SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. The Northeast Kidney Foundation is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their "Catwalk for Kidneys" fundraiser this year.

They are hosting a virtual fashion show, which lets them hold their fundraiser while working around the pandemic. The event will be livestreamed over Facebook on Nov. 8.

"We're really excited about it, excited to be able to hold it in this new format," said Carol LaFleur, executive director of Northeast Kidney Foundation. "We're grateful to all of our sponsors, and to Macy's for styling all our models."

Major sponsors for the Catwalk this year include Keeler Mercedes-Benz, Martin Harding and Mazzotti LLP, Nysopba, Fresenius Kidney Care, and DCI.

Macy's, for the third year in a row, is also a supporting sponsor. They are providing all the fashions the models will be wearing on the virtual catwalk. Adding their own fashionable flair to the event is local retailer Haute Messes in Dresses, who have designed a unique t-shirt specifically for the Catwalk for Kidneys.

"It was so fun going shopping at Macy's and getting styled," said Carney McGuire, one of this year's models along with her husband Duane Beach. "We wound up buying everything we tried on! We're doing a couple's photoshoot. We wanted something fun and fall-themed, so we went for a casual couple's day out in the city."

McGuire first got involved with Northeast Kidney Foundation last year, when she was working at Rivers Casino. The Catwalk for Kidneys was hosted there, and she became heavily involved in the event. She got to know LaFleur well and the two became friends.

Then, Beach was diagnosed with kidney disease, and suddenly the organization took on a whole new level of meaning for the couple. The support that Beach received from the Foundation renewed McGuire's interest and made her want to get personally involved.

"I think that continuing to support local organizations through the struggles we're all dealing with is extra important," McGuire commented. "It's harder for them to raise money now, so we're all coming up with these workarounds."

The Northeast Kidney Foundation is a local nonprofit, headquartered in Albany with other offices in Rochester and Syracuse. They were founded in 1972 by the Sperber family, as a grassroots movement to provide support and outreach for patients of kidney disease after their daughter needed a transplant.

"I can't say how much the support they've offered to Duane and I has meant," McGuire added. "The landscape has changed, and they're so willing to open the doors and say 'we've got you'. That's huge."

Each model has a fundraising goal they are working towards, with an overall goal for the Foundation of $50-60,000 this year. McGuire hopes to at least meet her fundraising goal of $1,500.

"More is better," she said. "Having never done this before, I set a fairly low goal. I'd love to raise more than that, especially knowing that this is going to be a long-term, ongoing relationship that I'm going to have with the Foundation."

During the virtual fashion show, the pictures from each of the models' photoshoots will be combined with candid videos where they introduce themselves and tell their stories. Every model participating has a close connection to the Foundation and its causes, either through themselves, a family member, or someone they know who has been affected by kidney disease.

"Everyone who tunes in will hear some very inspiring stories," LaFleur said.

Kidney disease is more common that people may think. 1 in every 7 people is at risk for kidney disease. Of those 7, 1 in 3 will develop in in their lifetimes. Diabetes and hypertension are the two most common causes.

"Being aware of your risk factors and managing them is the best way to prevent it," said LaFleur. "Once you have kidney disease, you have it - there's no pill you can take to cure it, it doesn't go away. But, there are many treatment options available, and with healthy lifestyle choices and working with your healthcare team, you can live a long and healthy life with kidney disease."

LaFleur says that early diagnosis is important, and recommends that when people go in for their annual checkup, they request copies of their labwork results. "Knowing your numbers" is the key to early diagnosis.

"You're looking for a number called the GFR," LaFleur explained. "A score of 60 or higher is good - 90 and higher is perfect. If your GFR is below 60, that's a sign that your kidneys are compromised. At that point you want to ask for a referral to a nephrologist."

LaFleur is optimistic about this year's fundraiser, despite it having to be so different than normal.

"We're very hopeful," she said. "We're fortunate that we've got a lot of support. We're so appreciative and thankful to all our sponsors, and all our models who are working so hard to raise money. This is our first ever virtual event, and because it's our tenth anniversary, I think that makes it extra special."

The Catwalk for Kidneys will air at 6pm on Nov. 8. Audience members will be able to vote for their favorite model and preview the items that will be up for auction after the Catwalk. The event will be livestreamed on FaceBook at:https://www.facebook.com/events/2721378161522872.

Donations to the Northeast Kidney Foundation can be made through their FaceBook page,https://www.facebook.com/northeast.kidney/, or through their main website, http://www.healthykidneys.org.

To purchase a fundraiser t-shirt from Haute Messes in Dresses, visit:https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=239640306098099&story_fbid=6898554506873279

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Northeast Kidney Foundation hosting virtual 'Catwalk for Kidneys' - The Saratogian

After treatment for a cardiac event such as a heart attack, a patients personal recovery goals are usually simple yet extremely meaningful: Id like to be able to walk up the stairs without having to rest. I want to walk with my grandchildren in the park and not slow them down. Id love to ride my bike around my neighborhood again.

These are the things that make life special, and the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Northern Westchester Hospital makes them achievable. How does that happen?

Learn how Northern Westchester Hospitals state-of-the-art program helps to build strength, capacity and a heart-healthy lifestyle so you can reconnect with the things you love.

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

The goal is to restore your heart and help you gain the strength to recover faster from heart disease while being safelymonitored. Take part in supervised exercise programs, including weight training and aerobic (cardio) exercise.Youll also learn how to build a healthy lifestyle that dramatically improves your chance of preventing future heart conditions. Get educated about heart-healthy nutrition, stress management, meditation and basic heart disease prevention.

Am I a candidate for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Northern Westchester Hospital?

With the opening of the hospitals Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the Seema Boesky Heart Center, comprehensive cardiac care in Westchester is now seamless and more convenient than ever. If you suffer a cardiac emergency, youll be treated at our cath lab, after which youll receive a direct referral to get the crucial follow-up care needed at our cardiac rehabilitation program.

Candidates for that program have suffered a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, bypass surgery, angina, heart valve repair or replacement, heart transplantation, coronary stenting or heart failure.

What are the benefits of cardiac rehab?

Perhaps surprisingly, a key benefit is restored confidence. After a cardiac emergency, any pain in your chest area may cause anxiety that another cardiac event is happening. This is completely understandable and very common. However, these fears typically go away during or after cardiac rehabilitation as patients see undeniable evidence of their gains in strength and stamina.

Activities such as walking uphill on the treadmill, riding the bike or using the rowing machine provide great confidence. Other benefits include:

What happens when you join the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Northern Westchester Hospital?

Our experts design a personalized exercise regimen based on health history and physical condition. You can have up to 36 training sessions, depending upon your insurance, during which you receive continuous EKG monitoring and close supervision by our physician and exercise physiologists.

Were always watching your heart rate and cardiac rhythm. Blood pressure is taken before, during and after exercise. Starting off at 30 minutes, work up to between 42 minutes and an hour of training, with weight training added when appropriate.

How do I choose a cardiac rehabilitation program?

Look for accreditation. For example, Northern Westchester Hospitals program is recognized by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for providing a high standard of care and significantly improving patients quality of life. Also consider the expertise and experience of staff, convenient scheduling and insurance coverage.

How are patients being kept safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Everyone wears a mask. On your first visit, youll be asked to have a COVID-19 test. After the initial test, youll fill out a COVID-19 screening questionnaire with each visit to the center.

Inside the gym, machines are placed at least six feet apart and gloves and a mask must be worn while using the equipment. All equipment is disinfected after each use. We provide single-use bottled water at each visit, and send all educational materials via e-mail, avoiding paper contact.

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Living the Life You Love After a Cardiac Event - The Examiner News

I experienced mental-health issues throughout most of my life, admits Zak Williams. So with this product were introducing, we wanted to provide a foundation for mental-health support.

Williams just launched PYM (Prepare Your Mind) Original Mood Chews, a gummy-like edible thats explicitly not CBD but is supposed to help combat stress and trauma with a natural formulation. The son of the late comedian/actor Robin Williams, Zak had experienced anxiety issues in his teens and twenties, which led to panic attacks and, as he notes, a lot of ineffectual self-medication.

When it came to my dad dying by suicide, those issues went into overdrive, he tells us. I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and my levels of stress and anxiety went through the roof. I started using alcohol to manage my anxiety; that didnt work too well. And cannabis made the anxiety worse.

