Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/533370
PAY AT TENTION TO THE PAT T Y. Ground beef patties can be packed with fat and cholesterol, so consider an alternative, such as turkey, black bean and veggie varieties or a Portobello mushroom. However, if you can't live without a juicy burger, grass-fed beef and bison have less saturated fat and are higher in healthy omega-3s than your typical ground-beef burger. SWAP THE BUN. Traditional white bread buns pack a lot of empty calories, so consider using whole-wheat buns or even skipping the bun entirely. You can use a lettuce or blanched collard leaf for a low-carb option. WATCH THE CONDIMENTS AND TOPPINGS. Grilled vegetables, such as onions and peppers, make delicious toppings for burgers, and fresh tomatoes are always a great choice. However, loading your burger with processed condiments can add unnecessary sodium and sugar to your meal. Be mindful of your portions and consider using guacamole instead of traditional ketchup and mustard. Avocados are a great source of vitamins and healthy fat. Summer means grilling outside. The burger has been the staple of the American cookout for generations, but it's not always the healthiest choice. Here are some simple summer modifications to have your burger and eat it too. BETTER BURGER BUILDING A START CHRISTUS St. Vincent rearms its commitment to healthy babies. A Healthy The CHRISTUS St. Vincent Healthy Babies initiative aims to provide prenatal care to all pregnant women in Santa Fe County, regardless of their ability to pay. The hospital is responding to our recently completed Community Health Needs Assessment, which found that as many as 24 percent of pregnant women in Santa Fe County do not receive prenatal care in any form for themselves or their unborn babies during the first trimester. The data supports what specialists in health care determined long ago: Proper prenatal care can prevent health problems for babies and maintain the health of the mother during and after delivery. As a not-for-profit, community hospital, we want to reach out to expectant mothers in our area who believe prenatal care is too expensive. The perception of cost should not be a barrier to access. Along with the mom-to-be, CHRISTUS St. Vincent will work with health plans and Medicaid and Affordable Care Act providers to ensure coverage and, in the case of an unaffordable shortfall, prenatal care will be provided regardless of ability to pay. CHRISTUS St. Vincent is working in partnership with other community health providers to compile and share information and resources with pregnant moms and new moms in the broader regional community. For more information, or to sign up for Healthy Babies, email healthybabies@stvin.org. LiveWell | Summer 2015 3