Kayla Repp, Author at Be Well Solutions

Keep Your Immune System Strong This Season

The cooler temperatures and crisp Fall air are here, but along with it usually comes a season prone to more illness. Between back-to-school, cooler temperatures, and more time spent indoors, germs spread much quicker this time of year. Use these tried-and-true tips to keep your immune system strong all year long. Eat Your Fruits and Veggies Incorporate an assortment of fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. The different colors in these foods correspond with various necessary nutrients. When you vary the colors of your fruits and veggies, you know you’re getting assorted vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help keep your immune system working strong. Get a Good Night’s Sleep Sleep is imperative for our immune system because it allows our body to produce antibodies and natural killer cells that help ward off viruses and infections (UCI Health)[1]. [...]

Tags: fruits and vegetables, good hygiene, health, managing stress, sleep, staying active, strong immune system, talk to your doctor, wellness|

Cancer Screening Saves Lives

No matter how healthy we live, cancer can touch our lives. Two out of five Americans will receive a diagnosis of cancer at some point in their lives. One of the best ways to improve our survival chances is to discover cancer as early as possible. We do this with preventive screening exams. What is a Preventive Screening Exam? A preventive screening exam looks for a disease, or signs of a disease, in a person who has no symptoms or history of that disease. Preventive screenings allow doctors to detect conditions before symptoms appear, which increases the likelihood of effective treatment. Recommendations for preventive screening exams come from various groups of experts, but the two most notable in the US are the US Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF)[1] and the American Cancer Society (ACS)[2]. The USPSTF assigns letter grades to their [...]

Tags: cancer prevention, cancer risk factors, corporate wellness, health, healthy lifestyle, preventive screening, well-being, wellness|

What is a Hybrid Gym Membership

Over the last few years, many people have adapted and embraced a mix of in-person and virtual interactions. Hybrid work combines days in the office and days working remotely. Grocery shopping can be in-store or online with delivery. Our ever-changing schedules require more flexibility with our work and livelihood. Gyms are also finding ways to embrace this hybrid model to make exercise a more realistic habit for everyone to achieve. The Facts Hybrid gyms offer both in-person exercise and virtual exercise options. These virtual options can include on-demand classes, certified trainer access, and even personalized plans. As technology continues to grow, the demand for businesses to keep up also grows. Fitness centers are finding new ways to engage with their member population and prospective clients. According to ACE Fitness, 61% of fitness clubs surveyed have a mobile app (ACE Fitness)[1]. [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, exercise, gym membership, health, virtual gym, well-being|

8 Tips for Exercising Safely

Regular exercise provides many health benefits, from weight management to disease prevention. However, safety is paramount to avoid unnecessary injuries or setbacks. We’ve compiled eight tips to help you exercise safely and get the most out of your workout session. Get the Green Light from Your Doctor Before beginning a new exercise routine, or if it’s been a while since you’ve consistently exercised, you should consult your physician first. Working with your doctor helps determine your readiness for activity, guidelines and adaptations for injuries or conditions, and when an exercise professional could be helpful. Start Slowly, Increase Gradually Incorporate exercise in small bouts as you’re getting started. Then, slowly increase your duration, intensity, and frequency. Starting slower will allow your body to adapt and develop endurance and strength. If you begin with too much too fast, you can increase the [...]

Tags: cool down, corporate wellness, exercise, exercise recovery, health, hydration, nutrition, rest, warm-up, wellness|

Goodnight Sleep Tight with Good Sleep Hygiene

Sleep influences almost every aspect of our health, yet we’re constantly searching for ways to get enough restful sleep. Our environment and habits affect the amount and quality of daily sleep we get. Sleep hygiene is a buzzword that is gaining traction among wellness terms. Let's look at what it is, its benefits, and how we can practice it for a good night of rest. What is it? According to the Sleep Foundation, “Strong sleep hygiene means having both a bedroom environment and daily routines that promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep.” It involves preparing ourselves and our space for a restful sleep. What are the benefits? When we create good sleep habits, we can get more quality sleep. Our bodies need adequate sleep for better health. It can boost our immune system, help with weight management, and even lower the [...]

