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The YMCA and Love Inc. to offer healthy living classes – Times Bulletin

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

VAN WERT The Van Wert YMCA is collaborating with Love Inc. of Van Wert County to offer free healthy living classes that will help focus on physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

This four-week class runs every Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at the YMCA. The first class will begin on Oct. 22 and is open to all members and non-members at no cost.

We are excited to be able to offer these classes to give people in our community the opportunity to become healthier in mind, body, and spirit,"YMCA Christian Emphasis Director Brad Petrie said.

To learn more about this program or for information on how to register, contact the YMCA at 419-238-0443.

The mission at the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that help healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

The YMCA of Van Wert County is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation and United Way.

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The YMCA and Love Inc. to offer healthy living classes - Times Bulletin

BankRI gives $5500 in charitable grants to three Pawtucket organizations – Valley Breeze

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

8/4/2020

PAWTUCKET Three Pawtucket-based organizations that work with youth and families on education, healthy living and to provide basic supports have been awarded a total of $5,500 in charitable grants by Bank Rhode Island. The organizations are Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, The Empowerment Factory, and YMCA of Pawtucket.

The grants are helping to support both current programming and initiatives set to begin in the fall.

At the YMCA of Pawtucket, funding is supporting the Grab n Go meal program, in which boxes of nonperishable meals are available to local families. With many in the community struggling amid the pandemic, the program has grown to reach some 200 families. Additionally, the grant is helping the Ys efforts to provide personal need and baby items to those in need, along with offering virtual classes.

Junior Achievement of Rhode Island has received funding to deliver financial literacy programs during the upcoming academic year. Programs are developed for both in-person and virtual learning, with students in Pawtucket, Central Falls, Providence and Woonsocket being introduced to the importance of how smart choices about education, career and saving today can lead to a strong financial future.

Blending social-emotional learning with environmental education, The Empowerment Factory is using its grant to deliver its Healthy Living Community Adventure curriculum. The program engages participants in healthy habits through virtual learning, creativity and beautification projects while social distancing.

Nonprofits, especially right now, are a lifeline for our communities in so many ways, and the commitment these organizations have to their Pawtucket neighbors is a perfect example of just that, said Mark Meiklejohn, president and CEO of BankRI.

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BankRI gives $5500 in charitable grants to three Pawtucket organizations - Valley Breeze

Weight Loss: These Metabolism Boosting Teas Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Weight – Doctor NDTV

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Better metabolism can result in effective weight loss. Several diet and lifestyle changes can help boost metabolism. Here are some teas you must try.

A well balanced diet can help in maintaining a healthy weight

Metabolism plays an important role in weight management. It is a process by which your body converts the foods and drinks consumed into energy. Several factors can affect your metabolism. These may vary from diet to lifestyle. The better the metabolism the better is weight loss. When it comes to drinks, tea is one of the most common options to choose from. Many love to drink tea and are addicted to their daily cup. Here's a good news for all the tea lovers who are trying to lose weight. Several teas can help boost metabolism which can contribute to better weight management. Here are some teas you can try to boost your metabolism. Also, know other health benefits these can offer.

Green tea is loaded with several health benefits. It is commonly consumed for weight loss. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants. It also helps in boosting metabolism resulting in improved weight loss.

Drinking green tea can help in weight lossPhoto Credit: iStock

Ginger is a commonly used ingredient. It is commonly added to teas to enhance the taste. Ginger also offers immunity-boosting properties. Sipping ginger tea boosts metabolism and also helps in preventing sore throat.

Also read:6 Ways How Starting Your Day With Ginger Can Help You

Oolong tea is beneficial for your heart. Studies also suggest that oolong tea can also help reduce the risk of diabetes and improves brain function. This tea is also helpful in weight loss as it improves metabolism.

Also read:Weight Loss And Other Amazing Benefits Of Oolong Tea You Cannot Miss

Peppermint tea has a refreshing tea. Drinking this tea also helps ensure better sleep. It is also beneficial for your immune system. This tea is also beneficial for digestion. You can give a boost to your weight loss journey with this minty tea.

Several herbal teas can help boost metabolism that support the weight loss processPhoto Credit: iStock

Pu-erh tea may also help promote weight loss and boost metabolism. It can also help in improving cholesterol levels. If you have any pre-existing conditions consult an expert before adding it to your diet.

Also read:Try These Teas For Effective Weight Loss

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Do not overdose with these teas. You can consult your dietician to know the perfect fit in your diet. Also, discuss if you have any medical condition.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

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Weight Loss: These Metabolism Boosting Teas Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Weight - Doctor NDTV

Get heart healthy this Heart Awareness Month with the Laager Rooibos Heart Health Challenge – Witbank News

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

In South Africa, heart disease remains one of the biggest health threats, with 225 citizens succumbing to the disease every day.

The arrival of Covid-19 means those with underlying heart conditions face a higher risk, which is why this years Heart Awareness Month celebrated in September takes on even more significance.

Laager Rooibos, in conjunction with the Heart & Stroke Foundation of South Africa (HSFSA), are encouraging people to get heart healthy this month with the Laager Rooibos Heart Health Challenge.

HSFSA Nutrition Team Leader, Hayley Cimring note: Heart disease and strokes are currently responsible for one in every five deaths countrywide. Recent studies show that people with a heart condition, vascular disease, or who have suffered a stroke, are at higher risk of complications if they are infected with Covid-19. But the reality is that 80% of heart diseases and strokes can be prevented by simply living a healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy eating.

Laager Rooibos Marketing Manager, Candice Sessions, said that switching out certain bad foods and drinks for good, and adopting a few healthier routines, is all it takes to improve heart health: These lifestyle changes dont require a complete overhaul of daily life, but simply making some healthier choices. After a month, these positive habits become entrenched, and its easier to sustain these changes going forwards.

Partnering with renowned South African dietician, Mbali Mapholi; the team from Laager Rooibos has compiled a list of simple lifestyle changes that will make a big difference to improve heart health this month.

Take the Laager Rooibos Heart Health Challenge in 10 easy steps:

Challenge yourself this Heart Awareness Month with the Laager Rooibos Heart Health Challenge, and stand a chance to win some awesome prizes!

Follow Laager on Facebook @LaagerRooibos and Instagram @laagerrooibostea to find out how you can be part of the Laager Heart Health Challenge and win.

For more healthy Laager Rooibos tips and recipes, visit the Facebook page or http://www.joekels.co.za.

HEALTHY LIVING I’m an adult. Do I still need vaccinations? – Port Arthur News – The Port Arthur News

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Vaccinations and the need for them are in the news daily.

The short answer is, yes indeed. Oh, I know, as a child you couldnt wait till you got old enough not to need doctor visits for vaccinations. No lollipop ever made up for those shots.

Well, I have some news for you. To protect your health and the health of those around you, you are going to need to get some vaccinations till the end of your life. Actually, more than you may think.

All adults need:

Flu season is still active into the spring. No, the shot WILL NOT give you the flu.

In addition, women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks. Really good to get a booster if you have new babies on the way in your close family.

As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. This is why you should also get:

Pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against pneumococcal disease, including infections in the lungs and bloodstream (recommended for all adults over 65 years old, and for adults younger than 65 years who have certain chronic health conditions)

Zoster vaccine, which protects against shingles (recommended for adults 60 years or older or if you have had shingles)

Health care workers:

Wait! Who should NOT be vaccinated?