After a try with prescription pharmaceuticals (they made me numb and not like myself) Williams found two pathways to an improved state of mind. The first was a personal commitment to focus on mental health advocacy and work with nonprofit groups within that space. The second was testing out amino acid formulations and other natural compounds to try and help his anxiety, while taking alcohol and other substances out of the equation.

You can take PYM like a vitamin or a painkiller, as co-founder Olivia June told us.

PYM

Which is how PYM launched. The citrus-flavored chews contain the neurotransmitters, amino acids and adaptogens GABA, L-Theanine and Rhodiola together as kind of a quick, easily digestible remedy for anxiety and stress.

There is a role for pharmaceuticals and clinical treatment, explains Dr. Raghu Appasani, a research psychiatrist and mental-health advocate whos part of PYMs scientific advisory board. But I see PYM as something you could easily incorporate into a healthy lifestyle. Its like brushing your teeth or showering but its mental hygiene.

You can treat it like a vitamin and take at the beginning or end of your day, or use like a painkiller if youre anticipating anxiety or being overwhelmed, adds Olivia June, the products co-founder (and as of last week, Williamss spouse).

I was admittedly skeptical. I tried PYM a few times (directions: chew for 20 seconds, then swallow; the taste and texture is inoffensive and bland, like a mildly fruity gummy). I was supposed to feel results in 20 minutes, and I certainly cant say I felt worse after I took it. Things did feel a bit lighter and my focus was possibly stronger, but I also wasnt sure if I was just experiencing a placebo effect.

While theres plenty of of published science behind amino acids and adaptogens, even the founders of PYM are working off anecdotal evidence. When I asked how the efficacy of a chew could be specifically measured, Williams and his team were honest its a work in progress.

We worked with friends, family and a close network of about 30 people who took prototypes, he explains. We wanted to get some initial validation about it. It worked for almost everyone, but we went through three iterations in total to get something we felt confident about. Now were going to segue into a more formal clinical study over the next few months, using control groups and working with 400 trial participants.

So PYMs effectiveness might not be quantifiable to a degree wed all like. Still, mental health is a critical issue in this country (anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults, which is 18% of the U.S. population) and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has certainly increased levels of anxiety and stress. Finding a more natural way to combat this that doesnt involve the letters C, B or D is a noble endeavor.

As well, even the founders note that PYM is only part of a larger lifestyle change, one that might involve meditation, mindfulness activities, a healthy diet and fitness.

Were seeking to replace unhealthy habits and self-medicating, says Williams. Look, I have no issues with properly prescribed medication and I appreciate people who can drink wine and enjoy it, but if they were using alcohol like I was to manage my anxiety I was actually damaging my mental health. I wanted something safe and effective.

As for the product name you can thank Robin Williams, indirectly. Pym is actually my middle name, says Zak, who then chuckles. My dad gave me that name because it sounded vaguely Welsh.

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Robin Williamss Son Wants to Improve Your Mental Health With a Mood Chew - InsideHook

BOSTON A family history of dementia is by no means an absolute indictor of a future dementia diagnosis, according to a new study from Boston University. Researchers say that both family history and cardiovascular health influence an individuals chances of developing dementia.

So, people who are worried about dementia potentially being in their future due to genetics can mitigate their risk by focusing on cultivating a strong and robust cardiovascular system.

At the same time, however, these findings represent a bit of a double-edged sword. People who are both genetically inclined toward dementia and neglect their cardiovascular health are putting themselves in an especially precarious position regarding their cognitive future.

The study gives weight to the notion that while much of ones traits and proclivities can be traced to genetics, were all still very much in charge of their own future. Nothing is predetermined.

Regarding the studys findings, the presence of dementia-associated common gene variants alone were found to potentially double a persons risk of dementia. However, if that same person is in strong cardiovascular shape that dementia risk is cut in half.

Researchers say the effects of both genes and cardiovascular health on dementia risk are additive. This means either of those factors can solely raise or lower a persons dementia risk.

Just because you have a high genetic risk of dementia doesnt mean that you cant lower your risk by adopting a healthier lifestyle, says study lead author Dr. Gina Peloso, assistant professor of biostatistics at BUSPH, in a release.

Data on 1,211 people was used for this study. That information was originally collected as part of the Framingham Heart Study.That study single longest-running cardiovascular disease study performed in the United States. The project started in 1948, and the 1,211 people included in this study are the children of the original Farmingham study participants. Genetic data, cardiovascular health information collected between 1991-1995, and dementia screening results from sessions held starting in 1998 are all included in the analysis.

Ultimately, the studys authors found that people with a high dementia genetic risk score were 2.6 times more likely to develop dementia. Researchers zeroed in on a genotype, APOE 4, specifically linked to the condition. The genotype is found in 10-15% of the general population.

To gauge each persons cardiovascular health, the American Heart Associations seven components of cardiovascular health was used. Those components include: physical activity, cholesterol, healthy diet, blood pressure, smoking status, blood glucose, and weight.

The results are quite clear. The study shows that adults with strong cardiovascular health were 55% less likely to develop dementia.

We have long maintained that genetics is not destiny, that the impact of your family history and genetic risk can be lowered by healthy lifestyle choices. This is true for persons with low genetic risk and also for persons with high genetic risk of dementia, so it is never too soon and never too late to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, concludes senior study author Dr. Sudha Seshadri, founding director of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimers and Neurodegenerative Diseases at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

The study is published in Neurology.

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Dementia run in the family? You can lower your risk by keeping a healthy heart - Study Finds

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --A recent study has revealed parents across the US and Europe are embracing the power of healthy routines for their families this fall. A staggering 91% of people asked said they were planning on eating more healthily and being more active from September onwards and 3 out of 4 parents (77%) believe that routine is fundamental to this.

The online study, by leading health and wellness company Juice Plus+ was conducted among 8,013 parents or guardians of children aged under 18 living at home in the USA, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Poland.

Why Fall?

When questioned, the majority of parents (81%) said that the month that children start back at school, either physically or virtually, is the perfect time to get structured dietary and exercise routines in place to help their families live a healthier and more active life.

As summer is over, 39% of respondents mentioned that they want to concentrate on their goals for the rest of the year and are looking for healthy routines to help them achieve these. More than a third of people questioned (37%) are also making the consideration that winter is coming and that healthy routines will help benefit their mental health throughout the colder months.

While January is traditionally seen as the time of year to make resolutions, the study shows that 67% of respondents say that they are putting more emphasis on health and wellness this fall compared to the beginning of the year.

Kids Health

The focus on health and diet also comes through in school lunch box choices with 48% of parents saying they are including healthier options as well as more fruit and vegetables in their kids' lunches. 71% of parents were also looking forward to their kids being more active now they are back at school.

The Fruit and Veg Barometer

The study revealed the top fruit and veg across in family homes across all the countries:

Most Popular Fruit

Most Popular Vegetable

1. Bananas

1. Carrot

2. Apples

2. Cucumber

3. Strawberries

3. Broccoli

4. Grapes

4. Peppers

5. Melon

5. Green Beans

Least Popular Fruit

Least Popular Vegetable

1. Elderberry

1. Artichoke

2. Dates

2. Kale

3. Prune

3. Beetroot

4. Grapefruit

4. Celery

5. Cranberries

5. Aubergine

Juice Plus+ Health Expert and Pediatrician Dr. Valerie Miles, MD says: "The study results clearly indicate that families have been very motivated to take up new healthy habits this fall. I recommend following a nutritious diet, alongside regularly exercising, staying sufficiently hydrated and getting rest to live a healthy life. For example, given 61% of parents say they are planning on eating more healthily and 44% are looking to eat more home cooked meals, I would highly recommend they create a meal plan for the week to help them succeed. The key to success is to create routines that are doable and not too overwhelming."

They study also revealed the following resolutions:

Expert tips on creating healthy routines

Juice Plus+ Nutritionist and Health Expert, 4 top tips on how parents and families can succeed in making these resolutions into a reality:

Introducing Juice Plus+ Healthy Starts For Families

Healthy Starts for Families is a wellness program from Juice Plus+ to help keep you and your family on track by making small and simple changes to four key areas of your life: nutrition, fitness, sleep and hydration.