Tags: exercise, Goodnight Sleep, health, routine, sleep, sleep hygiene, wellness|

Get Pumped about Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health concern that affects nearly half of adults nationwide. It's often referred to as the "silent killer" because it can go unnoticed for years while quietly damaging your arteries and increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Fortunately, there are effective lifestyle strategies you can implement to help control your blood pressure and promote overall health. These measures include exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and nicotine and using healthy eating strategies. What do the Numbers Mean? Blood pressure is a measure of the amount of force (pressure) generated by the heart when it contracts and during rest. Blood pressure measurements are recorded as two numbers, known as systolic and diastolic values respectively. Systolic pressure represents the pressure when the heart contracts, diastolic pressure represents the amount of force [...]

Tags: balanced diet, blood pressure, corporate wellness, health, prevention, wellness|

5 Quick Stress Busters for a Busy Day

Sometimes stressful situations arise faster than we can blink. Taking a break for a long walk or chatting on the phone with a friend might be good stress relievers, but some days our schedule is too busy for an extended pause. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed but only have a few minutes, try a quick stress buster to help manage unexpected stress. Take a Deep Breath Deep breaths help slow our heart rate and bring more focus and clarity to our thoughts. There are many types of deep breathing exercises to try. Pick one to try and notice how it helps keep anxious thoughts at bay and allows you to be more present. Belly Breathing. This form of breathing is also known as diaphragmatic breathing. It focuses on using your diaphragm to take a full and deep breath. Start [...]

Tags: breathing exercises, corporate wellness, deep breathing, health, Muscle Relaxation, Senses, Stress Less, stress relief, stretching, wellness|

4 Keys to Exercise Consistency

We can have the best intentions to exercise more throughout our week, but before we know it, schedules get busy, and it can be hard to stay on track. A key to exercise consistency is taking the time to schedule your workouts. Scheduling your exercise sessions can help you plan to work around conflicts and time constraints. It allows you to be more dedicated and realistic with your time, keeping you more committed and consistent. Treat Exercise Like an Appointment When we make appointments, such as a doctor’s visit or an important meeting, we put them on our calendars. We do this so we don't miss them. Treat your exercise the same way. Think of it as an appointment with yourself. If we schedule a specific time and place for a workout, we’re more likely to stick to it instead [...]

Tags: #consistency, #corporatewellness, #schedule, exercise, health, wellness|

How to Find Mental Health Support

Caring for our mental health is necessary for our overall health and wellness. It can often feel daunting to figure out where to start when we need extra support. Whether you’re looking for something local or discreet, there’s always a solution to help fit your personal needs. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to find mental health support and services. Talk with Your Doctor A primary care doctor or nurse practitioner can be a helpful resource. Many doctors have therapists, counselors, and support groups they routinely work with. Since your doctor knows your medical history, they’ll know your current medications, conditions, and preferences. They can connect you with the right individual for further support. Look to Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Most large employers have EAPs which offer confidential professional assistance to employees and their families [...]

Tags: #awareness, #employeeassistanceprogram, #mentalhealth, #support, health, wellbeing, wellness|

Minding the Three Pound Universe – Strategies to Maintain a Healthy Brain

The brain is the most complex structure known to man. Although it weighs only a bit over three pounds, the brain is composed of more than 100 billion nerve cells (neurons) that play the central role in processing information, determining our thoughts and perceptions, coordinating bodily functions, and storing our precious memories. It’s no wonder the brain was termed “The Three Pound Universe” by noted author Judith Hooper. Brain health is a critical component of healthy aging, and one that we stress often at Be Well Solutions. Cultivating a healthy brain should be a lifelong objective for all of us. Brain Development Brain development begins during pregnancy, and a healthy pregnancy properly nurtures the developing brain. Appropriate prenatal care helps ensure proper nutrition for the developing brain, as well as avoidance of toxins and infections that can affect brain development. [...]

Tags: #brainhealth, #corporatewellness, #dementia, health, wellbeing, wellness|

About Kayla Repp