Taking Care Of Your Gut Is Key To Stronger Immunity – The Star Online

Posted on by

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down, bringing about an unprecedented new world order. We are all plagued by uncertainty, knowing that things will never be the same as they were before. However, there are things we can do to stay in control.

The World Digestive Health Day 2020 is a reminder for us to take care of our gut. We have all heard of the saying health is wealth. If the body is a temple, then the gut is the foundation of that temple.

Hippocrates once said that all disease begins in the gut. Housing trillions of both good and bad bacteria, the composition of bacteria in the gut environment, known as the microbiome, greatly affects both physical and mental well-being.

Understanding Gut Bacteria

The good bacteria known as probiotics, work with our cells to keep us healthy. Apart from discouraging and fighting off harmful, invading organisms, the good bacteria also work to support our digestion, nutrient absorption and immune system.

Studies have also indicated that mental health and emotions are closely linked to gut health. We have already established that good gut health is the cornerstone of good health, but what is the key to good gut health?

Just as how Malaysians have adapted to the new normal of social distancing and the wearing of face masks, we need to take the necessary steps to maintain good gut health. Photo: Cotra Enterprise Sdn Bhd

The term probiotics is nothing new today. Thanks to its function of restoring gut bacteria to healthy levels, probiotics have increased in popularity in recent years.

In 2017, a local landmark clinical research conducted by Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia titled Modulation Of Intestinal Dysbiosis In Patients With Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Using Lactobacillus-Containing Cultured Milk Drink and published in Clinical Gastroenterology in 2018, demonstrated the efficacy of two probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus paracasei which are found in Vitagen, to have a positive impact on gut health and the immune system.

Statistically speaking, 96% of respondents showed significant improvement in relieving constipation while 45% of respondents required a shorter time to defecate. The study also showed that by consuming the probiotics contained in Vitagen, the body produces less pro-inflammatory chemicals, which reduces inflammation and enhances the immune system.

Reality Check To Managing Our Lifestyles

It goes without saying that living a healthy lifestyle is our single best defence against harmful bacteria and viruses. Every part of the body can benefit from a healthy diet, sufficient sleep and a positive, stress-free environment all of which help promote a stronger immune system that stems from the gut.

Malaysians are constantly surrounded by unhealthy food options, so it is crucial to boost gut health with probiotics and foods that will naturally help build up our immune systems. Photo: Cotra Enterprise Sdn Bhd

However, it is not always easy to stay healthy. We are all guilty of excessively eating unhealthy foods, sometimes on a regular basis. Add a sedentary lifestyle to the mix and it is likely that you are increasing your risk of developing various digestive disorders or diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and many non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and heart disease.

For many, the pandemic is a wake-up call to start taking health seriously. We need to stop abusing our bodies and start boosting our gut health with probiotics and foods that will naturally help build up our immune systems.

Daily consumption of probiotics is easy with Vitagen. It is delicious to drink and contains billions of live probiotic cultures that are clinically proven to be beneficial to gut health. It is recommended that you take at least two bottles of Vitagen daily for best results.

Vitagen contains two beneficial probiotic strains to boost gut health and help prevent disease. Photo: Cotra Enterprise Sdn Bhd

This new normal that we are facing may last for quite some time. We have all been inundated with enough information on the seriousness of this pandemic, but how many of us are actually doing something about it from a health standpoint? We need to ponder this question.

In every crisis, there is opportunity. We have two options: one is to go back to our old, unhealthy ways and take life for granted. The second is to re-evaluate our habits and cultivate new, healthy ones that will stay with us for life. Without our health, we are nothing, and that is something that should never be taken for granted.

For more information, visit vitagen.com.my.

Read the original post:
Taking Care Of Your Gut Is Key To Stronger Immunity - The Star Online

‘I raised hell’: how people worldwide answered the call of World Oceans Day – The Guardian

Posted on by

World Oceans Day, which took place on Monday, is marked by hundreds of beach cleans andevents globally. Despite Covid-19 restrictions, environmentalists and readers from around the world shared how they are continuing to work to protect the ocean, and told us about the local marine issues that matter to them.

Steve Trott,58,projects manager at Watamu Marine Association

Our association is based in one of Africas oldest marine protected areas: the Watamu National Marine Park. One of our major concerns is plastic pollution. Plastic bags and materials are ingested by endangered sea turtles, which mistake them for jellyfish. Plastic also pollutes the sand, making it unsuitable for turtles to nest on the protected marine park beaches, which are some of the most important nesting sites in Kenya.

Over the past 10 years in Watamu we have created a circular economy, employing local people to clean beaches and providing work for plastic recyclers. On World Ocean Day we cleaned our marine park beach with the Kenya Wildlife Service and 100 local community members, who will receive an income to help them support their families during these difficult Covid-19 times. We collected just under 1,000kg of waste in one day.

Volunteer, 25, working with Anam Prem Parivar group

Our group Anam Prem (which means Anonymous Love) has been carrying out activities with local fishing communities. Commercial fishing has caused major shockwaves to traditional fishing communities in India. Most members of our group are based in Mumbai, which still houses traditional fishing communities in the midst of bustling trade and commerce.

On account of Covid-19, restrictions are in place for group gatherings. But on World Oceans Day our members living near the sea visited in small numbers and offered prayers, at the same time spreading awareness about the oceans and involving local fisher communities.

Gill Williams, 58, underwater photographer

I spend almost every day in the waters around Skye, photographing what I see, good or bad. I spent World Oceans Day painting a picture of one of my images. For me, this peaceful kingdom needs protection from the human race who are doing so much damage to it. The oceans are the planets controlling factor: you lose the health of the oceans, you lose our planet.

I worry about the fish farms around the coast of Scotland. I was in the water only a few days ago and was immediately faced with a wall of green slurry as a result of practices at the nearby fish farm. We have a seal colony here. How are these creatures being affected by toxic waste and the underwater crow scarers going off all the time?

Richard Marsh, 59, retired scuba operation manager

Jamaica was made from coral, it is what made the beaches, the white sand. The reefs are still damaged from Hurricane Allen in 1980. Algae-eating fish have been over-caught, theres not many left, and the algae is overgrown. I am concerned about deforestation, a lot of which is caused by agriculture, especially young trees being cut down to make yam sticks (yams grow on a vine which is supported by the sticks). This causes the soil to erode and flow into the water, which kills the corals.

I grew up near the ocean and studied marine ecology before working in the scuba industry. I stopped diving after I had a car accident, but it would be depressing to go back to it now: theres less fish, more algae, less coral, less life. I am about to start a land-based coral nursery in a tank to help rehabilitate the reef nearby, at the White River fish sanctuary. Is there a global movement to protect the oceans? Id like to think so.

Kyoko Harukawa, 52, eco-tour guide and co-founder of Miyakojima Sea Environmental Network

The amount of coastal garbage is terrible on the north-east coast of Miyako island, Okinawa. Most of the marine garbage here drifts from overseas from China, Korea, Taiwan or south-east Asian countries due to the Kuroshio current. Therefore, local people blame foreigners for bad behaviour.

However, in fact, local people are throwing a lot of rubbish into the sea and they dont know this garbage flows to the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean. As the sea has no borders, it connects people all over the world. Both treasures and trash flows along the coast. We organise marine observations on Ikema island or at a mangrove area to mark World Oceans Day each year to raise awareness.

