Select Page ::

Former soccer player promotes healthy living – HeraldLIVE

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Forced into retirement by a sports injury, former professional soccer player Mzoli Foster from Khayamnandi in Despatch is urging residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle after his weight gain left him wheezing and wishing to regain his former fitness..

Foster, 39, has played centre back for Bay United Football Club, Maritzburg United, UPE school of excellence and Tornado FC, but a groin injury forced him to retire in 2011.

I realised I had picked up weight. One day [in 2018] while I was walking, I suffered from shortness of breath, I started sweating and when I went to the doctor I was told I had high blood pressure, he said.

I was concerned about my health, then I noticed people in Khayamnandi didnt have a gym.

I started a gym called Husts gym with my girlfriend Nombuzo Booysen, because we observed that our community was struck by poverty and the elderly were alcoholics.

According to Foster, the gym has 52 people since its establishment two years ago who came for aerobic and Tae Bo classes on Friday evening from 5pm to 6pm, with classes on Saturday from 7am to 8am.

We have our classes at Nomathamsanqa Primary School premises.

We are currently registering the gym as a non-profit organisation with the department of social development, Foster said.

Booysen said there were people in their fifties and sixties who joined their classes and they hoped to inspire people to work together to find solutions to their health problems instead of complaining.

I started training because I had gained weight, my clothes started getting tight.

I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle, and I did not want to reach a stage where I could get sicknesses related to being overweight, Booysen said.

Mthuthuzeli Calata, 55, said he decided to join the local gym to inspire older people in the community to stop alcohol abuse and live a healthier lifestyle. .

Coronavirus: whos most at risk, what we can do and will we see a vaccine soon? – The Guardian

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

What is the best way to strengthen the immune system?

The answer to this question is straightforward: the normal approach to healthy living. Have a balanced diet, try to get as much sleep as you can, exercise, dont overwork. If you smoke, try to give up and reduce your intake of alcohol and other drugs.

Are alcohol-based antibacterial gels useful?

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based gels, whether they say antibacterial on them or not, is the best way to prevent Covid-19. They also have the other advantage of helping to stop you pick up other infections that could weaken your immune system and so make you more susceptible to Covid-19.

What underlying conditions pose the biggest risk if you contract the virus?

The first thing to note is that most of the data we have about Covid-19 is from China. These indicate that heart disease, followed by diabetes, hypertension high blood pressure chronic lung disease and finally some cancers were the main risk factors.

The more of these conditions you have, the greater the likelihood of severe disease that you face. Certainly, people with these conditions or older people should keep taking their usual prescribed medicines, be extra vigilant, including in handwashing, and should consider what is called social distancing, which means avoiding crowds or in some cases visitors.

How long does the disease survive in the air and on surfaces?

The coronavirus can persist in the air for a few hours and on some surfaces for quite lengthy periods on cardboard for a day, on plastic two or three days. Disinfectants such as ethanol, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite work really well and will get rid of the virus. So regardless of how long they persist on household surfaces, as long as we keep those surfaces clean we will control the virus.

How do hospitals treat people admitted with coronavirus?

If people are not that unwell we might give fluids or oxygen, for example. And if someone had a pneumonia infection on top of Covid-19, theyd be given antibiotics. We might also use the antiviral Tamiflu not to tackle the coronavirus but to treat flu a patient might additionally have picked up. We may also consider painkillers and anti-cough medicine.

For the few who become more seriously ill, we would consider mechanical ventilation, in which a tube is passed down the airway to help patient breathe. I cant stress enough though, regardless of how sick a patient is, the importance of good nursing care, compassion, and empathy in supporting and caring for people with Covid-19.

What do you think the death rate from coronavirus will be?

It will vary from country to country. In the UK, I think a figure of 1% is probably going to be correct but we will have to wait until the epidemic is over. What is clear is that the death rate in younger people and those without any other illnesses looks to be very low.

What kind of immunity will a person have once they have been infected?

Other coronaviruses such as Mers and Sars have shown you get some immunity once you have been infected. Just how much or how long it will last we do not know. We will gather that data as events develop. I have seen no good data to suggest a person can get Covid-19 twice.

Is it realistic to hope for a vaccine for Covid-19 this year?

I doubt a vaccine will be available in the UK in time to prevent the curve of cases going up. However if it becomes a seasonal illness then developing a vaccine will be crucial and adapting that vaccine to new coronavirus strains will also be extremely valuable.

See the original post here:
Coronavirus: whos most at risk, what we can do and will we see a vaccine soon? - The Guardian

Forget expensive creams, its healthy living that can make your skin glow – The Jakarta Post – Jakarta Post

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

New UK research has found that if you want to achieve a natural glow, then a healthy lifestyle with exercise, enough sleep, and not too much stress can all add a healthy, golden tone to your skin.

Previous research has already linked a healthy diet high in fruit and vegetables to skin yellowness, which the researchers say is an indicator of health, as fruit and veggies are packed with antioxidant colored pigments called carotenoids, such as orange carotene from carrots and red lycopene from tomatoes. These colored pigments then accumulate in the skin, giving it a yellow tone which can indicate good health as it suggests that a persons body has enough antioxidants and low levels of oxidative toxins.

However, for the new study, led by the University of St Andrews, the researchers wanted to look at the link between skin yellowness and exercise. To do this, the team recruited 134 university students of various ethnicities, and measured their skin colour using a spectrophotometre, which records illumination and the rainbow of colors reflected from the skin.

The participants also had their heart rate measured while walking and running on a treadmill to assess their fitness levels and had their body fat levels recorded.

The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, showed that both a high level of fitness and low body fat were associated with a higher skin yellowness, which makes the skin look healthier and more attractive.

Read also: Seven skincare tips you can use now

The team say that the yellower skin was not due to a suntan or even diet. Instead, they believe that exercise could boost the bodys own antioxidant systems, and so instead of needing to use up the carotenoid pigments which we ingest from our diet, they are free to accumulate in the skin, giving us a yellow tone.

To investigate further, the researchers then looked at whether experiencing a change in health would also result in a change in skin appearance.

