The cookies are ready, but you’re still trying to decide between skim milk or full-fat to go with them. 🤔 Newer research shows that whole-fat dairy may be good for your heart! Low-fat dairy may be better for people with heart conditions, but both are full of nutrients like calcium and vitamins.

The origins of #eggnog date back to medieval times, when it was used as a remedy for colds. In its original form, eggnog didn’t actually contain eggs at all; it was a warm, milky drink that combined hot milk, spices and wine or ale, explains @uwmedicine.bsky.social#eggnognutritionist Judy Simon.

Thanks to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver @jaxonsmith-njigba.bsky.social and the Seahawks Dancers who spent time with patients and staff in the burn units at Harborview Medical Center @uwmedicine.bsky.social Watch @king5news.com.web.brid.gy video.

Watch @king5news.com.web.brid.gy newscasts this evening to see Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks Dancers visit pediatric and adult patients at Harborview Medical Center. Patients and staff were overjoyed to meet him and grateful for the time he spent talking to them!

If you wear contacts, be sure you remove them before sleeping, showering, or swimming. Ophthalmologist Dr. Nguyen says daily contacts are preferred, as they don’t have to be rinsed or stored. Otherwise, be sure to clean your case with case with saline solution, not tap water.

With evidence mounting on the health impacts of ultraprocessed diets, Dr. Damman @gutbitesmd.bsky.social suggests stronger labeling for food. “We’ve known for some time with developing research that ultraprocessed foods are connected with poor health outcomes,” Damman said. @uwmedicine.bsky.social

What is something you're looking forward to that is bringing you joy? “Anticipating something good to come impacts your mood and how you move through your day,” says Dr. Anne Browning, chief well-being officer and associate dean for well-being at the University of Washington - School of Medicine.

Before you grab that afternoon cup of coffee, consider a caffeine-free energy booster instead! Drinking too much caffeine can disrupt sleep and lead to other side effects, but taking a nap, eating whole foods, staying hydrated exercising and staying social can all help boost your energy levels!

If you begin to feel overwhelmed by holiday stress, it's okay to take a break reconnect with what's important to you. Reflect back on the parts of the holiday season that you enjoy most. Here are some more ways to go from feeling frazzled to festive again!

Feeling a little stressed out? Stop scrolling and try this breathing technique to reset before heading into the rest of your week.

A stroke patient has regained hand control after years of little progress in therapy, thanks to the trial of a test device implanted in his brain. @uwmedicine.bsky.social @uwrehabmed.bsky.social

Drs. Keene and Grabowski are leading Alzheimer’s research that could change lives for generations. Native Americans face high dementia rates but are rarely seen in research. They're working with tribal communities to change that. See how research is improving lives. https://to.pbs.org/3MzLZtL

Primary care doctor John Amory, MD, reminds us that it’s important to prioritize taking care of yourself during the winter months. He says that addressing sleep should be the number one priority, but don't forget about being social and getting enough light exposure and exercise as well.

“Every cell in our body has vitamin D receptors,” says dietitian Judy Simon. Sunlight makes the most potent form, but in winter, oil‑based soft gels w/ a fatty meal work best. Deficiency may not be apparent, so talk with your doctor. #VitaminD

“The spread of flu the following season should be less, but I don’t know that we can say that confidently because the flu virus mutates,” says Dr. Helen Chu. “We may have something different this year.” The CDC encourages everyone ages six months and older to get their flu vaccinations.

Winter doesn't usually make us think of "fresh" vegetables, but plenty of nutritious produce is grown right here in Washington during the winter months! From brussels sprouts to chard, kale and winter squashes, the options can seem endless if you know what to look for.

Processing of ingredients like wheat, oats and corn into products like cereals, sliced breads or crackers can strip away beneficial fiber and plant compounds called polyphenols. Fiber and polyphenols feed the "good" microbes in the gut, says Dr. Damman.

A heartfelt thank you to an anonymous donor for funding tuition for senior-year clinical rotations for @uofwa.bsky.social Medical Laboratory Science seniors — now and for decades to come. The educational program, which awards a Bachelor of Science degree, is offered by the @uwsom-wwami.bsky.social.

Paying attention to your body and identifying stressors as they arise can help you feel calm. If your holiday-related stress peaks, take a moment to breathe, remind yourself that stress is temporary and take a break if needed.

We asked several dietitians how to indulge in delicious holiday dishes without compromising healthy eating habits. If you're looking for a dish to pass that can appeal to everyone while still being healthy, here are a few ideas for you!

Where will you be cheering on the runners of the UW Medicine Seattle Marathon this weekend? Find your spot on this fun, illustrated map featured in The Seattle Times.

A lot of people are sick right now. Dr. Mary L. Myers breaks down the viruses showing up this season and how to stay ahead of them.

Colder months can be challenging for people living with psoriasis, but a few simple changes to your routine can make a big difference. Dermatologist Kimberly Katz, MD, shares tips adjust your psoriasis care routine for the fall and winter.

Have you ever seen the Aurora Borealis… from the sky?! Airlift Northwest crews were fortunate to catch these incredible views during transports in the latest northern lights show! 😱 This stunning shot of the northern lights was captured by the Juneau team. 📸 Flight Nurse Chris T.