Marion Casey, 66, English teacher at Austevoll Vidaregande Skule

I work in a maritime school, an hour by catamaran ferry from Bergen. Most of the students are between 16 and 19 and the school trains them for work on fishing boats and supply boats. Some will eventually become captains and ship officers, others are doing qualifications to work on fish farms. For me the sea is a place to relax, a means of travelling round the country, and a way of earning a living for my students.

Usually on World Oceans Day the school borrows many small boats and the 140 or so students are distributed among them and each boat cleans a series of beaches and inlets. It is horrendous what we find.We couldnt have the whole school out because of Covid-19 restrictions this year, but some students went out to clear rubbish from the little islands near our school.

Ana*, 30

During the war years in 90s Croatia, the sea was a reliable source of nutritious food for my family and, equally important, a source of an awful lot of fun for us kids. I will always be thankful for that. There are fishermen in my family. I saw first-hand how sustainable fishing, with small wooden boats and rudimentary equipment, works. I grew up swimming and diving on Makarska Riviera and as a child I used to regularly see lots of fish, starfish, seahorses, seagrass, corals, crustaceans, sea cucumbers.

Unfortunately, there is nothing to see now. The extension of beach areas by throwing soil, building material and stones into coastal waters has been going on for years along the entire Dalmatian coast and has led to the disappearance of sea life in shallow underwater areas. Its a treatment known as dohrana plae (feeding the beach). I pity younger generations who most probably will never have the joy of enjoying the sea the way I did. Wherever I go, I always miss the Adriatic.

Dennis Kimberley, 78, retired professor

I live on iceberg alley. I see first-hand the large increase in the loss of sea ice and what it means for humanity. I see first-hand the loss of polar bear habitat. I see the arrival of birds and sea animals that arent native to our environment. Very scary. We use the term snowmageddon to refer to the recent exceptionally dangerous and record-breaking snow falls. The ocean here is a source of life and employment, as well as of striking beauty. I celebrated it by visiting the ocean at the weekend and thanking my close fisher friends who fish sustainably.

Elke Sauter Ortiz, 32, geo-data specialist at Space4Good

Together with the Mothership team, we just finished the Big Blue Mission, a coding project dedicated to exploring the worlds coastal ecosystems and fragile ocean environments using satellite technologies and AI. Coder teams developed solutions for: spotting ocean sedimentation on coral reefs, developing a monitoring system to detect sand theft on beaches or dredging by boat, and improving flood prediction mapping.

Playa Samara, Costa Rica, is a second home for me and my family. Being able to bring groups of people together to contribute their coding skills to conserve to a space close to my heart is as rewarding of a job as it can get.

Lani*, 29, conservation coordinator

My biggest concern for environmental protection is the inequality in society. We can not effectively engage with global communities and ask for their help in this fight to save our planet when many wake up every day worrying about their basic human rights. I live in a place where the natural resources are exploited by visitors and left degraded and unusable for the native people of these islands. Subsistence fishing is their birthright; the degradation of the marine environment is a violation of this right.

On World Oceans Day my organisation took part in an in-water scuba clean of our reefs. The debris collected will be counted and catalogued. I also took part in a dawn patrol, which is a fancy way of saying I walked the beach really early in the morning to look for evidence of nesting turtles in an effort to ensure the safety of the nests and maximum return of turtles to the sea. Its weird to see it so empty here on the island because of the lack of tourism right now.

Jos Truda Palazzo Jr, 56, marine conservation writer and consultant

I am deeply concerned that Brazil is abandoning its responsibility as steward of an immense area of the south Atlantic Ocean. Over the last few decades, and thanks mainly to civil society mobilisation, Brazil has taken an active role in ending whaling, supporting protection for endangered marine species, promoting the concept of a global agreement for biodiversity conservation beyond national jurisdiction and establishing several marine protected areas (MPAs).

The current government, unfortunately, has abandoned all these gains. It sees environmental issues as a globalist plot and has halted proper implementation and enforcement of our MPAs. The world needs to wake up to this as well as to the destruction of the Amazon. I celebrated World Oceans Day by continuing to raise hell for policymakers. I want my grandson to be able to enjoy a healthy, living ocean as part of his generations well-being and natural heritage.

Andr Amaro, 50, artist

My art studio looks over Lisbon to the north and the mighty sandbanks of Tria to the south. I collect ocean plastics and make clothing, interiors and art pieces. My artwork is about the profound choice we as humanity make for comfortable living, with no regard to the Earth we live on. I collect the waste in Tria, and on the amazing beaches on the peninsula just south of Lisbon their beauty is astonishing. On World Oceans Day I worked on a new art piece made from ocean plastics.

Asma Hamad, 34, assistant biology lecturer at the State University of Zanzibar

The major concern here is mangrove degradation mangroves are targeted by local people for production of charcoal and firewood. Many people think of the consumptive value of mangrove, they are forgetting that there would be no fish or crabs without them.Mangroves protect us from strong waves, storms and erosion. We are vulnerable to the rise in sea level the impact is already evident in many places of the island.

To me the ocean is an identity, you cannot talk about islanders life without touching on the role of the ocean. I volunteer with Zanzibar Volunteers for Environmental Conservation and wecleaned Uzi beach on Monday to mark World Oceans Day.

Gerard Neil, 49, social enterprise manager

Our activism focuses on synthetic fishing rope used in industry. There are 75,000 people employed in fisheries in Canada and almost all use synthetic plastic rope, which breaks down to micro-particles and is the greatest pollutant in local waters. We advocate a return to natural fibre rope to greatly reduce ocean micro-plastics and to limit modern fishing methods and the weight that monster trawlers can pull (natural rope would break at those weights), promoting sustainable practices.

We hand tie and sell wits (rope formed into a circle, used to hold oars to boat thole-pins or to form the entrance to lobster pots), using the money to direct attention to our cause. On World Oceans Day we once again made an effort to focus attention to this cause.

*Names have been changed

Read more:
'I raised hell': how people worldwide answered the call of World Oceans Day - The Guardian

Mental Health: Depression Can Negatively Affect Your Body In These Possible Ways – NDTV Doctor

Posted on by

Mental health: Depression can affect your overall health in various ways. This mental health issue can worsen the symptoms of several health issues and also increase the risk of certain diseases. Here's the effect of depression on your health in different ways.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that needs medical attention

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect your body and overall health in various ways. It is a persistent feeling of sadness and lack of interest. Depression can make you feel worse at times. Many are not aware of the different adverse effects of depression on the body. Not just your mental health, depression can affect your physical health too in various ways. This mental health issue can worsen the symptoms of several health issues and also increase the risk of certain diseases. Here you will understand how depression is harmful to your overall and just your mental health.

The effect of depression is different on every person. Some might experience increased hunger while others may notice reduced hunger. Weight gain and weight loss are two possible consequences of depression.

Depression may lead to weight lossPhoto Credit: iStock

Research published in 2010 suggests that depression is linked with inflammation and change in immunity. Some may also experience unexplained pain and aches.