After following 59 students who were members of sports clubs, the researchers found that an increase in fitness or losing body fat were both linked with an increase in skin yellowness. On the other hand, an increase in stress and a not getting enough sleep were both associated with a reduction in skin yellowness.

Once again, the researchers say changes in skin color change were not due to suntan or from training outdoors.

The team say the findings now suggest that in addition to eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, other healthy lifestyle factors such as exercising, losing excess body fat, reducing stress and getting enough sleep could all boost skin color. As skin color is also linked to attractiveness, they added that this could help motivate people to follow a healthier lifestyle.

Lead scientist for the study, Professor David Perrett, also added that, We were surprised to find that the skin color changes accompanying change in health occurred quite quickly and within eight weeks. This means that any effort to improve lifestyle will benefit appearance within a relatively short time.

Your premium period will expire in 0 day(s)

Subscribe to get unlimited access Get 50% off now

More:
Forget expensive creams, its healthy living that can make your skin glow - The Jakarta Post - Jakarta Post

Healthy lifestyle reduces risk of disease, mortality – Newsd.in

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

New York: The longer you lead a healthy lifestyle during midlife, the less likely you are to develop certain diseases in later life, according to a new study.

The more time a person doesnt smoke, eats healthy, exercises regularly, maintains healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and maintains a normal weight, the less likely they are to develop diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease or to die during early adulthood, the research added.

Our results indicate that living a longer period of time in adulthood with better cardiovascular health may be potentially beneficial, regardless of age, said study author Vanessa Xanthakis from Boston University in the US.

Overall, our findings underscore the importance of promoting healthy behaviours throughout the life-course, Xanthakis added.

While unhealthy lifestyle behaviours are associated with higher risks for certain diseases and death, the association of the duration in which people maintain a healthy lifestyle with the risk of disease and death had not yet been studied.

For the findings, published in the JAMA Cardiology, researchers from Boston University School of Medicine observed participants for approximately 16 years and assessed the development of disease or death.

They found that for each five-year period that participants had intermediate or ideal cardiovascular health, they were 33 per cent less likely to develop hypertension, approximately 25 per cent less likely to develop diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, and 14 per cent less likely to die compared to individuals in poor cardiovascular health.

According to the researchers, this study will help people understand the importance of achieving ideal cardiovascular health early in life and motivate them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

On the community-level, this will overall help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and death during late adulthood, they wrote.

IANS

View original post here:
Healthy lifestyle reduces risk of disease, mortality - Newsd.in

Mississauga Leads GTA with a Comprehensive Healthy Food and Beverage Policy – City of Mississauga

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Residents visiting community centres for a fitness class or going to an arena to watch their kids play hockey will now have healthier snack and drink options. The City is implementing a new Healthy Food and Beverage Policy for Recreation facilities starting September 1, 2020.

Mississaugas new healthy food and beverage policy is the strongest stance taken by any municipality in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. We worked closely with Peel Public Health with a goal of providing better food and beverage offerings that are in line with the Regions Nutrition Standards. With obesity and diabetes on the rise in our community, this is one way our City can be part of the solution. Health is at the centre of active, thriving and prosperous cities.

The new policy applies to vending machines and concession stands in all recreation facilities including arenas, activity centres, community centres, golf courses, marinas, outdoor pools, recreation centres and C Cafe, located in the Civic Centre. The policy excludes banquet services, the Paramount Fine Foods Centre and the Living Arts Centre.

Our new policy supports the Citys 2019 Future Directions Recreation Master Plan recommendation related to providing a wider range of healthy food offerings at recreation facilities, said Shari Lichterman, Director of Recreation. We are seeing a shift in consumer demands for more nutritious food and beverages and with our recreation facilities hosting more than 12 million visitors annually, this policy will have a significant impact in contributing to healthy living for our residents.

Lichterman added, There are a number of recreation facilities that are close to schools. Fifteen of 19 community centres, arenas or activity centres are within 500 metres of schools. Having a policy that is supportive of the Ministry of Educations School Food and Beverage Policy is critical to promoting a healthy lifestyle for students.

The policy will be implemented in two phases:

Phase 1 Beginning September 1, 2020

Phase 2 Beginning May 1, 2021

Upcoming beverage and vending purchasing agreements will comply with these nutrition guidelines. They will also be used as an opportunity to address priorities in the Citys Climate Change Action Plan. Specifically, vendors will be required to eliminate single-use plastics in their food and beverage packaging, in addition to other sustainability factors.

The Citys Healthy Food and Beverage Policy is set to go to Council for final approval on March 18.

Background:In August 2019, City staff worked with Peel Public Health to complete nutritional assessments of vending and concession services at city recreation facilities. The results were compared with the Regions Nutrition Standards which provided a baseline to measure future results. The assessment found beverage and food offerings needed to be improved to fully meet the Regions nutrition standards. The City also reviewed other provinces and municipalities who have recently developed healthy food and beverage guidelines, action plans, strategies and policies.

Media Contact:Kimberly HicksSenior Communications AdvisorCity of Mississauga905-615-3200 ext. 5232kimberly.hicks@mississauga.caTTY: 905-896-5151

Workshop on ‘Positive Thinking & Healthy Living’ held – State Times

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

STATE TIMES NEWSJAMMU: Celebrating Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu organised a workshop on Positive Thinking & Healthy Living for the students of different affiliated colleges and university departments here on Monday. Being a core student centric activity, the workshop was organised under RUSA II.Prof Promila Batra, Professor of Psychology from MDU Rohtak and Dr T.R Raina, a multifaceted and eminent social worker of the region were the Resource Persons.Prof Aarti Bakshi, Head Department of Psychology, University of Jammu was the moderator and provided the logistic collaboration for the same.The workshop was inaugurated in presence of Prof Yash Pal Sharma, Chairman Campus Cultural Committee, Prof Anupama Vohra, Co-Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee, members of Campus Cultural Committee, students, scholars and participants.In his welcome address, Prof Yash Pal deliberated upon various cultural and literary activities being organized by the Department of Students Welfare for the overall personality development of the students. Prof Aarti Bakshi presented a detailed introduction of the experts who have achieved various milestones in their respective fields.In an interactive manner, Dr T. R Raina presented his enlightening presentation which received tremendous response from the participants. The effectiveness of positive thinking was exemplified through various credible examples with scientific and yogic references as well, he emphasized on the yogic lifestyle (in broader prospective) for internal and external bliss.Prof Promila Batra provided a brief tour of different established schools of thought (adding her own take on the same) in the context of positive and healthy thinking. The event was conducted by Sumeet Sharma and coordinated by Mansi Mantoo and Ifra Kak. The sound and projections were looked after by Arif Paul and the hall management was taken care by Raghubir Singh Bandral and Balwant Singh. Prof Anupama Vohra presented vote of thanks.

