Every other Wednesday in the Pacific Daily News, Giana Santos writes Wellness Wednesdays, a column offering suggestions to live a balanced lifestyle. Giana is the health educator and nutrition counselor at TakeCare. She is also a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and is a credentialed indigenous lactation counselor. Giana’s most recent columns are below and linked to the original columns at guampdn.com.
Question? Contact Giana at: giana.santos@takecareasia.com.
The heart-healthy mineral you're probably missing - August 13, 2025
Your heart beats more than 100,000 times each day, and there’s one essential mineral working behind the scenes to keep that rhythm steady and strong. Yet most women, especially as they age, aren’t getting nearly enough of it. That mineral is magnesium, and it might be the missing piece in your heart health puzzle. Magnesium is truly a multitasking marvel. This essential mineral participates in more than 300 different processes in your body. It helps regulate your blood pressure, keeps your heart rhythm steady, and supports proper nerve and muscle function. But here’s what’s concerning: many of us are walking around with “subclinical” magnesium deficiency. You’re not sick enough to notice obvious symptoms like muscle cramps or irregular heartbeats. However, you may not be getting enough to support optimal heart health either.
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The power of your next meal - August 27, 2025
What if I told you that your grocery cart holds more power than you think when it comes to preventing chronic diseases? It might sound too good to be true, but research reveals that the foods you choose today are literally shaping your health tomorrow. Your daily food choices aren’t just about satisfying hunger or managing weight. They’re actively working to either protect you from or predispose you to serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
To read the rest of the column, click here