Also read:Know What To Eat And Avoid To Fight Inflammation Effectively

Depression affects the factors which can lead to heart disease risks like poor lifestyle and diet. Someone with depression is more likely to follow an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Also read:Breakfast Options You Must Try For A Healthy Heart

Stress, depression and low mood can worsen the symptoms of chronic health conditions. You must talk to your doctor and explain the symptoms you are experiencing.

Depression may worsen symptoms of chronic conditionsPhoto Credit: iStock

People with depression also report digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea, constipation and vomiting. These can happen sure to change in daily schedule and eating habits due to depression.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that requires timely treatment. You must seek medical health before it starts affecting your life.

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.

Go here to read the rest:
Mental Health: Depression Can Negatively Affect Your Body In These Possible Ways - NDTV Doctor

HEALTHY LIVING Ahoy! Summer fun boating on the water – Port Arthur News – The Port Arthur News

Posted on by

Its summertime! Lots of folks are heading to the lakes, rivers, and the beach for fun on the water.

Boating is a great way to have fun and spend time with your children or grandchildren. Its important to establish some boating safety rules and procedures that will help reduce the chance of trouble or injury during your excursion.

Also, if youngsters are joining you, there are a few features to consider for your boat:

Also, the U.S. Coast Guard warns about a condition called boaters fatigue, which means that the wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat all combine to wear you down when youre on the water.

Finally, stay aware anytime you are even near the water, especially with children. Its amazing how fast a child can get away from you and get themselves into a dangerous situation. When preparing this column, I was told of a family that lost their child due to it falling between the dock and the boat and getting caught under the boat. Dont let a fun outing turn into a tragedy. Be prepared, stay vigilant, but by all means, enjoy yourself, your family, and your boat.

Summer is here, have a great time with family and friends. Stay safe and stay healthy, my friends.

Jody Holton writes about health in The Port Arthur News. She can be reached at jholton3@gt.rr.com.

More:
HEALTHY LIVING Ahoy! Summer fun boating on the water - Port Arthur News - The Port Arthur News

Covid-19 lockdown has negatively impacted kids diet, sleep and physical activity: Study – The Indian Express

Posted on by

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Published: June 9, 2020 8:50:37 pm The study also found that children and adolescents fain more weight during the summer vacation than during the school year. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Ever since coronavirus took over the world, mankind has been living under a lockdown. For almost two months, countries have gone under strictly restricted movement phase-wise, disrupting the normal lifestyle of people and this has impacted the health of many children negatively. The tragic COVID-19 pandemic has collateral effects extending beyond direct viral infection, said Myles Faith, PhD, childhood obesity expert and co-author of the study.

According to a study published in University at Buffalo research, they have examined 41 overweight children under confinement throughout March and April in Verona, Italy. They studied the behaviour pattern of children during the lockdown and compared it with their previous pattern. According to the study, the children slept an extra half hour per day, spent nearly five hours per day in front of the screen and dramatically increased their consumption of red meat, sugary drinks and junk foods. Their physical activity decreased drastically,

The study was led by Steven Heymsfield, MD, professor at the Louisiana State University Pennington Biomedical Research Center; and Angelo Pietrobelli, MD, professor at the University of Verona in Italy. Children and teens struggling with obesity are placed in an unfortunate position of isolation that appears to create an unfavourable environment for maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviours, added Faith.

The study also found that children and adolescents gain more weight during the summer vacation than during the school year. The researchers surveyed around 41 children and teenagers with obesity in Verona, Italy. Recognising these adverse collateral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown is critical in avoiding the depreciation of hard-fought weight control efforts among youths afflicted with excess weight, commented Faith, chair and professor of counselling, school and educational psychology in the UB Graduate School of Education.

Reportedly, this lifestyle data of children and teenagers regarding diet, activity, and sleep was collected three weeks into Italys mandatory national lockdown and compared to data on the children gathered in 2019. School environments provide structure and routine around mealtimes, physical activity and sleep three predominant lifestyle factors implicated in obesity risk, said Faith.

Depending on the duration of the lockdown, the excess weight gained may not be easily reversible and might contribute to obesity during adulthood if healthier behaviours are not re-established. This is because childhood and adolescent obesity tend to track over time and predict weight status as adults, said Faith.

The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Lifestyle News, download Indian Express App.

IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

View original post here:
Covid-19 lockdown has negatively impacted kids diet, sleep and physical activity: Study - The Indian Express

Press Release: Eastern Oregon Healthy Living Alliance Receives Oregon Community Recovery Fund Grant – The Lund Report

Posted on by

The Lund Report is offering this coverage for free to better inform the public at this difficult time. But we need your support to help us stretch our resources. Please sign up for a tax-deductible premium subscription or consider making a donation. That is also tax deductible because we're a 501(c)(3) organization.

Eastern Oregon Healthy Living Alliance (EOHLA) announced today that it has been awarded a $24,000 grant from the Oregon Community Recovery Fund to support a regional response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). This funding supports the work EOHLA, Nutrition Oregon Campaign, Oregon Food Bank, and Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization (EOCCO) have under way to support food access during the pandemic by expanding available fruits and vegetables through existing Veggie Rx programs in Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Harney, Wallowa, and Malheur counties; increasing the local volunteer base by developing and maintaining an Eastern Oregon Mutual Aid Network; and supporting local food pantries in need.

Philanthropic partners, businesses and individuals across the state have taken quick action with contributions to the Oregon Community Recovery Fund. The fund, established by many partners throughout Oregon, and hosted by the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), was established in March to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak. Resources are prioritized where and when they are critically needed, with a focus on Oregons most vulnerable populations.

Eastern Oregon Healthy Living Alliance (EOHLA) is part of the Nutrition Oregon Campaign, a statewide campaign grounded in the science of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) that shows the relationship between early life environment, including nutrition, and lifelong chronic disease risk, and how that risk is passed from one generation to the next. The campaign, which is a program of OHSUs Moore Institute, uses education, advocacy and capacity building to address chronic disease risk at the community level. DOHaD research has shown us the long-term, multigenerational health impacts of a dramatic change in nutrition access among populations, as well as the health impacts of poor nutrition before and during pregnancy and in the earliest years of life.

We are at a moment when we can see access to food quickly slipping away from many in our communities, including those who were already living on the edge said Kent Thornburg, Ph.D., Director of the OHSU Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition & Wellness.Now is the time to find strategies to mutually benefit all organizations dedicated to improving the health of our communities. EOHLA is an example of an organization who cares enough to take action. More than ever we cant do this work alone.

Prior to the pandemic, Eastern Oregon communities struggled with food access. A community health assessment conducted by the EOCCO indicates that there are 26,180 people in Eastern Oregon who are food insecure with higher food insecurity rates than Oregon statewide in eight of twelve Eastern Oregon counties including Grant, Baker, Harney, Lake, Sherman, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler counties. Food insecurity, a social determinant of health that can impact overall health, including obesity and chronic disease, is a regional health priority within EOCCOs Regional Community Health Improvement Plan. The 2010-13 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) indicates an average of 31.1% of adults in Eastern Oregon are obese as compared to Oregon 26.9%.

Anyone may contribute to the Oregon Community Recovery Fund. Donations are accepted online. Nonprofit organizations working to respond to this crisis can review funding guidelines and apply for grants on the OCF website.

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) puts donated money to work in Oregon more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. For more than 45 years, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful givingtime, talent and resources from many generous Oregonianscreates measurable change.

