Rob Lowe Shared How He’s Staying Fit and Healthy in His 50s – menshealth.com

Actor Rob Lowe has kept busy during quarantine. In June, the 56-year-old actor released his new podcast, Literally!, where he chats with his famous friends, including Chris Pratt, Conan O'Brien, Magic Johnson and more. He's also embraced the opportunity to get outdoors more frequently.

"I love being outside. Whether it's surfing, hiking, walking, or golfing, I'm usually doing one of those things," he says. "Today is a lifting day, and then I'm going to go to the driving range and will walk 9 holes. That's the idea of heaven for me. I'm really, really, really physically active. I go berserk if I don't get to channel that physical energy. I get depressed, I get lethargic, I get unmotivated. I have to force myself to have proper rest days."

Lowe is especially serious when it comes to tracking his workouts when he's in the gym, and actually keeps a workout diary, he admits. "I write down every workout that I ever do."

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The Parks and Recreation actor wasn't always so fanatical about his fitness routine, however. "The first time I ever had a trainer and the first time I went to a proper gym was for Youngblood, and I hated it," he laughs. "I had to put on weight15 pounds. I was a little stick figure. It was all amino acids and protein shakes with raw eggs. And I'd lift weights every single day."

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After filming concluded, however, he started to look forward to his sweat sessions. "The irony was that I hated it, but then I came to love it," he says. "I sometimes work with trainers. I can keep myself at 80 percent of my potential on my own, and if I do need to go that extra distance, then I work with trainers to get to that point."

When Lowe is on set and shooting, he said, he works out on his lunch breaks. "For example, when I was shooting The West Wing, every single lunch break I was in the Warner Brothers gym. I would eat prior to our official lunch break so I could hit the gym, power through an intense 35-minute workout which gave me time to cool down and shower and get back to the set," he says.

Lowe learned how to get his workouts done in under an hour, and it's something that's stuck his current training. "Even to this day when have all the time in the world, it's 35-55 minutes for me and I'm good," he says. "I'm not in a there for an hour or an hour and a half." Quarantine, though, has slightly changed up the way that he trains.

"Prior to quarantine I went to a really great stretching class once a week," he says. While those days are gonefor now, at leasthe's managed to keep up his mobility work in his home gym.

"I've been trying to do all the stretching and mobility work. Today I will go into the gym for a 40-minute session and do some warmups with planking and hinges. Then I'll get into some kettle bell swings, deadlifts, squats with raises, pushups, pulldowns, rows, and some lunges," he says. "I may do some leaps out in the yard and finish up with a little bit of abs. I don't break my days up into body partsI do the whole body."

For Lowe, a rest day is usually an active rest day. "A rest day for me is getting on the Peloton to do a low impact 45 minutes or something. It's probably not the healthiest thing in the world that I can't sit still, but if that's my cross to bear, I'll take it."

To recover, he's also a fan of chiropractic adjustments and massage, but Lowe insists that the most important part to staying in shape is his diet. "I swear 75 percent of everything, if not more, is diet. And that only gets to be more true the older I get," he says. "I could train like The Rock and still not get where I want to be if I'm not eating properly."

For Lowe, that means eating the Atkins Diet, a high-protein, low-carb, moderate sugar eating plan that he's done since his mid-30s.

"People talk about keto, and I've done itit's that great. But I feel like eating Atkins is a more manageable form of keto," he says. "If I'm eating right, I'm not just wasting my time in the gym. I've never had a diet/weight issue. Being on Atkins more about training, maintaining and having the kind of energy I want to have to be as active as I am and to live the kind of life I want to live."

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Combined with his sobriety, it's a big part of what's helped him maintain his healthy lifestyle."One of the great benefits of being sober 30 years is that I'm not carrying all those carbs. No one liked going to a Dodger game and having a couple of beers at the game more than me, but alcohol (consumption) is something I think everybody should take a look at," he says, "because that is some sneaky ass carbs and calories right there."

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Rob Lowe Shared How He's Staying Fit and Healthy in His 50s - menshealth.com

What its like to be a critical care nurse working on the front lines of COVID-19 – Netdoctor

Dawn Bilbrough, 51, from York, captured the nations hearts at the onset of lockdown, when her emotional plea to shoppers to stop stockpiling went viral. As a critical care nurse, shes worked with COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic, and has had to manage the associated stress and emotional trauma that has entailed, as well as the physical difficulties of working while in full PPE.

We caught up with Dawn before her next 12-hour shift, to find out just how tough the past few months have been in an intensive care unit.

I became a critical care nurse in 2003, so 17 years. It was something I always wanted to do. I just have this natural ability to sit with people when theyre at their lowest and when theyre in pain, whether its physical, mental or emotional. I can just sit with them I dont shy away from it. I suppose you might say I just hold space.

The biggest reward for an intensive care nurse is seeing a patient come back through the doors a couple of months later, maybe a little weaker, but actually walking back through the doors and saying hi to us.

The hardest thing can be being constrained by protocol. Obviously every job has to have some structure, some protocol, so that can be a little bit frustrating sometimes. But we all work with it, dont we, and accept these things? What else is challenging? The usual lack of time, lack of resources but we all pull together. Were a really good team within the health profession, we just help each other out everyone mucks in together.

During the peak, we had such a vast number of patients coming through with COVID, patients who were incredibly unwell. Were used to dealing with very sick patients, but this was a case of every single patient was sick. As critical care nurses, we were spread quite thinly. We were very fortunate to have people come in from other departments, and even though those nurses werent trained in critical care, they got on with it and helped us as much as they could. Without them, I dont know how it would have been.

Wed also have more than one patient, which goes against what normally happens. This was quite stressful, because everyones medication was ongoing, and even though you do have someone to come and support you, youre the one actually managing the situation. Its a huge stress on an individual.

Were going to work each day not knowing what were going to be seeing.

Of course, weve all had shifts where were totally exhausted, feeling vulnerable because were going to work each day not knowing what were going to be seeing. And weve also got our own family lives back at home, along with the difficulties of the restrictions. Its definitely been challenging, but everyone has pulled together doctors, nurses, cleaners. And then of course we got additional support from Clap For Carers and all the fundraising thats been going on thats been a real morale boost and has lifted spirits a bit.

Absolutely, yes. My daughter and I dont live together, but when we first heard we were going to go into lockdown, we considered moving in together for support. But then I just thought, no, I cant do that, because I was concerned about bringing it home. Ive had colleagues whove actually lived away from their families during most of the lockdown, because they were so concerned about taking it back to their family.

Ive had colleagues whove actually lived away from their families during most of the lockdown.

It was incredibly difficult. There was a lot of FaceTime going on with family and friends, but it was really hard. And then I became ill as well I think I had COVID so I had all that going on, too. Im usually quite fit I work out a lot, have quite a healthy lifestyle and Ive never been really poorly but I was very ill. I had chest pains, a temperature quite a lot of the symptoms.

Yes, I must say that it has. I have accessed a counsellor and I know the NHS are supporting staff that the resources are there. I just hope that people choose to access these services, because everybody needs a little bit of support from time to time I think even more so now, with what were dealing with day in day out. You can only process so much on your own or with your colleagues, and its not good to just keep burying things away, because one day it will come back out.

Were always in PPE now. The masks are tight. They rub. We do have barrier creams and little wound dressings that we can put beneath the masks to stop them rubbing our faces, but but they still hurt. And weve got these long gowns on all day, which are hot. You cant hear anything, either, so you cant communicate properly. Having a normal conversation through a vizor and mask it really hard. You feel like youre always shouting. I sometimes think that when I come home, Im still shouting! It makes the job so much more difficult, and its more tiring as well, wearing PPE.

I think psychologically we do need this easing of restrictions. I dont think people can continue with the measures that were imposed. They were quite rightly strict, but there has to be a little bit of easing up now.

I do think that the majority of people have been amazing they have really stuck with the hand washing and the social distancing. I just think its now really important that we continue with it and not lose sight of the fact that COVID is still here.

Its really important that we continue with it and not lose sight of the fact that COVID is still here.

Of course, some people are also asymptomatic they might not know theyve got it and I think thats where the difficulty comes from. Seeing those pictures of people on the beaches recently was hard to see look at. I do understand peoples frustrations, but we all have to realise that the threat is still here, and we all have to take a little bit of responsibility. Its vital that we all keep following the Government guidelines of hand washing and social distancing. The guidelines are there for a reason.