When you sign up to the program and purchase Juice Plus+ Fruit and Vegetable Capsules ($50 per month in the USA) you will also receive Juice Plus+ chewables or capsules for your child, free of charge. As part of the program, you also receive tips & guides for staying on track based on the four core pillars and access to a community of like-minded families for support.

For younger children in the family, Healthy Starts for Families comes with a fun welcome pack that includes information about good nutrition, sticker charts and other kids activities to help your family stay on track. It's an easy and fun way to help create a sustainable routine that keeps every family member healthy and active throughout the year.

For more information, please visit https://www.juiceplus.com/.

About Juice Plus+

The Juice Plus+ Companyis aglobalhealth and wellness companywith amission to inspire healthy livingaround the world.Itoperatesin 26 markets globally and is supported by amission-driven community of 200,000 independent sales Partners and over one million customers.

What is Juice Plus?

Juice Plus+ iscommittedtomakinghealthy living easier with plant-based nutritional productsthat are as close to nature as possible,andwith asupportive healthy lifestyle community.Juice Plus+ products includeJuice Plus+Fruit, Vegetable, and Berry Blend Capsules and Chewables, made from 30 different fruits, vegetables and berries along with selected vitamins and other plant ingredients.

For more information, visit JuicePlus.com.

Research Methodology

An online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 8,013 parents/guardians of kids aged under 18 living at home in the UK, USA, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Poland. The research fieldwork took place on 9 13 September, 2020. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides to MRS code.

CONTACT: Benjamin Rickles, [emailprotected]

SOURCE Juice Plus+

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The Power of Routine: Fall is the new January when it comes to kickstarting healthy habits - PRNewswire

COVINGTON, Ga. The American Cancer Society states that one out of every seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is dangerous because there is often no way to detect it in the early stages; however, surviving prostate cancer is greatly increased when diagnosed early.

September is national Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and we encourage men to speak with their doctors about the risks and screening options, said Matthew Mote, D.O., a primary care physician with Piedmont Physicians Covington Family Medicine. Men need to know that while prostate cancer is common, if detected early, it can be curable.

Prostate cancer has many risk factors that men cant control, such as age, family history, and race and ethnicity. Among the risk factors that can be controlled however are maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and staying physically active.

If you are a man over the age of 50, or if you have a family history of prostate cancer, now is the time to visit your doctor and assess your risk. If you are an African American man, you should start having those conversations in your mid-40s, Mote said. Dont be afraid to ask questions. Get the facts about prostate cancer and screening options that are right for you.

Screening for the disease can help with early detection, but men should also know the signs of a potential issue. Typical symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty stopping or starting urination, painful urination, frequent urination at night, blood in the urine and difficulty in getting an erection.

Men should speak with a primary care physician about prevention options if they are concerned about their risk of developing prostate cancer, as well as making healthy lifestyle choices.

Visit piedmont.org to learn more.

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HEALTH: What men need to know about prostate cancer - Covington News

Stephanie Bowens| StarNews Correspondent

Each year more than 300,000 people in the U.S. experience a hip fracture, and most of these fractures occur in people 65 and older who are injured during a fall. While risk of hip fracture rises with age, eating healthy, exercising, and taking steps to improve and maintain muscle and bone health, even at a young age, can help prevent future hip fractures.

Dr. Christopher Jarrett, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at Wilmington Health, specializes in hips, knees and general orthopaedic conditions. Jarrett said hes treated many patients with hip fractures.

As the general population ages, I think its something that we are going to see more and more of, he said.

Hip fractures can be very painful, and Jarrett said their most common cause is a fall. Additionally, he said a major risk factor for hip fractures is having osteoporosis.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, in elderly people who have bones weakened by osteoporosis even little trauma, like walking, may result in a hip fracture. With weakened bones, hip fractures can also follow a slip or twisting injury.

Jarrett said having a bone density less than two standard deviations below the norm also increases ones risk for hip fracture.

Balance issues or a neurological issue that would predispose a patient to being a fall risk would also be a big risk factor for hip fracture, Jarrett said.

According to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons when younger people have hip fractures its often due to a high-energy event, such as fall from a ladder or automobile accident.

Treatment depends on the type of hip fracture, and type depends on where the hip bone is broken.

It's amazing that all of these breaks can happen within just a few inches of each other, but they all respond very differently and are treated very differently because of the anatomy of the bone and the blood supply to the bone, said Jarrett.

One of the types that we see is the Pubic Rami Fracture, he continued. Its treated non-operatively. It hurts a lot, but youre on a walker for four to six weeks and then it heals and you get better, but if you have a femoral neck fracture, intertrochanteric, subtrochanteric fracture, those always require surgery.

Some patients may need a partial or total hip replacement, and recovery times also vary.

You can expect to be down for about six weeks if its a pubic rami fracture which doesnt need surgery, Jarrett said. If you have an intertrochanteric fracture or a femoral neck fracture which do require surgery, you can be down for three to six months.

Historically weve seen the one-year mortality rate for hip fractures hovering around 30 percent, said Jarrett. That means about one third of patients over 65 who break their hip could potentially die within a year. Its not always the hip fracture thats the cause of it, but its a symptom of the decline.

Jarrett said recovering from the hip fracture takes a toll on the body. For many, the process includes going through surgery and undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation.

If you dont have that sort of reserve (inside) to dig into and call upon to recover from that it can take a toll on you and lead to an unfortunate event, Jarrett said.

Jarrett also said the longer a patient waits to get their fractured hip fixed the more likely they are to have a negative outcome.

If a hip is broken and we can get the hip fixed within 48 hours the patient does a lot better, he said.

Prompt treatment helps patients avoid complications, such as blood clots and pneumonia, that can come from staying in bed for long periods of times.

A lot of patients will lose their independence or autonomy and have to go to an inpatient rehab facility or skilled nursing facility for some weeks while they convalesce, and that can take a toll on patients mentally, emotionally and physically, said Jarrett. If they are living a life that they are happy with and suddenly they are facing these social changes, that can have dramatic effect.

Jarrett said the recovery process can be difficult for many patients. He encourages patients family members and those providing care to be supportive.

If your hip is broken, youre very dependent on others for everything you need, Jarrett said. I sometimes see in patients that loss of independence can be emotionally very hard for them, especially in older patients. Sometimes the best medicine is just an encouraging word or a reminder that they will get through it and that theyll be back on their feet and back to their life and not to give up.

One thing you can do to help prevent a hip fracture is lead an active and healthy lifestyle, said Jarrett. Theres been evidence that doing weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or even lifting weights are good for improving bone density. It also improves your balance and coordination and makes falling less likely. If you have a diagnosis of osteoporosis talk to your physician about whether you are a candidate for one of the medicines that help build bone density.

Jarrett said starting to take care of your bones early in life is important.

One of the most important things that you can do is maximize your bone density while you still can, he said. That means starting at an early age even in your teens and early twenties by living an active and fit lifestyle and maximizing your bone density because decline in bone density starts as early as your mid to late twenties.

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5 things to know about hip fractures - StarNewsOnline.com

Venus Williams is an inspiration to so many, for her stoic strength on and off the court, but some days, when she was in the middle of a stellar career, she barely felt like getting out of bed. In 2011, at age 31, she had towithdraw from the U.S. Open, suffering joint pain, hand swelling, numbness, fatigue, dry eyes and dry mouth. She said she felt"beat up."

Venus was eventually diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder for which there is no known cure. In people with Sjogren's Syndrome the body's white blood cells meant to help fight infection instead target the body's moisture-producing glands create extreme dry eyes and dry mouth, as well asoverwhelming fatigue, swelling, and joint pain andoften problems with other organs ortheir central nervous system. Williams had been grappling with confusing and mysterious symptoms for years and thought she had asthma.

The well-known older half of tennis's super-star-sister-duo, Williams had to learn to cope with an autoimmune disease that stole her energy, her ability to play the game she loved and at times her ability to find hope. She told an interviewer at the time, that she was actuallyrelieved to have a diagnosis, finally, since living with unexplained symptoms for years had left her drained.Williams tried everything to treat her disorder, including taking medicine, but in a last-ditch effort to get her life and health back, she switched to a vegan diet. That's when things started to normalize.

Her swelling and fatigue subsided, her vitality returned, andWilliams credits going plant-based as helping her return to the sport she loves. Now, that vegan diet is so much more than just about eating, she says. It gave her back her strength, her health, and her hope. So now she eats this way for "every reason" and explains that her latest project, investing in a plant-based protein, was just the logical next step in helping others achieve their health goals as well.