For more information about OCF, please visit: http://www.oregoncf.orgFor more information about the EOHLA, please visit: http://www.eohla.org

Read the rest here:
Press Release: Eastern Oregon Healthy Living Alliance Receives Oregon Community Recovery Fund Grant - The Lund Report

Healthy Living: Its OK to be anxious about things reopening – Q13 News Seattle

Posted on by

Please enable Javascript to watch this video

SEATTLE -- We are finally reaching a point where we are seeing counties reopen. We are able to get back to some of the activities we enjoy. Some people may feel the changes are coming too late, while others think it is too soon.

Dr. Jim Polo is the Behavioral Health Medical Director with Regence, and he says change creates stress, and because this kind of change is complex as we go through phased recommendations, there is still a lot of uncertainty.

The pandemic isnt over. Theres still the risk that you can get infected and if you do get infected we dont know if that gives you immunity and we still dont quite have a vaccine," he says.

So what are some of the things you can do to handle uncertainty?

Dr. Polo says stay up to date on the recommendations and remember that the recommendations in your city or county may not be the same for somebody else.

Next, dont try to make sense of the recommendations. Dr. Polo says you may not like them, but follow them. the recommendations were made with your health in mind.

Next, set reasonable expectations.

Remember that there are going to be slow changes with phased recommendations over time. It will be a while before restaurants are fully operating at full capacity and you may not be enjoying the movies like you used to before. It might be some time before we can go to live football games or baseball games or basketball games, so set realistic expectations that there are still gonna be some things that you wont be able to enjoy.

Finally, Dr. Polo says its OK to grieve that you have lost some of your freedom. It is okay to recognize that youre disappointed and that you are going to be adjusting to a new reality.

You can take advantage of some things that will help you adjust into that new normal," he says.

Dr. Polo says routine is really important, as a routine can help create structure. Next, focus on the things you can control. You can also setup time to connect with people you can fully engage with like family and friends. Maybe you fill some of your time by taking up a new hobby.

Finally, Dr. Polo says there are the standards they recommend for good health, and that is to eat well, exercise and get adequate sleep.

See the rest here:
Healthy Living: Its OK to be anxious about things reopening - Q13 News Seattle

Healthy YOU Vending Promotes Workplace WellnessDuring Global Employee Health and Fitness Month – PR Web

Posted on by

Healthy snacks provide a boost of energy, anytime and anywhere.

SALT LAKE CITY (PRWEB) May 20, 2020

Global Employee Health and Fitness Month (GEHFM) is observed every May throughout the world to raise awareness of and promote health and fitness in the workplace. Employers and employees everywhere are encouraged to show their commitment to healthy living by participating in GEHFM.

Since the founding of the initiative in 1989 by the National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF), there has been increasing evidence of the value of investing in employee health. Employers realize that investing in workplace wellness programs is essential to managing health care costs, improving productivity and boosting employee morale. Indeed, its a critical component of any organizations human capital management.

Employers and employees can sign up to participate in this years GEHFM by visiting the programs website. Participants are asked to prepare a healthy meal, organize walks and bike rides or get involved with a clean-up day in their community. And these workplace initiatives shouldnt be exclusive to the month of May. Rather, people are asked to carry the healthy habits gained during the month throughout their lives.

According to the website, 28,575 people across 6,621 companies and organizations have participated in GEHFM. Along with a commitment to exercise and eat right, participants are asked to get involved on the initiatives Facebook and Twitter accounts to show their progress and encourage others to take action.

Anyone, regardless of participation in the event, can get resources on the GEHFM website to help them live healthier lives. Available information includes resources to get enough sleep, ways to improve overall health, tips for exercising and more.

Healthy YOU Vending helps provide convenient access to wholesome snacks, drinks and entres. And there has never been a more important time than now to offer healthy choices to busy employees. During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, having convenient access to healthy options in the workplace can keep employees safe and productive.

Healthy eating is such an important part of living a wholesome lifestyle, said Healthy YOU Vendings Director of Operator Services, Jill Navidomskis. Were happy to be a part of providing healthy options that are convenient, safe and sought after in this increasingly health-conscious world. And some of our operators are now offering those essential pieces of PPE to navigate our new normal such as face masks, hand sanitizer and gloves in their machines.

###

Healthy YOU Vending is the world leader in the healthy vending industry. With corporate offices in Kaysville, Utah, the Healthy YOU Vending team is dedicated to making healthier snacks, drinks and food products more accessible to people across North America. All company vending equipment is privately manufactured in the United States at a state-of-the-art facility. Owner/Operator opportunities for serious-minded and health-conscious entrepreneurs are currently available in most states.

Share article on social media or email:

More:
Healthy YOU Vending Promotes Workplace WellnessDuring Global Employee Health and Fitness Month - PR Web

Peter Alfond Foundation endows $48 million dollars for community health in the Kennebec Valley – WABI

Posted on by

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - The Peter Alfond Foundation has made a $48 million investment to support community health in the Kennebec Valley region.

A $40 million endowment will allow MaineGeneral Health to support preventive health programs, including the expansion of services for the newly renamed 'Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center.'

The center provides free and low cost classes on healthy cooking, physical activity, and more.

It will also provide for a team of community health workers who will go to worksites and other locations to provide services.

MaineGeneral Health administration noted the funding comes at a critical time, allowing them to focus operational dollars on COVID-19 response without neglecting community health initiatives.

Another eight-million dollar endowment will go to the Alfond Youth and Community Center in Waterville.

Barbara Crowley, MD, Peter Alfond Foundation Endowment Leader for MaineGeneral Health says it's a gift that will continue long into the future.

"We'll take five percent a year, and if we're good stewards of this money, it will go on for generations. So what we start here today will matter for three and four and five generations. So I feel very lucky to have this opportunity. This community is very lucky, and we are very grateful to the children of Peter Alfond."

Ken Walsh, CEO of the Alfond Youth & Community Center says the endowment is going to make a huge difference."This gift will continue to cement our relationship with MaineGeneral Health and bring the best practices of wellness to central Maine."

The Peter Alfond Foundation also provided ten million dollars in endowments to the Boys & Girls Club of Puerto Rico and two million dollars to the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative in Massachusetts.

Read more:
Peter Alfond Foundation endows $48 million dollars for community health in the Kennebec Valley - WABI

Healthy Living Expert offers advice on diet, vitamins to stay healthy – Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW)

Posted on by

(WEHT) Seeking comfort in junk food is common, but its not the best way to fortify your body to fight off COVID-19. Dr. Jason West is an integrative medical physician and fourth generation owner of the West Clinic in Idaho.Dr. West joined Eyewitness News Brandon Bartlett to talk about vitamins and healthy food options for your immune system.

Transcription

Brandon Bartlett: Dr. West, thanks for being with us tonight. First off when it comes to staying healthy, should we be focusing on our immune system? And if so, are there any supplements that we should be taking?

Dr. West: Absolutely, there are. I think this is a wake up call for everyone to get your immune system dialed in. And I think the most important ones are the ones that grandma and your mom tell you about, you know, vitamin C, about 3000 milligrams is some recommendations, vitamin A, vitamin D, about 10,000 units, 30 milligrams of zinc. I mean, if we just could focus on those, and dont forget essential fatty acids because they protect the cell. Theres a lot we can do besides just social distancing.