Some adults with specific health conditions should not get certain vaccines or should wait to get them. As always, the very best advice is to talk with your doctor to make sure you get the vaccines that are right for you.

Medicare Part B pays for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Take the necessary precautions, stay up to date on your vaccines (if you are able to take them), and live healthy, my friends.

Jody Holton writes about health for Port Arthur Newsmedia. She can be reached at jholton3@gt.rr.com.

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HEALTHY LIVING I'm an adult. Do I still need vaccinations? - Port Arthur News - The Port Arthur News

CVS Health Adds WW (formerly Weight Watchers) Digital Weight Management and Wellness Offerings to their Health Point Solutions Management Platform -…

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

NEW YORK, July 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --WW International, Inc. (NASDAQ: WW), a global wellness company powered by the world's leading commercial weight management program, announced today that WW Health Solutions has been added as a new wellness and weight management solution to CVS Health's Point Solutions Management offering. WW Health Solutions aims to propel happier, healthier, more productive workplaces and make wellness more accessible. Joining the Point Solutions Management platform will enable employers and plan sponsors that use CVS Caremark for pharmacy benefits management to access WW Health Solutions with simplified contracting, preferred pricing, and streamlined eligibility and billing processes.

The new offering makes it easier for plan sponsors to add WW Health Solutions to their benefit packages providing their members and families with tools that will positively impact health and culture, and promote sustainable behavior change. Through the collaboration, plan sponsors can offer their members WW digital offerings, which are accessible virtually anywhere, to meet members where they are, helping them along their weight loss and wellness journeys.

"We are thrilled to join an already impressive portfolio of brands through CVS Health Point Solutions Management offering," said Chere Parton Scythes, General Manager WW Health Solutions. "It is our mission to be the world's partner in health, providing the resources to empower members and workforces and their families to adopt healthier habits for real life. We are confident we can be that partner for CVS as well as their clients and members."

WW's science-backed recommendations span nutrition, hydration, sleep, activity and mindset. Since it is crucial for WW members to be able to connect with their community, members have access to 24/7 WW expert Coaches and an engaged community through Connect, and Virtual Workshops. Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) members will also have access to myWW, WW's most customizable weight-loss plan ever. In addition to a database of more than 8,000 recipes that are delicious and help people make healthier food choices, with myWW, members take an evidence-based personal assessment that leverages details about food preferences and lifestyle and matches them to one of three comprehensive ways to follow the program.

The award winning WW app also provides curated mindfulness and meditation content through the WW partnership with Headspace, on-demand guided audio fitness instruction through integration with Aaptiv, trainer-lead video workouts through integration with FitOn and live-streamed and on-demand content from WW Now, which includes videos that align with each of the program's science-backed pillars. Kurbo by WW offers an easy-to-use app and 1:1 video coaching for kids and teens to learn how to make healthier choices, achieve a healthier weight, and create lasting lifestyle changes.

"Now more than ever, health and wellness is of critical importance and we believe that increased access to our tools and resources brings us one step closer to changing the health trajectory of the world," said Mindy Grossman, WW Chief Executive Officer."Our global promise is to further our commitment to healthy living as a human right and we are so happy to join forces with CVS Health to help make good on our promise to inspire healthy habits for real life - for everyone."

"Employers and other plan sponsors are increasingly looking for innovative tools to help people manage their weight, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Sree Chaguturu, MD, Chief Medical Officer at CVS Caremark, the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) business of CVS Health. "WW's commitment to clinical evaluation and research aligns with our focus on helping our clients include clinically effective digital point solutions as part of their benefits packages."

About WW International, Inc. WW Weight Watchers reimagined is a global wellness company powered by the world's leading commercial weight management program. We inspire millions of people to adopt healthy habits for real life. Through our engaging tech-enabled experience and face-to-face group workshops, members follow our livable and sustainable program of healthy eating, physical activity, and a helpful mindset. Leveraging more than five decades of experience in building inspired communities and our deep expertise in behavioral science, we aim to democratize wellness and to deliver wellness for all. To learn more about the WW approach to healthy living, please visit ww.com. For more information about our global business, visit our corporate website at corporate.ww.com.

About WW Health Solutions WW Health Solutions partners with employers, payors and health providers to implement wellness and weight management tools. WW Health Solutions aims to propel happier, healthier, more productive workplaces and make wellness more accessible. WW Health Solutions supports partners, including Fortune 500 companies, that span industries such as healthcare, government, education and manufacturing.

About CVS Health, Inc. CVS Health is united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company in the world. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings from HealthHUB locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we're transforming health atwww.cvshealth.com.

For more information, contact:media@ww.com

Minorities born in the 1980s at higher risk of dying from COVID-19 – WAVY.com

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) New numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the death rate for a Black American who is 55 years old is about the same as the death rate for a white person who is 65 years old. The death rate for 65-year-old African-American mirrors the rate for a 75-year-old white American.

The new information becomes more alarming when you examine the death rates for minorities who were born in the 1980s.

Middle-aged minorities are six times more likely to die from COVID-19. At age 44, minorities are eight times more likely to die from COVID-19, and at the age of 35, the death rate is 10 times higher.

For the past three decades, Norfolk-based Nurse Practitioner Olivia Newby has sounded the alarm about co-morbidity factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. She is particularly concerned about the health of Black women.

The National Institutes of Health indicates four out of five African-American women are obese, said Newby. WebMD describes obesity as a condition in which an adults Body Mass Index or BMI is 30 or more.

The Brookins report also says where minorities work, such as factories, warehouses, and shipyards where distancing is difficult can also play a role in infection rates. Where and how minorities live plays a role, said Newby.

[Researchers] are looking at the social economics. They are also looking at for a family to quarantine, to separate the type of housing where they live, said Newby.

Newby is calling on minorities to take action now to beat the COVID-19 odds and the next pandemic. That action involves exercise and adding more plants to a diet while reducing the consumption of meat.

Eat less food [like] animals that walk on the ground and eat foods that come from the ground, said Newby. She operates the Healthy Living Center near Norfolk State University where members of the community can learn more about nutrition and fitness to combat disease.

Contact the center at http://www.hlcnorfolk.com to learn more about the program.

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Minorities born in the 1980s at higher risk of dying from COVID-19 - WAVY.com

Douglas County Health Board approves purchase of masks for community, messaging that racism is a public health crisis – Lawrence Journal-World

Posted on July 21, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

photo by: Kevin Anderson/Journal-World File Photo

The Lawrence-Douglas County health department's home at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St., is pictured in this file photo from July 2010.

The Douglas County Health Board on Monday night approved the purchase of 10,000 masks to be distributed to the community and to issue a statement that racism is a public health crisis.

The masks, which will cost a little under $40,000, will be distributed to those in need and will help support school districts and places with congregate living, such as the Lawrence Community Shelter, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Director Dan Partridge said.

Health board Vice Chair Shanda Hurla suggested the health department look into purchasing some kids-sized masks, and health board member Stephen Fawcett suggested the health department consider what kind of messaging it might put on the masks.

The health board also approved a public message declaring racism to be a public health crisis.

The message will not be released to the public until all members of the health board sign it, but the declaration in part states that racism is a harsh reality for many in our community.