Read the original post:
Workshop on 'Positive Thinking & Healthy Living' held - State Times

Letter: Exercise important to healthy lifestyle | Opinions and Editorials – Aiken Standard

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

In your Feb. 16 edition there was a column by Brian Parr a fitness expert on the importance of not eating too much Valentines chocolate and also fitness and exercise as a part of a healthy routine.

I am not 82 years old and had polio as a child, and fortunately only ended up with a loss of muscle mass in my right leg.

At around the age of 11 my father taught me how to build muscle correctly by lifting weights. As a result his help aided me in not having to use a crutch daily just to be able to walk around safely.

So my point is: Whatever your physical condition is, muscles must be exercised regularly. I still lift weights, do squats, sit ups, push ups etc. and on alternate days ride a bike for cardio workouts.

I am living proof that a healthy diet coupled with muscle building and cardio workouts will make your life happier and healthier no matter how long you live.

I also know that the older you get without living under the above rules, the harder it is to begin such a routine, But once you learn and practice a healthful routine, it also becomes very hard to stop.

Good luck!

Mary Caldwell

Aiken

See the article here:
Letter: Exercise important to healthy lifestyle | Opinions and Editorials - Aiken Standard

Collaborative work needed to train, retain doctors – talkbusiness.net

Posted on March 8, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Several national reports include Arkansas in one of the most underserved regions in the nation in terms of healthcare. This quality of life issue led to the founding of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) to help alleviate the tremendous shortage of physicians and other healthcare professionals in Arkansas.

Our mission is to educate and train a diverse group of highly competent and compassionate healthcare professionals; to create health and research support facilities; and to provide healthy living environments to improve the lives of others. To achieve our mission and to reduce the physician shortage, our first college, the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM), opened in August 2017 in a state-of-the-art facility on 430 acres in Fort Smith. Our first class of 150 medical students will graduate in May 2021.

I am often asked what it will take to keep these graduating doctors in Arkansas. The answer is simple: We must make Arkansas a place they want to call home. The physician shortage is a national problem, and doctors have a strong advantage in that they can work wherever they desire. For this reason, its imperative that we make our cities desirable.

Understanding this need and demand, three years ago we designed the first ever Planned Zoning Development (PZD) for the cities of Fort Smith and Barling. A PZD is a healthy lifestyle environment that provides amenities like hiking and biking trails, exposure to the arts, parks with exercise equipment and play areas for children, restaurants, banks, and grocery stores all within walkable distance.

There are many other projects being pushed by leaders within our community as well. The Unexpected arts project, the push in our public school system to promote the disciplines of math, science, technology, engineering, and the arts, the grants that have been received through the Walton Family Foundation to increase the length of trails, and the work we are doing on our own campus to connect to the Fort Smith trail system all of these factors contribute to attracting young physicians and other professionals to our area. These efforts are enhanced by the most important quality that Fort Smith has always had in its favor: our sense of community. One way we are demonstrating this sense of community is by working together to capitalize on our value.

Another way we are working to attract more doctors to Arkansas, is by collaborating with hospitals throughout the region and state to develop viable residency/graduate medical education programs. We are in partnership with CHI St. Vincent-Hot Springs and Unity Health-Searcy. These Rural Training and Track Programs (RTTs) involve smaller hospitals and provide a consortium of opportunities for our graduating students. In addition, we are actively working with other major hospitals throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

On a state level, one of our legislators, Rep. Dr. Lee Johnson, R-Greenwood, has received approval for startup grants to be allocated to rural hospitals to help defray the significant expenses of starting residency programs. These startup grants have yet to be funded by the legislature. Residency programs are extremely expensive and require additional manpower.

ACHE can provide the educational component, but we need the state to provide the funds so we can better serve our underserved areas. ACHE is working in collaboration with hospitals in the region and with legislators in the House of Representatives and the Senate to accomplish these goals.

One thing we must keep in mind when recruiting physicians is that medicine is evolving into a team-based approach. ACHE just completed construction on a new 66,000-square-foot medical learning facility that will house our School of Occupational Therapy, School of Physical Therapy, and School of Physician Assistant Studies. These new programs, our relationship with hospitals and clinics, as well as our expanding partnership with Mercy Hospital as they prepare to break ground on their new rehabilitation hospital on our campus, all demonstrate a systemic development of improved healthcare access for people in our region.

There are many contributing factors to improving overall health outcomes in our state and region. Solving the physician shortage in Arkansas is a major factor in this process. It will take all of us harnessing our skills and resources and working together to make our state a place physicians and other health professionals are proud to call home.

Editors note: Dr. Kyle Parker is CEO of Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Continued here:
Collaborative work needed to train, retain doctors - talkbusiness.net

SIT DOWN WITH STEVE: Health and Fitness Expert Alethea Todaro Talks Her Transformation to Healthy Living | – SpaceCoastDaily.com

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

helps work with women of all ages

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA In the latest edition of Sit Down with Steve, the Friday Night Locker Rooms Steve Wilson talks with Health & Fitness expert Alethea Todaro.

Todaro, from Brevard County, has not only transformed herself with exercise and the proper diet, but she works with others to help them achieve their personal goals.

Todaro started B.A.B.E. Fitness, which stands for Building Abundant Bodies Everyday.