Brandon: And of course, eating healthy also plays a very big role. Lets say that Ive had fast food most days this week, if Im going to the grocery store this weekend, and I do want to buy some healthy items, what should I be putting in my cart?

Dr. West: Well, the first thing thing I tell people is you should eat healthy and alive foods and only eat foods that spoil, just eat it before it spoils. So anything plant based vegetables, fruits, I think are so good for you the best source of vitamins and minerals are your knife and fork.

Brandon: We should be having vegetables every day. Is that right?

Dr. West: Absolutely. You know, I tell people just hold up your hand. Theres about a serving size right there in the back of your hand. Just try and get, you know, four to five of those a day of healthy plant matter. And youre beating the curve, youre so much healthier than most people that dont eat very well.

Brandon: Well, for those of us who work and want to bring healthy lunches to work, what are some easy lunches that we can make to bring to stay healthy?

Dr. West: Well, just you know, celery, carrots, raw nuts. I tell people all the time pecans are great. Walnuts are great. And really just fruits, oranges, apples, bananas. I think animal protein has a place for it. Although most Americans eat too much meat. But if you could just focus on healthy, alive, colorful foods, it cant be Skittles or Starburst, it has to come from a plant, youre going to be doing really well.

Brandon: Well, theres a lot of buzz about probiotics, are they helpful? And what should we look for when choosing one?

Dr. West: Well, probiotics help to synthesize vitamins that you cant make from the foods that you put into your system. And so theyre incredibly important. Theyre good bacteria for our system, and fermented foods, sauerkraut, kimchi, buttermilk, yogurt are all really, really healthy to keep your gut healthy, and it helps your gut to make vitamins that you cant make yourself.

Brandon: Are there any foods that we should be avoiding? You mentioned Skittles, which is kind of disappointing.

Dr. West: It is and I have to say as a former Skittle addict that Ive recovered from that, but foods that you shouldnt eat are inflammatory foods. And so I tell people that you know, theres a reason why sugar and high fructose corn syrup tastes so good because its not good for us. But that doesnt mean you cant have healthy foods that tastes good. Honey, fruits, stevia, theres lots of things that taste good but avoid inflammatory foods and white sugar because it decreases your immune systems response to bad guys.

Brandon: So the bottom line with everything thats going on right now, should we be focused on our health?

Dr. West: Absolutely, I mean, and its so simple, get your body on a schedule, get lots of water in your system. water helps to lubricate your mucous membranes so viruses cant attach, healthy and alive foods, some green, some red, some yellow, eat foods that spoil, just eat them before they spoil, I mean, just really good rules of health. Itll really protect your system because eventually were all going to get exposed to this virus. I mean, if the data is correct, its coming our way. If your immune system is healthy, youre not going to have problems.

Brandon: So we need to fight back?

Dr. West: We got to fight back. Its time to go on the offensive and say, look, Im taking back my health. Eat healthy and alive. Get your body on a schedule with vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc. Good things are going to happen for you.

Brandon: All right, great information. Thank you so much for joining us tonight. I appreciate it. Thank you. See you later.

Latest News:

Continue reading here:
Healthy Living Expert offers advice on diet, vitamins to stay healthy - Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW)

HEALTHY LIVING How long is too long in the fridge? – Port Arthur News – The Port Arthur News

Posted on by

Lets go look in your refrigerator. Is it packed so full that to put one more thing in you have to rearrange at least two shelves? When is the last time you cleaned it out? Has it been more than three months, or more than six months? I knew a woman that would either cook or buy food and then eat from it until it was gone, and sometimes that might take a week or more. Yes, even potato salad. UGH!

Healthy living includes putting fresh, high quality fuel into your body. Lets take a peek inside your fridge and see whats in there. Food poisoning and foodborne pathogens like listeria, salmonella and E. coli are real risks, but knowing how long to keep and when to throw away food can be tricky. Make sure you arent throwing good food away, but make very sure you arent putting yourself at risk by keeping something around too long.

For starters, its important to understand what the dates on the food labels really mean.

EXPIRATION: These are safety dates that are usually found on fresh foods like deli meats, or even dry goods like infant formula. If you use food past that date, there is a risk for foodborne illness.

BEST IF USED BY: These dates indicate when a foods quality or freshness may start to deteriorate. The product may not taste as good as it did earlier but its not necessarily going to be unsafe.

SELL BY: Manufacturers put these dates on products so stores know how long to display a food. Never buy food if the sell by date has expired, but if you have it at home past the date, its probably OK. What really matters is if the food was properly stored and at the right temperature in the store and at home.

For fruits and vegetables, always look for mold, bruises or damage. You can usually keep uncut produce for a few weeks, but once its been cut, refrigerate it and eat it within three to four days.

For milk, cheese, eggs and yogurt, discard these after the date on the package and dont store them on the door where its warmer. Milk should be OK to drink 7 to 10 days after the sell-by date as long as you keep it cold. Soft cheeses are OK to eat up to a week, while hard cheeses can stay good for three or four weeks. You can also freeze cheese for up to six months. Uncooked eggs can be refrigerated for three to five weeks.

For meat and chicken, raw, ground meat and fresh poultry can stay in the refrigerator for one to two days, while other cuts can stay three to five days. Ground meat can stay frozen for one to two months, while chicken, steak, or roasts can be frozen six months or more. You can defrost meat up to a day in the refrigerator.

Fish and seafood should be cooked within one or two days and can be frozen for three to six months. Fatty fish like salmon have a shorter freezer life than lean fish like cod.

Discard leftovers within three to four days or freeze them up to three months. Keep them for only three to four days in the fridge. No exceptions.

A funny smell isnt always a true indicator. Bacterially compromised food doesnt always look or smell bad.

I know what you are going to say: But using leftovers past a week has never made me sick! Really? That is quite a gamble, and is it really smart to gamble with your health?

Now, go clean out that fridge!

Jody Holton writes about health and wellness for The Port Arthur News. She can be reached at jholton3@gt.rr.com

Go here to read the rest:
HEALTHY LIVING How long is too long in the fridge? - Port Arthur News - The Port Arthur News

Packing on pandemic pounds and how to turn it around – Boston Herald

Posted on by

If youve gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic, you arent alone. The Quarantine 15 referring to weight gain some people have experienced since stay-at-home guidelines went into effect is likely due to a disruption in daily routine and habits.

Peoples habits have changed quite a bit since were spending more time at home, said Dr. Donald Hensrud, medical director of Mayo Clinics Healthy Living Program. And those changes in habits can lead to health and medical issues down the road.

Now, I want to make a point, for some people getting enough food, getting enough calories and maintaining weight may be an issue, Hensrud said. Some people may have to worry about maintaining their weight not unintentionally losing weight. But for many of us, our habits have changed.

Change in movement

For example, people think about exercise right away, and they should, Hensrud said. Fitness centers are closed, people may be doing less exercise and burning less calories through activity that way. What people dont think quite as much about though is low-level activity throughout the day. Even if we have a desk job, we have to walk at least to our car to get to work. We may walk throughout the day; we may walk to lunch. And, so, for spending time at home, that low-level activity may be causing us to burn fewer overall calories.