Last updated: 11-08-2020

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The sports nutrition market is projected to record a CAGR of 11.74% during the forecast period (2020-2025 – GlobeNewswire

New York, Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Sports Nutrition Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2020 - 2025)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05893119/?utm_source=GNW Thus, the growth rate of the sports nutrition market is attributed to not just sportspersons, but to casual athletes and dieters as well, who are joining the general health and wellness movement. Indulgence buying and product knowledge are the key factors driving the growth rate.- By type, the sports supplement segment occupied a major share, due to the increased regularized usage of sports nutrition products by sportspersons in the form of supplements. The growing preference for personalized nutrition is one of the key market trends, which may further stimulate market growth.

Key Market TrendsIncreasing Demand for Sports Drinks

The sports drink segment is lifestyle-driven. The increasing concerns about physical well-being and leading a healthy lifestyle are the major growth drivers for the sports drink segment. Also, the increasing fitness trend across the world is further expected to drive the sales of sports drinks. With the growing popularity of fitness programs, due to the increased emphasis on leading a healthy lifestyle, the consumption of sports drinks is rising substantially, as they help in rehydrating the body. Moreover, in recent years, health clubs and fitness centers have witnessed consistent growth, due to an increase in health concerns and changes in lifestyle. The rise in health awareness and the need for adequate nutritional content in food have also fostered the demand for sports nutrition products.

Asia-Pacific is the Fastest-growing Market

The strong fitness culture across countries, such as China, Japan, and Australia, and the wide availability of sports nutrition products, with a plethora of brands on the market and constant new product launches, are some of the factors contributing toward increasing the market for sports nutrition products across Asia-Pacific. Additionally, the increasing dependency on social media is a significant factor in the success of sports nutrition brands, with the use of social media channels, including Instagram and Facebook, as well as brand ambassadors, having a strong influence on sales. Furthermore, the increasing government efforts to educate consumers on the importance of fitness are further adding to the overall revenues in the Asia-Pacific sports nutrition market. In this regard, in 2016, the Chinese government introduced the National Fitness Programme, encouraging consumers to take part in various sports activities being held throughout the country, such as marathons, thus, in turn, boosting the sports nutrition market in the region.

Competitive LandscapeThe sports nutrition market is highly competitive and fragmented, with the presence of various international and domestic players. Though there are many local players in the sports nutrition market, brand value, high distribution network, and the demand for clean label products give the global players an upper edge over the regional players. Major players in the sports nutrition market are Glanbia PLC, PepsiCo Inc., MusclePharm Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, Clif Bar & Compan, Multipower, etc.

Reasons to Purchase this report:- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format- 3 months of analyst supportRead the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05893119/?utm_source=GNW

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

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The sports nutrition market is projected to record a CAGR of 11.74% during the forecast period (2020-2025 - GlobeNewswire

Innovations, Sustainability Drive the Toy Market – Pet Age

With more consumers considering their pets to be members of their family, toys can no longer be considered a luxury item. They have become necessities along with collars, leashes, bowls and the other essential accessories. Pet Age recently spoke with Susan Calles, national marketing manager at Ethical Products, which was established in 1952 and currently boasts a dozen brands, including the Bam-Bones, Play Strong and Skinneeez toy lines.

What are the top things that consumers look for with the toys they buy for their pets?Consumers want to feel good about their purchase and know that their pet will enjoy the product and the longevity of the toy. While no toy lasts forever, it is important to understand the play habits of your dog along with what makes them happy when considering a toy purchase. When shopping, consumers should buy according to their pets preferences and play style. Super durable toys for destructive chewers, toys that are interactive and engaging (these encourage and promote the bond between the pet and human), toys that are challenging and stimulating like puzzles and treat dispensers and toys that emit sounds are just a few of the favorites. At Ethical, we design toys that will address these different play styles. Our popular line of durable toys, Bam-Bones, are made with the strength of natural, sustainable and renewable bamboo fiber. These toys satisfy a dogs natural chewing instinct, keeps them focused to discourage destructive chewing, exercises jaw muscles and helps clean teeth and massage gums for a healthy mouth. And the best part, they last a long time!

For our feline friends, toys with catnip, bells and feathers are very popular. Interactive toys such as wands are also great sellers. Consumers are always looking for quality, fun and safe cat toys all at an economical price. We deliver on this requirement by reviewing hundreds of new cat toy concepts and only selecting those cat toys that fall into these parameters so we can offer the best value. Our cat toys are designed to appeal to the instincts of cats to hunt and play, and these toys provide hours of healthy exercise while promoting bonding between the cat and pet parent. The human/pet bond is stronger than ever so the development of toys that promote this bond is critical. The addition of catnip to interactive toys strengthens this bond while also providing the cat with playful and healthy exercise. Cats have a natural instinct to hunt so based on their predatory ways it is only fitting to provide cats with toys that satisfy this desire. While cats are very independent, there is still a need for playful, healthy exercise. Our cat toys provide the physical and mental exercise cats need so having a variety of toys on hand to rotate will keep kitty mentally challenged. In turn, this can also curb destructive behaviors such as scratching furniture or digging in plants that can occur due to boredom.

What can you tell us about the growing trend of toys that serve a specific purpose?

Toys that serve a purpose have risen in popularity. Pet parents feel good knowing that the toy they purchased also challenges their pets in other ways. Theyre getting more for their money; a fun toy plus the mentally stimulating and challenging angle the toy brings with it. These types of toys encourage pets to exercise and work for their food which has positive effects on a pets overall behavior and health. These positive benefits are the reasons the future of this category will continue to grow. For this reason, we offer several different types of challenging toys for both cats and dogs ranging from a full line of puzzles to several treat/food dispensing toys. Finding the hidden treat or food is their reward for working hard and being smart!

Cats, just as dogs and humans, should live an active, healthy lifestyle. Keeping cats mentally and physically challenged are two of the main goals of our Doc & Phoebe Indoor Hunting Feeder; a unique no-bowl feeding system for cats.The Indoor Hunting Feeder allows cats to eat the way nature intended and has helped thousands of cat parents solve their cats scarf and barf, night waking, obesity, urinating outside of the litter box, aggression, destruction and boredom issues. Cat parents typically feed their cats twice a day. With this veterinary innovation, instead of filling the bowl twice a day, cat parents simply fill three mice and hide them around the house morning and night. Cats can hunt, catch and play with three perfectly portioned meals twice a day.

We are proud and excited to finally launch two new Doc & Phoebe products, designed by Dr. Bales, The Wet Feeder and The Hunting Snacker. The Wet Feeder is the first feeder to provide a portion controlled, interactive solution for wet cat food. The Snacker is the first adjustable puzzle feeder designed with a fabric covering, for cats to use their teeth and claws in the hunt for their snacks!

Is there such a thing as an indestructibletoy?

I wish I could tell you yes, but unfortunately the answer is no. It really all depends on the dog. If the dog is a destructive chewer with strong jaws, they will chew through anything, its a challenge for them. Destructive chewers, chew to win! I know, I have two very destructive chewers! They have chewed through the best of the best. Right now, the only toy theyve been unable to destroy is our Barrett Ball. The Barrett Ball is made of one solid unit of natural rubber. There are no seams, which create weak points that dogs always seem to find on their quest to destroy, so this design makes the ball virtually indestructible. Another important fact to remember, destructive chewers arent just large breeds. Smaller dogs with razor sharp teeth can also chew their way through toys. For this reason, The Barrett Ball comes in three sizes, so that all size breeds can benefit from this durable toy. The Barrett Ball also comes with a 100% lifetime guarantee and proceeds from the sales goes directly to Dogs4Warriors, a service foundation that provides veterans with service dogs to help them with their daily lives.

When we design our durable dog toys, we strive for durability and a toy that will last longer than the average dog toy. We use a variety of materials such as rubber, TPR, and even some fabrics, such as canvas, ballistic nylon, plush with several layers of backing, leather and double/triple stitching to reinforce the seams. Our line of stuffing free toys, Skinneeez and Furrz, have stood the test of time with many aggressive chewers. The key to these toys is that there isnt any stuffing for the dog to rip out so they are less inclined to shred the toy.

