Staff & Reader Submitted

Rest and Refuel: How Sleep and Nutrition Shape Healthy Aging

Suzy Mesmer — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:00:29 Z

By Dr. Amber Stephens, Optum Pinehurst

As people get older, taking care of their health becomes even more important. Two key parts of staying healthy are getting good sleep and eating nutritious foods. When seniors focus on both, they can improve their energy, mood, and overall quality of life.

Why sleep matters for older adults

Sleep patterns often change with age. Many seniors find that they wake up more during the night or have trouble falling asleep. Even with these changes, getting enough sleep is still very important. Sleep helps the body repair itself, strengthens the immune system, and supports memory and clear thinking.

Poor sleep can lead to problems such as feeling tired during the day, trouble focusing, a higher risk of falls, and increased stress or sadness. Conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea can make these issues worse. People also tend to overdo things like caffeine to help stay awake, which can negatively affect the heart and blood vessels and impair sleep the following night.

Seniors can improve their sleep by going to bed at the same time each night, avoiding caffeine later in the day, and creating a calm, comfortable sleeping space. Sleep is also improved by incorporating a healthy diet and regular exercise. If sleep problems continue, a doctor can help find the cause and suggest options to improve sleep.

Good nutrition for healthy aging

Eating a balanced diet is another major part of staying healthy. As people age, their bodies may absorb nutrients differently, and their metabolism may slow down. This is often a reflection of the muscle mass loss that can occur because of nutritional changes and lack of muscle-preserving exercise. This means seniors need foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and especially protein to keep their bodies strong.

Healthy choices include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lean meats/protein sources, and healthy fats. These foods support the heart, bones, digestion, and immune system.

Staying hydrated is also important. Seniors may not feel thirsty as often, which can lead to dehydration. Drinking water throughout the day and choosing hydrating foods like soups and fruits can help. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink, you are already behind in your hydration. Most people need at least 60-80 ounces a day to stay hydrated unless told otherwise by their physician.

Limiting added sugars, salty foods, and large portions can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Some seniors may need vitamin supplements, but they should talk to a doctor before taking them. While alcohol may be looked at as a way to fall asleep, it worsens the actual quality of sleep and can increase the risk of falls and injury while intoxicated.

Eating late at night can also interrupt sleep quality. Many people have issues with reflux at nighttime when lying down, which can wake people up or keep them from falling asleep. Avoid eating within two hours of sleep to help reduce this issue.

How sleep and nutrition work together

Sleep and nutrition affect each other. Poor sleep can make people crave unhealthy foods, and poor eating habits can make it harder to sleep well. When seniors take care of both, they often feel more alert, happier, and more active.

Resources:

National Institute on Aging.
National Sleep Foundation.
Frontiers in Public Health.
Nutrition.gov.
National Institute on Aging.
MyPlate.gov.
National Institute on Aging.
MyPlate.gov.
Thrive USA Home Care.

Healthy Habits That Can Help Prevent Heart Disease

Suzy Mesmer — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:53:14 Z

By Dr. Bryan Parmer, family medicine, Optum 49^th Street

February is recognized as American Heart Month, a health observance that encourages Americans to focus on their cardiovascular health and understand the importance of adopting healthier behaviors to reduce the risk of serious health outcomes, such as a heart attack or stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

By adopting healthier lifestyle habits, individuals can incorporate small but powerful changes into their day-to-day routines to help prevent heart disease. The CDC states that living a healthier lifestyle can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal and may help lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack.

Living a longer, healthier life starts with taking care of your heart. Here are six lifestyle habits you can implement today that may help improve not only heart health but whole-body health.

1. Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks. By choosing healthy meals and snacks, you may help prevent heart disease and heart complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and less processed foods. Eating foods high in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats can help prevent high cholesterol. Since drinking alcohol can raise your blood pressure, if you choose to drink, the AHA recommends limiting the amount of alcohol consumed generally to no more than one drink per day for women, and no more than two drinks per day for men, though some should consume less. Heavier drinking, such as binge drinking or consuming three drinks or more a day, can lead to worse health outcomes and cardiovascular disease.