Consuming more calories

We may be consuming more calories. On the good side, were eating out less at restaurants. Sometimes that can be high-calorie. We still may be taking takeout at home, so there might be a little bit of a good thing there, a decrease in calories. However, many people are stocking up frozen foods and processed foods that have a long shelf life. Many times, theyre higher in calories and less healthy. On the flip side, for example, fruits and vegetables. They dont last as long, and we may be consuming less of them. There are a number of reasons why we might be at risk for weight gain through our habits that have changed, both in burning activity and in consuming more calories, Hensrud said.

Why weight gain matters

A few pounds short term may not make a difference. It could be fluid. It might be just a little weight gain while we establish new routines. Obviously, the more weight we gain and the longer its maintained, the more it affects our health, Hensrud said. For children, for example, its been shown that childrens weight tracks to some extent. If children establish those habits, or lack of healthy habits when theyre young and they gain weight, that might persist as they go into adolescence and adulthood.

Similarly, with adults, as we maintain those habits, if we can establish a new routine, the longer this goes on, then we can arrest that weight gain and try and maintain a normal weight. Its more important for some people than others. For example, people who have diabetes or high blood pressure. Just a modest amount of weight gain in some people, if theyre sensitive to that, can increase their blood glucose and blood pressure, and they wont have as good control over these factors, over these conditions. So, it depends on the individual, it depends on their health conditions, and it depends on long-term habits or routines, Hensrud said.

Establish new habits

With all habits, it takes time to establish them, so everybody is getting accustomed to this new normal. Id encourage people to establish those new healthy habits now. You have to be a little proactive about this, and thatll make it easier in the long term. Break out of your comfort zone, Hensrud said.

Instead of giving in to large amounts of comfort food, this can be an opportunity to take foods that we may not think of as healthy you can make burritos, bean burritos or even pizza. If you make it in the correct way, it can be a healthy food. Invest some time. Planning is a real key here if you plan ahead rather than just grabbing something at the last moment. Try and raise your culinary skills and do a little bit more cooking. Its an opportunity for that, too. So, if we can embrace this, embrace our new normal, look for opportunities to establish new healthy routines.

Eating healthy and eating well dont have to be drudgery. It can and should be an enjoyable way to live. And if we can do that, then we can better manage our weight and our overall health during this pandemic, Hensrud said.

Read more:
Packing on pandemic pounds and how to turn it around - Boston Herald

Song Seung Heon Shows His Healthy Lifestyle On Jeju Island In Home Alone (I Live Alone) Appearance – soompi

Posted on by

Actor Song Seung Heon appeared as a special guest on the latest episode of MBCs Home Alone (I Live Alone)!

Inhis first interview, Song Seung Heon said, I am happy to beappearing on the show and I hope that Ill have lots of fun today. I heard it was the shows 7th anniversary recently, so I prepared a cake. He sang a congratulatory song, earning the praise of the female cast members like Park Na Rae, Jang Do Yeon, an Han Hye Jin.

Song Seung Heon is currently living on Jeju Island to work on his upcoming drama, Shall We Have Dinner Tonight? He said, Ive been living alone for 10 years. Iam filming a drama right now on Jeju Island, so Im staying here for now. The water is clear, the air is fresh, and Ive never lived so close to the sea before.

Song Seung Heon started off his day by stretching and going out for a jog. He expressed admiration for the fresh air on Jeju and said, Its been a while since I ran with the ocean as my backdrop. I really like it. Returning to his temporary lodgings, he immediately replenished his fluids. When asked if this helped him maintain clear skin, he replied, Im not trying to drink a lot of water on purpose. Im just thirsty.

The actor continued to work out at home and said, If I dont exercise, then my condition becomes poor. I try to fit it in whenever I have time. Even at home, I try to do a little exercise. Talking to himself, he said, How much do you have to exercise? Constantly? You always have to exercise.

When asked about tips for maintaining health, he said, I stopped smokingalmost15 years ago. The best thing I ever did in my life was to stop smoking. When I look at the people around me, its obvious that there is a difference between people who smoke and people who dont.It seems like those who smoke age faster.

Song Seung Seon also showed the benefits of a healthy diet. He drank a protein shake with honey, kelp powder, kale powder,nonipowder, grain powder, and broccoli powder. He explained, Its hard to boil and blanch the ingredients every time. On top of this, he had a salad, a fried egg, and toast.

The actor then impressed the cast members by grinding his own coffee while listening to ballad music, making them comment, Its like hes filming a coffee commercial.

Check outan episode of Home Alone below!

Watch Now

Source (1)

How does this article make you feel?

See original here:
Song Seung Heon Shows His Healthy Lifestyle On Jeju Island In Home Alone (I Live Alone) Appearance - soompi

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, the role of public health workers is unrecognized – The Conversation CA

Posted on by

The recent One World: Together at Home virtual concert brought together musical talent from around the world to thank front-line health workers, and raised about US$128 million to support COVID-19 response efforts globally. Celebrities and politicians thanked those on the front lines of the response, including health-care workers and scientists working on COVID-19, those working in the food supply chain, as well as sanitation, delivery and mail workers.

However, nobody acknowledged all the people in public health agencies who have been working tirelessly during this crisis. This includes public health nurses and physicians, health inspectors and educators, laboratory technicians, epidemiologists and statisticians.

These are the people who work in the background to keep us healthy. They process the tests that identify who has the disease. They produce the statistics and models that track how the disease is progressing through our countries.

Read more: Predicting possible outcomes to coronavirus and other pandemics with models and simulations

The lack of acknowledgement doesnt surprise me. The work of public health is invisible, largely unrecognized by society. Despite increases to general spending on medical services, public health agencies are regularly subjected to budget cuts.

I say this not just as a disgruntled public health specialist, upset to see my colleagues overlooked. There is something much more significant about our societys fixation on front-line health care and medical approaches to disease management.

For the past century we have medicalized disease prevention and management for both infectious and chronic diseases. We focus on early detection and treatment (known as screening) and therapies (chemoprophylaxis) for disease prevention. Such medical models run counter to what is known as population health.

In a population health approach, we consider everyone and examine what keeps people healthy. Social and economic determinants of health are much more strongly related to health outcomes than biologic factors.

A population health approach promotes healthy living, healthy environments and healthy social policies balanced with appropriate medical interventions for those who need them. For example, risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced through a focus on physical activity, good nutrition and smoking cessation. Population health approaches look at the environment in which people live and ensure they have the means and access to services to lead healthy lives.

In contrast, the medical model might focus on finding the people at highest risk for cardiovascular disease through screening tests and then prescribing them drugs. Research has consistently shown that a population health approach has greater impact on health status and is more equitable across society.

What does this mean for our responses to COVID-19? The narrative to date has been dominated by the medical model testing and the search for treatments, ICU beds and ventilators.

We absolutely do need to focus on these factors to ensure we can treat those who develop severe disease. But this fixation has come at the expense of the population health perspective.

And I mean this literally. Newscasts are dominated by clinicians on the front lines and those with a biomedical perspective. How often have we seen Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, versus Robert Redfield, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? Fauci has done an incredible job, but the perspective of Redfield is also important.

The medical model has focused on the immediate needs. To get us out of this, the medical model points to a vaccine which could take years to roll out as the solution.

