Healthy Connections Hood River

11/18/2025

November is national diabetes awareness month. We want to emphasize the importance of early detection to prevent complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems. Many people with diabetes, and even prediabetes, may be unaware they have it, so recognizing symptoms and getting tested is crucial.

11/14/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Amber Cardinalli, DO is joining the Healthy Connections team this December! 🎉

After more than a year of searching nationwide, we found the perfect fit, a physician who blends the science of Internal Medicine with the heart and depth of Functional Medicine.

Dr. Cardinalli brings over a decade of experience helping patients with hormone imbalances, weight and cardiometabolic health, and digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and IBS.

Her compassionate, curious, and connection-centered approach aligns perfectly with our mission to help every patient feel seen, heard, and truly supported.

👉 Read more about Dr. Cardinalli and join her waitlist here: https://www.healthyconnectionshr.com/amber-cardinalli/

Dr. Cardinalli is accepting patients. She will begin seeing new patients on December 18. Join the waitlist today!

11/13/2025

For all the bean-based pasta lovers out there, here's some good news! The Banza brand had previously been known for having the highest glyphosate levels among gluten free products. But, this year, they have been third party tested for glyphosate and other pesticides and found to be clean! Next time you're at the store, scan the QR code on their boxes and you can see the actual results!

Here's what their website has to say about it: https://www.eatbanza.com/pages/cleanscan

11/04/2025

Who would imagine heavy metals to be found in our herbs and spices? When people think about heavy metals in their diet it’s probably the lead in their drinking water. But our tests show that dried herbs and spices can be a surprising, and worrisome, source. Consumer Reports tested several brands of various spices for heavy metal contamination. They ranked each brand according to their level of concern. The results are eye-opening. For example, all brands tested for ginger, oregano, and thyme contained concerning levels of heavy metals. Read the full report here to learn more: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/your-herbs-and-spices-might-contain-arsenic-cadmium-and-lead-a6246621494/

10/31/2025

👓🎃 Where's Waldo? Hanging out at Healthy Connections, where else?! Turns out, even world travelers need a check-up once in a while. 😉

Happy Halloween from all of us — may your day be full of treats, smiles, and fun surprises! 🩺🍬

10/28/2025

October is mental health awareness month! Mental health isn’t only about depression, anxiety, or seeing a therapist. It’s also about becoming a balanced and self-controlled human with adaptive reasoning skills. Cognitive function is an aspect of mental health. It impacts how we think, focus, learn, and feel. Check out our latest blog to learn more!

https://www.healthyconnectionshr.com/cognitive-function/

Cognitive function is an aspect of mental health. It impacts how we think, focus, learn, and feel. Check out these tools to boost cognition!

10/21/2025

Following a low histamine diet and frustrated that it can be tough to find grab-and-go snacks? Check out this lab-tested low histamine protein bar! Yes, you will notice the high sugar content but the high fiber (11 grams!) will smooth out the rise in blood sugar. Choose from three flavors!

Every recipe is ISO lab tested to ensure low histamine and low tyramine levels for the chronic inflammation, migraine, and MCAS communities. The data is listed on our website - check us out. Why? Because when we are struggling with chronic conditions, safe nutrition matters.
www.considerthisnutrition.com
27.95/8 count with FREE economy shipping

10/20/2025

I tried this homemade bread recipe for the first time and it turned out great!! It had a nice crust and a soft, floofy interior. It's a simple recipe and much less time consuming than making sourdough bread. Highly recommend!
Check out the recipe here: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/the-easiest-loaf-of-bread-youll-ever-bake-recipe

10/17/2025

It's National Pasta Day! Do you love pasta but consider it a cheat-food? Try bean-based pasta and enjoy it guilt-free! This pasta is literally made from beans. No wheat, no refined flours, no additives. No worries! And since it's made from beans, it's PACKED with protein (about 15g) as well as fiber (about 8g). Find them in your typical pasta aisle or order online! Most bean pastas are made from either chickpeas or lentils.

10/14/2025

October 14th is national dessert day! (who knew, right?) It's not always easy to enjoy desserts while following certain diets, particularly those that avoid entire food groups. To those who can relate, today is your day to try out these Vegan Flourless Banana Brownies! They're egg free, dairy free, grain free, and low in sugar!

You need to turn your ripe bananas into Vegan Flourless Banana Brownies! They're gluten-free, egg-free, & easy to make in 30 minutes.

10/12/2025

I was recently on a long road trip and needed to keep myself going. I nearly always get a headache when I drink coffee so I usually go for tea when I'm at home. However, on the road, I like Yerba Mate as a natural energizer without the caffeine. Most gas stations carry the brand, Guayakí, but they're usually full of sugar (over 25 grams!!). However, I found a few flavors that only have 2g of sugar! This one is Bravo Mango and it was very refreshing and kept me focused. If you're looking for a caffeine free pick-me-up, check out these low sugar Yerba Mate flavors!

10/10/2025

🧠 World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health.

At Healthy Connections Hood River, we create a welcoming culture for our patients where mental health is supported and stigma has no place.

Let’s prioritize self-care, open conversations, and support — today and every day. 💚