2. Keep a Healthy Weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is important. People who are overweight or suffer from obesity have a higher risk of heart disease. Extra weight can put extra stress on the blood vessels and the heart.

3. Get Regular Physical Activity. Any physical activity is better than none. It can be helpful to choose an activity that you enjoy, such as biking, yoga, walking, swimming or tennis. Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. For adults, the Surgeon General recommends at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking or biking, every week for heart health. For adolescents and children, it is recommended that they get at least 1 hour of physical activity daily.

Disclaimer: Talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level. This is especially important for those with underlying medical conditions. Ask about the amounts and types of activities that may be best for you.

4. Dont Smoke. Cigarette smoking and tobacco use can increase your risk of heart disease. If you are a non-smoker, do not start. If you smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Talk to your doctor to learn about ways to help you quit.

5. Take Charge of Your Medical Conditions. If you have a medical condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you can take steps to help lower your risk of heart disease. Monitor your cholesterol as recommended by your health care provider, check your blood pressure regularly, and manage your blood sugar levels if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes. If you take medication to treat any of these diseases, it is important to follow your doctors instructions carefully. Never stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

6. Get Good Sleep. Getting a good nights sleep isnt just important for your energy levels; it is also critical for your heart health. Adults who do not get at least 7 hours of sleep each night are more likely to have had health problems such as heart attack, asthma and depression, some of which can raise the risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Some things you can do to get better sleep include sticking to a regular sleep schedule, not eating or drinking within a few hours of bedtime, keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and getting enough physical activity during the day.

Some habits are indeed hard to break, but remember that small steps can lead to big victories. Take one habit at a time, and with a series of small changes, you are on your way to a healthier lifestyle and a healthier heart.

Sources:

Goal-Oriented Mindset Can Unlock Lasting Health Benefits

Suzy Mesmer — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:29:26 Z

Courtesy of WellMed and Optum

A new year brings new resolutions that can lead to improvements in daily habits as well as health benefits for many older Americans.

In fact, according to a 2020 study, older adults who engaged in healthy lifestyle choices such as physical activity, not smoking, not drinking heavily, following a nutritious diet, and taking part in mentally stimulating activities had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimers disease. For people who are already suffering from chronic conditions, setting simple and realistic goals that are manageable with their health challenges is important.

But most of us tend to stray from resolutions before the end of the first month. As you consider making changes and setting goals, here are five achievable resolutions that can help keep you on the right path.

Pursue an active lifestyle.

Staying active is an admirable goal to have every year. Adults can engage in activities at home, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, yoga, and walking in their neighborhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity is vital for healthy aging, helping older adults live independently and prevent or manage chronic disease.

Disclaimer: Talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level. This is especially important for those with underlying medical conditions. Ask about the amounts and types of activities that may be best for you.

Eat healthily.

Prioritizing healthy eating and healthy snacks is a great place to start. Potential benefits of eating healthily include living longer, stronger bones, enhanced immunity, and a lower risk of certain diseases. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, steps to improve your diet include increasing intake of fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, while limiting sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. If you have allergies or conditions that require a special diet, talk to your doctor about your meal plan.

Challenge your brain and stimulate your mind.

It is important to practice daily brain stimulation, as age can alter brain size, vasculature, and cognition, according to the National Institute on Aging.A healthy life, both physically and mentally, may be one of the best defenses against the changes of an aging brain. Completing crossword puzzles or playing games such as chess can be a fun way to keep your mind active while enjoying a new hobby. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about changes in your memory and thinking. They can help determine if those changes are normal or something more serious.

Stay connected with friends and family.