In particular, longstanding and systemic maltreatment of Black people within our nation, state and communities have negatively impacted their housing, educational attainment, income, incarceration rates, and health status, the message reads. All are stark reminders that the system was designed to provide advantage to some, while robbing others of fair opportunities based on their identity. We believe that this is inherently wrong.

The message also includes information from the Douglas County Healthy Equity Report about the unequal burden for Black members of the community. The report found that Black children in Douglas County are 4.7 times more likely to live in poverty, and Black county residents are 4.7 times more likely to be incarcerated than white residents.

The message directs Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health to work with the Community Health Plan Steering Committee to include a fifth issue area focused on Health Equity.

Partridge thanked the health board after the motion was approved.

You know I hope that we look back on this day and say this is where we turned the corner. So thank you very much for this motion and passage tonight, he said.

Also on Monday night, the Douglas County Health Board discussed its Douglas County CARES Act proposal. Although the numbers are constantly changing, Partridge said the health department plans to request around or more than $2.1 million. Douglas County will receive nearly $25 million in federal relief funding, the Journal-World has reported. This money will go toward hiring new staff, paying current staff for labor related to COVID-19 duties, infrastructure costs and medical expenses.

New hires for the health department include an epidemiology supervisor, an equity planner, disease investigators and more. The grants would also support compensation for some employees expanded roles as a result of the pandemic such as for health officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino.

Partridge said the health department is already in the process of making new hires despite not yet having submitted their CARES Act funding application, which is due on July 31.

We cant just wait for the money or we will not be timely in our response, Partridge said. Were making these commitments without a safety net because its what we think we need to do for this community.

Partridge mentioned that should the health department not receive the amount of funding they anticipate, he has also discussed using reserve funds to cover these new hires.

Infrastructure expenses would go in part to purchase rapid-testing machines and a mobile health unit, which the health department hopes will be in operation in 2021 or sooner. Rapid-testing equipment purchased for this unit could have the capacity to receive results in 30 minutes, according to Linda Craig, the Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health director of clinic services.

Infrastructure expenses would also support a remodeling of the health departments clinic to replace carpets with more easily cleanable flooring, as well as new countertops that would be easier to clean.

Medical expenses will include money to purchase the masks for community distribution.

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Douglas County Health Board approves purchase of masks for community, messaging that racism is a public health crisis - Lawrence Journal-World

Bee a happy and healthy skipper at Cliffe Castle – Keighley News

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

EVEN beekeepers are joining in with Keighley Healthy Living's campaign to get the town skipping.

A member of Airedale Bee Keepers joined in the filming of the charity's latest video designed to encourage people to take up the healthy exercise.

The film shoot was at Cliffe Castle, and the museum's mascot Bracewell the Dragon and members of Cliffe Castle Support Group also joined in the fun.

The Support Group handed KHL a donation to help pay for rope for new skipping ropes, to go with handles being created by members of the Lion's Den Men's Shed social group at Cliffe Castle.

Skipping ropes are being given out all summer as part of KHL's lockdown resource kits for local families.

Support Group spokesman Elaine Cooper said: "We want to encourage people of all ages to skip at Cliffe Castle as its a beautiful place to practice with a long rope as a team, individually with shorter ropes; while running or walking or on the spot."

KHL was inspired to make it skipping videos by Shirley Holmes, aged 83, who was sharing her daily exercise routine that included skipping.

A KHL spokesman said funding for the ropes had come from various organisations including Keighley Town Council.

She added: "We linked with schools to send an instructor to teach skipping and give out ropes.

"With offers of donations we are planning to continue giving out ropes through the summer, continue making them at the Lions's Den, and start again teaching skipping in skipping in schools in September."

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Bee a happy and healthy skipper at Cliffe Castle - Keighley News

Good for You, Your Community and the Planet: Kombucha Town Launches Live Seltzer and Community-Owned Business Model – whatcomtalk.com

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

So, what exactly is kombucha? Its a fermented, refreshing, fizzy, invigorating tea beverage created by millions of microorganisms that come together to form a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, otherwise known as a SCOBY. And if all that sounds a little complicated, let me assure you: all you need to know about kombucha is that its seriously delicious. And if youre drinking Kombucha Town kombucha, its also seriously good for you.

Kombucha Townkombucha is full of probiotics, also known as living culture that keeps your body energized and ready to take on whatever adventures the day might deliver. However, that spirit of living culture extends into the core values of the business itself, as well as several of its new, exciting ventures.

Kombucha Town has a triple bottom line, which means they focus on social and environmental aspects of company practices, not just profits. They pride themselves on being good for you, good for your community, and good for the planet. And thats so much more than just a tagline.

Trent Banks, the marketing manager for Kombucha Town, describes how Kombucha Town has grown throughout the years and the ways that theyre adapting to the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chris McCoy, our founder and CEO, was looking to provide a healthy beverage for people, Banks says. Kombucha Town started locally in mom-and-pop stores, the Co-Op, and the farmers market. In 2015, it became the first kombucha in a can, which is great because cans have the lowest carbon footprint of any shippable beverage container and are infinitely recyclable.

Of course, Kombucha Town is adapting to the times along with many other small and medium-sized businesses. Theyre launching a new product in accordance with their triple bottom line values: live seltzer.

Live seltzer is exactly what it sounds like, says Banks. Its sparkling water infused with kombucha culture and probiotics and some hero ingredients. Weve got three new flavors coming out. Kombucha fans and newbies alike can look forward to cracking open a cold one of Cucumber, Grapefruit, or Ginger Live Seltzer. Its low calorie, low sugar, and still high in flavor and health benefits. Sounds like the perfect thing to take along on your next adventure.

Thats part of what Banks loves so much about Kombucha Towns drinks. As somebody whos active and loves to get after it in the mountains, you know you have to stay hydrated, Banks says with a laugh. Having a really deliciousandhealthy way to do that is great. This past weekend I was loving and crushing the Cascadian Hops flavor. I ran up Ruby Mountain in the North Cascades and had one, and it totally changed my day. It was definitely what I needed.

When it comes to Kombucha Town, the good for you aspect is only one piece of the puzzle. Their team recognizes that what is good for the individual must also be good for both local and global communities. Back in April we teamed up withOne Tree Planted, an organization that does just that: they plant trees across the world and team up with companies like ours that are interested in launching initiatives that help support that goal, Banks says. Were working with them on their orca project here in the Pacific Northwest, planting trees along creeks in salmon habitats to help regenerate habitats with the end goal of increasing orcas main food source. For every case we sell online, we plant a tree.

With such an eye for thoughtful growth and development, its no surprise that Kombucha Town has adapted to this unique time with a new business model that incorporates the community. Were opening up our business model to be community-funded and -owned, says Banks. This community-owned business model is accompanied by an equity crowd-funding campaign, which will launch on August 4, 2020. People are allowed to invest and receive shares of the business, and along with that, there will be some pretty rad additional incentiveskombucha, swag, etc.

Pretty rad, indeed. Also pretty rad? Kombucha Towns commitment to stepping up to support their community and make healthy beveragesand a healthy lifestyleaccessible for all.