A population health perspective to COVID-19 considers the impact on the entire population, not just those with disease. It applies an equity lens to ensure no one gets left behind. A population health perspective will consider whether the consequences of continuing our current restrictive measures will cause more harm than good in the long run.

Socio-economic status is the strongest determinant of health. Long-term economic harm may have greater health consequences than COVID-19. But the deaths from COVID-19 are visible and in the news. The deaths that might result from the economic consequences will only be seen in statistics we wont know who was directly affected. They will be invisible, just like public health.

We need to thank our public health workers. We also need to listen to them.

Original post:
Even during the coronavirus pandemic, the role of public health workers is unrecognized - The Conversation CA

Healthy Living: The Right Team, Timing and Treatment – 9&10 News

Posted on by

Four-year-old Michelle Lowry is all about learning her letters and numbers, but her parents didnt know if they could count on seeing this day.

What they thought was a ting bug bite on Michelles neck turned out to be a tumor.

After a battery of tests, doctors at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles diagnosed Michelle with a soft tissue sarcoma.

Because of the location, surgery and radiation were ruled out. Doctors used a new precise cancer panel called OncoKids to read Michelles DNA and RNA. The panel revealed Michelle would be a perfect candidate for a targeted new drug, larotrectinib.

Doctors worked fast to get Michelle in a new clinical trial.

Two months later Michelles tumor had shrunk by 60%. Two years later the tumor is undetectable.

Based on other positive outcomes like Michelles, the FDA granted accelerated approval of larotrectinib.

OncoKids is the first cancer panel designed specifically for childrens cancers and can detect genetic alterations for pediatric cancers, including leukemia, solid tumors, sarcomas and brain tumors.

Go here to read the rest:
Healthy Living: The Right Team, Timing and Treatment - 9&10 News

How Long Will Coronavirus Survive on Surfaces? – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Posted on by

While COVID-19 is believed to be spread mainly by inhaling droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can also land on surfaces. A healthy person can then unknowingly touch those surfaces and the next thing you know the virus has gotten a free ride to wherever and whatever the person touches next.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

Often times, peoples hands can transport the viral particles to different surfaces, even the face, where it can enter your body through your eyes, mouth or nose. (Hence why health officials are screaming at us not to touch our faces and to wash our hands.)

Still, viral particles are making their rounds. (Those mangy freeloaders!) We asked infectious disease specialist Frank Esper, MD, to weigh in on how long the coronavirus can survive on surfaces and what we should know to keep ourselves safe.

Thevirus typically doesnt like to live on surfaces that have a lot of holes ormicroscopic little grooves, nooks or crannies, explains Dr. Esper. It likes surfacesthat are very smooth, like door knobs.

Early research has demonstrated that the viruss survival depends on the type of surface it lands on. The live virus can survive anywhere between three hours and seven days, depending on the material.

Heres how long the virus typically lasts on common surfaces:

Its important to note that the amount of live virus decreases over time on surfaces. So the risk of infection from touching something that had the virus on it for a few days would lessen.

As you can imagine cardboard has little microscopic holes in it, so the virus doesnt like it very much, says Dr. Esper. And it doesnt last too long on fabric either, typically less than a day.

Viruses cant survive independently. The whole point of a virus is to invade a living host, hijack it and produce more virus babies.So when an infected person coughs and viral droplets land on surfaces around them, its not exactly the outcome that the virus had hoped for.

If a virus lands on something like a chair or table, it starts dying pretty quick, explains Dr. Esper. We may be able to find some viable virus after a few days, but its thousands of times less than what was originally deposited by the cough. As soon as the virus hits something thats not alive and certainly not a human, its not going to do very well.

So just because the virus is detectable on a surface doesnt necessarily mean that theres enough there to make someone sick. Scientists are still working to figure out what the infectious dose requirement is to actually cause an infection.

With online shopping and deliveries now reaching holiday-level busyness, you might be wondering if your mail or packages are carrying the coronavirus. Some people even let their mail or parcels sit for a few days before opening.

Paper and cardboard are very porous, says Dr. Esper. The virus doesnt like surfaces like that. It likes smooth, even things.

Coronavirus also doesnt particularly like to be out in the elements. Certainly, many viruses seem to circulate better in cold weather rather than warm weather, but if the virus is not in another person, its not going to do well.

Im not particularly concerned about catching the virus through the mail, says Dr. Esper. Were certainly studying it and well be able to understand a lot more as time goes on, but the answer is no, I dont think people need to be concerned about getting the virus through the mail.

Read this article:
How Long Will Coronavirus Survive on Surfaces? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Spotlight: Creating the best home during and after COVID-19: Are you living in a healthy sanctuary? – GuelphToday

Posted on by

This Content is made possible by our Sponsor; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

When travel is no longer an option given the need for social distancing, the question arises: is your home the healthiest place to spend 24/7 riding out a pandemic?

What about life after COVID-19?

Living in a clean, safe environment is a key contributor to your overall health. And during self-isolation and the COVID-19 crisis, the benefits of a healthy living space have been amplified. For many, a safe home means taking the necessary steps to keep surfaces disinfected, decluttering, and checking the efficiency and cleanliness of critical HVAC systems.

This is a great base to optimize your home environment, but more can be done.

Now more than ever, were looking to our homes for our protection, our health and our safety, said David Brix, President of Terra View Homes and homebuilder who specializes in energy-efficient, net-zero homes.

"What we live in matters, not just for the environment but for our health, and I don't think enough people know about the health benefits that net-zero homes can provide for families. A healthy home is one that prioritizes the well-being of its occupants, and every feature in our net-zero homes work together to achieve this."

Net-zero homes are designed with energy efficiency and air quality in mind. They are highly insulated and extremely air-tight, and theyre built with heat recovery ventilators to improve air quality, maintain consistent temperatures, filter indoor air and reduce drafts. Beyond this our homes are built with as many low VOC (volatile organic compounds) as possible. Its a home designed to reduce a homeowners carbon footprint by producing as much clean energy as it uses on an annual basis.

Were proud of our net-zero communities and the sustainable, healthy and comfortable living theyre providing our homeowners with, said Brix.

As much as Guelphites can benefit from net-zero homes as a healthy living option, Terra View also wants local residents who are staying home during this time to consider taking the necessary steps to create the safest and healthiest environment possible.

Click here for more tips on creating a green and healthy home.

For more information on the benefits of net-zero homes, visit terra-view.com or contact Shelley by phone 519-249-9356 or email shelley@terra-view.com.

This Content is made possible by our Sponsor; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

Continue reading here:
Spotlight: Creating the best home during and after COVID-19: Are you living in a healthy sanctuary? - GuelphToday

Letter: What we can learn from Norway about healthy living – INFORUM

Posted on by

One of the reasons the country of Norway consistently ranks as one of the worlds healthiest is the longstanding tradition of friluftsliv, or open air living. Perhaps during this time of COVID-19-imposed social distancing and restricted gathering, now is the time to enjoy some friluftsliv.

What do Norwegians mean by open air living? Beyond the requirement of being in an outdoor setting, the concept has four elements:

First, the purpose is not sports competition, but just enjoying the outdoors. Sports competition is no replacement for friluftsliv.