Time spent with family and friends can be very beneficial. According to the CDC, there are several ways to build new and stronger relationships that improve well-being and health, including getting involved in the community, taking time to reach out to loved ones, and expressing gratitude to others. Even a virtual visit is better than no visit at all, when its not possible to get together face-to-face.

See your doctor.

While New Years resolutions such as watching what we eat or starting a fitness routine are common, prioritizing and scheduling a wellness visit with a primary care physician is also an important first step. Getting routine preventive care through visits separate from those for illness, injury, or ongoing medical conditions can help you stay well and catch problems earlier, supporting a healthier, longer life.

Resources:

Silent Struggles: How the Holidays could Intensify Depression for those with Diabetes

Suzy Mesmer — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:00:00 Z

By Dr. Derek Hiltz, Optum Tyrone

As the holidays approach, and the seasons expectations and demands draw near, it is not uncommon for some, especially older adults, to catch a case of the holiday blues. But its important to know when its more than just the blues and how other conditions, like diabetes, can be linked with depression. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, an ideal opportunity to learn how diabetes and depression can go hand in hand.

Diabetes remains prevalent among older adults. The American Diabetes Association reports that people with diabetes have a higher rate of depression than the general population. Additionally, older adults can also be more susceptible to depression because of increased loneliness associated with being socially isolated from others.

While depression affects everyone differently, recognizing its signs is a positive step toward managing your mental health, right along with your physical health. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that some of the common symptoms of depression to look out for include:

Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, waking early in the morning, or oversleeping
Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide

WellMed | Optum Disclaimer: If you or someone you know has thoughts about suicide, seek help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911or go to the nearest emergency room.

To reach a trained crisis counselor, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). You may also chat at 988.lifeline.org.

If you experience any of these symptoms for two weeks or more or if your symptoms are severe, be sure to seek medical attention. There are multiple options for the treatment of depression, but for all of them, the sooner help is sought, the more effective the treatment.

The holidays can be a stressful time. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of depression and talk to your doctor to find out more about the links between diabetes and depression so you can take the necessary steps toward healthy living.

Resources:

Dr. Derek Hiltz is a family medicine physician with Optum Tyrone. He received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University - College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Hiltz has expertise in treating chronic high blood pressure, chronic diabetes, and coronary artery disease, among other conditions, and is committed to providing compassionate, quality care to his patients.

Physician Assistant Kimberly Channels recounts the ebb and flow of her battle with breast cancer

Suzy Mesmer — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 18:08:13 Z

Nearly one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Kimberly Channels, PA with WellMed at New Tampa, shares her story about being one of those eight.

Physician Assistant (PA) Kimberly Channels knows the importance of regular mammograms. But in 2019, after her latest exam, she got the call that every woman fears.

They told me, We want to take another look.

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in the U.S. In 2023, an estimated 43,170 women died of breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

On Oct. 30, 2019, she had a breast biopsy. Five long days after that, PA Channels learned she had become one of those eight. The cancer was in her right breast.

Her doctors caught the cancer early. It was Stage 1 meaning the cancer cells had grown into the breast tissue but, in PA Channels case, it had not spread to her lymph nodes. She underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor, followed by radiation therapy and five years of hormone therapy to block her production of estrogen, which had triggered her cancer.

PA Channels said she is lucky. She did not require chemotherapy, which is often the case with later stages of cancer. The treatment, which kills cancer cells, can also kill healthy blood cells. Among the side effects of chemotherapy are damage to the gastrointestinal system, which can cause nausea and vomiting, and dermatologic toxicity, which causes hair loss.

Asked if she broke down when she learned of her diagnosis, PA, Channels said she went another route: I bought a Dammit Doll. These 12-inch cloth, go-to stress relievers are built to withstand slamming, hugging, or throwing. It was the perfect item for those days when Channels felt like she just needed to hit something. She also benefited from a strong support system, including her husband, Steve, her parents, and friends.

It was a true blessing to have such strong support during this trying time, PA Channels said.

