The beginning of each new year is an opportune time to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into your daily routine. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone in many ways, both big and small, but with the start of 2021 comes renewed hope for the future. Read on for five ways to focus on improving your mental health and wellbeing for the year ahead. 1. Keep a gratitude list The simple act of showing gratitude is a powerful tool for increasing positivity and a proven way to lessen sym...
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October 23, 2020
How Sleep Changes As We Age
The amount of sleep we need changes as we age. Both sleep duration and quality tend to decline as we grow older. While infants typically need the most rest, older adults need the least, and sleep may be fragmented in later life, as well. Getting a good night’s sleep becomes more difficult at the beginning of adulthood. Why do sleep needs shift from seventeen hours each night in infancy to seven or less in old age? Physical and mental developments and fluctuations in the body’s natu...
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August 24, 2020
An Ounce of Prevention, More Than Ever
August is National Wellness Month in the U.S. Traditionally, it’s been a time to reemphasize the importance of practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors – like eating healthier, getting more exercise and better managing stress. This all seems rather basic, but truth-be-told even small improvements in these modifiable lifestyle behaviors can lead to significant health enhancements. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that eliminating just three co...
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August 20, 2020
What should you know about ultra-processed foods?
Ultra-processed food is on the rise globally. It is a fact that an increasing amount of consumers are looking at these foods as staples in their diet; opting for easy, ready-made meals that are full of added sugar, fat, salt, colorings and preservatives. We all know that, as a general rule, a diet that is mostly comprised of natural, unprocessed foods, is a healthier option. But sometimes it is hard to spot the differences between the various levels of food processing and what exactly is c...
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August 13, 2020
Obesity and COVID-19: What You Need to Know
The Coronavirus pandemic is hitting the world hard, but those with compromised immune systems and significant risk factors have a higher likelihood of getting the virus. As information emerges about this illness, we are learning more about some of these risk factors, one of which is obesity. What Is Obesity? Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of excess fat on the body, which poses serious health risks and can cause a variety of diseases and problems. Obesity is typically measured by body ...
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June 11, 2020
Processed food: Is it all unhealthy?
Processed food often gets a bad rap, and mostly for good reason. As a rule of good health, you should enjoy a clean, natural diet and avoid eating processed food. However, it’s important to understand what processed food is and why it is unhealthy for you before you completely write it off from your diet. You should also be aware of the processed food options that are actually fairly healthy. What Exactly Is Processed Food? You have likely heard the term “processed food” with an add...
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Making the right decisions, Managing stress
April 14, 2020
How to best handle stress during a quarantine
Right now, millions of people around the globe are quarantined in their homes. Businesses are closed, and there is little to do outside of your own house. You cannot meet up with friends and co-workers. This can be extremely depressing and stressful for many people. As mentioned in our previous blog post, "How to stay happy when working from home" there are several things you can do while you are quarantined at home. The following are some additional ways to handle the stress of a quarantine:...