Author: Dr. Barbara Edwards | Princeton, NJ

Posted on

3 Countries to Volunteer in this Summer

Summer is right around the corner, have you thought about how you are going to be spending your free time? Often, we end up not being as productive as planned during the summer because it is so easy to just sit back and relax. Volunteering abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn about different cultures, experience new things, and meet some great people along the way. Not only will volunteering abroad this summer feel rewarding, it will also mean more than you know to the people that you are helping.

people of haiti carrying water

Haiti

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere, and its citizens face unemployment, political instability and major food shortages. In addition to that, Haiti is still in recovery after the devasting earthquake that destroyed their country in 2010. There are numerous opportunities to become involved in the rebuilding process of this beautiful country. Volunteering in Haiti is highly encouraged because of the ongoing relief efforts.

 

boat in fiji

Fiji

Experience island life and do good by volunteering in Fiji this summer. The warm people of Fiji will welcome you with open arms and make you feel at home. Experiencing their culture and way of life is a once-in a-lifetime opportunity. Volunteering during the summer is a wonderful time as it is considered their dry season, so you’ll be able to experience the beautiful beaches and rainforests. Volunteer opportunities are available with projects involving educating young children, teaching them how to play sports and renovating communities. Interested in marine biology? There are countless opportunities for marine conservation. With over 300 islands in the archipelago, there is bound to be a volunteer position that is your perfect fit.

 

hills of peru with lama

Peru

Despite tourists traveling to Peru to see Machu Picchu, many parts of Peru are underdeveloped and in need of services volunteers can offer. Volunteering in Peru could consist of a variety of different projects like educating children, focusing on community development, environmental conservation, and healthcare. For many of the people in Peru, clean water is not accessible and there is a strong focus on making clean, drinkable water accessible to more communities. If your perfect idea of a summer vacation is helping others out and lending a hand to underserved communities, Peru is the place for you.

Dr. Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

 

Curious to read more of my writing? Read my articles on PsychCentral’s blog:

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards

Posted on

4 Tips on Staying Healthy this Summer

Dr. Edwards - 5 ways to stay healthy this summer

Eating healthy and keeping up with an active lifestyle can become difficult as summer approaches. During the summer, we tend to let loose which means we eat more than usual and relax more than we normally would. Below are 5 tips for the whole family on how to stay healthy this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most important things to stay on top of as summer approaches and the temperature is heating up. An effortless way to make sure you are staying hydrated is by always keeping a reusable water bottle on hand when leaving the house. Consider infusing your water with fruits like lemons, berries and oranges for a little burst of flavor without the artificial sugar additive.

2. Workout Routines

Changing up your daily workout routine may be a good idea during the summer. Try to exercise either in the morning before the sun is really beating down or at night after the sun sets. This can make your workout more enjoyable and lower your risk of a heat related injury. Try changing your routine up—get in the water for a full body workout that gets your heart pumping. Swimming is a fun and easy way to exercise and cool off at the same time.

3. New Recipes

Testing out fresh summer recipes is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy during this season. Stocking your kitchen with fresh fruits and vegetables will help encourage healthier eating and snacking for everyone in the house. Take a break from roasting your veggies in the oven and fire up the BBQ to really embrace summer.

4. Family Time

Summer memories are made with the family has time to spend together. Set aside an hour or two every day and get everyone outside. Having fun and exercising is a fantastic way to stay healthy this summer. Play a friendly game of kickball or take a nice walk around the neighborhood to enjoy each other’s company while also getting some fresh air.

Dr. Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

 

Posted on

Malawi Trip – One Year Later

Dr. Barbara Edwards (Princeton) in Malawi May 2017

This time last year I volunteered for a medical mission trip to Malawi with Villages in Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to medical treatment and quality of life for those in need abroad. Over the span of the 10 days that I spent there, we created 4 clinics that served 5,000 patients.