Upon learning her diagnosis, her oldest son, Austin, then 18, created a series of decals for his trucks back window. Meanwhile, her youngest son, Nathan, now 19, has been quietly donating to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for the past several years.

It was humbling to see that first, and several more thank-you notes from the National Breast Cancer Foundation came in the mail addressed to him, said PA Channels of Nathans fundraising.

Reflections of a Clinician

The risk of breast cancer increases as women age. From 2018 to 2022, the median age of diagnosis of breast cancer for women in the U.S. was 63. PA Channels was 48too young to be the patient.

Im the clinician and I was treating people with breast cancer, she said. So, when I had to switch roles to being a patient, it was very strange.

I did my research in terms of understanding what I had, PA Channels continued. But I also knew I needed to let my oncologist and the team drive the bus and manage my care. I had to be the patient, not the clinician.

Initially, PA Channels kept the diagnosis to herself.

When youre going through that journey, its kind of a private thing, she said.

Over the last year, however, she has begun to open up about her journey realizing the impact she can have as a clinician who has battled breast cancer.

I know the medical part, she said. But as a person whos had breast cancer, I can explain the importance of keeping up with your mammograms.

Mammography a low-dose X-ray that can detect abnormalities like lumps or calcifications remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45 to 54 undergo annual mammograms. After the age of 55, many women opt for biennial exams. Individual factors also play a large role in how often a woman has her mammogram.

PA Channels had her latest mammogram in August, which prompted the need for two new biopsies, one in each breast. Her next mammogram is scheduled for January. The waiting game this time around was actually a little scarier.

You worry, did it come back? Do I have a new cancer? she said.

Both biopsies were negative.

The fact that PA Channels cancer was in its early stages bodes well for her future. With early detection and appropriate treatment, survival rates for breast cancer have improved dramatically over the past few decades. The five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 99%. PA Channels has been cancer-free for six years. The latest biopsies, however, were a reminder that vigilance is key.

Early detection is really the best thing for the best outcomes, she said. So, for now, Im doing imaging on a regular basis.

That means for my treatment plan to have mammograms, in conjunction with MRIs, every six months for a comprehensive assessment of her breast health. A breast MRI can find some breast cancers that would not be detected on a mammogram. They are often used on women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer before the age of 50. They are usually performed in addition to, not instead of, mammograms.

Asked if she ever feels overwhelmed, PA Channels offers a philosophical outlook on life.

There is an ebb and flow to life. Our lives are not the same as they were five years ago, 10 years ago, she said. And we must just be aware that we may have setbacks sometimes. You just have to be positive, manage your health, and do the things that are recommended like the screenings in my case.

You cant bury your head in the sand and say, I dont want to do a mammogram because Im afraid of the results, she continued. Delaying a mammogram because youre afraid can actually cause more harm than good.

Knowing the benefits of early detection, PA Channels plans to continue encouraging regular mammograms. And, if needed, she will offer encouragement in other ways as well.

Sometimes, people just need a hug, so I hug them. Im a hugger, she said. I want our patients to know that well be happy to see them, listen to them, and help them in any way we can.

To all those impacted by breast cancer, she offers this bit of advice: There is always hope. Keep the faith for brighter days and lean on your family and friends as your support system. And take it one step at a time.

Kimberly Channels, PA, with WellMed at New Tampa, strives to treat every patient in their entirety to ensure optimal health. She enjoys the interactions and personal care relationships she forms with patients and caregivers. Channels received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Alderson Broaddus College. From a young age, Channels felt strongly about becoming a doctor. She was introduced to the physician assistant career field during her pre-med studies. She knew this was the path for her, as it embodies her love for the team-focused patient care model. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Working in family practice medicine allows Channels to effectively treat and manage most of her patients health conditions. She has a special interest in treating patients with allergies and asthma.

