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Simple Wellness Habits for the Workday

By: Jennifer Blacksmith, Ph.D., HSPP, NCSP   March 20 th  is International Day of Happiness, so let’s celebrate being happy! What makes you happy? Research shows that there are several key factors that contribute to happiness, with social relationships and connectedness being a strong indicator of happiness. When we spend time with others and engage in meaningful conversations, then we are activating our social engagement system, which is a big part of being happy. We are soc

Lacey St. Clair, RDH Dental decay—also known as caries or cavities—is one of the most common preventable chronic diseases affecting children in the United States. When left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain and serious infections and may interfere with a child’s ability to eat, play, communicate, and learn. During the 2024–25 school year, Missouri’s Preventive Services Program identified that 1 in 4 children had untreated dental decay. Understanding how tooth decay develo

Amy Carroll, MS, MCHES Winter in Northeast Missouri can be a challenging time to stay active. Chilly temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and snowy roads often make staying on a regular exercise routine feel impossible. But keeping your body moving during the winter months is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental health. Regular activity helps maintain strength, supports heart health, improves mood, and can even boost your immune system during c

Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC Vitamin D plays an essential role in overall health, supporting bone strength, immune function, muscle health, and even mood regulation (Holick, 2007). The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 400 IU (10 mcg) per day for infants, 600 IU (15 mcg) per day for children and adults ages 1–70, and 800 IU (20 mcg) per day for adults over age 70, according to the National Institutes of Health. You can obtain vitamin D from three main

Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC  To put it simply, having prediabetes means that your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. A key contributor to prediabetes is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance means that your pancreas still makes insulin, but your cells do not use it effectively which leads to an increase in sugar staying in your blood stream. One common test used to diagnose prediabetes is called a hemoglobin A1

Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC The holidays are full of delicious cookies, bars, and breads… many of which can be made a bit lighter without losing the flavor and joy of the season. With a few smart baking swaps, you can boost nutrition, reduce blood sugar spikes, cut unnecessary calories, and still enjoy your favorite treats.  One of the easiest switches is replacing part of the butter or oil in a recipe with ingredients like Greek yogurt, mashed banana, or unsweetened a

By Carrie Snyder MPH, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, CDCES  If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice you find online, you’re not alone. From trending meal plans to social media “hacks,” it can be hard to know what’s trustworthy—or where to start. That’s where a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) comes in.  A dietitian doesn’t hand out one-size-fits-all meal plans. Instead, they create personalized strategies that match your medical needs, lifestyle, preferences, and long-

By Carrie Snyder MPH, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, CDCES  Understanding the Difference – and How to Know What’s Right for You   When it comes to managing type 2 diabetes, you may hear terms like “in remission”  and “well controlled.”  While both describe positive outcomes, they mean different things—and understanding that difference can help you and your care team decide which goal makes the most sense for your health.  What Does “Type 2 Diabetes in Remission” Mean?   In 2025, a new diag

Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC  When most people think of starch, they picture a quick source of energy that raises blood sugar levels. However, not all starches behave the same way in the body. Resistant starch  is a special type of carbohydrate that “resists” digestion in the small intestine, meaning it passes through to the large intestine where it acts more like fiber than sugar. Once in the intestines, it ferments and provides fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, leadin

By Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC Getting children involved in the kitchen not only exposes them to new foods but also prepares them...

By: Carrie Snyder MPH, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, CDCES Does your week ever feel so busy that healthy eating gets pushed to the side? Between work,...

By: Carrie Snyder MPH, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, CDCES Many of us start the week with the best intentions: we want to eat balanced meals, make...

By: Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC Motherhood is one of the most rewarding roles, but it can also be one of the most demanding....

By: Carrie Snyder MPH, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, CDCES and Allison Edwards MS, RDN, LDN, CLC At Envision Wellness, our dietitians work with...

By: Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC When you look at a Nutrition Facts label, you’ll notice a section for “Total Sugars” and another...

By: Lexy Kimber, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dietetic Intern Reviewed by: Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC and Carrie...

Maintaining wellness while eating out

By: Lexy Kimber, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dietetic Intern  Reviewed by: Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC and Carrie...

By: Amy Carroll, MS, MCHES  Summer means sunshine, BBQs, and fun, but for those focused on diabetes prevention or management, it can also...