News

Jun 14, 2023

Granillo Earns DNP Degree

In May, Cheri Granillo graduated from UNC Charlotte with the degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice. This degree program prepares nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. With 19 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, Granillo was aware of many challenges facing the nursing… 

Jun 14, 2023

Suggested Summer Reads

Cancer Hates Tea, by Marie Uspenski, Explores the connection between tea and its potential benefits in preventing and fighting cancer. The book delves into the science behind tea’s healing properties, providing valuable information and practical tips for incorporating tea into a healthy lifestyle. Uspenski recommends five cups of black, green, white, oolong, or pu-erh tea… 

Jun 14, 2023

Summer Snacks with Skincare in Mind

If we think of health as an artform, then food, exercise, and even medications and medical treatment are tools that we can use to paint the picture of health for our lives. As we learn more about how the body works, we can better choose how best to use the tools that we have to… 

Apr 14, 2023

What is PhytoRx and how can it work for you?

PhytoRx is a new program that helps healthcare professionals learn how to prescribe specific phytochemical-rich produce for targeted diseases. PhytoRx fosters connections between healthcare professionals and Extension agents to tap into nutrition education for patients and food distributors to make the foods critical to health available and accessible to those in the program. PhytoRx takes… 

Apr 14, 2023

Partner with NC Cooperative Extension to Support Community Health

Cooperative Extension is often called a “best kept secret,” except it’s not trying to hide, and would love to engage with more community members. The Cooperative Extension Service was created over one hundred years ago by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (part of the US Department of Agriculture) to support education and outreach programs aligned… 

Feb 14, 2023

Gut Health Tip: Discover Lentils!

Increase your fiber by substituting lentils in recipes that call for ground meat. If the recipe calls for one pound of ground beef, chicken, or pork, try 1/2 pound of meat and 1 cup of lentils. The lentils will absorb the flavor of the seasonings and the meat, but with the added benefit of fiber,… 

Feb 14, 2023

It’s Heart Health Month! See your dentist!

It’s not only coincidental that Heart Health Month is the same month as Dental Health Month; as it turns out, poor oral health can translate to poor overall physical health.  Periodontal disease is chronic inflammation and infection of the tooth supporting structures in your mouth (gums and bone). Periodontal disease is a predictor of cardiovascular… 

Feb 14, 2023

It’s Heart Health Month; let’s talk about your gut

Wait, what does gut health have to do with heart health? I’m glad you asked! Scientists are learning that the microorganisms in the gut are heavily responsible for the health of the entire body.1 The cardiovascular system and the risk factors for chronic CVD (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes) are affected directly by this gut flora.2 The… 

Jan 14, 2023

PhytoRx Wrap-up

Fifteen patients completed an 8-week iteration of the PhytoRx program in Iredell County last month. The patients tried new foods, new food preparation methods and they drank more water. The PhytoRx program is built around partnerships among multiple community stakeholders who are positioned to be part of a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Here’s how it…