Forget the Tricks, Enjoy the Treats this Halloween. Keep Yourself Safe and Kids Healthy

Suzy Mesmer — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:58:37 Z

Courtesy of WellMed and Optum

Fall is here, and with celebrations like Halloween and fun festivities like trick-or-treating, there are many temptations and goodies to be had. Following a few dos and donts can help make the celebrations a little safer and healthier for children, parents, and grandparents.

Treats for Special Diets

Food allergies can put a damper on any kids fun, especially during Halloween. Parents are reminded to examine the label of all candies to ensure their childs allergen isnt present, and are cautioned not to allow any home-baked goods or foods that are not commercially wrapped to be eaten. It is important to keep in mind that mini or bite-sized candy may contain different ingredients than its full-size counterpart. To be certain last years treats arent this years trick, impose a no eating while trick-or-treating rule until you have time to review all food labels and check for tampering.

Handing out candy to little ghosts and goblins on Halloween is part of the celebrated experience, and theres a fun and easy way to make it even more inclusive for the one in 13 children who have life-threatening food allergies or intolerances. The Teal Pumpkin Project, created by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization, suggests placing a teal-colored pumpkin out front to signal that it contains allergy-friendly candy or foods, as well as non-edible treats like small toys, glow sticks, or stickers.

WellMed | Optum Disclaimer: Some items and foods are choking risks for children and should be avoided, particularly with children under age four or who have certain disabilities. The list includes certain foods (including hard candy, nuts, string cheese, and chewing gum), small toys, and any item small enough to place in the mouth.

Keeping a watchful eye on your kids while they enjoy their loot is important, as food allergies can develop at any stage of life. Every 10 seconds, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room in the U.S., and no parents need that type of scare on Halloween. A child having an allergic reaction may exhibit symptoms such as putting their hands in their mouth, pulling or scratching at their tongue, slurring their words, or a hoarse or squeaky voice.

Other symptoms you may see are hives, abdominal pain, and in very severe cases, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. If you think your child is having an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care. Calling 911 may be needed in some cases, particularly when a severe reaction occurs, symptoms begin soon after ingestion, or if symptoms are progressing rapidly.

Tricks on Keeping Them Healthy

The spookiest time of the year is a good marker for the start of flu season as well. Getting a flu vaccine before mischief night can help keep your child happy and healthy past Halloween and into the family holiday season.

It is also a great time to remind your child of other important ways to stay healthy and safe as they travel door to door, speaking to neighbors as they receive treats. Children trick-or-treating on Halloween night should always watch for cars, wear reflective gear if possible, walk with a large group, walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or walk on the edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe, and carry a flashlight.

For parents with children who wear face paint or makeup, its important to check out those ingredients as well. Harmful ingredients in face makeup can trigger allergies or cause problems like skin irritation. Some tips to help avoid toxic ingredients and possible skin reactions: avoid makeup with heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, lead, and even arsenic. To avoid infection from makeup, wash your hands before applying and never share makeup with others. A good practice is to test a small amount of makeup a few days before to see if your child will have a reaction, and when in doubt, talk to your childs pediatrician.

Stay safe, healthy, and happy this Halloween, and be sure to remain healthy throughout the rest of the holiday season.

Resources:

Potbelly Gifts Fans Free Sandwich and Soft-Baked Sweet Surprises for 47th Birthday

Donna Kang — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 14:16:35 Z

Neighborhood Sandwich Shop Celebrates with a Weekend of BOGO Sandwiches and Complimentary Cookies

CHICAGO Potbelly is turning 47, and it's giving fans a weekend full of gifts to celebrate the occasion together. The beloved brand is thanking fans for nearly five decades of frequent shop visits, giving their fans a free sandwich* on Friday, January 12th, and a free cookie** on Saturday and Sunday, January 13th and 14th.

Potbelly kicks off the birthday celebration offering fans nationwide an exciting sandwich deal. For one day only, fans can purchase any Original-sized or BIG sandwich and get a second original size sandwich free. This exclusive promotion is available for everyone, but only with orders placed through the Potbelly app and online at Potbelly.com with promo code BOGO.

