The second and fourth Wednesdays 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.

Kindness for the kidneys

March 11, 2026 - Your kidneys are two fist-sized organs that filter waste and excess fluid from your blood, and many people never think about them until something goes wrong. At which point the damage can be devastating for individuals, families, and communities. The kidneys regulate blood pressure, balance electrolytes like sodium and potassium. They support red blood cell production and maintain bone health through vitamin D activation. Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function over time. Early stages produce no symptoms, which means it is possible to lose a significant amount of kidney function before you feel a thing.

To read the rest of the column, click here

Don't be shy about colorectal cancer prevention

March 25, 2026 - Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we face, yet it remains the third leading cause of death for men, and fourth leading cause for women. When numbers for men and women are combined, it is considered the second leading cause of cancer death, killing more than 55,000 Americans each year. However, when colorectal cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate can exceed 90%, making routine screening one of the most effective tools in cancer prevention. Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. It usually starts as small, precancerous growths called polyps. Most are harmless, but some can slowly turn into cancer over time. A screening test can find and remove polyps before they ever become a problem.

To read the rest of the column, click here

Learn how your next meal could improve your health. Giana Santos, nutrition counselor for the TakeCare Wellness Program, provides information you need to know. To watch the video, click the above photo.

Try this Quinoa Pancakes. Giana Santos, nutrition counselor for the TakeCare Wellness Program, shows you how to make healthy and refreshing meals! To watch the video, click the above photo. For more recipes go to the TakeCare YouTube playlist here.