After being diagnosed with Sjgrens Syndrome, I needed to find a way to fuel my body in a way that would mitigate symptoms of the disease and help me to return to the top of my game both on and off the court.

Williams, now 40, has made living a plant-based lifestyle a public part of her otherwise private persona. She shares little about her life other than a commitment to tennis, to plant-based eating, and to helping others achieve their best selves, through following their passions. Now the 7-time Grand Slam winner, owner of 4 Olympic Gold medals, and an entrepreneurial investor has thrown the full power of her fame behind a new vegan brand, to help others live their best lives and train to their fullest, with the benefit of a plant-based protein shake called Happy Viking. She is partnering with a leading beverage company, Dyla Brands, makers of Stur Drink Mixes & FORTO Coffee.

In an effort to find a protein shake that was plant-based nutritious, tasted great, and fit her busy schedule, Williams set out to create the worlds best tasting plant-based protein shake. She worked alongside top nutritionists and dieticians to help her refine and perfect her at-home recipe. Within a year of going plant-based, Williams made a miraculous recovery and returned to championship form, winning the Doubles Championship at Wimbledon followed by a Gold Medal at the Olympics in London shortly thereafter.

"I created Happy Viking because I want other people to have healthy, effective, and delicious options to fuel their bodies so they can strive towards being their best self in every aspect of their life, said Venus Williams.

Built to provide clean energy to help build healthy muscles, bones, and bodies, Happy Viking is a delicious, balanced, and powerful blend made to "fuel your body and mind." Created by Williams and her team, it delivers what she calls "Complete Body Mind Macronutrients," (or CBMMs). Eachshake has 20 grams of protein from yellow peas and brown rice, 9 essential amino acids, 5 sources of prebiotic fiber for gut health, and DHA Omega 3 and Oleic Sunflower Oil for brain food. We caught up with Venus at home in California, where the soft-spoken winner explained why this new drink was so important to her to share with the world.

Venus Williams: Changing my diet is so much bigger now than when I started. It was first for inflammation and to treat my auto-immune disease, but now I eat plant-based for all the health effects. My disease is something I always lived with, but eating plant-based started out as part of taking care of myself, and now I do it for every reason.

I am not happy I had an autoimmune disease, but I am happy it opened my eyes to eating plant-based. Now it's about long-term health. It's about preventing long-term diseases and it's about being as healthy as I am now, 20 years from now.

Venus Williams: This may be hard to understand, but my training is so extreme and I really only stop at failure. It's not a comfortable place. I do have more energy when I eat this way. But I never feel good when I push myself as hard as I possibly can.

I am training as hard as ever. I actually took three weeks off, to rest for the first time in my life and it made me feel better and now I think I have to work at learning how to do that. Usually, I work as hard as I can, but I think that rest and taking time off will actually help strengthen any limitations I have. Plant-based eating is part of training to my fullest and working with myself.

Venus Williams: It's really obvious to me that living a plant-based lifestyle has helped me. Happy Viking impressed me so much and I want to continue to make plant-based eating a lifestyle choice, and help other people do it too, since going plant-based is what gave me the ability to get back on the court and do what I love. So that in itself is why it's so organically amazing. This is the real deal, and it led me to be able to do what I love.

Venus Williams: Yes. In the morning I have an interesting routine and I don't do what most other athletes do. I don't eat before I train. So sometimes I will have a protein shake or fruit for a quick boost, in the middle of my morning workout, if I need it. I will do a 5- or 6-hour workout, in the morning. But generally, I go without food until lunch, and then I havea massive lunch. But I use the protein shakes for recovery. It's not just a protein drink, it's great for energy and for recovery. The amino acids are great for recovery. A protein drink is something that your body really does need. My favorite flavor? I've got to with chocolate.

Venus Williams:Educate yourself. First know why you're doing it. There are so many benefits to your health. I think most people should look into all the ways it will help you to have this healthy lifestyle and have all this energy. There is so much we could talk about that we probably don't have time for this conversation.

But there are a lot of benefits from it: Less inflammation in the body, less disease, more energy.And if you are the kind of person to go fromzero to 100, then go for it. But otherwise, try cutting out meat and then dairy, and do it in phases. You can just ease into it. Some people start with one meal a day. So there are a lot of ways to get started. But know why.

Venus Williams:What do I eat? Well, nothing in the morning. Because as I said I don't eat before training.

Then I have a massive lunch. It depends on my mood. But I love to have beans and rice and lentils. That's what I love... I am so hungry after training, and I have to go from the gym to the office and I orderlunch so that it's waiting there for me. And when it gets there I am so hungry and happy to eat.

Some days I will have fried rice but generally, that is not enough protein, or I will have a Happy Viking shake for the protein or a super green shake. Something healthy.

Dinner is always a big question mark. Usually, it'ssomething easy like sweet potato.I love soups, hummus. I don't like a lot of carbs. I don't eat a lot of carbs after training. I naturally seem to do a keto die
t, and a lot of time I also do intermittent fasting, which know is hot right now. A lot of times I take my Happy Viking protein shake with me, so if I get hungry I can eat that instead of something unhealthy. But for dinner, it's always a question. Sometimes I just have a big salad, which starts with a lot of romaine lettuce and dressing.

Venus Williams:This protein shake is for people who are athletes, or for weekend warriors, or for someone who is looking for a quick pick me up, who needs quick energy, and since the protein is plant-based, it ends up being so much more than just a protein shake.

It's full of healthy nutrients like Omega-3s, ALAs, and probiotics which your body needs. So actually, if you are fueling your body with nutrients and healthy supplements, that makes you feel better. So I think that is pretty much everyone.

I am not thinking anyone would not raise their hand and say: "I want to do good for my body!"

Venus Williams:I have to say it's always changing. I have had several mantras, I don't have just one. One we had when we were younger, when we were playing a tournament, I still love. It's this:

"Since you have to show up, why not compete?" I got it from Serena. We were playing a tournament and we were in a doubles match. And duringthe changeover, I asked are you nervous? And she said: "Since you have to show up why not compete?" I think it speaks to people who may be afraid to give it their all, since alot of time youmight be afraid of failure. But ... Since you have to show up, why not give it your best? She won that tournament, Ii the singles, I remember. And I thought: that's a great mantra.

Today, Williams has been primarily plant-based for nearly 10 years, crediting her diet as one of the ways she has stayed at the top of the tennis game.To purchase Happy Viking in eitherTriple Chocolateor Vanilla Bean, visitwww.DrinkHappyViking.com or on Amazon.com. It will also be available in Krogergrocery retail stores nationwide in spring 2021.

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Venus Williams Introduces Happy Viking, Her Vegan Protein Shake - The Beet

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting today, WellRight clients can take advantage of two exciting new digital mental health solutions, thanks to a partnership with Chicago-based health and wellness company, Marquee Health. The two products, Animo and TextCoach, provide comprehensive, real-world, and accessible mental health support to wellness program members on a highly-secure, as-needed basis.

Two of the biggest barriers to mental health care are stigma and access to resources, says Tad Mitchell, president and CEO of WellRight. By offering digital pathways to care, employees and members can bypass those obstacles and receive support immediately, privately, and when they need it.

Animo is a computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) app that measures emotional fitness, offering dynamic training modules to help employees manage problems like anxiety, depression, and stress in a results-oriented manner. Specific benefits include:

TextCoach is a convenient and stigma-free messaging platform that connects employees with a licensed mental health professional to address stress, anxiety, grief, depression, isolation, or relationship issuesor to proactively work on mindfulness, coping skills, or resiliency. Specific benefits include:

When you combine the isolation and stress that todays employee deals with on a daily basis, the need for easily accessible mental health support is more critical than ever, says Jonathon Short, president of Marquee Health. These products make it easier and more convenient for them to access care.

To learn more about these exciting new WellRight solutions and how they improve employee wellness, visit WellRight Mental Health Support.

About WellRight: WellRight delivers complete wellness programs, addressing key dimensions of holistic health. Every aspect of the program has been designed to make well-being a lasting habit and includes variety and flexibility of customizable group and personal wellness challenges, a comprehensive Health Assessment, free coaching, clear progress bars to track results, and fun and customizable reward structures to build and maintain motivation and engagement. Learn more at https://www.wellright.com.