Where do you see the future of licensed toys heading?

Licensed pet products have grown by leaps and bounds. Almost every category in the pet industry now features a licensed brand. Its not just apparel, its also toys, food, beds, etc. The purchase of licensed toys isone driven by emotion rather than necessity. The pet parent is drawn to the product because it creates a connection and familiarity with the licensed brand. If its a brand their kids played with, they connect that memory and are more likely to purchase the product for their pet. If its a brand they grew up with, theres the memory of when they had or used the brand. Having a positive experience with the licensed brand creates a loyalty and that has translated to the pet industry as well.

Recently, we partnered with Cosmopolitan Magazine to develop a line of pet toys and accessories specifically designed to appeal to the millennial/cosmo audience. The line of pet products will be called Cosmo Furbabies and will feature toys, apparel, bedding and accessories, all designed with the millennial/cosmo shopper in mind. Cosmo Furbabies will debut at Global Pet Expo 2021 in Orlando, Florida.

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Innovations, Sustainability Drive the Toy Market - Pet Age

Aditya Birla Health Insurance Provides a Health Cushion to Customers for COVID-19 with New Services and Products – Outlook India

(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (NewsVoir) Reduced waiting period and Cashless claims for Home Treatment Facility to be launched soon Corona Kavach, Active Dayz@Home and other services launched With the onset of COVID-19, it has become imperative to realise the importance of health & wellness, alongside having a comprehensive health insurance policy. Keeping this in mind, Aditya Birla Health Insurance (ABHICL), the health insurance arm of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, has introduced an array of services and product solutions that will enable customers to take care of their health in such difficult times. ABHICL is planning to reduce the Initial waiting period from 30 to 15 days for all the policyholders for COVID-19 related Inpatient Hospitalization claims. This offering will be launched for policyholders shortly. Another new key offering that will be introduced is the extension of the Home Treatment Facility to policyholders, otherwise requiring hospitalization and where policyholder have been advised Home Treatment by the treating Doctor in line with the ICMR Guidelines. This Home treatment facility would be provided on a cashless basis through our Network Providers and Empaneled Service Provider. ABHICL also recently launched Corona Kavach Policy- an indemnity health insurance product covering COVID-19. Corona Kavach is a specific reactive care hospitalisation indemnity plan which covers hospitalisation expenses in case of inpatient admission due to COVID-19 infection and any other co-morbidity which a patient may have. Additionally, all indemnity products of ABHICL, namely, Activ Health, Activ Assure and Activ Care offer hospitalisation covers, in-patient treatment, pre-hospitalisation, post-hospitalisation, and ambulance cover for COVID-19. The Group active health and Group active secure - Hospi cash products also cover COVID-19 treatment on indemnity as well as on a fixed benefit basis.Mayank Bathwal - CEO at Aditya Birla Health Insurance, spoke on the new product add-ons and services, saying, At Aditya Birla Health Insurance, our constant endeavour is to go beyond just providing health insurance to our customers. The new COVID product and the add-ons to our existing products will safeguard the well-being of our customers, right from first stage of - virus detection to post-recovery phase covering pre and post-hospitalization expenses. We have also tried to enable our customers to maintain their health with our Active Dayz at Home and #HealthFromHome initiatives. We are constantly speaking to our customers to understand their needs and challenges, and suitably modifying our benefits and offerings to support them further. By focusing on the health in health insurance, our aim is to reinforce the philosophy Health First and the importance of adopting a healthy and active lifestyle even during such critical times. Furthermore, to ensure proper service to policyholders and customers during such trying times, ABHICL has initiated several alternate processes. Currently, the entire Claims Team & related support functions like Care Managers & Management Information System (MIS) are working from home in an uninterrupted manner and managing timely processing of claims. The claims team is working on end to end processing of Pre-authorization claims (from the First Request from Hospital till the Final Discharge) and Reimbursement Claims (from Document receipt to Final Payment). The MIS & Payment team is also ensuring effective tracking of claims and timely settlement to insured & hospitals. Additionally, a part of the call centre team is working from home to ensure that all cashless claims get processed as usual. ABHICL has also launched an initiative Active Dayz@Home during the lockdown to facilitate seamless healthcare to patrons during the lockdown. Through the Activ Health app, customers can continue earning their HealthReturns by watching and working out with videos on the App. ABHICL also launched a campaign #HealthFromHome that re-imagined a healthy lifestyle for Indians during the lockdown. The campaign leveraged the strength of Facebook Live and health influencers to organise 100+ sessions across topics like yoga, fitness, nutrition, mental wellness and others for over seven weeks. These programmes involved doctors, health influencers and financial planners as well. #HealthFromHome reached out to over 30million people with more than 8.6million engagements.Image: Mr. Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limite PWRPWR

Disclaimer :- This story has not been edited by Outlook staff and is auto-generated from news agency feeds. Source: PTI

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Aditya Birla Health Insurance Provides a Health Cushion to Customers for COVID-19 with New Services and Products - Outlook India

How to lose visceral fat – four of the very best exercises that target your belly fat – Express

Visceral fat is more commonly known as belly fat, and it tends to wrap around your internal organs.

It's considered a serious health problem to be carrying too much visceral fat.

That's because the fat cells produce inflammatory markers and hormones, that increases the risk of chronic diseases.

One of the more effective ways to lose your visceral fat is to regularly do certain exercises, it's been claimed.

READ MORE: How to get rid of visceral fat: Six major changes you need to make

"Its every weight loss enthusiasts dream to zap belly fat but, far from pure vanity, theres actually a reason why having a lot of fat in the abdominal region can be dangerous," said the dietitian.

She wrote on the My Fitness Pal blog: "Because of its proximity to the liver, visceral fat is usually the easier fat to burn. Its the less risky subcutaneous fat that likes to stick around.

"Unfortunately, you cant forcefully spot reduce fat around your belly no matter how many crunches you do. The next best thing is to live a healthy lifestyle.

"Visceral fat responds well to regular endurance exercises, such as running, biking, rowing, swimming, that elevate your heart rate. As your body uses fat to fuel exercise, itll start using up your visceral stores."

Meanwhile, you could also lose your visceral fat by adopting a low-carb diet, it's been claimed.

Low-carb diet plans aim to limit the amount of carbohydrates you're eating, including potatoes, bread, and pasta.

Swapping your refined carbs for nutrient-rich carbohydrates - including fruit and vegetables - helps to reduce your visceral fat.

Without refined carbohydrates, your body begins to burn fat for fuel, which is ideal for those wanting to lose belly fat.

Visceral fat starts to cause health problems straight away.

It increases your risk of developing serious, long-term life-threatening medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and strokes.

You should consider speaking to a doctor if your waist is more than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women.

Your GP will discuss the health risks of belly fat, as well as some lifestyle changes to get rid of it.

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How to lose visceral fat - four of the very best exercises that target your belly fat - Express

Heart disease: Is red wine good for your heart? The amount you should drink – Express

Heart disease is a phrase that refers to various types of conditions that affect heart function. This includes coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, heart rhythm disturbances, coronary artery disease and more.

Red wine contains antioxidants that might help to prevent coronary artery disease, a type of heart disease that leads to heart attacks.

However, as the British Heart Foundation site points out, fruits such as grapes, blueberries, and strawberries also contain antioxidants.

Plenty of healthy veggies such as kale, spinach, and artichokes are packed with antioxidants.

Swapping to a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, beans, and pulses is a better option than drinking red wine every day.

READ MORE- Best supplements for the heart - how to protect against heart disease

In fact, drinking red wine can actually lead to heart disease rather than prevent it.

Alcohol, including red wine, is a depressant drug and slows down your brains control of your body.

It affects important functions such as speech and movement, and can slow your heart rate and breathing down to a dangerously low level.

Drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis can seriously damage your heart, so dont use the antioxidant content of red wine as an excuse to binge drink!

BHFs site also points out the link between alcohol and high blood pressure.

Over time, high blood pressure puts a strain on your heart and can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it is easily prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.

Other habits and traits that put you at risk of heart disease include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, and your ethnic background.

The pressure on your heart also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

There is no evidence to sufficiently support your decision to start drinking red wine regularly in order to avoid heart disease.

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If you drink most weeks, the NHS advises you to drink no more than a specific amount to keep health risks to a low level.

