Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
healthy living
DRSladic.com
October 2025
DOLLAR STORE DANGERS The Hidden Cost of Cheap Convenience
at $1.25 or slightly higher. That said, some nice deals were there, including a pencil set for $1.25 and a nice selection of discount glassware. Additionally, the location had a good assortment of inexpensive greeting cards. Overall, Dollar Tree isn’t a bad place to visit if you need a few household staples at a relatively low price. Sadly, my impression changed quickly once I explored the store’s food options. For example, I found a container with “chicken broth” on the front of the label. When I looked at the ingredient list on the side, I saw sunflower oil, flavor “essences” of chicken broth, and a paragraph-long list of chemicals. It’s no wonder this particular product costs only $1.25! I should add that the store offered plenty of inexpensive cookies, chips, and other snacks that don’t exactly promote proper nutrition. Dollar General was my next stop. Many of the store’s items were priced considerably higher than Dollar Tree’s, but that increased cost didn’t translate to improved selections or quality. The “fresh produce” section was mostly full of beer, and the choice of fresh fruit was minimal at best. Although I did see a dozen white eggs on sale for $3, a few frozen vegetables, and some olives and canned tuna, I can’t say I was impressed by my visit. While I didn’t care much for either store’s nutritional offerings, I’m even more concerned about the potential effect these stores have on economically challenged areas. As dollar stores infiltrate certain markets, they decrease
the incentive for other grocers (particularly mom-and-pop operations) to open. As fewer grocers open, residents’ fresh produce and other healthy food options decrease. When someone is strapped for cash, “chicken broth” may be a more affordable choice than chicken broth , leading grocers to offer healthier items to lose a sale. The gentleman at the wedding was absolutely right: Dollar stores are not doing our communities any favors. In 2019, the city council in Birmingham, Alabama, passed legislation restricting dollar stores from opening new locations within a mile of their existing ones. Similar legislation has also appeared in other parts of the country. From what I saw on my summer trip, more efforts in this direction are necessary. These stores don’t appear to be going out of business anytime soon. The economy hasn’t been easy for many people, and the allure of dollar stores is perfectly understandable. However, the quick benefit of low costs is nothing compared to the long-term consequences of careless food choices. Buy all the $1.25 pencil sets you want, but please consider purchasing real food for your plates. –Dr. Tom Sladic To order supplements or blood work, call 248-912-2962
A good bargain is hard to pass up, but low prices can pose high risks to our health.
While traveling to a wedding held near the St. Clair River this past summer, my eyes couldn’t stop focusing on the many “dollar stores” along my route. I’m sure you know the ones I’m referring to, and they’re commonly called either Dollar Tree or Dollar General. They seem to be everywhere in rural areas these days, and their names imply significant savings for customers.
Unfortunately, that may not be a good thing.
While at the wedding, I told a fellow attendee how surprised I was to see so many dollar stores during my drive. In response, he noted how bad those stores were for their communities. I found his words curious. After all, how could any establishment that offers discounted items and huge savings be harmful to anyone? I decided to investigate these stores and find out. I visited a Dollar Tree first. One thing that immediately stood out to me was that the place should have been called Dollar-and-a- Quarter Tree, as most items I saw were priced
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it.”
DRSLADIC.COM
1
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
START YOUR DAY THE DANISH WAY CREATE HYGGE IN EVERY COMFORTING MORNING STEP
There’s a quiet magic in the early morning. It’s a time made for gentleness, nourishing both body and spirit. That’s the beauty of hygge , a Danish philosophy rooted in comfort, mindfulness, and savoring life’s small pleasures. Pronounced “ hoo-gah, ” this gentle lifestyle encourages you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. And what better time to begin than first thing in the morning? Begin right where you wake, still nestled beneath the covers. Before your feet ever touch the floor, take a moment to stretch — not the kind that feels like a chore but one that softly awakens your muscles and soothes your joints. This small act stirs your blood and eases your body into the day with kindness.
smells like the season — apple, cinnamon, or something crisp and woodsy. Let the warm water remind you that you’re not in a rush, that this moment is yours. As the coffee brews or tea steeps, light a candle . Watch it flicker and think of someone who has touched your life. Offer a quiet thank-you and wish them well. This small blessing is a gift to them and you. Slip on your walking shoes and greet the world outside . Even a short stroll can awaken a sense of calm. Listen to the autumn leaves rustle, feel the sun on your cheeks. Let nature’s rhythm soften your own. These hygge-inspired rituals help you reclaim mornings with grace, presence, and joy. You’ve earned mornings like these. Let them carry you forward.