Her knowledge and expertise on nutrition can help anyone, anytime. This is her passion, and she is open to working with females of all ages!

Alethea Todaro can be reached multiple ways: via Facebook at Alethea Tatiana; Instagram @aletheatodaro; YouTube Alethea Todaro; or E-Mail aletheat.fitness@gmail.com.

ABOVE VIDEO: Friday Night Locker Room: Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame 2015.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

Click here to contribute your news or announcements Free

Read the rest here:
SIT DOWN WITH STEVE: Health and Fitness Expert Alethea Todaro Talks Her Transformation to Healthy Living | - SpaceCoastDaily.com

District Running Collective promotes healthy living and relationships through running – WUSA9.com

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA Have you ever seen a large group of people jogging and running around D.C. with the letter D.R.C. embossed on their jackets? They're The District Running Collective. Twice a week, the District Running Collective, DRC, gets together, stretches, does a little laughing, then runs the streets of D.C.

We are a giant community of people that come together to be better, and we do it through running. Ashlee Green said.

Ashlee is a captain and leader of DRC. She joined the group six years ago. Like many newcomers to the area, she was looking for friends.

Its been an incredible way to get to know DC and really grow in a great community of people, Ashlee added.

What started as a birthday bash for Matthew Green, evolved into a tradition they never expected.

We did a 5K run at midnight and we had 100 people come out, and it was like Wow, I think we might be on to something, Matthew said.

Fast forward six and a half yearstheyre now sponsored by Under Armour and one of the largest running groups in the DMV to promote healthy living and forging new relationships.

When you see something that starts to change people's lives and they tell you like, 'Matt, Ashley, Corey, you know you guys have like really changed how I approach,' you know, just being healthy and being well,...said.

Youll hear them saying, Were getting miles,and whether thats one or 26.1, everyone is welcomed to lace em up.

DRC creates an equal playing field for everybody. So, your race, the amount of money you make, your job, doesn't really matter because when we're out here getting miles, it's just you and the person next to you. We help push one another to just be better, and you worry about the other stuff later. It's like, Oh, you're a neurosurgeon who knew, great I'm a graphic designer! its like this people connect from a different way. Ashlee said.

Its a race, that doesnt really have a finish line.

There's no better way to experience a city than by foot. Ashlee added.

DRC has grown to thousands of members in nearly seven years. They credit their growth to social media, particularly Instagram.

Follow DRC on Instagram.

RELATED: 'It's the number one killer' | This DMV resident is hoping to end gun violence

RELATED: 'Surround yourself with support' | Silver Spring pastor discusses coping with sudden grief, shares emotional advice on social media

Download the brand new WUSA9 app here.

Healthy Snacks and Living the Best Life with Type 1 – Oswego Daily News

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Owner and Head Chef of Kristens Kitchen at The Battle Island State Park, Kristen Aluzzi

OSWEGO Oswego County T1D will welcome Kristen Aluzzi to a Snack and Chat with Type 1 event planned for March 4 at CITI Boces in Mexico.

Aluzzi is the owner and head chef of Kristens Kitchen at the Battle Island State Park where she provides fresh, homemade quality dining options as well as local catering to the community.

She knows firsthand about healthy eating habits, having been diagnosed with Type 1 in December of 1991, and will share with attendees how shes lived her best life with T1D.

This Connections event is the first of a series in 2020 focusing on topics based on feedback from the T1D community.

Snack & Chat will take place March 4 at 6 p.m. at CITI Boces in Mexico and include Aluzzi along with others guest speakers sharing information about their connection to Type 1 and how they too are living their best lives or helping those with T1D do the same.

Other events in 2020 include; Connecting to Summer Fun with Type 1 on June 6, From Home to School with Type 1 Diabetes on September 3, and Tech The Halls with T1D Technology on November 4.

Call 315-349-3452 to reserve a spot for the event.

To learn more about T1D Oswego County and its mission of bringing together the type 1 diabetes community while providing local opportunities to connect and support each other, visit facebook page T1D Oswego County.

Like Loading...

Original post:
Healthy Snacks and Living the Best Life with Type 1 - Oswego Daily News

Blue Zone project aimed at healthy living looks to expand to Monterey Peninsula – KSBW Monterey