About Marquee Health: Marquee Health provides clients with an outcomes-driven suite of health and wellness services that support the empowerment, improvement and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle for each member and a proactive cost-containment solution for each client and employer. Learn more at https://www.marqueehealth.com.

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WellRight Partners with Marquee Health to Remove Barriers to Mental Health Support - Business Wire

Idea to replace Air Force fitness test with monthly standards popular on service website

A recommendation to eliminate the Air Force physical fitness test has shot to the top of the rankings on the services main idea submission platform.

The fitness program proposal, submitted Oct. 16 to the Airmen Powered by Innovation website, has received almost 800 votes and is now the most popular suggestion for Air Force Spark Tank 2021, an annual campaign designed to spur creative solutions and improvements by airmen.

Senior Master Sgt. Leslie Finley uploaded the pitch, arguing that the Air Force should change to a monthly, endurance-based program instead of conducting tests once or twice a year.

The service suspended physical training testing May 22 due to coronavirus concerns. Testing is scheduled to resume in January.

Finley, who is with the 59th Medical Wing out of Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, argued that the testing program doesnt lead to a healthy lifestyle, and cites the services new top enlisted airmans vision in a proposal for a focus on sustained fitness.

We believe that the time for change is now, Finley wrote. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force [JoAnne] Bass laid out her vision in 2020 with the following statement: As airmen I would like to see us in a place where were not so much focused on the PT test as we are more about fitness and readiness.

The switch to gender-neutral minimum monthly requirements for cardiovascular and strength training would eliminate test stress, increase year-round fitness activity, and decrease last-minute injuries that often occur ahead of tests, the proposal stated.

Instead of a test, units would implement new requirements, such as running 20 miles and spending four hours at the gym per month, which would be tracked using an application on a phone or smart watch that monitors physical activity.

However, a plan involving a fitness app could face security challenges. The Pentagon barred the use of fitness trackers and similar phone apps at sensitive locations in 2018 after the app Strava published a global heat map that revealed locations of U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria.

Funding may be required for the development of an application capable of tracking, collecting data and receiving information from other fitness apps, Finley wrote.

Finleys proposal also would have units monitor compliance with the requirements, and fitness programs could be tailored to the individual.

The Air Force already requires unit fitness program managers, and base testing offices could instead focus more on nutrition guidance and coaching, the proposal said.

The idea has received mixed reviews on social media, while garnering more than 1,100 comments on the unofficial Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page.

I love this idea, Thomas James commented on the web page. It helps people maintain fitness, and even works around injuries. It assures that people take care of themselves without giving them an anxiety ridden date to be fit by.

Others said they prefer the annual test.

Its easier and less taxing than having my hand held throughout the month and having the Air Force prying even deeper in my life, commenter Alexander Docter wrote on the Facebook page. I prep for my fitness test a month out, take the test, get a 90 and dont have to deal with it for 12 months.

The selection process for idea submissions like Finleys will look at the needs for specific capabilities, as well as concerns about safety, policy, Air Force-wide implementation, technical feasibility and scalability, the Spark Tank website stated.

Six finalists will be selected from the submissions to pitch their ideas on stage at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in 2021.

ferguson.brian@stripes.comTwitter: @BrianFerg57

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Idea to replace Air Force fitness test with monthly standards popular on service website - Stars and Stripes

New York, Oct. 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "North America OTC Drug and Dietary Supplement Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Regional Analysis By Product ; Type ; Form ; Distribution Channel, and Geography" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05978905/?utm_source=GNW

The growth of the OTC drug and dietary supplement market is mainly attributed to the factors such as rising awareness among population about general health issues, and advantages of OTC drugs over the prescription medicine in terms of price. However, strict FDA regulation for OTC drugs is the major factor hindering the market growth.

Over the counter (OTC) drugs are available for the public for their general use.These drugs do not require a prescription from a physician.

OTC medicines are available for various medical conditions such as coughs and colds, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, acne, and pain.On the other hand, dietary supplements are available over the counter for fitness purposes.

Whereas, in some cases, when a person is critically ill or requires treatment, then buying a dietary supplement with medicinal ingredients require a prescription from a physician. These OTC drugs and dietary supplements are of two types: branded and generic.

People nowadays are aware of general health issues such as cold, cough, allergies, fever, pain, acidity, diarrhea, and skin-related conditions.Moreover, people are focused on having healthy lifestyle and avoiding the consumption of junk food that leads to lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.

Growing preference toward maintaining the healthy lifestyle also leads to the consumption of weight-loss products and dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Increasing exposure to internet has resulted in easy access to dietary supplements and over the counter (OTC) drugs to consumers, at affordable prices.

The common health issues can be seasonal or they might occur due to minor changes in routine habits; hence, people prefer taking OTC medicines instead of visiting a doctor.In many cases, this saves time and money, and provides immediate relief.

The government also has initiated various programs toward health awareness; there has been a quick and smooth adoption of everyday technology for healthcare and wellness, contributing to the industrys overall growth.As the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in the North American countries, the purchase of dietary supplement and vitamins has been significantly increased. People are buying these products to increase immunity and combat the COVID-19 spread.

Based on product, the OTC drug and dietary supplement market is segmented into analgesics, cough and cold products, vitamins and dietary supplements, gastrointestinal products, antacids, ophthalmic products, sleep aids, oral care products, feminine care and others. The analgesics segment held the largest share of the market in 2019; however, the market for vitamins and dietary supplements is estimated grow at the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.Based on type, the market is segmented into generic and branded.Based on form, the market is segmented into tablets, capsules, powders, liquid, ointments, and others.

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital and retail pharmacies, retail stores, online channels, and others.

The World Health Organization (WHO), World Heart Federation, National Center for Biotechnology Information, along with company websites are among the major primary and secondary sources referred for preparing this report.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05978905/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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North America OTC Drug and Dietary Supplement Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Regional Analysis By Product ; Type ; Form ; Distribution...

We just celebrated the birth anniversary of our beloved Bapu Mahatma Gandhi, and his teachings are invaluable to our life. One of the key things he shared is to follow the path of satya (truth). But are we truly following that? We must look inside and be true to our body and the organ that truly gives us the essence of living i.e. the heart. We have seen Covid-19 is most dangerous to people who have comorbidities such as heart diseases, diabetes, etc.

With rising number of cases, timely medical care and invasive life saving procedures such as angioplasty and coronary artery bypass are known to save lives. Patients who have angina that suddenly worsens, angioplasty and stent placement can restore blood flow to the oxygen-starved heart, easing the pain within 30 minutes the average time for the procedure. Once the patients recover, they are able to exercise longer than before. In addition, the procedure lowers their risk of death.

However, every heart disease requires a disease management plan. Cardiology has improved itself, with advent of latest techniques, and the best of stents are now available to improve the results. Invasive coronary angiography is the standard technique since the past four decades. Although it has stood the test of time, many shortcomings also have been uncovered. It is an eye ball evaluation of artery by an examiner. A lesion which may be significant, requiring treatment in terms of stent implantation to one cardiologist, may be insignificant, requiring only medical therapy to another. This becomes a source of immense confusion for the patients mind. Newer technologies like FFR help in evaluating the right lesions (point of disease), as functional assessment is more necessary than quantitative assessment by angiography only. This technique help remove dilemma from minds of doctors and patients. It is not always necessary that all patients having coronary artery disease have to be treated by angioplasty or bypass surgery, sometimes management through medicines alone is sufficient.

Even one of the trials also suggested that patients with stable heart disease might do equally well with medicines only. Medicines include blood thinning medications, cholesterol lowering medications, and medicines to normalise the heart rate.

It is extremely important, if you are a heart patient, that you discuss the possible treatment options with your cardiologist, best suited to your clinical condition. Besides, an active and healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet is equally important to reduce your risk of heart diseases and evade the need for angioplasty.

The author of this article is Dr Naveen Bhamri, HOD and director - Cardiac Sciences,Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi.

(Disclaimer: This initiative is undertaken in the public interest. The information is only suggestive for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctors advice or recommendations. Please consult your doctor for more information.)

Read more:
Be true to your heart - Hindustan Times

Positive behaviours can be learned (or re-learned) at any stage of our lives. Photo Supplied

Learning is something that we can do every day of our lives.

Learning can be done anywhere, at any age and in a variety of mediums. We can learn by reading, by doing, by listening, by watching and more.