Both men and women are advised to drink no more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.

Thats about ten small glasses of low-strength wine, or six pints of average-strength peer.

If youre trying to cut down, you should try to have several drink-free days a week.

The NHS also points out that there is no safe drinking level, and thats why drinking less than 14 units a week is called low risk drinking rather than safe drinking.

Alcohol can not only cause heart disease, but it can also lead to cancers of the mouth, throat and breast, stroke, liver disease, brain damage, and damage to the nervous system.

The risks of drinking alcohol regularly outweigh any possible benefits you may have heard of.

The only group of people who might see some benefit overall in the UK is women over the age of 55.

However, there isnt enough evidence to say this is definitely true and it only applies to low levels of drinking - around five units a week or less.

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Heart disease: Is red wine good for your heart? The amount you should drink - Express

Real Men Take Care of Their Wellbeing #ManHoodGame – The Good Men Project

Here are some of the ways you can put your health first and take care of yourself.

July 21, 2020 by Isaiah Ram Leave a Comment

Theres been a certain stigma around the past few generations related to men utilizing resources for their health. Maybe you grew up with a father who thought going to the doctor was not manly. Maybe you have a friend who scoffs at the idea of staying on top of checkups.

Whatever it may be, its important that you set your health as a priority in your life. Here are some of the ways you can put your health first and take care of yourself.

The most important thing you can do today is to focus on living a healthy lifestyle. This means exercising, having a good diet, and taking care of yourself. Everyone knows the saying you are what you eat but few understand the importance a diet can play in your future. Heart disease, muscle atrophy, and even sexual health can be impacted in 20 or 30 years based on the decisions you make today.

So, improve your diet! Its ok to live a little and enjoy pizza for what it is but know that its not sustainable for your health. Vegetables, fruits, and nutrition-dense foods will yield the most return for your body in the long run. There is nothing more manly than a man who takes care of himself by eating clean.

You shouldnt feel shame over your lifestyle, either. Some men face pressure from friends who eat poorly or drink a lot of alcohol to join in on unhealthy behaviors. Sure, drinking a six-pack with the boys every weekend sounds like a great time, but do you realize the impact youre having on your liver? Have you considered how alcohol is impacting your weight? What about developing nerve damage and needing neuropathy treatment? This isnt to scare you or shame you, but real men should be aware of the impact food and alcohol can have on their bodies!

These are important things to consider as you grow into who you are as a man. No one will wish they had drunk more beer or smoked more cigarettes on their death bed at a young age. No one would want to live with neuropathy or heart disease. A day will come when you realize you arent invincible to what you gave yourself to and youll wish you had taken better care of your health.

Many men can recall their fathers never going to the doctor. It couldve been a life-threatening disease, an auto accident injury, or any number of things that could have lifelong effects. As a man, its important that you dont fall victim to this old way of thinking. Its good for you to take care of yourself and see a doctor!

Treating things as soon as possible will negate the long-term effects an incident has on you. Its easy to get into a car accident and think that you dont need to see a car accident chiropractor. Or maybe youve been diagnosed with a condition, and youre not wanting to take time off work so you try and fight through the pain.

This isnt good for you. Your body needs you to mend and take care of it. Dont fret over losing some money or worry about what your friends will think if you visit a doctor after sustaining an injury. Theyll understand when you explain why youre choosing to take care of a problem up front, rather than later. Who knows, it could be too late if choose to wait.

Think youre too young to need a prostate exam or a colonoscopy? Or afraid your friends or wife would judge you for being proactive? The truth is being proactive never hurts anyone. In fact, it could be the thing that saves you from a condition you had no idea about!

Visiting an orthopedic clinic or physician regularly will yield benefits for years to come. Doctors can see and plan for things before they happen. MRIs, CT scans, and other modern technology make it easier to catch things wrong in your body. Why would you not take advantage of this at a young age by continually monitoring your health? For whatever reason, many guys think their health is something they dont need to worry about until theyre older. And thats just not true!

There is no shame in visiting a doctor. Its ok to diet and watch your blood pressure. Youre not strange for considering your health years before most men do. Real men take care of their bodies by dieting, exercising, and being proactive with checkups. Its time that more guys realized what a healthy lifestyle would bring them for years to come.

Photo: Shutterstock

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Real Men Take Care of Their Wellbeing #ManHoodGame - The Good Men Project

United Way’s Days of Action to continue throughout the summer – Herald Review

United Way of 1,000 Lakes hosted the first day of volunteering for its Days of Action initiative on Thursday, July 16. Joined by staff from Days of Action partners, a small group of volunteers came together to complete projects in and around downtown Coleraine. Volunteers began painting fresh parking lines and crosswalks on Roosevelt Avenue, installed wayfinding signs with Get Fit Itasca, and spent time cleaning up and doing light landscaping on the city-owned Old Log Church. Activities in the area also included volunteers from ASV Holdings, Inc., who spent two days clearing the asphalt from Longyear Parks ice rink. This is the first phase of park enhancements that will refurbish the outdoor skate rink, warming house, and park play area.

These projects laid the groundwork for a summer-long, community-wide undertaking to engage community members in improving conditions in the downtown Coleraine neighborhood. In the coming weeks, volunteers will continue to make aesthetic and functional improvements to public spaces in the city, as well as helping homeowners and business owners paint, garden, and complete minor improvements. Working closely with city leadership, the goal of this years Days of Action is to enhance the vibrancy of the citys main street corridor, building a stronger, more connected community in the process.

Days of Action provides an opportunity for residents and cabin owners to give a few hours or even a few days to improve the place where they live, work, and/or play, allowing volunteers to focus on taking positive action in the midst of the health and economic crisis.

I have lived in Coleraine for 44 years and would like to see our little town spruced up, shared Coleraine resident Mary Troumbly about her experience volunteering. I enjoy working on projects that help out others and therefore give me a sense of accomplishment and purpose. I have always loved living here and I think any improvements we can make just make it that much better a place to live.

Days of Action projects take place primarily outdoors, with small groups of volunteers practicing social distancing. Volunteers are screened and required to use protective equipment such as masks and gloves. United Ways next Day of Action will take place on Thursday, July 30, and will include a number of different projects. In particular, United Way is looking for skilled and amateur painters and encourages volunteer groups to take part. Future dates also include Aug. 13, Aug. 27, and Sept. 3. If any of the above dates dont work, individuals and groups can also request a specific date by calling 218-999-7570. Those interested in volunteering can find projects and registration at volunteer.uwlakes.org.

About United Way of 1000 Lakes

United Way of 1000 Lakes is a leader in mobilizing the resources of individuals, companies, and government and local organizations to ignite community collaboration in support of the building blocks for a good quality of life: success in school; financial stability; access to care; and healthy lifestyle choices. United Way invites everyone to join the movement. Visit uwlakes.org to learn more.

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United Way's Days of Action to continue throughout the summer - Herald Review

Seven weight loss ‘myths’ you need to stop believing – Gibraltar Chronicle

By Liz ConnorHas lockdown left your clothes feeling a little more snug? According to a survey by Kings College London and IPSOS Mori, 48% of people in the UK say theyve seen the scales creeping up during the pandemic.

Understandably, many of us have turned to food for comfort, plus out lifestyles suddenly became much more sedentary and giving ourselves a hard time for gaining a bit of weight is the last thing anyone needs.

But if you are thinking about embarking on a post-lockdown health kick, its a good idea to approach it sensibly.

So much is said about losing weight that its hard to know what advice you can trust. Between crash diets, Instagram fads and demonised food groups, theres a lot of conflicting information. Weight loss myths prevail and theyre particularly rife at the moment, with many people looking for ways to shed the extra pounds gained during the heightened stress of lockdown.

To help you on your way, we asked some experts to talk us through some of the most common weight loss myths.

1. You can target problem areasMany people have a part of their body theyre unhappy with, and targeting these so-called problem areas can often be a main motivator in their weight loss journey but regimes that promise to tackle specific areas are misleading.

Unfortunately, if your goal is to solely lose weight off somewhere specific, like your tummy, youre probably going to experience disappointment, says David Wiener, training specialist at Freeletics (freeletics.com). Weight is lost by eating a healthy, balanced diet along with regular exercise, but everyone is different and you cant predict where the fat will be shed from first.