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

COMMUNITY HEALTH INTITAITVE THAT COULD BE EXPANDING....THE BLUE ZONES PROJECT IS THE BRAINCHILD OF DAN BUETTNER....A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLOROER WHO HAS SPENT YEARS IDENTIFYING PLACES AROUND THE WORLD WHERE PEOPLE LIVE LONG HEALTHY LIVES....AND THEN FIGURING OUT WHY? WHATS THE COMMON DENOMINATOR....NOW HE'S BRINGING THAT KNOWLEDGE TO COMMUNITIES HERE IN THE U.S. "PEOPLE IN BLUE ZONES EAT MOSTLY A PLANT BASED DIET, THEY ARE NUDGED INTO MOVING EVERY TWENTY MINUTES . MOVE NATURALLY BECAUSE THEIR LIVES ARE UNDERPINNED WITH PURPOSE, THEY ARE SURROUNDED BY THE RIGHT TRIBE OF PEOPLE, PLANT BASED PEOPLE, WHO'S IDEA OF RECREATION IS MOVING AND THEY LIVE IN A CITY OR CIMMUNITY WHERE MAKING THE HEALTHY CHOICE IS THE EASY CHOICE." IN A NUTSHELL .... THATS THE BLUE ZONES BLUEPRINT....FOLLOW THOSE GUIDELINE AND YOUR CHANCES OF LIVING A LONG HEALTHY LIFE ARE MUCH IMPROVED.... SALINAS VALLEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND MONTAGE HEALTH HAV SPEARHEADED THE MOVEMENT HERE... STARTING FIRST IN SALINAS WITH A KICK OFF LAST SUMMER..... AND NOW LOOKING TO EXPAND TO THE MONTEREY PENINSULA..... 1:25 - WHEN SALINAS VALLEY BROUGHT THE IDEA OF BLUE ZONES TO US IT WAS A NATURAL FIT TO THE WORK WE WERE ALREADY DOING TOGETHER. 2:05-2"19 THOSE OF US IN HEALTH CARE KNOW THE BETTER WAY TO DELIVER HEALTHCARE IS TO HELP PEOPLE STAY HEALTHY , TO SUPPORT PEOPLE GETTING HEALTHCARE IN TEH RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME AND NOT WAITING UNTIL THEY ARE WALKIGN INTO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. CREATING ENVIRONMENTS WHERE ITS EASY TO MAKE THE HEALTHY CHOICE.... IS A LONG TERM COMMUNITY INVESTMENT ...BUT ITS ONE THAT HEALTH EXPERTS SAY WILL PAY BIG DIVIDENDS ....BLUE ZONES FOUNDER DAN BUETTNER HAS BEEN HERE FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR...TUESDAY HE WAS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER BEFORE A CROWD OF MORE THAN 650 AT MONTAGE HEALTH'S ANNUAL LUNCHON...... PREACHING PATIENCE, PERSEVERNECE AND THE POWER OF A COMMUNITY WORKING TOGETHER FORA COMMON GOAL.. 7:16 THE IDEA GETS CULTURED SLOWLY BUT ONCE IT DOES, WHEN YOU HAVE THE TANKER MVOING THIRTY FORTYY MILES AN HOUR THEN ITS UNSTOPABLE BUT IT TAKES A LOT OF ENERGY TO GET THE TANKER MOVING. ### . SALINAS VALLEY MEMORIAL AND CHOMP HAVE PARTNERED TOGETHER TO FIRST START THE BLUE ZONES PROJECT HERE...IN SALINAS AND LOOKIGN TO EXPAND TO THE PENNISULA. NEXT WEEK THERE WILL BE A COUPLE OF COMMUNITY MEETINGS WHERE YOU CAN LEARN MORE. ITS FREE BUT YOU ARE ASKED TO RSVP AT MONTAGE HEALTH.ORG -SLASH- BLUEZONES ###

Blue Zone project aimed at healthy living looks to expand to Monterey Peninsula

Updated: 4:49 PM PST Feb 21, 2020

"People in blue zones eat mostly a plant based diet, they are nudged into moving every twenty minutes, move naturally because their lives are underpinned with purpose, they are surrounded by the right tribe of people, plant based people, whose idea of recreation is moving and they live in a city or community where making the healthy choice is the easy choice, said Dan Buettner, Blue Zones explorer. In a nutshell, that's the blue zones blueprint. If those guild lines are followed one's chances of living a long healthy life are much improved.Salinas Valley Health Care System and Montage Health have spearheaded the movement on the Central Coast, starting first in Salinas with a kick off last summer. Now, the organization is looking to expand to the Monterey Peninsula.Creating environments where its easy to make the healthy choice is a long term community investment but its one that health experts say will pay big dividends. Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner has been here five times in the last year. Tuesday he was the keynote speaker before a crowd of more than 650 at Montage Health's annual luncheon, preaching patience, perseverance and the power of a community working together for a common goal.

In a nutshell, that's the blue zones blueprint. If those guild lines are followed one's chances of living a long healthy life are much improved.

Salinas Valley Health Care System and Montage Health have spearheaded the movement on the Central Coast, starting first in Salinas with a kick off last summer. Now, the organization is looking to expand to the Monterey Peninsula.

Creating environments where its easy to make the healthy choice is a long term community investment but its one that health experts say will pay big dividends. Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner has been here five times in the last year.

Tuesday he was the keynote speaker before a crowd of more than 650 at Montage Health's annual luncheon, preaching patience, perseverance and the power of a community working together for a common goal.

Here is the original post:
Blue Zone project aimed at healthy living looks to expand to Monterey Peninsula - KSBW Monterey

HEALTHY LIVING: Protecting your infant from illness – NWAOnline

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Your infant's health is a top of mind issue with flu season and winter colds in full swing. You may be concerned about exposing your baby to sick loved ones.

Babies' immune systems are notoriously delicate. Though babies may acquire passive immunity to some minor conditions through the placenta from their mothers -- that immunity only lasts for a short time. Until babies complete their vaccinations, they are susceptible to more than a dozen serious childhood diseases that can be passed from person to person.

As the parent, you get to decide where to take your baby and who gets to hold her. If you're not comfortable letting someone hold your child, remember that it's OK to say no.

To help keep your baby well, try these tips:

Keep baby close. Properly using a baby sling, carrier or wrap that is appropriate for newborns allows you to keep the baby close to your body at all times, limiting exposure to others. People can usually peak at the baby, but they aren't able to easily pick the baby up and potentially expose her to germs.

Encourage handwashing. It's OK for mom or dad to ask others to wash their hands with soap and water before touching the baby. Even if the person holding the baby isn't sick, she could have touched a surface contaminated with cold or flu germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the flu virus can live on some surfaces for 24 hours.

Ask about vaccinations. Before 6 months, babies are too young to be fully immunized against potentially deadly conditions such as pertussis (whopping cough) and the flu. The Immunization Action Coalition says that cocooning -- ensuring that everyone who regularly comes into contact with your baby is fully immunized -- is an "easy and effective way that people can work together to prevent the spread of whooping cough and flu to babies." The CDC recommends that people who come into regular contact with the baby be up-to-date on their Tdap and flu vaccinations.

Be aware. If someone has obvious signs of illness -- fever, lightheadedness, diarrhea, nausea and unexplained fatigue -- don't let him hold your baby.

The holding handbook

Holding a newborn may seem easy enough. After all, they weigh -- on average -- between 5.2 and 9.5 pounds at birth. However, their delicate bodies make it very important to follow proper technique. Remember the following tips:

Support the baby's head at all times.

Pick up the baby from a flat surface by placing one hand under his neck and head and the other under his bottom.

Hold the baby with both arms and hands when going up or down stairs.

Avoid grabbing a hot beverage or sharp object while holding the baby in the other arm.

Help others use proper technique if they want to hold the baby.

At Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Women and Children's Unit, we recognize that having a baby is a momentous time in your life. Our goal is to provide safe, quality health care for newborns and their mothers. We offer labor and delivery services that balance technology with a family-oriented environment. For more information on our services and classes or to schedule a tour, contact our Nurse Navigator at 479-215-3305 or visit NorthwestHealthBabies.com today.

General News on 02/05/2020

Print Headline: Protecting your infant from illness

Read the original:
HEALTHY LIVING: Protecting your infant from illness - NWAOnline

Two Deaths, Two Daughters And A Healthcare System That Failed – Gothamist

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Two senior citizens with dementia were found dead after they wandered away from their homes in New York City last week. One was found on the shore of Newtown Creek in Queens, and the other in a grassy area near the cross Bronx expressway.

Their deaths have shined a light on a fast-growing, for-profit health-insurance company in charge of approving and arranging the long-term care they needed to live in their homes and be safe.

It has also exposed the plight of two daughters fighting to protect their aging mothers while navigating the states byzantine and costly Medicaid program.

Sue Veizagas saga began on February 15th. It was a freezing day in the midst of an otherwise mild winter. The temperature dipped to 15 degrees that night.

Veizaga was at home on the Upper East Side when her phone rang around 8PM. It was the sensor inside her mothers Bronx apartment, set to alert her anytime 73-year-old Genoveva Madera went near the front door.

The image I saw was her feeding the cat. You know just arranging the food, she said.

Veizaga was constantly checking her phone to view the cameras she had placed throughout the older womans apartment. What she saw at that moment did not worry her.

I put the phone down a second. I think I went to the bathroom or grabbed a glass of water, she said.

But then the sensor went off again. This time, all Veizaga saw was Palomo, her moms white cat, waiting at the front door. Madera was gone.

Veizaga jumped in her car and headed to the home where she grew up, in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx. Before leaving, she called Yasmeen, her mothers home attendant. Veizaga considered the woman an angel. She had been caring for her mother for nearly four years. But only for five hours a day.

Yasmeen rushed over to the apartment too. She got there first and found the door closed but unlocked. Maderas keys and wallet were there. The lights were on and so was the TV. Veizaga flagged down some police officers and reported her mother missing, but she said they were not feeling her urgency.

They let me jump in the car and we drove around, she said. But they were like, Are you sure? I have to call my supervisor, blah, blah, blah, blah.

They issued a Silver Alert. Silver Alerts are like Amber Alerts, only the public is asked to look-out for an adult considered vulnerable instead of a child. The Office of Emergency Management said the number of silver alerts has shot up 73 percent in the last two years, from 89 in 2017 to 154 last year.

Veizaga said police did not provide her with flyers like they were supposed to, so she and her friends made their own and searched the streets. On Facebook, she wrote, Im living a nightmare right now. My mom who has Alzheimers left the house without a coat and just slippers.

A small memorial at the site of where 73-year-old Genoveva Madera was found dead after she wandered off from her Bronx apartment. Courtesy of Sue Viezaga

All she could do was wait. Detectives showed up two days later.

When I looked through the peephole and I saw their faces, she said. I already knew it was something bad.

At that moment, she had one final hope: That maybe they found her in critical-condition and she was hanging on to life.

Instead, the detectives said that her mother was found dead in some grass near an on-ramp to the Cross Bronx Expressway. Initial reports were that she froze to death.

Veizaga went there, lit some candles and put down a picture. Then she and her family prayed.

There are more than 250,000 people in the state who -- like Madera -- need long-term care, are on Medicaid and have a private insurance company that decides what services they get and from whom.

Maderas insurance company was Centers Plan for Healthy Living. In just two years it has become the largest health insurance company in the state that manages long-term-care for people on Medicaid. Centers Plan is a for-profit company in a field of many non-profits.

Valerie Bogart, director of the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program for the New York Legal Assistance Group, said that companies get paid a flat rate per person each month, which creates an incentive to maximize profit by keeping costs down.

The plans have a financial incentive not to authorize a lot of hours of care, she said. And its in their financial interest to offer fewer.

Listen to reporter Cindy Rodriguez's radio story on WNYC:

February 15th was not the first time Madera wandered off. Last August, she was found near her old workplace in Harlem, by a woman whose own mother also had Alzheimers. She called the police. Veizaga considered herself lucky. Her mother came home safe. And she asked the insurance company to give Madera around the clock care.

They granted me only one additional hour per day, she said. And so of course I was upset. I was like, thats not enough.

And so she asked for whats called a medical review, when the company itself reconsiders their own decision.

The additional hour they had given me they took it away, Veizaga said.

The pressure to curb spending is expected to increase as the state looks to Medicaid to save $2.5 billion this year. According to the state Department of Health, the cost of care for people like Madera quadrupled to $4.8 billion over the last six years. At the same time enrollment more than doubled.

Bogart said over-enrollment is not the main problem.

How bout looking at, are you paying plans that arent providing the services that theyre being paid to give? she said, her voice rising.

In 2018, federal prosecutors and the state attorney general accused Centers Plan for Healthy LIving of doing just that billing Medicaid for hundreds of people who received no services at all or services that were not covered by Medicaid. The company agreed to pay $1.65 million in restitution and fines.

When the company cut back that one extra hour for Madera, they told Veizaga she could appeal. Her lawyer advised her to make a log of her mothers movements at night so that she could prove to the company her mother was sundowning, a symptom of Alzheimers.

Your circadian rhythm gets all out of whack. And what happens is when the sun goes down, it sort of throws them into a confused, agitated state, Veizaga explained.

Veizaga said her mother would pace up and down overnight, and go through drawers, and want to eat and go to the bathroom.

Along with the logs, she got a letter from her moms primary-care doctor that said her mom needed 24-hour care.

Still they denied the appeal, Veizaga said.

In Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Begonia Skidmore had been going through something similar. She also used cameras to monitor her mother from afar. Her mother also wandered once before and was found. The experience was also a wake-up call for her. She went to her moms neurologist for help.

I got a letter from him saying that she needs 24-hour-care, she said. Ive been working and trying to get her care for the last eight months.