We all learn differently and that is because we are all individuals. We all have different levels of interests and passions, as well as internal and external devices that drive us. We learn at different paces and on different schedules. We can learn life skills, languages, instruments and trades; but we can also learn behaviours; behaviours such as how to be active and how to eat well. These positive behaviours can be learned (or re-learned) at any stage of our lives. However, just as with other types of learning, we need to be selective of where we get our information and how we choose to apply it as we move forward.

When were looking for information on how to be active or eat healthier, its important that we learn from credible and certified sources that we trust. Learning a new behaviour such being active or cooking healthy on a regular basis, needs to be a behaviour that fits with who we are and within our way of life. While learning has many benefits, one of the great things about learning is that there is more than one way to do things; and being active and eating well both have multiple pathways to success.

Our challenge this week, as were on this learning journey to eat better and move more, is to remind ourselves of the importance that anything we learn needs to be applied to our own situations. For example, perhaps we have a friend who sets an alarm at noon every day so that she can keep herself accountable to walk on a consistent basis; however, being active at the same time doesnt work for us because we work shift work. Our takeaway from that example could be that we prioritize and schedule time each day, even if it varies, to be active and keep ourselves on-track.

Learning is a process. Its a process of gathering new information, skills, behaviours, preferences and knowledge. Its giving ourselves an understanding of the potential we can have; and when that relates to being active and eating well, our potential is unlimited. Learning takes time, and it takes patience. It takes trying different methods, failing, gathering what we learned and trying again. Learning is fluid and continual.

Were never too old or young to learn new skills to be active or cook healthy at home. How will you learn a new skill this week to live a healthier lifestyle? How will you apply that learning to your own situation so that your new behaviour is sustainable? What will you learn today, that will bring you a healthier tomorrow?

This column was written and provided by Strathcona County Parks, Culture, and Recreations Jennifer Wilson.

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Never too old or young to live a healthy lifestyle - Clinton News Record

World Heart Day 2020 also aims to raise awareness about rising heart ailments.

Highlights

World Heart Day is celebrated on29th September globally and there's no better time to discuss how our lifestyle and diet choicesaffect our health in a big way. Lifestyle choices, we all know, is the only way to keep ourselves healthy. It is very true for heart's health too. The steep increase in non-communicable diseases in recent decades has been attributed to poor choices that we make daily. Intake of foods that are unhealthy, nutrient-free, sugary as well as full of saturated, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and stress have adverse effects on your heart. A recent study has shown that by just improving our lifestyle choices, we can reduce the risk of heart-related diseases by 50%.

World Heart Day 2020 aimsto encourage a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits. One of the objectives is to also raise awareness about the importance of engaging in physical activity to reduce the risk of heart diseases. According to the World Heart Federation, this yearin the light of the Coronavirus pandemic,the theme of World heart day is '#UseHeart to beat cardiovascular disease'. World Heart Federation stresses on the fact that in the time of COVID-19, CVD patients are faced with a double-edged threat. They are not just more at risk of developing severe forms of the virus, but they may also be afraid to seek ongoing care for their hearts. Thus, taking care of our hearts right now is more important than ever.

Heart-related diseases (cardiovascular diseases) are on the rise globally and India is right at the forefront. Today, when we are facing a pandemic, there are certain limitations that we face to achieve a healthy lifestyle, so how do we protect our heart? Let me take you through easy things that will improve your overall health and keep your heart in top shape.

Healthy food is basically food made with fresh ingredients, less oil and salt. Very easy to achieve right now, especially when we are eating home-cooked food. Let me detail this using the 5 food groups:

- Whole grains should make up at least half your grain servings. So, ensure that two major meals contain whole grains in the form of millets, parboiled rice/ brown rice, multigrain flour. Keep the refined for one meal. Whole grain fibre is the most effective in controlling Lipids, as a number of researches have shown

(Also Read:7 Best Heart-Healthy Breakfast Recipes)

World Heart Day 2020:Whole grain fibre is the most effective in controlling Lipids.

- Protein: Choose healthy plant-based protein sources like legumes, nuts and seeds. Whole dals like rajmah, lobia, chickpeas come with lots of fibre, heart protective minerals and phytonutrients. They add satiety to the meal preventing overeating and keep the food longer in our system - meaning you avoid binging. Proteins are also the cornerstone for a healthy immune system. Add one protein to every meal. Other than whole dals, egg, chicken breast, and fish made in less oil are also healthy.

- Oils and Fats: Choose healthy oils from peanut, rice bran, and sunflower. Change the oil source every month or two. Plant-based oils are good sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, poly-unsaturated fats and are also low in saturated fats. Adding a mustard oil or sesame oil in combination to the above makes it perfect. Quantity of 500mls/person, including all sources of added oil, is the thumb rule!

- Vegetables and Fruits: Fresh seasonal, locally-grown vegetables are freely available. Fill up half your plate with different colours daily. They add fibre and phytonutrients that protect the heart from degeneration and keep it healthy. Rich in antioxidants, they protect the heart from oxidative stress. Whole fruits are where the health is. Fresh juices leave out a lot of nutrients and packaged juices add extra sugar calories.

World Heart Day 2020:Rich in antioxidants, fruits and veggies protect the heart from oxidative stress.

- Milk and Milk Products: Best source of calcium, which is an important nutrient for heart muscle health, drinking two glasses of fat free or double toned milk is necessary. Dahi, the fermented form of milk, is rich in probiotics, which keep our gut healthy and also add up to a healthy heart and lower Lipids.

In conclusion: While planning a major meal, make sure that you have at least one component from a minimum of four food groups. For snacks, choose proteins over carbs and roasted over fried. Avoid anything that is packet, because you will invariably add extra sodium and fat into your day.

Do stationary aerobic exercises daily for at least 30 minutes unless contraindicated by your doctor.

- Working from home: Walk and talk. Use every opportunity to walk at home.

- Chair Yoga: Do your stretches while working, it will keep you from feeling crampy.

- Count your steps: 10,000 is a good target for the day. 15,000 is where you start to protect your heart. If you are nowhere near this, no need to worry. Start today, walk at one spot, increase your steps every 2-3 days.

I would not advice you to go out or join a gym just yet, but all of the above are achievable at home.

World Heart Day 2020: One can do simple exercises at home.

Deprivation of sleep has a direct effect on heart health, irrespective of other risk factors. While staying at home, we may have got into a habit of sleeping during the day and staying awake at night. You may be getting 7-8 hours of sleep, but the circadian clock in our brain works on solar time, so night is when it matters the most.

World Heart Day 2020:Deprivation of sleep has a direct effect on heart health.

There are variou reasons to get stressed - from the scare of getting infected to job uncertainty and to being away from friends and family. All of these things may add up to the list and you may hamper your heart health too. Take control, talk to family and friends, talk to a life coach if necessary, but work on your feelings (reasons for stress) before they get the better of your heart.

Take any medications prescribed religously and reach out to your doctor, if required. Even a video consultation will be good.

It is very important to take care of our body and mind during these Covid times. Eat healthy and maintain a sustainale lifestyle to keep your body, mind and soul happy.

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

About Rupali DattaRupali Datta is a Clinical Nutritionist and has worked in leading corporate hospitals. She has created and lead teams of professionals to deliver clinical solutions for patients across all medical specialties including critical care. She is a member of the Indian Dietetic Association and Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

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World Heart Day 2020: 5 Diet And Lifestyle Tips To Keep Your Heart Healthy Post COVID - NDTV Food

SaturdayOct3,2020at12:32PM

What is the secret to staying positive? Staying positive when times are tough is much easier said than done. Living a healthy lifestyle is very important but maintaining a positive attitude in todays world is even more important.

On Wednesday October 7, 2020 at 12:10 pm Berny Unruh will be presenting "Im Positive, Im Ok" at the Cottonwood Extension Office, 601 Main, in Hays. Come spend your lunch hour with us as we outline ideas to keep a positive outlook on life. The program will be concluded by 12:50 pm so participants can return to work. The program will be held in the large meeting room at the back of the Extension office and social distancing will be practiced.

Research has shown that optimism improves not only mental well-being but also physical health and that resilience and optimism can be associated with greater longevity. There are many ways to stay keep a positive outlook and the first one is to be around positive people and those that support you. That has been more difficult during the last six months but there are many ways to connect with people when you cannot physically be with them.