Were increasingly working to prioritize the democratization of health. Historically speaking, the natural and health food world has been associated with affluence. Wed really like to break that down and disrupt that thought pattern, making healthy beverages available to everyone, Banks says. Its our intention to have healthy drinks like kombucha available in food desertsplaces where the only food opportunities are convenience stores. Tying in social and food justice is an important part of addressing the systemic issues were dealing with as a country.

If you want to be part of a business thats good for you, your community, and the planet, keep an eye out for a chance to join a community-owned Kombucha Town this August.

20+ apps and websites to help you live a more sustainable life – Mashable

Posted on July 18, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Moving forward requires focus. Mashable's Social Good Series is dedicated to exploring pathways to a greater good, spotlighting issues that are essential to making the world a better place.

So you want to live a cleaner, greener, more sustainable life?

OK, let's do this!

But suddenly giving up meat completely, or never buying single-use plastic again, is easier said than done. To make aspects of your life more sustainable, it's best to start small and build on those changes until you've incorporated healthier habits (for the planet and yourself) into everyday choices. And it's important to note that while you can lessen your personal impact, meaningful change will only come with widespread adoption by large companies.

You can embark on your sustainable journey in many different ways, and accessible, mostly free technology is there to help you do that. Here are some things you can do paired with apps (and a few websites) to jumpstart your greener lifestyle, no matter where you choose to start.

Going vegan or vegetarian is a big commitment, but if you stick with it, you'll be noticeably reducing your environmental impact. Raising animals for meat requires significant resources (most notably for cow, goat, and sheep farms) for instance, 1,800 gallons of water for every pound of beef. Fruits and vegetables take a fraction of that. A meat-free diet can cut back on the amount of water used to grow and raise your food by 55 percent.

But since ingredients like honey, milk, or meat byproducts, like gelatin, sneak into a lot of food items, sometimes it's not so easy to tell if a food is vegan or not. That's where apps like Is it vegan?, come in. Type the UPC, or Universal Product Code, of a packaged item (like Oreo cookies, for example) from its barcode into the free app, or simply scan the barcode. A "vegan-o-meter" reports whether your item is fully vegan or not at all. The app works for measuring vegetarian products as well with a vegetarian meter. The app only works for foods that have a barcode, but that's generally where you'll find it most useful anyway.

Mmmmm Oreos.

Another free app that'll confirm you aren't eating any animal products is Vegan Pocket, which also lets you scan packaged items with a barcode. The app has a section for vegan recipes, too.

Veggie-licious!

Image: screenshots green kitchen / veggie weekend / easy vegetarian / mashable composite

Once you've committed to a vegan lifestyle or to eating fewer animal products, recipe apps give ideas on what to cook and prepare without relying on a meat protein as the main dish. Here are a few good vegetarian apps to try:

Green Kitchen ($3.99) This recipe-filled app includes ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions for veggie-only dishes.

Veggie Weekend (free) Another recipe app, this has more than 100 ideas for vegans and vegetarians. Each recipe page has a digital timer and nutrition information.

Easy Vegetarian (free) For Android users only, this offers a collection of more than 200 recipes, each with a shopping list.

For more detailed meal planning, the free Vegetarian Meal Plan app does just that: helps you build shopping lists for your week of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks selected ahead of time. You won't slip up, since you'll be prepared with a stocked-up fridge and pantry.

Even if you don't go full vegetarian or vegan, it's still helpful to eat less meat. The free Less app is about helping you reduce the amount of meat you eat, not eliminating it entirely. It lets you keep track of when you eat meat, and which type you've consumed, in a calendar-like tracker. You'll get feedback on your environmental impact for, ideally, some positive reinforcement: Who doesn't like to hear they helped save gallons of water or acres of the rainforest? The app also sends push notifications asking if you've stayed away from a meaty meal to help remind you of your goal.

Another free meat tracker app is No Meat Today, which displays a calendar of your meat-less days and calls out when you went ham on some, well, ham. You set your own target meat-diet, so whether you're trying to be more flexitarian (that's a diet with some meat, but often veggie-only) or keep to fish, the app will confirm you're striking the right balance or highlight where you can do better.

Even if you only do Meatless Mondays, going one day a week without meat in your meals, you can make a difference in your personal sustainability. Plus, fake meat options, like tasty burgers from Beyond and Impossible, almost make lowering your consumption of the real stuff too easy.

For those moments when you don't know if the sushi you ordered is part of the problem, contributing to overfishing, species decimation, or other disruptions to the ocean ecosystem and habitats, turn to some apps.

The free Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch app is like those old-school wallet guides that tell you which fish to choose and which to avoid for the sake of the planet, but it's handily on your phone. Search for different fish names or sushi dishes in the app, which then helps you make decisions of what to buy when grocery shopping or while ordering from a restaurant. The app also gives restaurant and shopping recs for businesses that serve ocean-friendly seafood.

Beyond seafood decisions, apps like the free Chocolate List help you decide what type of food to buy (in this case, chocolate), based on sustainability. The free Seasonal Food Guide app helps you find local fruits and vegetables that are in season based on your location, so you aren't buying produce that had to be shipped long distances just for your cucumber salad.

Wasted food means wasted energy, resources, and money. A recent report from waste services consulting firm RTS titled "Food Waste in America in 2020" notes that thrown-out food generates greenhouse gases, including methane, carbon dioxide, and chlorofluorocarbons. Rotting food in landfills produces nitrogen that can cause algae blooms. And the process of making all that food that ends up as waste, according to the World Wildlife Federation, causes the equivalent of emissions from 37 million cars. But there are things you can do to bring down the 80 billion pounds of food thrown away in the U.S. every year, including attempting to use all the food you buy and shopping smarter.

Food-sharing apps like Olio allow you to give your unused food to neighbors or find food you can use yourself. Take a picture of the food offering, whether it's half a sack of potatoes or an extra loaf of bread, and post it on the app. Your listing will show up when other users search for what's available nearby. After requests come in, you can arrange a meeting or drop-off to hand over your food. If you're seeking someone's leftovers, you can search the app for what's around. Listings come up all over the world, but you may be the only one using the app near where you're based. So a food swap may not be available, unless you get your neighbors on board, too.

More than 43 billion pounds of food from grocery stores goes to the trash every year, according to the Natural Resources Defense Counsel. But free apps like FlashFood provide information that helps you shop for items nearing their expiration dates, so you can save those granola bars from getting dumped. The app currently lists stores in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and throughout Canada, that post deals for about-to-expire food. If those locations work for you, you can buy through the app and then pick up your order at the participating store.

You probably know how to put containers into bins, but recycling properly is actually harder than it should be. Americans recycle about 66 million tons each year, the EPA estimates. But the New York Times found that one major U.S. waste services company takes approximately 25 percent of what's recycled and puts it into landfills, since it's contaminated or not actually recyclable.

One way to make sure your recycling is actually recycled is to use an app like iRecycle, which helps you figure out how and where to recycle not-so-common items, like an old boombox or gardening equipment. Open the app and search for different items or categories (electronics, gardening, automotive, construction, and many more). If you're in the U.S., a list and map will show all the different locations and facilities that accept those items near you. It's not all newspapers and soda cans.

Shop wisely.

Only 3 million tons, or 8.4 percent, of the plastic generated each year in the U.S. gets recycled, according to EPA data. Better to use less of it to start with. Start reusing packaging and bags with the help of Zero Waste Home's free app, which lets you search for stores that sell in bulk to help cut back on plastic and other packaging materials. You can filter for cleaning products, spices, baking items, and more.