Upon arrival there was a rumor about the government clinics running out of malaria medicine. On the second day of clinic work myself, 2 Malawi medics, and a nurse practitioner were able to help suffering patients with the appropriate treatment. At one point we ran out of malaria test strips so we had to treat empirically for the symptoms until they brought new ones from another clinic.

Spending 10 days in an unfamiliar country that is vastly different from what you are accustomed can be difficult, but I’ve learned a lot from the people of Malawi, and they’ve appreciated the work we did for them. From living in their environment with tough conditions, to eating their food, and going to their churches, it makes me so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to go and volunteer to help them.

Learn more about my experiences here.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton doctor internal medicine practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

Posted on

The Joys of Volunteering with Your Children

With summer approaching, parents can sometimes struggle to plan engaging activities with kids to stimulate their brains while on summer vacation. Volunteering is a rewarding experience as it is, and encouraging children to be more interested in volunteering makes it even more worthwhile. Volunteering with children can help them to understand that what they’re doing is appreciated, and they also get a lesson on their local community. Some benefits of volunteering with children include learning through experience, teaching them the importance of taking care of their community, and having fun while helping others.

Life-Long Lessons

Setting an example and being a significant role model is very important because children usually follow what their elders do. Leading by example and showing them that taking care of their community is an important part of growing up. Giving your children the firsthand experience of volunteering while they’re young can help them become more empathetic people in the future. They’ll have a better attitude toward giving back because they know that they’re helping others.

Building Community

Taking care of your community pays off in the long run. Your kids may or may not see results right away but the bonds that are created during volunteering can influence them for years to come. Help children realize that volunteering is important because they can learn a lot about those around them, while also making life long friends.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton doctor internal medicine practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

Posted on

5 Great Low Sodium Recipes

Finding great, low-sodium recipes can be time consuming and discouraging, but they are out there. Being conscious of your sodium intake in your daily diet is important because consuming large amounts of salt can result in heart problems. Having high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to more serious cardiovascular issues like an increased risk of stroke and heart attacks. Other health risks that come along with high sodium levels in the body include water swelling in places like the ankles and legs. Congestive heart failure can occur as well, within people who have pre-existing cardiovascular issues. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that we limit our sodium consumption to less than 2,300mg per day, or about 1 teaspoon of salt. Below are 5 delicious low-sodium recipes that are not only heart-healthy but will also satisfy those taste buds!

1. Berry Yogurt Cup

With this light, refreshing yogurt recipe, you’ll be wanting to wake up earlier to get your hands on it. The fresh berries blend perfectly with the plain yogurt, making it a great, easy breakfast meal.

Sodium Content: 29mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/berry-yogurt-cups

2. Southern Pecan and Apple Salad

This tasty salad will become your go-to lunch meal. The pecans and apples will add crunch to every bite and will leave your taste buds wanting more. The salad includes both sweet and savory flavors, satisfying everyone’s cravings!

Sodium Content: 28mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

http://www.health.com/health/recipe/0,,10000002011076,00.html

3. Oven-Baked Salmon

Nothing screams heart-healthy more than freshly baked salmon. Salmon contains a variety of necessary nutrients that also benefit the body. One piece of salmon is packed with protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important not only when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart but also aid in regulating blood pressure.

Sodium Content: 170mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/oven-baked-salmon-recipe-1911951

4. Baked Chicken and Rice

This recipe is so simple, yet a favorite to many. No one will even know how healthy this dish really is because it tastes that great. The chicken is packed with protein and is low-fat at the same time, making it great for those who are trying to eat heart-healthy.

Sodium content: 266mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

https://www.thespruce.com/baked-chicken-and-rice-2246418

5. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

There is no better way to end the day than with a delicious cookie in hand. These peanut butter blossom cookies are both sweet and savory, making them the perfect treat. Low in sodium, you can even have 2 of these cookies and you’ll be going to sleep guilt-free.

Sodium content: 16.7mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

https://www.hackingsalt.com/low-sodium-peanut-butter-blossom-cookies/

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton doctor internal medicine practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.