Hopefully this lesson will inspire you to make a checklist of the things that will help you live a more positive and successful life. An RSVP that you will be able to attend to the Extension Office 785-628-9430 or an email to bunruh@ksu.edu would be greatly appreciated.

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.

Continued here:
Berny Unruh: Staying positive when times are tough - Hays Daily News

By Siddhi Jain

New Delhi The unavailability of processed, packaged foods and a shift in the everyday lifestyle of Indians during the nationwide lockdown, may have helped people especially those over 50 years of age to better their heart health, days from an at-home health test service provider shows.

The platform Healthians has revealed that it has observed an astounding decrease of 22.3 percent in the incidence of high total cholesterol in people during the lockdown. The findings are based on data collected from more than 50,000 samples during the last quarter of 2019 in comparison to the third quarter of 2020, just after the Unlock process started in the country. Samples were split equally between males and females, to make accurate analysis.

Interestingly, the drop is far significant among men than women across ages. Men have witnessed a drop of 25.4 percent versus a drop of just 17.2 percent in women.

This drop, points to improved heart health amongst the populace and can be attributed to the fact that during the lockdown, people were forced to change their lifestyle and adapt to a life full of dietary restrictions. Non-availability of processed and packaged foods, ready to eat items has caused a shift in the consumption habits of people. Due to the lockdown and pandemic, there is a marked reduction in the consumption of junk food which is considered as one of the biggest causes of heart issues.

According to Healthians, cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that helps the human body to make hormones, vitamin D, and healthy cells. The body makes the required cholesterol on its own. Its excess in the human blood can lead to plaque that sticks to the wall of arteries and can cause the coronary arteries to become narrow. Maintaining an optimum level of cholesterol is necessary for heart health. High levels of cholesterol significantly increase the risk of heart disease.

Another significant finding of the study indicates that a significant drop was witnessed by people in their 50s and above. Comparatively people in the age groups of 20s, 30s and 40s witnessed a significantly smaller drop.

While, lifestyle choices and altered living may be the primary reasons for this drop, healthcare professionals attribute weather also as a factor as cholesterol levels may be elevated during winters.

Lifestyle changes play a vital role in determining the health of individuals; Lockdown has shown us why and how healthy lifestyle changes affect our overall well being. Just a few simple changes in eating habits whether forced or unforced can do wonders to our health, shared Deepak Sahni, CEO and Founder, Healthians.

One can also notice an explosion of health-focused content highlighting the importance of maintaining fitness, nutritional choices and making the most of the limited resources available. There is also a growing awareness about immunity. The conversation surrounding health has had a subliminal effect on people. Most packaged foods, ready-to-consume meals, fast food, and food items from eateries are usually high on unhealthy ingredients and contain extremely harmful trans-fats.

Reduced consumption of unhealthy fats and a focus on cooking meals with healthy ingredients has caused a dramatic change in eating habits. Even those who crave junk food are cooking more nutritious versions of their favourite options. Consumption of home-cooked, healthy food, following a timely eating schedule could also be a contributing factor in the reduced cholesterol levels.

As per the report by the doorstep health solutions provider, smaller cities like Jaipur, Amritsar, Kanpur, and Jalandhar have witnessed a more significant drop as compared to metros. It is possible that it could be due to a more severe shortage of processed, junk food in smaller cities as compared to big ones.(IANS)

Read more from the original source:
Lockdown led to better heart health in masses: Report - India New England

Regardless of how old or how young you are, you can start taking care of your heart and making the time & effort is good for your kids, too.

Your kids need you around for a long time. The best way to show your kids that you love them is by protecting and taking good care of them. However, you cannot do this effectively if you are in poor health. Having a healthy heart is the key to enjoying overall health. Most people fail to take care of this most important muscle until it is too late. Do not wait until your heart is not working right before you start taking care of it. Make the effort to keep your heart healthy starting today!

Heart diseases are a major cause of death worldwide. Many people who end up dealing with heart issues could have avoided the diseases if they had taken care of their hearts. Fortunately, taking care of your heart is as simple as embracing a healthy lifestyle. This is something that you can start at any age.

Regardless of how old or how young you are, you can start taking care of your heart. The sooner you begin making healthy choices, the more you can expect to reap the benefits.

RELATED:Man Suffered Heart Attack & Suddenly Realized He Needed To Find His Birth Mother

One of the easiest and most effective ways to help your heart is by making healthy food choices. Eating a good diet is something that everyone can do. Healthy food can lower the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. The same way you want to give your kids healthy food, you should do the same for yourself. Introducing good eating habits in your home will keep everyone healthy. Fortunately, getting details about the best foods for your heart is easy. Talk to a health expert or go online for all the information you need about choosing a good diet.

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Happy World Heart Day! Last year, on my journey to solving my heart mystery, I learned that one of my undiagnosed congenital heart diseases (myocardial bridge) caused another type of heart disease called endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is a type of non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in which there are no heart artery blockages, but the large blood vessels on the heart's surface constrict (narrow) instead of dilating (opening). This condition tends to affect more women than men and causes chronic chest pain. In my case, surgery to correct the structural problems with my heart was the first step to healing my damaged heart vessels. The next part has been my responsibility by being more conscious about living a heart healthy life in terms of diet, exercise, and stress management. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, killing 299,578 women in 2017or about 1 in every 5 female deaths. About 1 in 16 women age 20 and older (6.2%) have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease Symptoms of heart disease include pain in the neck, jaw, , back, abdomen, or throat. Some women may have no symptoms. Blessed to still be here to be able to say: Take care of your hearts, you only get one

A post shared by Jay Rishe (@lifeabove_illness) on Sep 29, 2020 at 9:43am PDT

Exercise helps to keep the heart healthy. If you are a busy mom, you may be thinking that you dont have time to exercise. The truth is that you can make the time, at least 30 minutes every day. You can turn playtime into a time to exercise with your kids. Kicking a ball around, playing with the dog, shooting hoops and other activities can help you to get some exercise. Exercise helps to keep your heart rate up thereby strengthening it and preventing plaque buildup. Keep active and you can start looking good and feeling fit in the bargain.

Stress is one of the major contributors to heart disease. Taking care of your kids, running the home and maybe even maintaining a full-time job can be stressful. However, you need to do everything that you can to get rid of stress. Sometimes, it may mean changing your schedule or getting a new job. You may think that you are trying to do whats best for the family but the truth is that your kids need you more than the things you provide. Learn some relaxation techniques and make time for yourself where you can recharge and find some peace.

Smoking exposes you to harmful substances that have a toxic effect on the heart. Cigarette smoke will increase your chances of getting heart disease. You also have to be careful about being around smokers. Remember that you can suffer the same problems if you spend time around someone who smokes. Drinking alcohol in excess can lead to severe heart problems. Drinking too much alcohol will not just affect your health, it also interferes with your mind. Your kids want a healthy and happy parent and this means making responsible choices.

Being overweight is linked to different health and heart problems. You can find out your ideal weight by carrying out a body mass index test. The more weight you have the higher your risk of health complications including high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood sugar, breathing problems, and even cancer. Choosing a healthy diet and exercise will help you to lose weight. Losing 5% to 10% of your current weight can drastically reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Remember that you are in control over many of the things that influence heart health. A healthy lifestyle will improve your mood, leaving you with more energy and reduced stress. When you understand the benefits of having a healthy heart, you will realize its worth the effort to make some changes. You can be on the path to improved health and showing your kids how much you love them. To ensure that your heart remains healthy, make sure that you visit a doctor for consultation and regular checkups.

NEXT:Healthy And Active Young Mom Suffered 3 Heart Attacks In 1 Week

Sources: familydoctor.org, steptohealth.com, webmd.com, health.clevelandclinic.org

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Keeping A Healthy Heart To Show Your Kids You Love Them - Moms

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) -- At least 2.7 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib.

It's a serious condition of the heart that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. While many people experience symptoms, others do not. That's why doctors say a routine checkup is so critical.

"About 20% of strokes in the western world, including the United States, are related to atrial fibrillation," said Dr. Roque Arteaga, Unity-Point Health St. Luke's Cardiac electrophysiologist.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that often can cause poor blood flow.

"When the electrical signals are not transmitted appropriately and in an orderly way, the upper chambers go out of rhythm, being atrial fibrillation one of those rhythm disorders and that creates what we call an erratic irregular heartbeat," said Dr. Arteaga.

