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DRSladic.com
May 2025
EVERYDAY MOMS, EVERYDAY HEROES A Tribute to Marvelous Mothers
It’s time to honor the heart and soul of our families.
to 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation making it a national holiday. Interestingly, activist Anna Jarvis — the woman who campaigned to make it an American holiday to begin with — later campaigned to abolish it after becoming disillusioned by the commercialism surrounding the event. But her later efforts were unsuccessful. Just because Mother’s Day has passed for this year doesn’t mean you can’t still do nice things for mom. Consider giving your mom the gift of taking some of her workload off her shoulders. Do the dishes or complete another chore on her to-do list. The little things our moms do for us often go unnoticed. Now’s the time to do something special and make her feel seen and appreciated. When I think about my mom today as an adult and a medical professional, I have to chuckle at how often her mothering instincts still show. I spend every workday teaching people how to eat better, take supplements, and do other things to improve their health, but Mom thinks she’s my doctor! I’ll be with her at the table, and she’ll say, “Eat this! It’s good for you!” I’ll think: Thanks for that! I think I can find my way around proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. I’ve studied this quite a bit!
On a more serious note, my mother has always been there to listen to me and support me through my challenges. When I was in my first year of college, getting to graduation felt like infinity . One day, I told her, “I have three more years to go! That’s such a long time.” She replied, “You know what? It’ll be over before you know it.” Her words were true and quite comforting. It’s remarkable to have someone to communicate with that way, and I’ve never taken a conversation with her for granted. By the way, you may have noticed I mentioned cakes earlier in this article. Am I suggesting indulging in such a treat to celebrate mothers everywhere? Yes, I am. Food is designed to be enjoyed. It’s Mother’s Day — how can you not have a piece of cake or pie she made? Unless you’ll get violently sick from eating these things or make it a habit of eating them daily, I say enjoy! On that note, happy Mother’s Day to the everyday superheroines who bring joy and light to our lives. If you have an opportunity to thank your mom for what she’s done for you, do it. She’s never not worth the time. –Dr. Tom Sladic To order supplements or blood work, call 248-912-2962.
Many patients I consult with and help daily have the most demanding and rewarding job: being mothers. They are extraordinary people who spend their days making breakfast, packing lunches, doing laundry, gardening, performing yard work, and caring for little ones. If I had to do everything a typical mom does in a single day, I’d probably need a vacation! I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard a baby or young child in the background when speaking with a patient over the phone. It never ceases to amaze me how moms can balance so much and be naturally great at everything they do. With Mother’s Day celebrated this month, I’ve been thinking a lot about the true meaning of the holiday. Sure, our moms deserve flowers, gifts, and cakes on that day — they’ve also earned our recognition, love, and respect on every other day of the year. After all, none of us would be here without them. The holiday inspired me to research its origin and historical significance. The celebration is rooted in Mothering Sunday, a Christian tradition in the United Kingdom dating back to the 16th century that emerged during the fourth Sunday of Lent. Our nation’s celebration of Mother’s Day dates back
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“Better late than never!”
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FIT AT ANY SIZE
WHY FITNESS BEATS BMI IN PREDICTING LONG-TERM HEALTH
For years, we’ve been told that maintaining a “healthy” weight is the key to longevity. But new research suggests that fitness — not the number on the scale — is the real game-changer. A 2024 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who are physically fit, regardless of their body weight, had a lower risk of death than those who were unfit — even if those unfit individuals had a “normal” BMI. Simply put, being active is far more important than being thin for long-term health. BMI, or body mass index, has long been used to measure health risk, but it only considers weight and height, ignoring more crucial factors like muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Researchers behind this new study argue that aerobic fitness — how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles work together — is a much better indicator of health than weight alone. They found that individuals with higher VO2 max, which measures oxygen use during
exercise, had significantly lower risks of death. On the flip side, those with lower VO2 max were 2–3 times more likely to die from any cause, regardless of their BMI . The good news? Improving fitness doesn’t require drastic measures . You don’t need to train for a marathon or spend hours in the gym to boost your aerobic health. The key is consistency — moving your body in an enjoyable and sustainable way. Start with simple activities like a daily 20-minute walk, gentle stretching, or a few sets of bodyweight exercises. If joint pain is an issue, try swimming or water aerobics, which provide a great workout without putting stress on your knees or hips. Health isn’t about fitting into a certain dress size — it’s about staying active, feeling strong, and making movement a part of your everyday life. So, forget about obsessing over the scale and focus on what matters: moving more and living better.
THE MIRACLE OF MAGNESIUM
A Most Meaningful Mineral
As one of the most essential minerals for sustaining health, magnesium is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the human body. It promotes healing, growth, detoxification, and muscle repair. Magnesium also helps many people sleep better when taken before bedtime and plays a critical role in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Despite magnesium’s many benefits, many people fall short of consuming enough of it. Adult men should take between 400 and 420 milligrams daily, while adult women should take 310 to 320 milligrams (and even more if they’re pregnant or nursing). Magnesium-rich foods include dairy, leafy greens, almonds, bananas, avocados, spinach, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and legumes. It is also found in tofu, soy-based flour, and milk.