Bulk shopping, baby.

Image: zerowastehome / screenshot

There are other ways to shop package-free, like bringing your own bags or containers. The free Litterless website offers a state-by-state guide for zero-waste grocery shopping to find spots that sell in bulk or are Bring Your Own Containers (BYOC)-friendly.

Being careful about where you shop and spend your money is a top-level way to support and promote sustainable practices in business. Check out websites like Project Wren, which lets you search for companies that purchase carbon offsets, meaning they pay into climate change projects and funds to balance out the greenhouse gases they generate and emit. It's hard to find companies that don't generate any emissions, although that would be ideal. These companies aren't eliminating emissions directly, but they are giving money to organizations and efforts to cut back on greenhouse gases.

Project Wren does have a carbon footprint calculator to see how much you're wasting and should contribute to offsets personally, but these calculations are mostly a ruse to shift emissions blame onto individuals instead of large corporations. Stick to Project Wren's free business search feature to find companies that are funding reforestation projects, rainforest protection, clean cooking fuel for refugees, or other waste-reducing efforts.

Another website, Climate Neutral, lets you search, free of charge, for companies that the nonprofit certifies as carbon neutral. That doesn't mean the company doesn't emit anything, but instead that it takes part in offset programs and other waste reduction efforts.

For example, take Ridgeline Outdoors, an outdoor gear retailer. Climate Neutral analyzes its emissions, and then sees how much it offsets, usually through carbon credits. Ridgeline spent $125,500 to offset a year of emissions based on different costs for those credits. The company also submits an annual action plan on how it'll cut back on emissions from deliveries or employee commutes to setting out even bigger commitments, like changing to less wasteful manufacturers. Only then does it get a neutral label each year.

To really make sure you are a responsible shopper, the free HowGood app rates products from a box of lentils to a can of tuna on how sustainable the farming and growing, production and shipping, and overall company practices are for that brand or product. You scan the product's barcode or search the HowGood database to find out if it's been rated. (Rankings are "good, great, or best" or no positive feedback.) You'll see how well that tuna can comes in for its growing, processing, and corporate guidelines and practices.

This tuna doesn't earn any positive ratings.

Image: howgood / screengrab

Try to stay in the green.

Image: healthy living / screengrab

Another scanner app from the Environmental Working Group is the free Healthy Living app, which lets you scan or search food or cosmetic products to see how clean the company is, from the ingredients it uses in its products to how they're produced. Similar to HowGood, Healthy Living gives a green-to-red rating on ingredients, nutrition, and processing concern. Overall, you want a lower, "greener" score out of 10.

These may all seem like small steps, but every conscious choice helps your personal green journey. If you only start tracking your meat intake or shopping at bulk stores because of an app download, your life is becoming a shade greener. And from that, you can do even more (like vote).

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20+ apps and websites to help you live a more sustainable life - Mashable

Building more than muscle: The Y strengthens foundation of community – Omaha World-Herald

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

When a person begins the process of selecting the best gym for their health and wellness needs, convenient access to cardio machines, free weights, walking tracks, gymnasiums and swimming pools are big considerations.

In return for monthly dues, a member gains access to machines in a clean facility, with the lights kept on. A person does not usually consider where those monthly dues might go beyond that.

In this day and age of conscious consumer spending, however, people are increasingly looking to do business with businesses they like, and therefore look toward incremental benefits that go beyond the transaction.

The YMCA has long been more than just a gym. The YMCA strengthens the foundation of community via three simple yet powerful tenets: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. A membership at the Y goes beyond the gym; it helps fuel the mission to create positive and lasting change in the community.

The YMCA not only provides child care services to Omaha families across the metro area, it stepped up operations during the COVID-19 crisis to provide vital child care for health care professionals on the front lines of fighting the virus and treating those in need.

The YMCA provides scholarships for year-round Youth Sports programs to those who might not otherwise be able to afford them, and provides important water safety instruction to keep our youth safe while swimming.

Members enjoy Childwatch services, which allow their children to have a safe and educational experience playing and learning while mom or dad works out.

Summer Day Camp offers hundreds of children the opportunity to grow, learn and explore at eight locations across the city, and the Y even provides valuable employment opportunities to youth looking to learn important workplace skills that will prove beneficial throughout their work life.

Perhaps the most obvious, the YMCA strives to ensure all members of the community have access to a healthier lifestyle, even offering financial assistance programs to ensure that everyone can access the facilities.

The Healthy Living Center in Council Bluffs provides active older adults with a place to not only remain active, but to remain social with fellow members, an important element of health in terms of preventing loneliness and isolation. Thousands of families enjoy the facilities, programs and sports, and the Y is proud to deliver services at 10 locations across the metro.

In this time of need, the YMCA of Greater Omaha has continued to serve. In conjunction with Omaha Public Schools, the Fresh Produce Project delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to families at OPS food distribution sites across the city.

In June, working alongside the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Werner Enterprises, United Way of the Midlands and the Greater Omaha Chamber, the Y distributed 2,100 gallons of donated hand sanitizer to local and regional child-care facilities, helping to fill a shortage and ensure staff and kids stay safe and healthy.

While this is only a snapshot of the work the YMCA of Greater Omaha is doing for the community, its a great reminder that you can belong to much more than just a gym. You can join the Y movement. Join today at metroymca.org.

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Building more than muscle: The Y strengthens foundation of community - Omaha World-Herald

This Luling house is built with features to support healthy living. Get a look inside it in Parade of Homes – NOLA.com

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

With its 11-foot tray ceilings, granite countertops and open-concept living area, the house at 121 Cove Pointe Drive looks like any other stylish new construction on the Parade of Homes, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans.

But developer Randy Noel says the Luling house is unlike its peers, thanks to building and interior design practices that support, among other things, healthy air and visitors can tell the minute they step inside.

You feel the difference largely because of the whole-house dehumidifier. Things dont feel icky and sticky, said Noel, who is also chairman of the HBA. Its all about good, filtered air, not stale air, so it doesnt carry germs and bacteria.

Over the last decade, Noel has noticed more and more clients discussing indoor air quality. Often, their children had asthma or other lung diseases. They were concerned about contaminants ranging from volatile organic compounds in paint and formaldehyde in laminate kitchen countertops to bacteria and mildew in bathrooms.

Natural light floods into the living area through plentiful windows and glass doors.

When Noel learned about an organization called Wellness Within Your Walls (WWYW), he decided to partner with founder Jillian Pritchard Cooke to build a home to both WWYW and National Green Building standards.

I wanted to see how much trouble it was and how much it cost, Noel said.

WWYW educates homebuyers, designers and builders about best practices when it comes to healthy indoor living. To get its WWYW certification, a homes filtration system, air flow, natural light and electromagnetic field exposure (to name a few on the 10-point checklist) must meet certain standards. WWYW also educates homebuyers about furnishings, accessories, paints and products to avoid.

There are 88,000 chemicals in the U.S. that have had no meaningful testing, and they are on the market, Cooke said. These are commonly found in home furnishings and the global water supply. All of them can contribute to asthma, hormone disruption, birth defects, cancer, liver disease, kidney diseases and developmental disorders.