The celebration continues over the weekend with an exclusive offer for Potbelly Perks Members. On January 13-14, Perks Members can enjoy any baked fresh daily cookie complimentary with the purchase of an entrée. That includes the all-new Birthday Cake Cookie which is only available for a limited time. This soft-baked cookie with rich birthday cake flavor is loaded with colorful sprinkles and is sure to add a festive flavor to the celebration. When ordering on Potbelly.com, the Potbelly app, or in-shop scan, its a golden-baked opportunity for fans to savor a delightful cookie alongside their favorite entrée.

Potbelly is turning a page on another year we celebrate 47 years of satisfying cravings for our hot, oven-toasted sandwiches. To thank our legions of fans, we thought it was only fitting to give them more of what they love, whether a sweet treat or their fan-favorite sandwich, said David Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer at Potbelly. Were approaching nearly a half-century of building meaningful relationships in the neighborhoods we serve and wanted to ensure we celebrate those connections as we turn another year older.

For exclusive offers and rewards, Potbelly encourages fans to join the Potbelly Perks program, where they can unlock free sandwiches, cookies and special offers throughout the year. To sign up for the Potbelly Perks reward program, visit www.potbelly.com/perks, and, for more information on Potbelly, visit www.potbelly.com.

About Potbelly

Potbelly Corporation is a neighborhood sandwich concept that has been feeding customers smiles for more than 40 years with warm, toasty sandwiches, signature salads, hand-scooped ice cream in creamy shakes, customized just the way customers want them. Potbelly promises Fresh, Fast & Friendly service in an environment that reflects the local neighborhood. Since opening its first shop in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly has expanded to neighborhoods across the country, with more than 400 company-owned shops in the United States. Additionally, Potbelly franchisees operate over 40 shops in the United States. For more information, please visit our website at www.potbelly.com.

*With the purchase of an Original-sized or BIG sandwich

**For Potbelly Perks members with the purchase of any entrée

Potbelly Welcomes Return of the Legendary A Wreck Salad to the Underground Menu

Sarah Boylen — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:00:00 Z

The Beloved Menu Item Makes its Comeback Exclusively on the App Starting January 1

Potbelly Sandwich Works announces the highly anticipated return of its A Wreck Salad. Previously a staple on the brands menu, the A Wreck Salad will make a long-awaited comeback, available exclusively through the Potbelly Apps Underground Menu on January 1, 2024.

The A Wreck Salad is renowned among Potbelly fans for its meaty combination of hand-sliced turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, salami, Angus roast beef, Swiss cheese, diced hard-boiled egg, crisp cucumbers, and grape tomatoes. Served on a bed of fresh field greens, this tasty salad is topped with a generous drizzle of creamy buttermilk ranch dressing.

"At Potbelly, we understand our fans' passion for memorable classics, and the A Wreck Salad holds a special place in the hearts of many. We are excited to kick off the new year by further bolstering the array of menu offerings to our loyal fans available through our Apps Underground Menu," said David Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer at Potbelly. "This revival exemplifies the brands commitment to engaging with our fans in unique ways, and offering remarkably craveable menu items you can only get at Potbelly.

To indulge in this blast from the past, fans can download the Potbelly App and order on the Underground Menu, which holds a treasure trove of hidden favorites.

Potbelly is keeping the holiday celebration rolling into the new year with a salad offer exclusive to Perks members. Beginning January 1 - January 7, when Potbelly Perks members order any whole salad they earn a free entrée on their next order.

Potbelly fans are urged to join the Potbelly Perks program, where they can earn free sandwiches, cookies and special offers throughout the year. To sign up for the Potbelly Perks reward program, visit www.potbelly.com/perks. For more information on Potbelly, visit www.potbelly.com.

About Potbelly