But the insurance company would only authorize six hours of care a day. Again, it was the Centers Plan for Healthy Living.

Still, Skidmore considered herself lucky. She felt relieved that she could take a break from worrying at least for those six hours. But then, three days into this new arrangement, she got a call at 10AM, on February 9th, two Sundays ago. It was the home attendant. There are conflicting stories about what happened, but the end result was that Skidmores mother was missing. She was last seen at her neighborhood Catholic church.

I entrusted my loved one with you and this is what you do, Skidmore said, racked with worry, 10 days into her mothers disappearance. She thought up possible scenarios that gave her hope her mom was still alive.

People are thinking shes homeless. Theyre staying away from her because she probably smells if shes in the streets, she said. If not, my thing is shes safe and sound in the hospital and somebody just didnt inform the cops.

The next day, hope was lost. 76-year-old Czeslawa Konefal was found dead on the shoreline of Newtown Creek under the Kosciuszko Bridge. In her grief, Skidmore declined further comment.

In a written statement, the insurance company said, These two cases are under internal investigation and Centers Plan for Healthy Living is working with local New York City authorities to find how and why this happened.

The company declined to answer further questions.

Last Friday, Sue Veizaga was at a funeral home planning her mothers burial. The Bronx 6 train roared overhead as she flipped through pages of caskets and flowers. She picked out a white casket with pink lining and pink and purple flowers, in soft shades her mother loved. Veizaga said her mother was funny and sweet and loved to feed the stray cats that hung around her building. So when she went to pick out her burial plot, and a tiger-striped cat walked by, she saw it as a sign.

She loved, loved, loved cats, she said. I was wondering if that was even kind of her saying, Yeah, this is where I want to be.

Genoveva was buried last Saturday under a tree at a cemetery in Valhalla, about 25 miles north of her home.

Cindy Rodriguez can be reached at crodriguez@wnyc.org.

Additional reporting byMegan Zerez.

Read the original post:
Two Deaths, Two Daughters And A Healthcare System That Failed - Gothamist

Health and Exercise Science Club promotes healthy living on campus – The Simpsonian

Posted on February 4, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Photo submitted to the Simpsonian

by Morgan Flynn, Staff ReporterJanuary 29, 2020

With such a great interest in the health and exercise science major, some Simpson students have joined the Health and Exercise Science Club.

About four years ago, a few motivated students revamped the previous club into the Health and Exercise Science Club.

Its all-inclusive to any of the majors and minors, said president and third-year student Emmalyn Pratt. It doesnt matter if youre a health and exercise science major at all.

Through various activities throughout the year, the Health and Exercise Science Clubs goal is to spread health and wellness across campus.

With the recent change in majors, its become health and exercise science, which used to be just exercise science, but we want to encompass health as a broader mentality, said fourth-year student and former president Reagan Bradshaw. But we also really want to push mental health, physical health and just overall well-being.

Along with the various activities during the semester, members also have the opportunity to attend conferences such as the American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Summit, relating to health and exercise science.

Weve gone to Washington, D.C. and Chicago for the last two that we went to, Bradshaw said. And its just a really good opportunity. There are professionals throughout the field that are there and speak. You learn a lot more than you would, I would say, in a classroom setting, just by being there.

Some upcoming events for the club this semester include a yoga and kombucha night, food fest and a visit from a dietician to discuss myths and misconceptions about common nutrition and other easy, helpful tips for students to eat on campus. They also will hold a color run.

The color run will take place on April 26 at 1 p.m. in Indianola. The color run is also a fundraiser supporting a fellow student on campus to raise money for a diabetic alert dog as well as supporting JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

We want to get that out there and have a lot of people come, because its a fellow student and we want to help her out, Pratt said.

The Health and Exercise Science Club meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. in one of the Carse classrooms.

Any students interested in joining or have questions about the club can email Emmalyn Pratt at [emailprotected]

Go here to see the original:
Health and Exercise Science Club promotes healthy living on campus - The Simpsonian

We need leadership to disrupt the status quo – The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Currently, here in Grand Junction and at the state Legislature, talk of hospital and pharmaceutical costs remain center stage as policymakers and employers work to contain health care costs. However, the health-care cost problem transcends hospital and pharmacy prices. The largest factor in the health of the population and the resulting cost of caring for that population has nothing to do with hospital and drug prices. Indeed, the solution must include the individuals and the social factors that lead to chronic disease.

Our chronic disease epidemic is the proverbial elephant in the room. Despite $3 trillion spent per year, life expectancy in the United States has fallen for three out of the last four years. We have the most expensive health care system on the planet and our collective life expectancy is in decline. This is a mind-boggling failure and one rooted in an epidemic of chronic disease, a disproportionate focus on treatment versus prevention, and large discrepancies in social determinants of health. Remember, in the United States, zip code is the most powerful predictor of your life expectancy.

Hospitals and pharmaceuticals, while appropriate targets for our attention on health-care costs, do not have a causal relationship with epidemics and social determinants of health. If we are truly interested and honest with our endeavor to control health-care costs, we will boldly confront the most preventable elements of our chronic disease epidemic: tobacco, alcohol, obesity-related disease, and drug use. As per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the legal products at the root of much of the chronic disease are responsible for over $700 billion per year in added health-care costs.

Here in Mesa County, the health of our population is no different. Business owners, politicians, and citizens who are truly serious about controlling the cost of public and private health care must show leadership and disrupt the status quo.

Colorados physicians see the problems every day. As such, the Colorado Medical Society now supports taxing alcohol, tobacco and sugar-based beverages to directly address the sources of our chronic disease epidemic and the social determinants of health.

And now, I am helping to find sponsors for state legislation that builds on this policy such that we stop ignoring major elements of our health-care cost conundrum. We simply must address both sides of the health-care cost equation: delivery system reform and disease prevention. After all, the lowest price for a hospital or prescription drug is to not need one in the first place.