Adding exercises that target the abs and core can help to tone muscle in this area, however, but fat loss is part of a bigger picture.

2. Carbs should be avoidedMost fad or celebrity diets always revolve around cutting out specific food groups, such as carbs, claiming that its a fast-track solution to weight loss, says Wiener.

Carbohydrates are a really important part of a balanced diet though. Wiener explains theyre the bodys main source of energy for they brain, and they also contain essential dietary fibre, which aids in digestion.

While they may [sometimes] be the higher calorie option on paper, the reality is carbs make you feel fuller for longer, which means youre less likely to binge on snacks throughout the day, Wiener adds.

3. Some foods speed up metabolismThe popular theory goes that the faster your metabolism, the more calories you burn and the easier it is to keep weight off. Foods and drinks such as green tea and protein-rich foods are renowned for being good at speeding up your metabolism, says Weiner, who warns that spiking your metabolism only lasts for a few hours at a time.

These processes need energy; the amount of energy they need is dependent on an individuals body size, age, gender and genes.

So, while it may be possible for certain foods to spike your metabolism shortly after they are ingested, there is no scientific proof that they are beneficial for your overall metabolism.

4. Biology has no effect on weight lossWeiner stresses that everybody is different when it comes to weight loss, and theres no simple one size fits all rule. Peoples bodies are affected differently because of varying metabolisms, hormones and muscle mass. Some diets or training regimes will have great success with some people and not with others, he says. You could take more time to lose weight than others, and thats totally fine. Just be patient and trust the process.

5. Detoxing is good for youDetoxing often largely revolves around cutting out most of your usual food and just having detox juice or shakes instead. Although trendy, health experts often advise caution.

Jo Travers, registered dietitian and author of The Low-Fad Diet, says: A healthy, balanced diet is called such because it is healthy and balanced. When you cut certain foods, it ceases to be balanced and by definition, this means the gut isnt getting what it needs.

A juice detox is a key example. There is very little protein content in juice, so your body will be forced to break down muscle in order to complete important processes like making hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters. This is usually why people rapidly lose weight on a juice fast; its mainly muscle.

6. Fats are bad when trying to lose weightJust like carbs, fats often have a bad reputation in the world of dieting. Its not fat that makes you gain weight, its simply eating too many calories that makes you gain weight, says Elliott Upton, personal trainer at Up Fitness (upfitness.co.uk).

One important thing to remember with fats is they contain more calories than protein and carbs, so theyre just easier to overeat there are nine calories per gram of fat, compared to just four calories per gram with carbs and protein.

Certain fats are also very good for us and essential for healthy function. Losing weight and living a lean and healthy lifestyle actually requires some essential fats in your diet. Plus, fays become even more important if youre reducing your intake of carbs, as a low-fat and low-carb diet together is not sustainable, adds Upton.

He says healthy fats are vital to hormone production and they aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. You should avoid man-made trans fats, which can be pro-inflammatory and are associated with myriad health complications. Healthy sources of fat to include in your weight loss diet are oily fish, like salmon and mackerel; nuts, like cashews, walnuts and almonds; seeds, like chia flax and sesame; and butters and oils.

7. Losing weight should always be a linear processLosing weight is not always a straightforward and quick journey. Rather than quick-fix diets and fast weight loss, instead think in terms of a general lifestyle change that takes time.

As Wiener explains: Its normal for peoples weight to fluctuate up and down. For example, people are generally lighter in the morning than in the evening. And for women, holding onto water weight can often become more significant during their menstrual cycle.

The bottom line is that making small lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits over time can help you lose weight in a sustainable, healthy and enjoyable way. If youre concerned about your weight, its a good idea to speak to your GP, who can give you further advice on losing weight sensibly at home.(PA)

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Seven weight loss 'myths' you need to stop believing - Gibraltar Chronicle

More South Koreans are now Switching to a Vegan Diet to Live a Healthy Lifestyle – Vegan Daily News

A lot of South Koreans are now switching to a vegan diet due to the rising awareness about the health benefits of eating plant-based foods. According to the Korean Vegetarian Union (KVU), there are around 500,000 strict vegans that currently live in South Korea. And approximately 1.5 million people eat a plant-based diet in their daily routine.

One of the major reasons responsible for the high popularity of a vegan diet among Koreans is the health benefits associated with this plant-based diet. In addition to this, the rising awareness about animal rights and the need to create a clean environment is also boosting the demand for a vegan diet.

Lee Won-bok, the head of the Korean Vegetarian Union (KVU) has added that a lot of Korean people are preferring a vegan diet over other diet options. The popularity of a vegan diet is increasing widely among athletes and youngsters who are focusing on achieving a healthy body.

Many vegan campaigns are now being run at a global level to spread awareness about the benefits of turning into a vegan. And their effect can be easily seen in South Korea where people are now preferring plant-based foods in their everyday routine.

It is observed that South Korean people are completely embracing a vegan lifestyle and they are also making the use of plant-based products to raise their voice against animal cruelty. Through their social media platforms, South Koreans are also sharing everything about the benefits of choosing a vegan lifestyle to live a healthy and prosperous life.

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More South Koreans are now Switching to a Vegan Diet to Live a Healthy Lifestyle - Vegan Daily News

Global Sweet and Savory Snacks Market to 2026 – Key Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities – ResearchAndMarkets.com – Business Wire

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Sweet and Savory Snacks Market: Consumer Behavior Analysis by Countries, Buying Pattern Analysis, Demographics, Trends Analysis, Survey Findings and Results, Leading Companies and their Market Strategies" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global sweet and savory snacks market size was valued at USD 155 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.17% in terms of value during the forecast period.

Sweet and savory snacks are a solution to the various needs of modern consumers, and they use it between meals or as their replacement. The major players in the market are branching out from original recipes and introducing line extensions that deliver attractive ingredients, flavors, and textures to consumers looking for new experiences or alternative ingredients for health reasons. The products such as popcorn chips, nut flour crackers, and jerky prepared from non-meat resources on store shelves. A number of the retail outlet's grocery stores, convenience stores, warehouse club stores, and roadside vendors are tantalizing consumer's taste buds. It makes good business sense to have snacks always at the ready and within arm's reach as many snack purchases are unplanned.

Nutrition really is the key to a healthy lifestyle and a healthy life. Rising demand for nutritious snacks is driving the demand for sweet and savory snacks as it is lowering the risk for heart disease and improving overall health. Other benefits of choosing nutritious snacks are they packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that will fuel the body and keep blood sugar levels steady. It plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy diet and helps to manage hunger in between meals and keep blood sugar at proper levels. Nutritious sweet and savory snacks improve overall health, curb cravings, fights weight gain, regulates mood, enhances brainpower, and gives the energy required to keep going all day.

The U.S. is the largest sweet and savory snacks consuming nation as it holds more than 60% market share of North America sweet and savory snacks market and approximately 20% market share of global sweet and savory snacks market. The consumers increasingly prefer snacks with high-protein content and low-calorie count that are driving the demand for sweet and savory snacks in the United States. China represents the market of growth for product developers with the nations' booming populations, rising disposable incomes, convenience-demanding lifestyles, and the increase of western influences in their daily lives. Germany also holds a significant market share in the global sweet and savory snacks market by country. The long-term rise in snacking on-the-go and rise in snacking between meals is increasing demand in Germany.

The author has published a comprehensive research study based on a survey conducted to analyze the buying patterns, consumer behavior, and consumer preferences. The above figure shows the importance of given factors for the consumer of sweet and savory snacks. Taste variety and quality are extremely important factors for the consumer while quantity and price are important factors for the consumer. There are several consumers who do not give importance to the packaging, variety, and price as they focus on the taste and quality.

Among the regions, North America dominates the global sweet and savory snacks market. It holds more than 30% market share of the global sweet and savory snacks market. The U.S. is the largest consumer of sweet and savory snacks as it holds approximately 20% market share of the global sweet and savory snacks market? The high disposable income of consumers due to modernization and widening base of working personnel is primary growth stimulants for the North America sweet and savory snacks market. Europe is a second-largest market for sweet and savory snacks followed by the Asia Pacific. Factors attributable to the growth of the European snack products are the evolving lifestyle and changing dietary habits in this region.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p8ffgs

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Global Sweet and Savory Snacks Market to 2026 - Key Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business Wire

Foods to eat and avoid for fertility, according to a nutritionist – The Indian Express

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is crucial for boosting fertility and increasing the chances of pregnancy. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recently shared some tips for eating healthy in case you are trying for pregnancy.