Noel and Cooke collaborated on the three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Lulings Ashton Plantation development. Priced in the mid-300s, it was designed to be more affordable than new homes with similar certifications. Noels 2,150-square-foot floor plan flanked the open area with bedrooms an office and master suite with a VOC-sensing closet on one side and two bedrooms on the other.

The home was staged by local interior designer Grace Kaynor, who is a WWYW 'ambassador.' 'With new pieces, I follow the WWYW guidelines: not too much acrylic, not too much plastic and metals, not too many synthetics, things made with natural wood and fibers.' In the guest bedroom, vintage nightstands and sculptural Palacek lamps made from hand-cut coconut shell frame the bed.

Cooke made a few amendments to the floor plan. She detached the garage to prevent fumes and car-generated carbon monoxide from entering the house. She added more windows and translucent interior doors to let mood-boosting sunlight inside. She also included an EMF-proof device charging cabinet and a reverse osmosis system.

This area has 26 contaminants in the water thats not unusual, Cooke said. A purification system can remove those toxins from the water supply, which is going to be a better outcome.

For the decor, Cook brought in New Orleans designer Grace Kaynor, the owner of decor shop Sotre and is a brand ambassador for WWYW. Kaynor used a mix of new, vintage and rented pieces to furnish the space. She avoided using any piece that had a new furniture smell, which indicates chemical off-gassing.

When you buy a piece of furniture and it has that funny smell like fresh paint or lacquer, that means there is some toxin present in the piece, whether its formaldehyde or something else, Kaynor said.

With new pieces, I follow the WWYW guidelines: not too much acrylic, not too much plastic and metals, not too many synthetics, things made with natural wood and fibers.

Blue, gray and green hues and natural textures (jute rugs, alpaca throws, organic cotton towels) enliven the homes neutral palette. The nursery features vibrant hues, organic bedding and an organic Naturepedic mattress. In the guest bedroom, vintage nightstands and sculptural Palacek lamps made from hand-cut coconut shell frame the bed. (Repurposing to reduce consumption is also a WWYW tenet.)

An indoor herb garden has a built-in watering hose.

Energetically, you get a really good feel from this house, but its almost something you cant identify, Kaynor said. Sometimes you go in a house not made from natural materials where people arent paying attention to air quality, and your nose may be stuffy or your eyes might burn.

Cook said it cost an extra $10,000 to build the house at 121 Cove Pointe to WWYW standards, and it has already been sold. From here, the onus is on the homeowners to maintain healthy indoor quality. They can do that by carefully considering the environmental and health impact of items they bring inside their homes, whether these are detergents, scented candles or a new couch.

Environmental awareness is not just about the ingredients (a product) is made from. Its also about the cost of transportation, carbon footprint, sustainable production every aspect of making a product, Kaynor said. Protecting the environment is not a nebulous concept. Caring about the environment is essentially caring about other people.

The Parade of Homes presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 18-19. More information is available at https://www.hbagno.org/paradeofhomes

After the stay-at-home order went into effect, Randi Giraud-Jones found herself and her family dirtying more dishes than she ever thought possible.

Hurricane season is here, and now is the time to start preparing. This season is forecast to be busier than average, saidLaura A. Mellem, pub

When Franchesca and Jeff Lorio updated their Uptown backyard in February 2019 a process that started with a fence repair and snowballed to i

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This Luling house is built with features to support healthy living. Get a look inside it in Parade of Homes - NOLA.com

You Will Get Through This – Bangor Daily News

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Unprecedented times call on us to step up like never before. The world feels like a very heavy, very angry place.

A few months ago, life was normal and now its anything but

The world needs more love. The world needs more hope. I hope this message of love and hope will resonate with you.

The beauty in all of this is that we get to grow through the process. We must learn to navigate new paths and learn how to think differently.

Is it disruptive? Yes. Inconvenient? Yes. But look for those opportunities to grow.

The reason I am writing this to you today is because I simply want to remind you that this is all temporary.

That you are amazingly strong.

That you are cared for, and whatever youre feeling right now is okay to feel. You will get through this.

Choose the outcome you want to experience 6 months from now TODAY.

Use this time to step into your healthiest, most fit self. To learn new skills, practice great habits, and to manage your mindset and thoughts through difficult times. To build stronger connections with the people in your life, even if you cant physically be in front of them yet.

We have open space to create more good in our lives and the lives of those we care for more than ever.

Focus on what you can control and choose the thoughts that serve you, even when it feels hard to do.

Because its not all bad. Theres opportunity in everything if you seek it. Through all of this, I want you to know Im sending you so much grace, compassion, and light.

Were in this together as a global community.

If you need anything at all from help online with your health and fitness or just an ear, Im here.

Weve got this.

Lots of love,Wilcox Wellness & Fitness

WANT MORE OF THIS? Be sure to connect with us on Social Media. We post daily on bothFacebookandInstagramfor motivation, inspiration, and helpful tips, tricks, and strategies for healthy living. You can join ourprivate Facebook groupto go even deeper with us orbook a callto see how you can get started training with us in person. We cant wait to connect with you and support you along your journey with healthy living!

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You Will Get Through This - Bangor Daily News

Amwell Honors Telehealth Innovation and Clinical Care Excellence with Annual Client Award Program – PRNewswire

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

BOSTON, July 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Amwell, a national telehealth leader, announced the recipients of its annual Client Awards. Awards were given to organizations that have made exceptional contributions to expanding digital care delivery from access to impact, prior to and during COVID-19. All winners have demonstrated a profound commitment to making meaningful change through telehealth, even while facing unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic.

"We are incredibly fortunate to work with some of the most forward-thinking healthcare organizations, who show everyday what it means to put patients and providers first," said Ido Schoenberg, MD, Chairman and CEO of Amwell. "This has been a very challenging year and we continue to be inspired and energized by the passion and commitment our clients have for reimagining what healthcare excellence looks like. They're modeling the way to combine in-person and virtual care to create better outcomes for all."

Winners were selected across five categories with consideration given to organizations who demonstrated a measurable impact, with all winners showing exemplary responses to the pandemic. Descriptions of these award-winning telehealth programs can be found at https://business.amwell.com/2020-amwell-client-awards/. The honorees for 2020 are:

Clinical Impact: For achievement in digital care delivery, demonstrating strong clinical outcomes

Engagement Excellence: For demonstrating strong consumer engagement that impacts health outcomes

Leadership Alignment: For leadership in engaging the entire organization in a powerful vision

Community Innovation and Activation: For delivering meaningful results for a specific member population or patient group

Pandemic Activation & Acceleration: For an agile and swift virtual response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Recipients will be honored at Amwell's virtual Client Forum which brings together leading healthcare stakeholders across health systems, health plans, employers, innovators, and patients.

For more information on the winners and their award-winning telehealth programs, please visit: https://business.amwell.com/2020-amwell-client-awards/

About Amwell

Amwell is a leading telehealth platform in the United States and globally, connecting and enabling providers, insurers, patients, and innovators to deliver greater access to more affordable, higher quality care. Amwell believes that digital care delivery will transform healthcare. The Company offers a single, comprehensive platform to support all telehealth needs from urgent to acute and post-acute care, as well as chronic care management and healthy living. With over a decade of experience, Amwell powers telehealth solutions for over 2,000 hospitals and 53 health plan partners with over 36,000 employers, covering over 80 million lives. For more information please visit https://business.amwell.com/.