So heres a plan to change our current over-emphasis on treatment to more prevention:

Currently, our state ranks near the bottom with respect to consumption tax rates on alcohol and tobacco. Our alcohol taxes on spirits and beer rank about 46th in the country and our tobacco tax ranks 39th. Our obesity rates continue to climb triggering more diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and orthopedic problems. By simply increasing alcohol and tobacco consumption taxes to national medians and adding a one cent per ounce tax on beverages with added sugar, Colorado could pilot an innovative method to directly respond to our declining life expectancy and key drivers of increased cost.

Hospitals, places where chronic disease is often treated, are currently being taxed to help pay for Colorados new reinsurance program. Why would we not ask the commercial industries whose products cause the chronic disease to step up to the plate? Are we going to ignore this problem simply because it is unpopular to address the human behaviors that push us in the exact opposite direction that we need to go?

The proposed legislation would raise more than $400 million and the new revenue could not be used for the general fund. On the contrary, to successfully serve its purpose, the revenue must be used to address our chronic disease epidemic by addressing social determinants of health and by marketing healthy behavior.

Fifty percent of the funds would be delivered back to counties, indexed to poverty levels by zip code, for them to use on social determinants of health projects that each county would decide upon. The other 50% of the revenue would be directed back to individuals buying health insurance that meet healthy living parameters. Auto insurance appropriately rewards good drivers. Colorado, via this innovative design, could market and promote healthy living.

Your legislators need to hear the message. They need the political cover to support legislation that would bring this plan before the voters. Tell them its time to stop ignoring a large percentage of our health care cost problem with bold solutions that directly address our chronic disease epidemic.

Finally, if a statewide effort proves difficult at this time, Mesa County would benefit by leading the charge. Growing businesses, interested in moving to a healthy community, would take note of our comprehensive approach to solving the health care cost challenge. The problem requires innovation and bold policy otherwise we can continue to wallow in the expense of the status quo and our own denial.

Michael J. Pramenko, M.D., is the executive director of Primary Care Partners. He is chairman of the board of Monument Health and is a past president of the Colorado Medical Society.

See the original post here:
We need leadership to disrupt the status quo - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

Healthy Living: The Farm Show and your health – ABC27

Posted on January 12, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

In this weeks Healthy Living, the Farm Show can be a great place to explore the health benefits of local produce, but it can also be a crowded place right in the middle of the cold and flu season.

Lets start with the healthy options at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. New last year, a market where you can purchase local produce. You can buy local honey, apples, cheese, vegetables and more. Right now apples, mushrooms, and potatoes are in season, meaning theyre at peak ripeness and nutritious.

In the food court and throughout the show there are a ton of food vendors. Theyve undergone close inspection to make sure the food you eat isnt at risk.

They are all food providers and we make sure they are held to the highest standard any restaurant would be. So we make sure they have safe food, theyre following safe following, handling practices, and providing safe temperatures so there is no bacteria going to be found on them. Ultimately all of that food is provided to the consumer is safe and healthy hands, Stefanie Smith, Chief, Food Safety Policy & Program Division, said.

Now when youre at the Farm Show youre one of many, and crowds in the middle of cold and flu season can put your health at risk. This season Pennsylvania has seen over 17,000 reported cases of the flu, and across the country, the flu has claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

If you havent gotten a flu shot, you can get one here. The department of health is offering free flu shots each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at their booth.

Also, remember to wash your hands frequently and visit one of the many hand sanitizer stations or bring your own.

Read the original here:
Healthy Living: The Farm Show and your health - ABC27

Skin protection tips | Healthy Living – Uniontown Herald Standard

Posted on February 4, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Skin protection tips

Amy Fauth

afauth@heraldstandard.com

The American Association of Dermatology has the following tips to protect your skin from the suns damaging ultraviolet rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer in any season:

n Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the suns rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade;

n Wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible;

n Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays;

n Use sunscreen whenever you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days. Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need about 1 ounce or enough to fill a shot glass to fully cover their body. Dont forget to apply to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating;

n Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn;

n Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging;

n Consider using a self-tanning product if you want to look tan, but continue to use sunscreen with it;

n Perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early, when its most treatable, and see a dermatologist if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding.

Visit link:
Skin protection tips | Healthy Living - Uniontown Herald Standard

Alzheimer’s Association to offer program on health living – Wyoming Tribune

Posted on January 12, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

CHEYENNE At any age, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain or even potentially improve our health. These habits may also help to keep our brains healthy as we age, and possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline.

To help people age well, the Wyoming chapter of the Alzheimers Association is offering the Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research program. This workshop covers four areas of lifestyle habits that are associated with healthy aging: cognitive activity; physical health and exercise; diet and nutrition; and social engagement.

In each area, discussion will focus on what is known, drawing on current research, as well as what can be done steps to take now to improve or maintain overall health in each area.

The workshop will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Laramie County Library, 2200 Pioneer Ave. The program is free and appropriate for the general public.

For more information, contact the Alzheimers Association-Wyoming Chapter at 307-287-6569.

More:
Alzheimer's Association to offer program on health living - Wyoming Tribune

What is the Helper’s High? – Bangor Daily News

Posted on December 14, 2019 by Prof Baldwin

Did you know that theres actually a phenomenon called the Helpers High, which is similar to a runners high? It means that giving gifts is actually good for your health!

Basically, its the flood of feel-good emotions that are released whenever you help someone (which also includes giving thoughtful gifts).

According to the Cleveland Clinic, giving to others can help:

Lower your blood pressure Boost your self-esteem Reduce depression Lower stress Make you happier Help you live a longer life

Pretty amazing, right?

Want some inspiration for health-related gifts this holiday season? Download our Healthy Holiday Gift guide here:https://wilcoxwellnessfitness.lpages.co/holidaygifts/

Scientists are still figuring out the whys behind this effect, but researchers doing MRI studies of people who gave to charity found that their brains reward center was stimulated, releasing all those feel-good endorphins.

This kind of good-for-you high is actually pretty addictive just like a runners high!

Thats probably why doing a favor (or performing a random act of kindness) is a surefire way to turn around a bad or stressful day.

Happy Holidays!

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!

The rest is here:

What is the Helper's High? - Bangor Daily News

Select Page ::