The one thing that improves your chances of conception other than good sex, is insulin sensitivity. And to improve insulin sensitivity you must take the brave path of increasing your lean body weight. What you eat (and dont) play a big role in that, Diwekar wrote on Instagram.

Here are some food tips she suggested:

1. Avoid eating packaged foods, not just junk but also foods like cereals, juices and biscuits. Diwekar also advised against eating low-fat versions of yogurt, cheese and ice cream.

2. Add a pickle or chutney to your main meal every day. These may not be taught to us as sources of Vit B12, but it is exactly these essential-fat packed side dishes that help us assimilate and even make our own B12. One tsp of pickle to breakfast or lunch, and two-three tsp of chutney to lunch or dinner, Diwekar suggested.

3. Set curd at home. Curd has a lot of benefits it has diverse strains of gut bacteria, essential amino acids and B vitamins, said the nutritionist. The probiotic yogurt in the market is no match for home-set curd. It is also a good antidote to breakouts and sweet cravings during PMS and it will help keep acidity under control once pregnant, she added.

Read| Tips for pregnant women to stay safe from COVID-19

4. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Improved diet diversity is good for the intestinal mucosa, probiotic bacteria and insulin sensitivity.

5. Avoid overeating. Eat slower than usual so that smaller morsels of food enter the stomach and improve the micronutrient assimilation and insulin response. Follow the Mental Meal Map where you first visualize how much you want to eat and then start with half the amount, the nutritionist wrote. Make sure you concentrate on the food while eating, without gadgets, so that you are tuned into your stomach signals.

Read| What happens to your body when you eat fast?

Along with this, have three to five tablespoons of ghee daily.

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Foods to eat and avoid for fertility, according to a nutritionist - The Indian Express

Working off your quarantine weight gain – Health24

Life in lockdown has led many to overeat and gain weight, a phenomenon referred to as the "Covid-15".

But some small changes can get you back into shape, a weight management specialist suggests.

"Covid-19 changed how we eat, what we eat and how we spend our day," said Dr Peter Jian, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

"Unfortunately, for some of us that meant less healthy choices," Jian added in a Baylor news release.

Jian offered these tips for working off the excess pounds and returning to a healthy lifestyle:

"It's a very challenging time. But I think the best we can do is focus on the positives and focus on the things that we can control, and the things that we can do to positively influence our own health," Jian said.

Image credit: iStock

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Working off your quarantine weight gain - Health24

Health risks of smoking; When is the best time to stop? The Sun Nigeria – Daily Sun

Although smoking has been associated with many different health risks the practice remains common and has even been reported to be on the rise. An interesting observation is that it is not only the uneducated who smoke but smoking is also found among the educated and has been seen to cut across diverse socioeconomic status, age groups, sex, religion, ethnicity and cultural belief among other differences. A healthy lifestyle helps to promote health, prevent diseases and prolong life and as such should be the target of individuals. Cessation of smoking/avoidance of smoking is one of the healthy behaviours people are advised to adopt as studies show that doing so reduces the risks of mortality from certain diseases. Health education and awareness on the dangers of smoking and the need to quit by smokers aims to achieve a reduction in illness and mortality rates from smoking-related conditions, improvement in the quality of life of the population and overall national development. A variety of responses may be obtained as the reasons why people smoke, however, the damaging effects of smoking on health can be experienced by all no matter the reason just as the popular saying by Stephen R. Covey, While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions. Among the many harms linked to smoking, exposure of persons (second hand smokers) who are around the active smoker to serious health risks can be quite disturbing.

There is no better time to quit smoking than now and doing so can be the best decision yet. Smoking has been associated with many medical conditions like

Lung diseases: Smoking increases a persons risk of lung cancer, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive lung diseases (COPD), asthma as studies show that exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger asthma in children and adults, and also restrict lung growth in children. For individuals who aim to maintain healthy lungs, smoking should be avoided in all forms including passive smoking. Toxins from smoke absorbed in the lungs exposes a person to increased risk of respiratory infections and other conditions. The role of smoking in disease causation also depends on genetic and other predisposing factors.

Heart diseases: Smoking is dangerous to the heart as it contains chemicals which can damage the heart and is one of the major causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke among others. The amount of cigarette smoked in a day and the duration of smoking can be an indicator of the level of risk to which a smoker is exposed, however, a smoker is at risk irrespective of number of sticks smoked in a day. A very important aspect is that secondhand smokers (also known as passive smoking/environmental smoke are those who inhale smoke from the burning of tobacco or that which is exhaled by the active smoker) are also at risk of cardiovascular disease. Smoking causes the build-up of plaque (waxy substance that is made up of cholesterol and other components) which could limit the free flow of blood in the affected arteries.

Cancers: Smoking can cause cancer of any part of the body like mouth, throat, lungs, blood, cervix, bladder, kidneys, liver, prostate, stomach and pancreas among many others. The best way to prevent cancers associated with smoking is to avoid or stop smoking either in active or passive forms. Research shows that quitting smoking reduces an individual long term risk of cancers significantly. Although there is a general baseline risk of cancer with smoking, the relationship between smoking and cancer may be dose-dependent, in terms of the duration and quantity smoked. Smoking introduces harmful agents that can cause cancer (carcinogens) into the body and increases the chances of gene mutation which could lead to cancer.

In addition to the above mention effects of smoking on health, smoking can also affect reproductive health, depresses the immune system, increases risk of eye conditions, arthritis, skin diseases and premature ageing of the skin (smokers may look older than they are due) as well as poor skin tone, causes bad breath and stains the teeth, leads to addiction and can also encourage other unhealthy behaviours like excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse.

An individual has the power to prevent consequences of smoking by making a decision to quit. It is crucial to note that there is no safe way to smoke and no health benefits that could be derived from smoking. In describing the health effects of smoking and tobacco use, the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (U.S Department of Health and Human Services), reported that for every person who dies because of smoking, at least thirty people live with a serious smoking-related illness

Smoking is an aspect of lifestyle that one can get addicted to due to complex brain activities by nicotine contained in tobacco which causes temporary pleasure and can make it difficult for smokers to quit. Some people experience unpleasant effects as signs and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal which discouraged them from quitting the habit of smoking, however, there are several treatment modalities for nicotine dependence. The appropriate option and further advice can be provided by the doctor. If you are not sure about when to stop or you are yet to decide on smoking status, you are encouraged that the best time is now.

Getting a consultation with a doctor to discuss decision to quit smoking can provide with useful information as to the most effective method. Over-the-counter or prescription-only products may be used for nicotine replacement therapy. Individual preferences abound and products should be used as specified and prescribed. Some examples of products include nicotine gums, patch, lozenges, inhalers among others. A strong will to quit is required so as not to relapse into the habit after quitting and having good support from family, friends, counselling, smoking support groups can be of huge benefits as they can provide motivation needed by the smoker to give up smoking. Effective management of stress as well as avoiding other triggers or situations that encourage smoking like excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining adequate diet and regular exercise as well getting regular medical check as recommended by your primary care provider can beneficial.

Some gains of not smoking, in terms of some effects of smoking on certain systems or organs in the body, can be experienced almost immediately after cessation of smoking regardless of how long a person has smoked. For instance, a former smokers heart rate may return to normal, long term risks of cancers can be lowered significantly in the individual and exposure of secondhand smokers to smoke will be greatly reduced among many others.

If you smoke, quit. If you dont smoke, good choice, dont start

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Health risks of smoking; When is the best time to stop? The Sun Nigeria - Daily Sun

Lets fight Covid: Be positive to remain negative – The Times of India Blog

The connotation of being a positive person in life has changed sharply. Covid-19 has turned the world upside down. It is better to be called a negative person in medical terms that might decide our social status too. Our social life which depends on our overall wellness has gone for a toss since the day US president Donald Trumps tweet represented the status of the world: Social distancing. He was bang on, but no, we are still socially connected, but physical distance is increasing by day. Mothers and dads are not kissing their children a most disturbing phenomenon somewhere similar to the days when measles were the order of the day. Till the 1980s, we contracted it at least once and felt like an outcast for at least nine days. Today, the quarantine period is reduced from almost 20 days to 17 to 12 and now 10. History repeats itself.