Three prominent UW Medicine researchers (Dr. Rotonya M. Carr, Gastroenterology; Greninger Lab, Clinical Virology Lab; Dr. Cora Sack, Pulmonary Care) detail how research is the key to ambitious ideas becoming life-changing innovations.

Tens of thousands of lives could be saved if #lungcancer screening rates improved for those eligible. Dr. Doug Wood, chair of surgery at UW Medicine talks with @nytimes.com#lungcanceron why screening rates are abysmal & what can be done to overcome obstacles to getting checked.

Emergency clinicians' new diagnostic code for “#cannabis hyperemesis syndrome” (abdominal pain and severe vomiting) creates evidence for #addiction researchers. @uwashem.bsky.social @uwmedicine.bsky.social#cannabis

When cardiology nurses Kate Smith and Jaimie Pechan noticed that many unhoused heart failure patients weren't attending clinic appointments after being admitted to the hospital, they took action.

Today is National Injury Prevention Day, and we're here to advise all of you winter sports enthusiasts! Always be sure to wear your helmet, double-check your gear for any potential risks, use sunscreen and stay hydrated! In the event of an injury, we're here for you if you need us. 💜

UW Medicine Urgent Care is here for you if you need us this fall. 🍂 Find flu prevention and protection tips at uwmedicine.org/flu.

From a Vitamin C boost found in rosehips to the electrolytes and iron in a cup of stinging nettle tea, medicinal plants may help with all sorts of medical issues and symptoms. Some drug interactions have been known to occur, so always consult your doctor and a plant medicine expert.

Researchers @uwdeptmedicine.bsky.social @uwmedicine.bsky.social are seeking participants in King, Snohomish & Pierce counties for CDC funded SeaPrep study of how respiratory viral illnesses like the flu, RSV & COVID spread in households & in the community.

Around fall time, just about everything seems "pumpkin spiced." But, did you know that spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg can have health benefits? So, what are the autumnal spices that just might give your body a much-needed boost? Here are some favorites.

A study uncovered discrepancies between routine blood sugar tests and real-time glucose levels in patients undergoing dialysis. “It was eye-opening because there clearly are abnormalities going on that we are not aware of,” said Dr. de Boer., who led the study.

It’s not uncommon to experience some spotting in the lead up to or directly after your period. However, Dr. Linda Eckert, professor of Global Health at @uwsom-wwami.bsky.social says that spotting between periods is not normal if it is a persistent pattern.

Your favorite "pumpkin spiced" fall foods just might be giving your body a much-needed boost! For example, some studies suggest that cinnamon might help regulate blood sugar, and ginger has a lot of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well.

The reduced amount of sunlight during the fall and winter months may affect the natural chemicals like serotonin and melatonin in your body, which can affect mood and energy levels and regulate sleep. Here are some of the most effective treatments for seasonal depression:

Protect yourself with a flu shot — and count on us for care if you have symptoms. uwmedicine.org/flu

Pediatric environmental-medicine specialist Dr. Karr urges those who are pregnant to monitor the Air Quality Index and to take precautions when levels reach unhealthy ranges. “We found that there was a higher risk of preterm birth with higher exposure to wildfire smoke,” she says.

Sleep disruptions due to the recent time change can impact your health. “Sleep and circadian health touches basically every aspect of human physiology,” says neurologist Dr. Nathaniel Watson He says sleep disruptions increase risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and even depression.

A study published in @jama.com suggests text-based therapy is effective in treating mild to moderate depression, finding outcomes similar to those of video-based therapy. “We were pleasantly surprised to see that it was as good as weekly video therapy,” said Dr. Areán, a co-author of the study.

A healthy diet can improve fertility for both men and women. “These plant-forward diets offer a way to reduce inflammation in our body, and this can help promote a healthy uterine environment in women, which helps for implantation of the embryo,” says Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist Judy Simon.

Today, we held a flag-raising ceremony across our UW Medicine hospital campuses in honor of Native American Heritage Month. The flag depicts a Medicine Wheel, recognized by many Native People as a symbol for health and healing.

Neurologists Dr. Amin, Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Chowdhury (PGY1) were all smiles as they represented UW Medicine at Cham Refugees Community Youth Career Day! This day shows young people a variety of career paths and connects them with professionals from various fields.

The emotion is hard-wired into the human condition, explained UW Medicine psychiatrist Kristen Lindgren. It’s an evolutionary function, and most may not realize the elaborate internal mechanisms at play when a shiver runs down their spine. #Halloween #scares https://bit.ly/3JeWXUt

Trick-or-treat! What is your favorite Halloween treat? Gastroenterologist Dr. Chris Damman told KIRO7 that while Halloween is a time for indulgence, the high sugar intake from candy can lead to inflammation and stress on the pancreas. Moderation is key.

Would you survive until the end of a horror movie? We asked an emergency medicine doctor how someone could, theoretically, survive injuries and wounds from horror movies before help is available. Their advice is relevant for real life, too. In any emergency, always call 911 immediately.

“For that patient who is clearly on the verge of death, and you put them on [an] ECMO and they walk out of the hospital, that changes your whole career.” #ECMO @kuow.org @uwashem.bsky.social @uwmedicine.bsky.social#ECMO

Emergency room or urgent care? Do you know where to go for these symptoms?