Dr. Arteaga said it seems to be more frequent as patients get older. So what should you be on the lookout for?

"Feeling their heart pounding or beating irregularly or erratically," said Dr. Arteaga. "Some patients feel short of breath. Some patients feel fatigued or tired. Some people feel lightheaded or dizzy. Some patients experience a heavy pounding in their chest or neck. That's called palpitations."

Dr. Arteaga said sometimes patients don't have any symptoms. So often it's detected in a full physical exam and electrocardiogram.

"The EKG will tell us whether the heart is an irregular heartbeat, in atrial fibrillation, in any other arrhythmia, or it is normal," said Dr. Arteaga.

Once a patient is diagnosed with AFib, there are two goals of therapy.

"The prevention of strokes with anticoagulation and get patients to feel better with some kind of intervention," said Dr. Arteaga.

If left untreated, AFib can lead to serious health problems like strokes, cardiac or lung complications. That's why Dr. Arteaga said it's important to see your doctor and adds it's safe to do so now, even with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To help prevent and detect AFib, Dr. Arteaga said to see your family doctor at least a couple of times a year for a full physical.

People should also work to live a healthy lifestyle. That includes routine exercise, weight loss or maintaining weight, healthy eating, and control of high blood pressure, diabetes, or any type of thyroid problem.

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HEALTHBEAT 4: Treating Atrial Fibrillation - KTIV

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Updated: October 3, 2020 9:16:48 amIf you want to meet your fitness goals, start paying attention to what you eat. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

A recent report called Indias Diet Paradoxpublished by Nu-Shakti, highlighted that 98 per cent agree that a nutritious diet is essential for a healthy lifestyle, however only 60 per cent of the respondents rarely or never make a conscious effort to add nutritive elements or additional supplements to their diet. On the other hand, the Indian Heart Journal Volume 71, also highlights that India is home to 77 million diabetics, second highest in the world, and almost one in every three Indian adults is affected by hypertension, says Ramya Ramachandran clinical nutritionist, lactation consultant, and diabetes educator, Chennai.

Given the increasing awareness about healthy eating and living, backed by improved technologies and greater access to information, millions across the globe make resolutions to eat healthy. However, most resolutions either do not see the light of day or disappear somewhere along the way. The increasing awareness about health and fitness is not translating into actions. Hence the gap and the above report validates the same, says Ramachandran.

According to the nutritionist, such resolutions mostly fail due to lack of proper planning or food strategy. Having said that, it is important to understand that it is not just about correcting the food on our plates; we also have to correct our habits to stay healthy. So heres a low down of some super simple tweaks you can make to your food habits and pledge for a healthier year ahead, she adds.

Eat colourful

Vegetables are an important part of our diet, which is why we are advised to eat a lot of green and leafy vegetables. However, if you are looking for a wholesome and balanced diet that fulfills all your nutritional requirements, you need more colours on your plate. More so because green leafy vegetables are rich sources of vitamins like ascorbic acid, folic acid, etc. and rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus, making them a natural cache of nutrients. Likewise, red-coloured fruits and vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants that reduce the risk of hypertension, cancer, heart diseases, etc. The point being, the more the colours on your plate, the better the variety of nutrients you get. Despite all the benefits of colourful food, if your tight work schedule doesnt allow you to lay your hands on these veggies, the next best option is to include food supplements and essentials in your food. Please note that dietary supplements cannot replace bad eating habits, but aids in preventing the damages caused by it.

Cook for yourself

Now that we have expanded the food content on our plate, lets talk about treating the food. Inculcate a habit of cooking your own food. Theres no better way to know whats in your food than cooking it yourself. By making it yourself, not only can you play around with different flavours and spices, but also control the amount of sugar and salt you consume.

Relish every bite slowly

Once the food is ready, how you consume it also has an impact on your health. Considering the hectic lifestyle we live, most people tend to gobble down everything on their plates; that is a very unhealthy habit. Primarily because you chew the food less, which interrupts the proper processing of the food inside your body; this could lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, etc. Therefore pledge to eat slowly and relish every bite because thats how you Eat right, bite by bite.

Focus on mindful eating

Yet another essential aspect to consider as a healthy eating habit would be to eat attentively. Most of us underestimate the importance of paying attention to our food while eating. Being distracted by TVs, computers and mobile phones while eating might interfere with the digestion process as your mouth might not produce enough saliva. This, in turn, interferes with regulating your appetite and impedes the body from signaling when youre full.

Manage your stress better

The above-discussed aspects are some of the simplest ways of having a healthy eating habit. However, one must note that stress eating is a real thing, causing major health hazards. Pledge to manage your stress better by finding better ways to blow off some steam and compose yourself. Explore reading, massages, cooking, or even going for a run, anything that helps you unwind. Find something else than food to unload your stress.

Plan your meal and cook adequately

Planning anything helps you set objectives and deciding in advance the appropriate measures. Another quick hack to healthy eating is to plan your meals in advance and cook adequate portions. This way, you wouldnt be wasting food. Instead of grabbing junk food when youre hungry, stock healthy foods like fruits, yogurt, nuts, and dry fruits at home; and most importantly, hydrate yourself with adequate fluids. Last but not the least, dont go too hard on yourself over food. Drooling over that muffin? Then eat it! The point is to pay attention and not to obsess over eating right.

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Simple tips to eat right, bite by bite and meet your fitness goals - The Indian Express

Greece is popularly known for its beautiful islands, friendly people and most importantly, delicious foods. Locals are known to live long lives full of energy. Their diet is so popular that it is followed internationally by all cultures and loved by all for its positive health benefits.

Diet trends come and go, but the Mediterranean diet is one that is set to stay due to its wide range of ingredients to enjoy and the lack of limiting restrictions imposed by other diets.

It is a diet is that is easy to follow and incorporates fresh and flavoursome ingredients, packed with delicious herbs, vital vitamins and minerals which are needed to support a healthy lifestyle.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most healthy diets in the world, seen more as a lifestyle, shedding negative connotations around the word diet.

What to expect to eat whilst enjoying this diet

The Mediterranean diet is not as strict as others, permitting a wide variety of foods that can be enjoyed and making it easy to follow. The diet promotes the consumption of foods that are high in Omega-3s and healthy fats, such as;

Individuals following this diet should reduce their intake of foods that contain:

The diet encourages healthy eating of foods that are made with fresh ingredients rather than processed foods that will damage an individuals gut health.

Here are 5 benefits that make the diet a must-try:

Good for your heart health

The Mediterranean Diet is most popularly known to benefit heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is due to the Omega-3 packed ingredients that are encouraged to be eaten whilst following this diet.

Good for your brain

A day of food packed with heart-healthy ingredients also has fantastic benefits for your brain health. The mediterranean diet may help prevent memory loss in the long term as well as reduce the risk of Alzheimers and other types of cognitive decline. About 60% of your brain is made of fat, half of that being made of Omega-3. Not getting enough of this fatty acid is linked to learning impairments, as well as depression. Fortunately, the Mediterranean diet is packed full of healthy fatty foods to be enjoyed daily.

Help with depression and anxiety

As briefly stated above, the amount of Omega-3 your body consumes has an impact on an individuals emotions which can lead to someone feeling depressed or happy. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve moods and can be found in items such as fatty fish. The Mediterranean diet also includes grains such as Quinoa which have been found to include flavonoid which is known to have a significant anti-depression effect.

Its good for your gut

The Mediterranean diet promotes consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables which are known to improve healthy bacteria and overall provide positive effects on gut health. It also helps reduce inflammation and emphasises fibre-rich foods.

People with arthritis may benefit from this diet

The diet includes ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, therefore following this diet may eliminate symptoms of Arthritis. For example, bananas are high in Magnesium and potassium that can increase bone density. Minerals such as Magnesium are also known to alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Overall, the Mediterranean diet is a stable diet that can be enjoyed by all. The diet encourages eating fresh and nutritious ingredients that provide a variety of health benefits as well as eliminating foods that will result in health issues, weight gain and other negative implications. Many individuals choose to follow the Mediterranean diet and have more success in being able to stick to it in the long term as the meal options to choose from are so much wider in comparison to other diets.

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The Mediterranean Diet And Why You Should Consider It - Greek City Times