Amid all the negativity that is transforming the most optimistic people into depressed souls, there are a few points to ponder. These views are not of an expert but of a layman a Covid survivor whose two daughters along with him had tested positive on June 23 and who received discharge letters on July 4, home isolation having been reduced from 17 to 12 days.

The battle against Covid is long and hard but all is not lost. There are positive sides to the battle that need to be looked at too. These views might help us change our outlook towards life and help us fight and possibly defeat the most feared disease at present, unless, of course, the symptoms are of very serious nature. Here are these:

1. First the numbers: By the time of writing this piece, Indias share in daily global cases is now 12%, with the Covid-19 caseload crossing 8.5 lakh, even as Maharashtra (it accounts for 45% Indias Covid deaths) death toll topped 10,000. However, we must not forget that as compared to the US death toll of 137,404 (out of 3,355,895 cases), the death toll in India, currently ranked third after the US and Brazil (1,840,812 cases and 71,492 deaths) in the Covid-19 tally, stands at 22,696 out of 851,261 cases; however it is important to mention that every single life matters. Also, so far, 5,32,211 people have recovered in India, as per Worldometer. Faster ambulance service, quick hospital admission, easy hospital bed availability and enhanced ICU capacity, among the things being discussed both by the central and state governments, it is hoped, will certainly make the scenario better.

2. Delhi model: While Union home minister Amit Shah said in Gurugram that India is at a good position in the battle against the coronavirus, PM Narendra Modi has also appreciated the concerted efforts of the Centre, state government and local authorities in containing the Covid-19 situation in Delhi. As per a TOI report, while talking of Delhi model being replicated in other states, a high-level review held by the PM concluded, if close coordination between the Centre and the Delhi government worked in the capital, it could click elsewhere. While the community outreach model in Ahmedabad, called Dhanvantari Rath, is being lauded, the meeting advised the entire NCR to follow the approach adopted in Delhi. It is also important to remember that Shah had stepped in after Delhi deputy chief minister spoke of the possibility of over 5 lakh cases in Delhi by July and after that things improved a lot as regards general healthcare in the capital and elsewhere. Since the Centre-state coordination worked well then, it is imperative that the nation fights this menace unitedly, shunning politics, since saving peoples lives is more important.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has decided to open its dispensaries and polyclinics for eligible individuals to walk in for rapid antigen testing. The dispensaries and clinics will remain open between 9am and 12 noon on all working days, as per a TOI report. Hence, the hassles about tests has been minimised.

3. The vaccine: According to media reports, the WHO says that there are currently 136 potential candidates for a Covid-19 vaccine across the world while 21 of them have reached the human clinical trials stage. That is another piece of good news.

4. The plasma donors: While Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal recently lauded plasma donors it has been proven as an effective solution for the recovery of moderate patients the Delhi government has set up Indias first plasma bank at the ILBS Hospital, with an objective to maintain a plasma stock from those who have already recovered from the disease, as per media reports. After Delhi, Gurugram is likely to become the second NCR city to set up a plasma bank for Covid patients.

5. Home isolation: In a revision in home isolation guidelines for the capital, infected people recovering at home may be shifted to medical facilities if they report oxygen saturation levels below normal or their body temperature rises beyond a point. Doctors generally put normal oxygen saturation levels as 95% to 100%. Here, it is important to mention home isolation works at many levels: while patients feel the comfort of home and relatives provide them enough care, (while taking precautions) if the general atmosphere of positivity is maintained, recovery happens faster than the usually-long duration of over 15 days. During home isolation (in Delhi, the initial test is free now at government dispensaries or mohalla clinics and the staff are very cooperative), the medical staff keep calling the attendants about the patients well-being, apart from providing the basic medicines and oximeters, to be returned after patients recovery. While Delhi is showing the way, as for the government hospitals, the authorities have ramped up facilities there too. Among the flip side is, no test at all for patients whose home quarantine is over. The government may have changed the protocol (no second test), but patients and their family members do want to ensure that they are officially negative. The governments must look into this. Meanwhile, PTI quoted a Delhi government study on Covid-19 deaths saying that not a single coronavirus patient under home isolation in the city has died in July and there has been a sharp decline in daily fatality figures in the past two weeks. These are other good signs, amid chaos and hopelessness. Delhis overall death rate has come down to 3.02 per cent from 3.64 per cent in June.

6. The protection of frontline warriors: With reports of cops, medical and para-medical staff being threatened or harassed appearing in plenty, social media has come handy to expose the perpetrators. On Sunday, Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal tweeted a controversy surrounding the pressure mounted on constable Sunita Yadav, who was doing her duty in reprimanding a Gujarats ministers son who was roaming without masks.

7. Precautions and traditional medicines: While there is no poor-rich divide in the Covid sphere, with celebrities getting infected, it is precaution and alertness that help in a big way. Between the two extremes of its nothing but flu and the ones scared to hell, we need a healthy balance of fearlessness and precautions it applies to all those, healthy or undergoing treatment. For the patients with mild symptoms, and even in serious cases, it is ones positivity and mental toughness that kill the disease or minimise the risk, more than the medicines. While the chief symptoms are fever and coughing, backache, breathing issues, sleeplessness, foul smell, fatigue, low BP and loss of appetite are other signs that one should not ignore. With the doctors the world over clueless, it is important to take immunity booster medicines such as multivitamin tablets (consult your physician) and try traditional/natural remedies such as tulsi (basil) water, amla juice, giloy juice (heart-leaved moonseed juice), aloe vera juice, hot water mixed with lemon, kaadha, and taking steam through vaporizer at least twice a day. Steam and hot water-lemon mixture kill the foul smell you feel continuously around you as well as viruses. Boiled eggs and mangoes, in case you have lost appetite for homemade fo
od, may help boost your strength and immunity. Most of these remedies help even healthy people as well as those home quarantined. To those under home isolation, it is advisable to read books and watch your favourite movies to keep your spirits up. That alone helps, besides medicines. Some of these methods may appear dated, but they have brought people back from the brink and where TINA applies, its best to do what you can. Meditation or prayers and some yoga asanas will certainly change your approach to fight the disease. Take lots of fluids in case your BP is low.

8. Stop the stigma: For the society as a whole, it is incumbent upon us not to make Covid patients feel like an outcast and do everything to make them feel that they are fine, by sending warm wishes and calling relatives/attendants especially if under home isolation and in this regard, this writer has been grateful to all those who motivated us, be it office seniors, colleagues, relatives or friends. A Covid patient is a normal human being, not your astronaut whom you visualise in PPE kits. Covid patients, for that matter all those sick, need respect and deserve to be treated well.

9. Work-life balance: In one of my Facebook posts during my illness, I spoke about the work-life balance. I think unless we are fit, we can neither do justice to our work nor can we take care of our family and loved ones. So, it is most important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and spare time for your children, family and friends that take care of your overall wellness. Also, drink lots of water and take breaks while working from home or in the office.

Lastly, Covid-19 is a dreaded disease, but taking precautions such as using sanitizers, maintaining physical distance from strangers and wearing masks while outside and a positive outlook will certainly defeat it. Be negative medically; positive in life. Here is wishing you all a healthy life!

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

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Lets fight Covid: Be positive to remain negative - The Times of India Blog

Kids Corner – The Tribune

Physical fitness Need of the hour

Chhavi Negi, Class XI (Arts), Guru Nanak Public School, Chd

A healthy mind resides in a healthy body

Physical fitness is the need of the hour and above all of our body and it should be on everyone's priority. If we are not physically fit, we won't be able to do our basic activities. Going out, walking, running, playing, and even studying will become difficult. Physical activities not only keep us fit but also boosts our immunity. A physically fit person is immune to diseases and lives longer than those who are unfit. The health of the younger generation is important as they are the future of our nation.

Nowadays, students are less engaged in physical activities. They don't have time to exercise. The main excuse is that they have excessive homework and a lot to study but even when they have free time, instead of going outside to play, they prefer playing mobile games. They don't understand that 10 minutes of cardio is more benefiting than wasting 30 minutes at the phone. And because of this their immunity is getting low; they are getting overweight and weaker. Their bodies are becoming week and they are unable to lift heavy objects. They sit at one place all the day and eat junk food. They don't realise how deadly their actions could be. Even if they don't face any problem at this age, this will affect their health when they get old or even in their early adulthood.

