wellness Archives - Page 6 of 13

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|

Fruits and Vegetables are Good Medicine

The role that a well-balanced diet plays in the prevention of illnesses is often overlooked as doctors reflexively reach for a prescription pad, rather than a suggested grocery list, when discussing health strategies with their patients. Fruits and vegetables offer a myriad of health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, they promote healing, boost our immunity, and strengthen our overall health status. Strive to Make Them a Part of Every Meal Given our fast-paced lifestyles and busy schedules, it can be challenging to consume enough of these nutrient-packed foods. According to the CDC[1], less than 15% of Americans eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables (1.5-2 cup equivalents of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables daily). The Be Well Dietitians teach the importance of including fruits and vegetables in every meal, and fortunately, there are many [...]

Tags: #corporatewellness, #smoothies, fruit, health, snacks, veggies, wellness|

Take a Green Break

Green breaks, or nature breaks, have become a trending topic in stress management, and for good reason! This practice focuses on short breaks that incorporate nature and greenery in some form. A green break could include time around plants indoors or a walk outside in a park. The idea is that a quick break to be among nature positively affects our stress management and mental health. Let's explore the benefits of these breaks and how to incorporate them into your daily life. The Benefits A nature break is a way to utilize all your senses. You can see the greenery, you can touch the tree bark, you can smell flowers, you can hear the wind rustling and the birds chirping, and you can taste fresh air. Engaging the senses is a grounding technique that allows your mind to break from [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, garden, green break, health, nature, short breaks, walk, wellness|

Hydrate for Health

Hydration is quite the trend in recent years, and that makes complete sense, as water is essential for life. Even subtle dehydration can impair performance in numerous areas. Every part of our body needs water to function properly. With that said, what really constitutes adequacy in hydration? This can be confusing, as the internet is rife with contradictory information and influencers carrying gallon jugs or toting the hottest water bottle. Daily Requirements Depend on Several Factors In the US and Canada, the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45182/) recommendations determine "Adequate Intake" (AI), based on research conducted in healthy people. However, it is acknowledged that studies on fluid intake are difficult to conduct and depend on several individual factors. The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine tell us that daily AI for adults is as follows: Males - [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, health, hydration, water, wellness|

Mid-Year Health Assessment

It is hard to believe that 2023 is half over! Now that everybody is settling into a summer routine, it is a great time to look at your health habits and set goals for the remainder of the year. The suggested links may be found at the end of the article. Checklist For Healthy Aging – These 5 Will Keep You Alive! Evaluate Your Current Health Status. Being up to date on screening exams and knowing your screening numbers help you avoid or manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and unhealthy weight gain. Having a primary care doctor you trust to help monitor your overall health, address any concerns, and provide guidance on preventive measures is a key step in the right direction. If you haven’t had a physical exam in 2023, schedule one today. [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, exercise, fruits and vegetables, health, sleep, wellness|

Summer Activities to Beat the Heat

We wait all year to enjoy warm, sunny weather outside. While this can be the perfect time for an outdoor workout, sometimes the heat and humidity can impact those plans. We’ve compiled a list of ways to keep up with your exercise habits while beating the heat. Cool Off Indoors If you want to avoid the heat, opt for an indoor workout. This can be a great option when the humidity and heat index are high or if the air quality is poor. Indoor activity options are numerous, whether at the gym or in your home. Try a class like Yoga or Bootcamp, bring the outdoors inside by attending an indoor rock-climbing facility, or put some tropical tunes in your earbuds and pretend you’re at the beach while enjoying your air-conditioned workout session. Just Add Water Summer is the season [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, health, hydration, summer activities, summer safety, wellness|