Newsletter Archives - Page 2 of 33

Take the Stress Out of Gift Giving

‘Tis the season for giving! We thoroughly enjoy seeing the faces of our loved ones light up when we give them a heartfelt gift. But choosing the right gift while staying on budget can feel overwhelming. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 41% of American adults report higher stress levels during the holiday season. The 2023 APA poll also found that “43% said that the stress of the holidays interferes with their ability to enjoy them and 36% said the holidays feel like a competition” (APA). The good news is that there are better ways to approach gift-giving, which can help manage the stress that comes with it. Have a Plan and Set a Budget Before the holiday festivities get into full swing, decide your plans and set a budget. Gift-giving can add up quickly, so sticking with a plan [...]

Tags: #budgetfriendlygifts, #creativegiftideas, #familygiftexchange, #financialwellness, #giftgivingtips, #holidayseasonadvice, #mindfulholidays, #thoughtfulgifting, holidaystress, StressManagement|

Why Wait for 2025? Tips for Building Healthy Habits Today!

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves tempted to postpone making healthy changes until January 1st. But why wait? Building healthier habits now can set you up for a more confident and energized new year. Instead of relying on resolutions, which often fizzle by February, consider embracing small, sustainable changes as endorsed by bestselling author, James Clear in his book Atomic Habits. Rather than focusing on setting goals, Clear encourages people to examine and improve their habits (behaviors) – by looking at simple strategies to build good habits and break bad ones, using small but ongoing daily improvements. Focus on Systems, Not Just Goals For years, coaches and other change facilitators had people focus on smart goals. For many people, it’s easy to think in terms of goals — “I want to lose 10 pounds” or “I [...]

Tags: #atomichabits, #behaviorchange, #buildinghealthyhabits, #GoalSetting, #habitformation, #habitloop, #healthandwellness, #holidaywellness, #jamesclear, #mindsetshift, #newyearresolutions, #positivechange, #practicaltips, #smallstepsbigimpact, healthyliving|

Fuel Your Diabetes Knowledge

November is recognized as National Diabetes Month to promote awareness about diabetes and encourage people to take steps toward prevention and better management. Today in the United States there are more than 37 million people living with diabetes, and another 80 million with pre-diabetes, a condition that puts them at greater risk for developing the illness. There are three primary types of diabetes: Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and often resolves following the birth of the baby. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed at a young age and requires insulin treatment for life. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of disorder, accounts for over 90% of cases. Often called “adult-onset diabetes”, this form occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does [...]

Tags: #HealthyEating, #PhysicalActivity, a1ctest, diabetesawareness, diabetesprevention, diabetespreventiontips, diabetesriskfactors, diabetessymptoms, health, healthyliving, healthyweight, nationaldiabetesmonth, StressManagement, type1diabetes, type2diabetes, wellness|

How to Cope with Being a Caregiver

Caregiving is one of the most rewarding things we can do for loved ones. However, it can also lead to feeling overwhelmed, stressed, lonely, and exhausted. According to the Mayo Clinic1, “1 in 3 adults in the United States is an informal or family caregiver.” There’s a good chance that you or someone you know is currently a caregiver. Learning how to cope with the challenges of this role can ensure a healthier experience for everyone involved. Signs of Caregiver Stress Knowing and recognizing the signs of caregiver stress is the first step in healthy coping. These signs can present as physical, mental, or emotional symptoms. Physical signs include fatigue, problems sleeping, sudden changes in weight, headaches, and body aches. It can also include misusing alcohol, medication, or drugs. Mental and emotional signs include increased feelings of anxiety, worry, sadness, [...]

Tags: #mentalhealth, #support, burnout, caregiverstress, Caregivingtips, community, copingstrategies, familycaregiving, health, help, self-care, wellness|

Maximizing Your Home Workouts: Tips for Space, Equipment, and Motivation

Home workouts have been gaining popularity with no signs of slowing down. They bring flexibility and convenience to your exercise schedule to enforce a lasting habit. The variety of home exercise is growing with more apps, equipment, and virtual classes available at your fingertips. However, it can still come with distractions and challenges. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you maximize your home workouts and build a successful habit. Plan Your Space Plan your workout area to be a more successful space. You don’t need a large home gym with state-of-the-art equipment to create an exercise-friendly environment. Begin by choosing a space with minimal distractions. Avoid high-traffic areas of the home and consider a corner or room with a door. Consider distractions near you, such as chores, work, or electronics. Determine the activities you plan to do and [...]

