Feb 26, 2026
March is National Nutrition Month, a timely reminder that low‑calorie, nutrient‑rich foods can support overall health when paired with regular exercise. The Mayo Clinic notes that most vegetables are naturally low in calories but high in water and fiber, helping people feel fuller longer and curb snacking. High‑volume, low‑calorie options include salad greens, asparagus, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and zucchini.
The Mayo Clinic recommends adding vegetables to pasta dishes in place of meat and cheese and choosing carrots or broccoli over chips or baked goods for snacks.
Fruits also play a key role, though some are higher in calories. Healthline reports that avocados contain 161 calories per ½ cup mashed (about half a medium avocado), while a medium banana contains 105 calories and roughly 1 cup sliced. Both are nutritious but higher‑calorie choices.
Try lower‑calorie fruit alternatives:
- Strawberries: ~32 calories per ¾ cup sliced
- Watermelon: ~30 calories per ⅔ cup diced
- Cantaloupe: ~34 calories per ⅔ cup diced
- Honeydew: ~36 calories per ⅔ cup diced
- Peaches: ~39 calories per ⅔ cup sliced
Eating right during National Nutrition Month—and beyond—starts with fruits and vegetables that are naturally low in calories and rich in nutrients.
Parents of school‑aged children are likely familiar with “nut‑free” classrooms and cafeterias—spaces where peanuts and peanut butter are restricted to help protect students with allergies. The growing number of these environments can give the impression that peanut allergies are rapidly increasing. While awareness has certainly risen, the picture is more nuanced.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that rising public awareness can make peanut allergy seem more common than it is. A major 2017 study found a 21% increase in prevalence since 2010, though researchers say improved recognition and diagnosis likely explain part of that rise.
Studies from 2024–2025 point to environmental exposures and early‑introduction feeding guidelines as key factors in both persistence and prevention. Emerging evidence also links certain environmental conditions—such as air pollution—to a higher chance that peanut allergy persists into later childhood.
Despite the nuances in prevalence, the seriousness of peanut allergies is unmistakable. The ACAAI notes that reactions can escalate to anaphylaxis—a life‑threatening response involving difficulty breathing, throat swelling, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Growing awareness in homes, schools, and food‑service settings helps families and educators stay vigilant about a condition that can be unpredictable and severe.
Adults in their early 40s know the day is coming when their physicians recommend a colonoscopy. The MD Anderson Cancer Center® advises most people to get their first at age 45 and continue semi‑regular screenings through age 75.
Colonoscopies are a highly effective screening tool for colorectal cancer, which the World Health Organization identifies as the third most common cancer worldwide. Though the MDACC calls colonoscopies the “gold standard,” many still feel apprehensive. A closer look shows there’s little to fear.
- What happens during a colonoscopy? A flexible colonoscope with a camera is inserted into the rectum to examine the colon. MDACC notes this visibility makes the test highly effective. Doctors can remove polyps during the procedure, unlike stool‑based tests or virtual colonoscopies.
- Why do colonoscopies inspire anxiety? Prep is the main source of stress. The Mayo Clinic notes patients must empty the colon, avoid solid food the day before, and stick to clear liquids. A prescription laxative—often taken in two doses—causes multiple bathroom trips.
- What about the procedure itself? Patients wear a gown and receive sedation or anesthesia, usually sleeping through the exam. Some may feel cramps or bloating afterward. Results are given once the patient wakes up.
- How soon do I need another colonoscopy? If no polyps are found, MDACC recommends a 10‑year interval before the next exam.
Colonoscopies may have an unpleasant reputation, but any pre‑procedure discomfort is outweighed by the effectiveness of the exam.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that kidney pain is often mistaken for back pain. Those unsure of what's causing their discomfort should know there are some notable differences between kidney pain and back pain.
Back pain typically affects the middle of the back over the spine and leads to discomfort in the lower back. Kidney pain typically occurs to the right or left of the spine just below the rib cage where the kidneys are located. Kidney pain may feel deeper than back pain and can radiate to other areas of the body, including the abdomen or groin. If back pain goes beyond the initial area, it tends to radiate down the legs.
Individuals experiencing pain sufficient enough to feel discomfort that does not subside are urged to speak with a physician to determine if the pain is indicative of a back problem or an issue with their kidneys.
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