Although magnesium is found in many foods and drinks, getting enough of it through our diets is often more difficult than we may think. Processed foods can contain up to 85% less magnesium than pure sources, and boiling vegetables and other foods can cause similar depletions. Additionally, certain common food intolerances prohibit some people from getting enough magnesium regularly.
Common signs of magnesium deficiency include nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and vomiting. If left unaddressed, this deficiency could cause cramps, heart abnormalities, tingling, and numbness. In extreme cases, it could lead to low serum calcium and potassium levels. According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults and individuals with gastrointestinal diseases, alcohol dependency, or Type 2 diabetes are most prone to having inadequate amounts of magnesium. In common cases, people are unable to get enough magnesium through their regular diets, so taking a magnesium supplement is the best course of action. Please contact us today for information and recommendations on how to incorporate more magnesium into your life.
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SLOW COOKER SHREDDED BEEF LETTUCE CUPS
MAKE WARMTH WORK FOR YOU A Senior Summer/Spring Health Toolkit May is Older Americans Month, a time to honor and celebrate our senior members of society for their longevity, wisdom, and — in many cases — bravery and sacrifices in past wars fought for our freedoms. This time of year also sees spring slowly give way to summer, when the heat can pose a risk to our elderly friends and loved ones. Here are three simple tips to ensure seniors — and adults of any age — enjoy the healthiest and happiest season possible. HYDRATE REGULARLY — BUT DO IT WISELY. Few things are more enjoyable than grabbing a cool drink on a hot day, but your go-to beverage may make being out in the heat even worse. Consuming caffeine or alcohol on warm days will dehydrate your system and leave you more susceptible to heat-related health risks. Whether you’re out for an afternoon stroll or meeting with friends at a park, water is the best way to quench your thirst and keep your fluid levels high. ASK YOURSELF — AND OTHERS — THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. Whether you live alone or serve as a caregiver for a friend or loved one, being aware of your surroundings — and the weather — is essential for safety. On high-temperature days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests you check in with yourself and anyone in your care to ask whether you or they are drinking enough water, know how to keep cool, know the immediate signs of heat stress, and have access to air conditioning. Regularly checking these four points off a list is a simple way of helping yourself and others avoid getting sick when the sun beats down. STAY ACTIVE WHEREVER YOU ARE. Naturally, going for a nice walk on a sunny day is one of the best things you can do for your body, but what about those times when oppressive heat keeps you inside? Well, these are great opportunities to break out the chessboard, a deck of cards, or a fun crossword puzzle and engage in an activity that will sharpen your mind — especially when you have great company to play along with you.
Ingredients
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
Directions
1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
WORD SEARCH
BLOOM CINCO DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER ROSES TEACHER VETERANS
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Moments of Motherly Magic
2. Why You Should Focus on Fitness Instead of Weight Loss
Progress in a Pill
3. Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Health Tips for the Heat
4. Nourish Your Smile With These Gum- Strengthening Supplements
SUPPLEMENTS THAT SUPPORT YOUR SMILE Protect Your Gums With These Essential Nutrients
VITAMIN D FOR GUM AND IMMUNE SUPPORT Vitamin D plays a central role in keeping gums strong and fighting infections. It supports the immune system, helping your body combat bacteria that cause gum disease. It also reduces inflammation and keeps gum tissue healthy. If you don’t get enough sunlight or vitamin D-rich foods, a supplement can help maintain healthy gums. OMEGA-3S TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, have potent anti- inflammatory and antibacterial properties that benefit gum health. Eating fatty fish at least twice a week or adding an omega-3 supplement to your diet can help protect against gum disease and keep inflammation under control. A little extra care goes a long way when it comes to gum health. Adding these supplements to your routine can help keep your gums strong, fight off harmful bacteria, and prevent disease. Pair these with regular dental visits and a solid brushing routine, and you’ll be flashing a healthy, confident smile for years!
Brushing and flossing are a must, but did you know what you eat (and what you might be missing) can make or break your gum health? Giving your gums the right nutrients can mean the difference between a strong, vibrant mouth and one wracked with inflammation and gum disease. Luckily, with a few simple additions to your diet, you can give your gums the boost they need! VITAMIN C FOR STRONGER GUMS Vitamin C is essential for creating collagen, which helps maintain firm and healthy gums. A deficiency can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and discomfort. Studies show that people with low vitamin C levels are more prone to gum disease. Eating citrus fruits (in moderation) can help boost vitamin C intake, and taking a supplement ensures you’re getting enough to support your gum health. PROBIOTICS TO FIGHT HARMFUL BACTERIA Probiotics aren’t just for gut health — they can also benefit your gums. Gum disease often results from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Probiotic supplements introduce beneficial bacteria that help keep these harmful strains in check. Adding probiotics to your routine can also help prevent bad breath and tooth decay.
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