Tags: exercise, exerciseroutine, ExerciseTips, fitness, health, homeworkouts, motivation, stayingmotivated, wellness, workoutequipment|

Unlocking the Power of Nutrition: A Guide to Reducing Cancer Risk

The power of healthy nutrition is often understated. But, as the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reminds us, nearly one third of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes. Some of these lifestyle changes revolve around not using tobacco products and regular exercise, but the majority of recommendations focus on nutritional strategies. As research evolves, so does our understanding of how diet influences cancer risk. Certain foods provide the potential to fight cancer, while others increase the risk. The AICR has recently updated their guidelines, providing actionable steps people can take to reduce their risk by making better dietary choices. Here are some dietary strategies the AICR endorses to reduce lifetime cancer risk. Embrace a Plant-Based Diet One of the cornerstone recommendations is to prioritize whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. These foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, [...]

Tags: #balanceddiet, #HealthyEating, AICRGuidelines, CancerFightingFoods, CancerPrevention, HealthyFoodChoices, HealthyLifestyleTips, nutrition, Plant-BasedDiet, ReducingCancerRisk, ReducingObesityRelatedCancer, WholeGrains|

Exercise and Cancer Prevention

Regular exercise comes with a host of benefits, including cancer prevention. According to the National Cancer Institute, “Approximately 40.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.” With studies showing how prevalent cancer is, being able to lower our risk can make a significant impact. Let’s explore the relationship between exercise and cancer prevention and exercise recommendations. The Benefits of Exercise Observational studies created adequate research to show evidence that exercise can help lower the risk of certain types of cancers, including bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, and stomach cancer (National Cancer Institute). Although more research is needed, limited evidence points to a lowered risk of other cancers like pancreatic, blood, prostate, ovarian, thyroid, liver, and rectum cancer as well. Regular physical activity aids in cancer prevention in several different ways. It [...]

Tags: #PhysicalActivity, CancerRisk, CancerTypesandExercise, exercise, ExerciseandCancerPrevention, ExerciseandQualityofLife, ExerciseforCancerRecovery, ExerciseRecommendationsforAdults, health, HormoneRegulationandCancer, PhysicalActivityGuidelinse, WeightManagementandCancerPrevention, wellness|

Managing Mental Health During Chronic Illness

Chronic illness can be challenging to manage because of how it impacts nearly every aspect of our lives. Between navigating medical care, ensuring basic needs are met, and completing daily tasks, it can take a toll on our mental health and quality of life. A chronic illness differs from an acute illness, such as the flu, because a full recovery may not be possible. Learning to cope with the illness becomes part of everyday life. Understanding how to manage your mental health during chronic illness can help you cope more healthily and bring more enjoyment back into your life. Manage Stress Chronic illness can wear on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. The challenges it brings to daily life can trigger increased feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, frustration, and more. Unmanaged stress can negatively affect mental health as well as symptoms [...]

Tags: #mentalhealth, ChronicIllnessManagement, CopingwithChronicIllness, health, MentalResilience, MindfulnessandStressRelief, SelfcareforChronicIllness, StressManagement, wellness|

Understanding Genetic Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Generating more awareness, understanding, and prevention in this area is imperative because nearly one in eight American women will have breast cancer during their lifetime (Breastcancer.org1). In recent years, there has been more research on the topic of genetic breast cancer, its types, its risk factors, and treatment. Understanding genetic breast cancer can also help you understand personal risk and steps toward prevention. Types Mutations found on specific genes inherited from parents are the cause of genetic breast cancer. The American Cancer Society2 states, “In normal cells, these genes help make proteins that repair damaged DNA. Mutated versions of these genes can lead to abnormal cell growth, which can lead to cancer.” The most commonly inherited mutations are in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Around 55-65% of women with a BRCA1 mutation and 45% [...]

Tags: #breastcancer, BRCA1andBRCA2, BreastCancerAwareness, BreastCancerPrevention, BreastCancerScreening, BreastCancerTreatments, GeneticBreastCancer, GeneticTesting, health, wellness|

Building Bonds and Health: Incorporating Wellness into Family Life

In today's fast-paced world, where schedules are packed and stress levels are high, it's more important than ever to prioritize wellness within the family unit. Incorporating wellness practices into family life not only fosters stronger relationships but also promotes physical and mental well-being for every member. Institute for Family Studies[1] discusses various strategies to build a healthier family environment through regular exercise, mindfulness activities and healthy eating habits. These approaches can help create a more intentional and connected family life contributing to overall wellness. Here's how families can embark on a journey towards wellness together. Prioritize Physical Activity Encourage the whole family to engage in regular physical activity. Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, turn it into a family adventure. Whether it's going for a walk after dinner, playing a sport together on weekends, or joining a family-friendly workout [...]

Tags: ActiveLifestyle, BuildingStrongFamilies, FamilyBonding, FamilyCommunication, FamilyHealth, FamilyNutrition, FamilyWellness, health, HealthyEatingforFamilies, HealthyFamilyHabits, HealthyLifestyle, HealthyLifestyleChoices, MindfulnessPractices, PhysicalActivityforFamilies, wellness, WellnessJourney|