Massachusetts is the first state to permanently enact a statewide ban on the sale of flavored tobacco and vaping products. The temporary ban on the sale of all vaping products is in effect until mid-December. However, surrounding states either continue to allow the sale of vape products or have less restrictive bans. This means that…

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Ahh relaxation … it seems like a distant memory, right? With our busy lives, sometimes we can get caught up in work, family and the long list of responsibilities we pack in our day. We often don’t have time to take care of ourselves let alone fully unwind. We polled a handful of people and…

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Lacey Tomaiolo, a Shrewsbury teen, knows well the struggle with weight. Overweight most of her childhood and adolescence, she became increasingly frustrated as her own individual efforts made little difference in the long term. Bay State Parent interviewed Lacey and her Good Fit Teen Weight and Wellness Clinic physicians about her journey and how the…

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This sauce is creamy, healthy, and can easily be made dairy-free! (Serves 4) 1 T olive oil 1 c chopped onions 2 c chopped mushrooms 1 T low-sodium soy sauce 3/4 c vegetable broth 1/2 c fresh parsley 1/2 c reduced-fat sour cream (or 1/2 c vegan sour cream) Directions Heat olive oil in a…

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A birth defect — also called a congenital anomaly — is a problem that occurs when a baby is developing in the womb. An estimated one out of every 33 babies in the U.S. is born with a birth defect, of varying severity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re a…

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You may notice veins that bulge or look twisted (varicose veins) in your legs. Your legs may ache or swell. Sometimes they may also feel heavy and tired, or like they’re burning. You’re not too happy with the way they look either. What is a girl to do? Don’t fret. There are options (for men…

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With the recent legalization of marijuana in Massachusetts, the cannabis industry has been booming. CBD or cannabidiol products haven’t only been used for recreation, but many believe that these oils, gummies and topicals may serve as natural remedies for the fol: Pain Inflammation Anxiety Epilepsy Depression Acne Additionally, many individuals have confidence that CBD products…

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According to industry research, roughly one-quarter of U.S. adults (nearly 57 million people) use a fitness tracker — those wearable devices that record your daily physical activity along with other health data, such as heart rate or calories burned. But the question is: Do these ubiquitous bits of technology really make us more fit and…

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While golf is a relatively low-impact sport, injuries can still occur. In particular, knee and other joint pain, shoulder pain, and back stiffness, can rear their ugly heads. Although this season is well underway, it’s always important to learn how to protect that PGA-worthy swing. One of the most important factors to avoid a golf…

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Did you know that water makes up approximately 60% of your body weight? Your body depends on it for survival as every cell, tissue and organ needs it to properly function. But are you really getting enough? Are there ways to make hydrating more fun? Before we dive into how to hydrate, you should understand…

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Prepare and enjoy this light yet filling salad at your next cookout! (Serves 6) 3 nectarines, chopped 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, quartered 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 c. pitted ripe olives (optional) 1/3 c. chopped green onions 1 8-oz can artichoke hearts 1 T vegetable oil 1/4 c. lemon juice 1/4 t sugar 1 t tarragon,…

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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That old saying certainly applies when it comes to staving off the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots. We dermatologists even have a term for it: prejuvenation. Is it true that Father Time’s impact on our skin can be slowed…

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For Americans, dining out is a part of life. Whether for convenience or to socialize, it’s something many do on a regular basis. But if you’re trying to manage your diet, it can be challenging to find healthy selections on the menu. These resources and tips will help you stay on track. Healthy Dining Finder…

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Guest Blogger: Danny Quin, Associate Digital/Social Media Specialist, UMass Memorial Health Care Picture this: Someone enters a room full of people. They’re a social butterfly who is smiling, laughing, striking up conversations with anyone and everyone they make eye contact with. Safe to assume everything is good with them, right? But what if someone told…

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Measles has been all over the news as of late, so we wanted to bring you the facts. Amrutha Balakrishnan, MD, Marlborough Primary Care, answered our questions. What is measles and why are vaccinations so important? What Is Measles? Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness which is highly contagious, such that approximately 90 percent…

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An object in motion, stays in motion. But what about your body? To keep yourself limber through the year, you must keep your body moving. This doesn’t have to mean intense cardio or strength training. It could be as simple as a 30-minute walk every day. Need some help getting started? The Benefits of Walking…

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When our prehistoric ancestors faced terrifying situations like a hungry wooly mammoth, their endocrine system would flood their bodies with the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. This “fight-or-flight” stress response provided a burst of energy so they could respond to the dangerous predator. While wooly mammoths no longer roam the earth, we’re still bombarded with daily…

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Summer has finally approached, and it’s time to travel! If you recently had joint replacement surgery, no need to worry – traveling is still in your future. If the proper actions are taken, it should be safe to travel soon after your surgery. Discuss your recovery timeline with your surgeon in advance for proper planning.…

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This gluten-free friendly dish is great for citrus-lovers! (Serves 2) 2 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick swordfish steaks (about 6 ounces each) 2 T total lemon, orange and lime zest, grated (to get zest, finely grate peel of whole fruit, being careful not to include bitter white skin) 1 T fresh parsley, chopped 1 T fresh…

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According to the American Chiropractic Association, 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain can stop people from doing certain activities they love, like hiking. How can you avoid back pain and get out and enjoy the great outdoors? Read on. Strengthen your core. Before going…

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