Second, one must enjoy green and blue spaces (grass, trees and water), so it requires getting away from streets and buildings.

Third, it requires a change of setting. So, if you already live on an open acreage, you need to find a place that is different from your daily setting, to refresh your perspective.

Finally, you need to use your own engine -- walking, biking, paddle-boarding, etc. no motors are allowed. In the face of the COVID-19 epidemic, lets guard our health, and refresh our perspective, by laying hold of friluftsliv.

Here is the original post:
Letter: What we can learn from Norway about healthy living - INFORUM

HEALTHY LIVING: 5 ways to stay active outdoors – Meriden Record-Journal

Posted on by

Warmer weather brings more opportunity for finding creative ways to enjoy the outdoors. Parks and trails are highly utilized this time of the year.

Apart from trail running and bike riding, there are simple ways to incorporate nature in your active lifestyle.

1. Bodyweight training

Take your workout outside and reap the benefits of sunshine while building strength, no-equipment needed.

Make sure you find a space outside that is comfortable, depending on the exercises you will be doing you may opt for soft grass or pavement.

Performing push-ups, sit-ups, and squats on grass is a simple way to get in a workout while absorbing some Vitamin D.

These exercises can be performed barefoot which can not only help to enhance foot mechanics but can also provide a sense of relaxation as you connect with nature.

For more involved exercises that require stabilization, use a flat surface such as a deck, patio, or pavement.

2. Turn your yard work into a workout

Consider getting your steps in by moving firewood and adjusting landscaping.

Using logs or rocks as weight for farmers carries, lunges, or other strength-building exercises is an effective way to get your heart rate up while tidying your lawn in preparation for summer.

Gardening is a great way to build upper-body strength. Shoulder and back muscles are required for weeding, tilling, and planting.

Planting fruits and vegetables in your garden is a convenient way to cultivate a nutrient-rich diet.

3. Try Pilates

Pilates consists of low-impact exercises which help to develop postural alignment and flexibility.

Foundational Pilates movements include shoulder circles, pelvic curls, and single leg stretches.

Practicing Pilates outdoors is simple, as many exercise sequences do not require complex movements and can be conducted from an upright standing position.

Pilates is widely recognized for its core-building capacities.

4. Utilize your outdoor space

You can actualize your dreams of obstacle racing by making a miniature course with your family.

You can arrange twigs to mirror an agility ladder or assemble a relay using vegetation as landmarks.

An example of this would be to do high knees until you reach a tree that borders your yard, inchworm from this area to your garden where you pick up a log and then carry the log overhead to your woodpile setting it down and ending with 25 jumping jacks.

This is an excellent opportunity to immerse young children in physical activity and nature.

5. Interval train to ramp up intensity

Intervals of intensity bring the heart rate up to peak capacity.

These intervals can be as short as 30 seconds and as long as a few minutes. Start off slowly and then work your way up to a more challenging pace.

This may look like 30 seconds of sprinting or fast-paced walking followed by 2 minutes at a moderate pace.

Adding intervals of high intensity to your jogs or walks is an excellent way to keep things interesting while burning fat.

Whichever outdoor activity you chose, consider all the resources at your disposal that will enable you to construct a customized training center in your own backyard.

We need your help to sustain local journalism during this crisis.

Read more:
HEALTHY LIVING: 5 ways to stay active outdoors - Meriden Record-Journal

Living With IBS: Diet, Exercise and Symptom Management Tips – LIVESTRONG.COM

Posted on by

Irritable bowel syndrome looks different for everyone, but there are science-backed remedies that can ease symptoms.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative

There's a chronic, mysterious condition that affects up to 45 million people in the U.S., but no one knows what causes it. What's more, the disorder looks a bit different in each person, which makes it tricky to diagnose and treat.

Kind of sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, doesn't it?

But the condition is the very real irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a somewhat baffling disorder marked by a host of uncomfortable GI symptoms.

Here, we'll break down what we know about IBS, from how it's connected to anxiety and weight to research-backed remedies that can help relieve symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can range from annoying to downright debilitating.

Image Credit: Charday Penn/iStock/GettyImages

IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the intestines. The most common symptoms include bloating, cramping, abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits (read: diarrhea and/or constipation), although each person experiences IBS differently and symptoms tend to come and go.

The cause of IBS isn't well understood, although there are many theories. Unlike other GI disorders like Crohn's or celiac disease, it doesn't result from any damage or disease in the digestive tract, so it's often referred to as a "brain-gut disorder."

Choosing the right foods can make all the difference for IBS sufferers.

Image Credit: ALLEKO/iStock/GettyImages

One proven way to reduce the frustrating symptoms of IBS is tweaking your diet to remove or limit common trigger foods. While these may be different for each person, research has shown that avoiding foods high in FODMAPs is a great place to start.

FODMAPs or fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, and yes, that's a mouthful are a specific type of sugar found in some foods, such as apples, beans and yogurt. While they're not unhealthy, they can often make life less than pleasant for those with irritable bowel syndrome. Adopting a low-FODMAP diet might tame some IBS symptoms.

Read more about how the low-FODMAP diet was created, how it works and how to get started.

Research has shown that yoga can reduce anxiety, and it may also help with IBS symptoms.

Image Credit: Stgur Mr Karlsson /Heimsmyndir/E+/GettyImages

Because of the brain-gut connection in IBS, those with the condition often notice a link between their symptoms and their emotions. Anxiety and stress, in particular, can play a major role in IBS. Symptoms can trigger these feelings, and they in turn can make symptoms worse (talk about a vicious cycle!).

Fortunately, there are a range of stress-management therapies including yoga and gut-directed hypnosis that can aid in relieving the discomfort.

Check out six treatments that have been proven to help alleviate anxiety and IBS symptoms.

Managing your emotions, along with making exercise and diet tweaks, can move you toward a healthy weight.

Image Credit: Rostislav_Sedlacek/iStock/GettyImages

Stress is also involved when it comes to the connection between IBS and weight. While some people with the condition struggle to keep weight on, others find it challenging to shed pounds but IBS itself isn't to blame.

Instead, weight loss might occur for some because they fear certain foods will trigger their symptoms, so they end up eating fewer calories and nutrients than they should. For others, losing weight is a challenge because they tend to stick with "safe" foods that aren't all that healthy.

Walking can ease digestive issues and reduce stress, making it a double-win for IBS symptoms.

Image Credit: gpointstudio/iStock/GettyImages

Exercise is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, but it can really benefit people with IBS as long as it's the right kind (i.e. it isn't so intense that it ends up making the condition worse).

Research has shown that working out regularly can reduce anxiety, relieve constipation and support digestive health, which all adds up to less severe symptoms and an improved sense of wellbeing.

It's possible to manage your symptoms and live well with IBS.

Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages

Although diet changes help a lot of people with IBS, there's still no cure for the condition and no "best" treatment for everyone.

You can and should discuss your options with your doctor or health care team, but living with the condition usually means doing some trial-and-error testing to find the best strategies to manage your personal symptoms.

Keeping a food diary, drinking more water and cutting out processed foods can all make a difference, as can finding healthy ways to reduce your stress levels. But there are a few other methods that might be effective, too.

Read the original:
Living With IBS: Diet, Exercise and Symptom Management Tips - LIVESTRONG.COM