American Well, Amwell, and The Exchange are registered trademarks or trademarks of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:

Holly Spring781-888-8219 / [emailprotected]

SOURCE Amwell

https://business.amwell.com

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Amwell Honors Telehealth Innovation and Clinical Care Excellence with Annual Client Award Program - PRNewswire

Repositioning your priorities can lead to sustained happiness and health – PhillyVoice.com

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Do your activities produce a sense of purpose? Can you name the most fulfilling aspects of your life? Are you certain about what makes you happy?

The clarity and conviction of your answers offers a measure of the motivators available to inspire healthy behavior or, perhaps, reveals a need to reassess. Life is a longterm proposition with change peppered throughout.

How well you recognize what is working and what is not, and adjust, has a direct connection to a mans ability to live happy and healthy.Heres what I mean.

I previously have argued that health and happiness are linked, presenting research from the likes of the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University to support my position. This same argument references a mans relationships as the strongest source of happiness.

If a man strives to build relationships and pursue activities thatprovide a sense of purpose, fulfillment and, ultimately, happiness, then it is critical that his actions align with his internal definition of satisfaction and feelings of enjoyment.

When plotting out lifes roadmap, you want to be as accurate as possible on your destination. The problem, of course, is that the best laid plans can go south; dont I know it.

I have navigated two divorces due to factors out of my control, managed single parenthood with two sons, had one career derailed by divorce and another by the recession in 2008. Today, theres a new plan anchored by new relationships, goals and rituals that provide me with a trove of happiness.

Yes, it can happen and is still happening for me as I grapple, like all of us, with COVID-19.

When evaluating lifelong goals centered on family, or the daily rituals used to achieve those goals, alignment and continuous revision is essential.

In the contemporary context of COVID-19, when so many of the habits that sustain our lives have been disrupted, it becomes particularly necessary to rethink the feasibility of your priorities and adjust. For me, the pandemic adjustments include eating takeout dinners while watching movies on cable and replacing my gym routine with runs in the park.

Now, it would seem obvious that a man would pursue a social agenda and advance his relationships in lock-step consistency with his aspirations, but such cognitive positioning can be overlooked or, more likely, delegated to only occasional thought.

Of course, I know what makes me happy! Im always doing things to build the important relationships in my life. Really?

How often do you devote time quality time to thinking about the people who are most important to you? The pathway to happiness is anchored in ones ability to link your major aspirations within the drudgery of daily living. Not always an easy task but one with great upside potential.

Whether prompted by COVID-19 or not, a review of your personal goals and ambitions is a good practice, one that can strengthen relationships when developed together with loved ones. Personal planning is well-established as a pathway to happiness.

And as I will show, the good news is that happiness and well-being have the potential to grow with age. Further, the most meaningful experiences come from human interaction, not the collection of materials goods.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic say that having a goal provides a sense of purpose, bolsters self-esteem and brings people together. Yourspecific goaldoesn't matter as much as whether the process of working toward it is meaningful to you.

Research studies suggest that relationships provide the strongest meaning and purpose to your life. Consequently, they can make a big contribution to happiness.

According to Kaiser Permanente, as people age they generally have a greater sense of well-being than younger people have. Surveys of happiness conducted in developed countries consistently show a U-shaped pattern, with people on either end having the greatest satisfaction.

In one largestudy from the Brookings Institute, scientists found happiness was high for 18-to 21-year-olds and then dropped steadily until about age 40. But past middle age, the pattern began to reverse gradually climbing back up to its highest point at age 98.

Studies have previously found that people generally appreciate experiences more than things, partially because our happy memories endure while our perceived value of material items plummets.

Researchers at Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Texas at Austin ran two large studies tracking happiness via text message and found experiencers to be much happier than those purchasinganyitems, and also happier than those not consuming anything.

There is a strong argument for personal goal setting. It is a process that can facilitate happiness by adding clarity and supporting the creation of daily rituals so important to their achievement. Despite this argument, it is critical to recognize that goals, like life, are not stagnate propositions. Their creation is a product of the conditions, values and circumstances at the time.

When these or other factors change, so should the goals. In business, this is commonly known as repositioning a change in strategy based on new information, past performance or a host of any number of other conditions. The point is to keep personal repositioning in mind whether it applies to retirement plans, an encore career, travel, the grandchildren or the impact of COVID-19.

Bottom line, change is inevitable, but whats constant is our need for happiness. No matter your age, stay flexible and embrace change. Its your pathway to happiness and health.

Louis Bezich, senior vice president of strategic alliances at Cooper University Health Care, is author of "Crack The Code: 10 Proven Secrets that Motivate Healthy Behavior and Inspire Fulfillment in Men Over 50."

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Repositioning your priorities can lead to sustained happiness and health - PhillyVoice.com

Chocolate and sweet sales face further curbs in No 10 obesity drive – The Guardian

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Supermarkets in England could be stopped from placing chocolate and sweets as impulse purchases at the end of aisles as part of a government drive to improve the health of the nation in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it has emerged.

Measures to try to nudge the public into healthier food-buying habits are among policies being considered in what has been billed a war against obesity being drawn up by Downing Street.

One plan being considered, it is understood, is stopping supermarkets from displaying unhealthy foods at the ends of aisles, a common sales-boosting tactic to tempt shoppers as they wait in a checkout queue.

While reports have said other possible ideas include an end to buy one, get one free supermarket promotions on unhealthy food, it is less clear if this will happen, with no policy announcement on the issue expected for some weeks.

Less likely to form part of the plan would be further curbs on the advertising of unhealthy foods, or new taxes making them more expensive, with Downing Street having already denied plans to increase the tax on sugary drinks.

No 10 said in May it wanted to launch a new, more interventionist public health drive, billed as a campaign against obesity, but potentially also including measures to encourage more healthy living.

The idea followed Boris Johnsons experience with coronavirus, in which the prime minister fell seriously ill and required treatment in intensive care. After he recovered, aides said Johnson was both badly shaken by the experience and convinced that his weight played a role in the illness.

Reports about the apparent new health drive first emerged in May, several weeks after Johnson left hospital.

Asked about reports that he had joked with aides that thinnies are not as prone to the worst effects of the coronavirus and wanted to lead a war on fat, his spokesman said: As we outlined in our recovery strategy, this government will invest in preventive and personalised solutions to ill-health, helping people to live healthier and more active lives.

You have heard the PM speak on a number of occasions about the importance he attaches to cycling.

No 10 denied Johnson was considering increasing the sugar tax imposed by George Osborne to encourage food companies to reformulate their products. During the Conservative leadership contest last year, Johnson had spoken out against what he called sin taxes.

A number of initial studies have indicated that people who are overweight or obese are disproportionately likely to have worse Covid-19 outcomes than those who are not.

Obesity is also closely connected to other co-morbidities that appear to worsen the symptoms of the virus, such as type 2 diabetes, the lifestyle-related version of the condition, and high blood pressure.

The UK has one of the highest levels of excess weight and obesity in Europe. As measured by body mass index, 64% of adults in England are classed as overweight or obese, and 29% are obese.

Other studies have indicated that regular physical activity is also a key factor in better coronavirus outcomes. It remains to be seen whether the No 10 health plan would also include measures to help people be more active, although ministers are trying to encourage people to walk or cycle to work where possible.