Let your shower become a sanctuary. Choose a soap that
DECEPTIVE DEALS
What Labels Don’t Tell You
If a label on a grocery item appears too good to be true, it typically is. The packaging on many of the products we purchase is meant to attract our attention, but what they promise may not be rooted in reality. Here are
The front of the bottle touted the inclusion of 300 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids. When I turned the bottle to read the back label, it listed a mix of anchovies and other little fish and only 300 milligrams of
Despite what it may say on the label, not all “real” mayonnaise fits the government’s definition of such. The Food and Drug Administration requires anything sold as “mayonnaise” to contain vinegar and/or lemon juice, egg yolks, and 65% vegetable oil. Salt, monosodium glutamate, citric acid, and other select additives are also permitted. However, just because a mayonnaise brand meets the “real” standard requirements doesn’t mean it’s inherently pure . Some “real” mayonnaise manufacturers incorporate additives, such as sunflower and soybean oils, that the Arthritis Foundation has argued can contribute to inflammation. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the ingredients in your favorite products, including the recommended amounts for ingredients that will help you maintain health and those to avoid.
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combined ! To put that into perspective, the fish oil I use has 1,400 milligrams of EPA and 600 milligrams of DHA. This fish oil brand is a clear example of getting exactly what you pay for.
two examples of how labeling can lead us astray in our quest to make healthy choices.
FISHY PRICES, SLIPPERY RESULTS As discussed in this month’s cover article, I’ve been checking out various items sold at “dollar stores.” During one recent investigative trip, I noticed one of the stores sold bottles of 1,000-milligram fish oil supplements for $7.50. I had never seen fish oil priced so low! After reviewing the bottle’s packaging, I understood why it cost so little.
THE MAYO MAZE The word “real” on product packaging should always signify authenticity, but finding genuine mayonnaise on your supermarket shelves is more difficult than you may think.
2
DRSLADIC.COM
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
LENTIL AND SWEET POTATO STEW
This delicious dish will keep your family warm, full, and happy as the weather cools down.
PATIENT SPOTLIGHT: SUSIE S. From Strain to Strength “I had no energy and was terribly constipated with just a teeny bit of a bowel movement. It hurt so much that I was afraid I’d black out. I knew I’d better take something to improve that. I figured if I didn’t go for help, I’d be lying around not functioning well (or, worse, in the hospital). I felt like I was at the edge of a cliff and trying too hard to stay on top. “Thanks to Natural Solutions for Health, I now have more energy, and my bowel movements have been huge and much easier. I feel more rested and peaceful now. I also feel better when I watch my carbs more, like Dr. Sladic said, and I’m just not as hungry for cake and bread anymore. I don’t feel so close to a breakdown; I feel more like visiting other people and taking an interest in their lives. “Thank you, Tom!” –Susie S.
Ingredients
• 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 cups green lentils, rinsed • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves • 1/2 tsp turmeric • 1/4 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • Fresh parsley
Directions
1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for about 3 minutes. 2. Add all other ingredients except for salt and parsley. 3. Turn the heat to high until it is boiling, then reduce it to low and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through. 4. Remove pot from heat and stir in salt. Top with parsley and enjoy! WORD SEARCH CANDY GOURD HAUNTING LEAVES LIBRA MARIGOLD MOON OPAL PUMPKIN SOUP TEACHERS TOUCHDOWN
DRSLADIC.COM
3
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2071 E. WEST MAPLE RD., SUITE E-502 COMMERCE TWP, MI 48390 DRSLADIC.COM
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Bargain Bins and Bitter Truths
2. Hygge Morning Rituals to Nourish Your Spirit
Healthy Hype vs. Buzzword Bait
3. Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
Patient Spotlight
4. Smart Moves for Staying Healthy at Your Desk
DESK JOB? DON’T SETTLE Healthy Habits to Fight Deskbound Blues
DESIGN YOUR SPACE Creating a pleasing, well-organized
Staying healthy and fit can be a challenge when your job requires you to sit at a desk most of the time. A growing share of Americans spend their workdays at a computer, and as many as 70% of them eventually develop neck, back, or shoulder pain or problems with obesity. Research shows that embracing healthy habits can help you avoid those harmful effects. Here are a few to try. MASTER ERGONOMICS Following good ergonomic practices can prevent neck and shoulder pain. Choose a chair that provides lumbar support. Adjust the height of your chair and monitor until you can sit in a relaxed, erect posture with your feet flat on the floor and the top of your monitor slightly below eye level. Notice
when your gaze drifts downward and your shoulders become rounded, and correct your posture by lifting the top of your head toward the ceiling. Adjust your keyboard so your wrists are level and relaxed when typing to allay wrist and arm strain. GET UP AND STRETCH Break away from your desk and walk around for a few minutes every hour, if possible. Do gentle stretches to relax your back and neck. Loosen your upper back muscles by bending your chin toward your chest and rolling it gently from side to side. Relax your neck by holding your hands behind your head with fingers intertwined and pushing back gently against your fingers. Stretch one arm over your head, lean to the opposite side, then switch arms and repeat.
workspace can help motivate you to stick to healthy habits. Use colors and materials that feel inviting and comfortable. Choose desk items and organizing tools that help you keep your work surface tidy and clear. Add plants, decorative objects, or wall art that inspires or uplifts you, and display objects that spark pleasant thoughts, such as family photos. Use natural light whenever possible, or a full-spectrum light that is close to daylight. Taken together, these subtle changes can help you maintain your health and well- being, without missing a beat at work!
4
DRSLADIC.COM
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator