetes care guides that you can visit if you’re seeking more information or have any questions. Additionally, you may reach out to our diabetes care team if you have any questions by clicking here.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring.  We’ve compiled a few of our favorite websites and best-selling cookbooks below that contain tons of diabetes-friendly recipes… desserts included! Click on the links below to view recipes or to purchase your own cookbook from the American Diabetes Association.

• Food Network- Diabetes Friendly Recipes
• Taste of Home- Diabetic Recipes
• All Recipes- Healthy Diabetic Recipes
• Cookbook: Quick & Healthy Volume II, 2^nd Edition- Designed for busy people with lots of good intentions and little time to cook.
• Cookbook: Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner-  The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner has the information you crave from experts you can trust.
• Cookbook: The Diabetes Cookbook- The Diabetes Cookbook, backed by decades of research on diabetes nutrition, will be your ultimate guide to cooking and eating well.

Following self-care practices help those living with diabetes avoid hospital visits and serious health complications. Self-care practices that should be implemented into your daily routine include eating healthy, staying physically active, monitoring your blood sugar levels appropriately, utilizing your medications appropriately if prescribed, and practicing healthy behaviors that reduce your risk of diabetes complications such as a diabetic coma.

Other Self-Care practices include but are not limited to:

• Attending annual eye exams
• Caring for your feet (checking for lesions and sores daily)
• Reporting any numbness or tingling to your healthcare provider immediately
• Practicing good oral hygiene
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Maintaining sexual health (increased urination can be a sign of complications)
• Reducing Stress
• Talking with your support group to help you stay motived
• Developing healthy coping skills (Everyone struggles at some point in life. Don’t let life’s struggles jeopardize your health in a negative way.)