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Chocolate and sweet sales face further curbs in No 10 obesity drive - The Guardian

The COVID-19 Stress: 5 Ways To Cope And Protect Your Health – India New England

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

The millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought globally are creating stress over everything from personal health to employment, lifestyle, and finances.

Given these difficult circumstances, its more important than ever for people to know about coping mechanisms to better manage stress, protect their immune system, and increase their chances of staying healthy, says Dr. Nammy Patel,DDS (www.sfgreendentist.com), author ofAge With Style: Your Guide To A Youthful Smile & Healthy Living.

COVID is maximizing stress for so many people, Dr. Patel says. It has a far-reaching impact into every part of our lives, and if we dont manage the stress, it severely affects our bodily systems causing burned-out adrenals, high cortisol, and thyroid issues, to name a few consequences of high-stress levels. Thus, the immune system is lowered, and we are more vulnerable to illness.

This era we are living in is very traumatic, and its very concerning. In dentistry, gum disease, sleep disturbances or apnea, and teeth breakage can all be evidence of stress. Poor oral health, as studies show, can be a gateway to medical issues. People often dont identify how much stress theyre under, and how its affecting them physically, until they actually get sick.

Dr. Patel has the following suggestions people can incorporate into their daily lives to better deal with stress:

The disruption of daily life by COVID-19 has caused us to rethink many things that we do, Dr. Patel says. How we deal with stress needs to be a priority now, and its not overly difficult if you develop good daily habits.

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The COVID-19 Stress: 5 Ways To Cope And Protect Your Health - India New England

SENIOR COLUMN: Senior centers adapt to the times – The Stanly News & Press – Stanly News & Press

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

National Senior Center Month is celebrated every September. This recognition gives all communities an opportunity to celebrate Senior Centers and the work they do in enriching andextending the lives of its older adult citizens.

The Stanly County Senior Center opened 34 years ago in 1986 and through the years it has made changes that enabled us to continue enhancing lives and serving older adults.

The Senior Center has always offered a variety of classes and activities over the past 34 years, adjusting and changing according to what seniors want. We have strived to be open and receptive to new programs and classes that the seniors of 2020 desired which were often different from the seniors of 1986.

A great example of this is our fitness and exercise classes.

The Senior Center has always offered activities that promote health and well-being, but seniors now are wanting more classes with a variety such as Yoga, Chair Yoga and Tai Chi. Seniors today are also ready to participate in outdoor activities and so we have taken a few of our activities outside and are offering kayaking and hiking. We have also expanded our fitness and exercise activities to the classrooms and are offering 4- to 8-week classes that promote healthy living and disease prevention such as Living Healthy, Living Healthy with Diabetes, Living Health with Chronic Pain and Matter of Balance. These classes are held at various times throughout the year.

Words such as iPhone, iPad and tablet were unheard on in the 1980s but now are common words, with instructional classes being taught since seniors want to stay connected to family and friends.

The term caregiving today is a household word and is finally getting the attention and respect that it deserves for those that are caring for a loved one. We offer classes, videos and even have an annual Caregiver Fair, called CareFest, to help those who are handling this 24/7 job at home.

With our county having a high aging population, we began hosting an annual birthday party for those 90 years old and older. This party is well attended, with approximately 75-100 over age 90 present. It is a highlight for many of these senior adults.

In the early 2000s the state developed a Senior Center Certification program to recognize the importance of Senior Centers and the role that they serve in each community. This certification set high standards for best practices in services, programs, professional development, advocacyand leadership for Senior Centers in the state.

We are proud that the Stanly County Senior Center has been certified as a NC Senior Center of Excellence (which is the highest level of certification) since 2007. The Stanly County commissioners recognized the increasing number of older adults in the county and a satellite Senior Center was established in 2018 in Locust. The West Stanly Senior Center offers additional activities and opportunities for all seniors, especially those in the western part of the county.

The Senior Center building has expanded with the renovation of two new rooms that are used daily. One classroom was funded through the Friends of the Senior Center and the other through a donation from Tom and Jean Rabe. We are expanding the area behind the Senior Center as well and will hopefully have a landscaped backyard and patio for outdoor programming in the very near future.

Of course, many programs and classes have withstood the test of time and continue to be offered here. As long as there is interest, classes such as bridge, basket weaving, woodcarving, crafts, knitting, etc. will continue to be a part of our programming.

With the changes that the Senior Center has had through the years, the one thing that has not changed is our mission. It has remained the same since the day we opened, which is to enhance the quality of life of older adults with a high quality of services, programs and activities.

The Stanly County Senior Center and West Stanly Senior Center provide a vital connection to seniors in the community by keeping them connected, active and engaged. Both senior centers look forward to many more years of providing services to seniors while we change with the times and the desires and wants of the seniors in the 21st century.

Becky Weemhoff has been director of Stanly County Senior Services since 2003.

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SENIOR COLUMN: Senior centers adapt to the times - The Stanly News & Press - Stanly News & Press

Are You Drinking Enough Water? Watch Out For These Signs And Symptoms Of Dehydration Visible On Your Skin – Doctor NDTV

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Dehydration can result in many health issues. Drinking enough water is beneficial for your skin too. Here are some signs of dehydration visible on your skin.

Dehydration can result in dry skin and itchiness

Almost 60 percent of your body is water. It is advised to drink enough water throughout the day. Water supports various functions of the human body. Not just in summer, drinking enough water is necessary in all seasons. Insufficient water intake leads to dehydration which is linked with some potential diseases. Dehydration can lead to frequent headaches. It can also slow down your metabolism and lead to weight gain. You may also experience lack of energy to complete day to day tasks. Studies also suggest that chronic dehydration can also increase the risk of stroke. Optimum water intake is also a secret to healthy skin. If not consumed enough, it can lead to skin problems.

Many suffer from dehydration but are not aware of it. Individuals fail to understand whether they are consuming enough water or not. Your body may show some symptoms when you are not drinking enough water and some of them are visible on your skin. Here's a list of symptoms visible on your skin that can give you a hint that your body needs more water.

Dehydration can contribute to skin issues. You also lose water through sweat. Rough skin, redness, cracked skin and signs of ageing are visible on the skin when you are not consuming enough water. You may also experience itchiness due to dryness. In some cases, it may lead to dark circles too.

Also read:Moisturisers For Dry Skin: 5 Natural Moisturisers To Treat Dry Skin And How You Can Use Them

Drinking enough water can help you achieve glowing skinPhoto Credit: iStock

Dehydration can also indirectly contribute to other skin issues like dull skin or acne as optimum water intake flushes out toxins. This results in healthy and glowing skin. Therefore, ill-effects of dehydration are not limited to just dry skin.

Also read:Skin Care Tips: How To Prevent Dry Skin? How To Choose The Right Moisturiser? Here Are Some Guidelines For Every Skin Type

These signs on your skin are often accompanied with other symptoms of dehydration like-

Frequent headaches

Dark coloured and very less urine

Rapid breathing

Constant tiredness, confusion and irritability

Fainting

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Also read:Fight Acne, Dry Skin, Itchy Skin And Much More With Tea Tree Oil

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Are You Drinking Enough Water? Watch Out For These Signs And Symptoms Of Dehydration Visible On Your Skin - Doctor NDTV

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