Parents must encourage their children in physical activities. They can do this by asking them to play outside, making them join dance classes, soccer classes, basketball classes, cricket classes, yoga classes, karate classes, etc, taking them out for morning walks and even playing with them. They must give their children a specific time to use mobile phones. Schools should also involve activities to encourage students in physical activities. This can be done by incorporating yoga classes in morning, NCC, PT, sports tournaments, sports day, etc. Students should eat healthy foods which will give them energy to play. If possible, workout should be done at home. Planking, jumping jacks, and other home workout videos on YouTube can also be very beneficial. Yoga is the best for a low intensity physical activity. Taking care of health from a young age can reduce the chances of heart attacks, high cholesterol, diabetes and other health problems.

Thus, physical fitness is as important as studies and must not be neglected from our lives. A weak body is of no use and a healthy body is one's asset which leads to a healthy mind.

We belong to the Earth

Jasnoor, Class VIII, Yadavindra Public School, Mohali

Environment means all the natural surroundings such as water, sunlight, plants, animals, etc. It helps us in growing, nourishing living things on the planet. But we are putting our lives in danger by destroying the environment with our own actions. We all are causing harm to the environment by wasting water and causing pollution.

A major reason is deforestation. Trees, bushes, plants are very important for our survival. They give out oxygen which we humans breathe in and we give out carbon dioxide gas which they breathe in. This keeps the cycle moving. If these are cut or burnt, no one would survive. Another major reason is pollution. We humans cause a lot of pollution. Water pollution disturbs the ecosystem as well as causes severe diseases such as Dysentery.

Air pollution causes respiratory disorders. Land pollution causes change in climate patterns and affects the wildlife. Soil pollution affects disturbance in the balance of flora and fauna residing in the soil and increases in salinity of the soil which makes it unfit for vegetation. Noise pollution may permanently damage hearing. Therefore, pollution has a major impact on the environment. Global warming is another major reason that causes harm to the environment.

Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of the Earth due to greenhouse gases like nitric oxide, methane, carbon dioxide etc. It causes the glaciers to melt. It increases the temperature of the earth and most of the living organisms are unable to adapt to this climate change. It also changes the rainfall pattern.

Saving the environment is a matter of great concern. We can do our bit by reducing water wastage, conserving rain water and energy, replacing plastic bags with jute bags or cotton bags. We all should the 3R's i.e. recycle, reduce and reuse. For providing a better and healthy lifestyle in the future, we all should unite and take a step forward for saving the environment. Lastly, I would like to conclude with a quote by Marlee Matlin, "The Earth doesn't belong to us, we belong to the Earth."

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Kids Corner - The Tribune

HempSpot coming to Willowick – News-Herald.com

Saturday, July 18th, will mark the Grand Opening of HempSpot in Willowick!

From 10 am to 2, located on 28801 Lakeshore Blvd, HempSpot will be opening their doors to offer residents an affordable alternative to having a healthy lifestyle.

There will also be a fitness class at 10:30 with Cleveland Holtist winner GI Jayne along with giveaways for everyone that purchases a product that day.

HempSpot will offer a variety of CBD and Hemp products such as protein bars, drinks, food, and more!

Founder Brian Lytle and Chief Operating Officer Chad Gourley want residents to have every opportunity to learn more about what they can do to help themselves.

Lytle and Gourley, both coming from professional wellness and marketing backgrounds, came together to bring this idea to life in Willowick. After researching CBD and Hemp's benefits, they both wanted to bring that to their communities' attention and offer a platform for education.

"My background is in the wellness industry before I got into the CBD industry. I had a personal training company. I treat people in different studios, or at their house, while I was training I stumbled across CBD," says Lytle.

After being informed by a colleague about all the benefits to CBD, Lytle was still hesitant in the beginning. "My perspective was that it was bad, it was drugs, so I didn't pay it much attention. Then I started doing more research and was an anti-inflammatory, and some of the clients I was working with had inflammation of the gut, called a leaky gut syndrome."

"So I started giving it (CBD) to them, and after about a month, their discomfort started going away. So I thought it might be something to this, and I started to do even more research on CBD, and have become almost evangelical about it."

"Part of my mission is to educate people, the retail store came about because I wanted a platform to talk to people and help them understand what CBD and Hemp are and how it can help," he continued.

So what exactly is CBD? What is Hemp?

Kathleen Felton, a writer for Health.com, wrote that CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a chemical compound from the Cannabid Sativa plant, which is also known as marijuana or help, according to the US National Library of Medicine.

It's a naturally occurring substance that's used in products like oils and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm. Unlike its cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary active ingredient in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive.

Hemp, according to Aaron Cadena of Medium.com, is a term used to classify varieties of Cannabis that contain 0.3% or less THC content (by dry weight).

It has generally been used to describe non-intoxicating Cannabis that is harvested for the industrial use of its derived products.

For this and many other reasons, Lytle and Gourley have chosen to build a business model around Hemp and CBD as an alternative for health and wellness. As to why they decided Willowick-- the answer was simple, its where they are from.

"I live in Willowick, Chad used to live in Willowick, I have a family here and personally want to contribute to a city that has a lot of potential," Lytle says.

"We want to be that spark. We want to give back and be apart of a community that could thrive, but just isn't' thriving yet," he continued.

Gourley, also the creator of LiveWell Willoughby, has always wanted to inspire and engage with his community. He added, "We've come together about what we want HempSpot to be, a voice and platform to educate. At our grand opening, you're going to see things people can take with them to help educate them on what CBD is and how they can take it, they can also see what Hemp is. They are the same, but separate. On our shelves, you'll see there is Hemp protein, that doesn't have CBD in it, but Hemp protein is a complete protein, which is very hard to do in a plant-based side of things. There's a lot of education that we have to do."

"One of our goals is to get Hemp on the food pyramid," he continued.

But after shortly securing their space, COVID spread nationwide, and many businesses had to close.

"It's been rough; for me, all around it had a huge negative impact on my business, in one part," says Lytle.

Gourley added, "It definitely at first was like wow, how are we going to overcome this?"

"Especially because we had just actually secured this location, like two weeks before COVID hit, and suddenly everything is getting shut down," he continued.

"Luckily, things have opened up a bit so we can do our grand opening."

Lytle and Gourley are taking every precaution in the effort of social distancing for their opening on July 18th.

"We'll have masks there, hand sanitizer, so people feel comfortable. We'll make sure we'll let people know we're not enforcing it on anyone, but if they chose, we'll have markers for it so they can feel comfortable. We are taking all precautions," Lytle says.

Gourley says residents should come out because HempSpot isn't your typical CBD shop. "There's a lot of CBD shops in the area, and this isn't just a CBD shop. It's helpful for people to understand there is coffee, ice cream, healthy snack protein bars, even Hemp pastas coming in."

"Our whole focus is on wellness and helping people have sustainable health in their lives and build better lifestyles."

HempSpot is also hiring for consultants, for more information follow their page on Facebook.

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HempSpot coming to Willowick - News-Herald.com

Early Morning Tips: These 5 Morning Habits You Should Adopt While Stuck At Home – IWMBuzz

Keep yourselves organized with these early morning habits

For living a healthy life you must have some healthy habits. Make yourself organized by practicing these early morning habits. It also helps to upgrade your lifestyle.

Here are some of the healthy habits to practice-

1. Do a short exercise session- Keeping a habit of exercising regularly will keep you fit.

2. Making your bed- Keeping your bed and surrounding clean as this habit will help to live a healthy lifestyle.

3. Do productive meditation- Meditate early in the morning and also do some Yogasana.

4. Learn to prepare food at home- There are many recipes available on the internet like roasting vegetables, sheet pan meals and instant pot recipes that you can learn overnight.

5. Read something uplifting, inspiring or educational every day- You can utilize these lockdown days to gain more knowledge through various courses or reading something daily on the internet.

Also Read:10 Bollywood Songs For Zumba Workouts

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Early Morning Tips: These 5 Morning Habits You Should Adopt While Stuck At Home - IWMBuzz

Anna’s Place NOLA offers a helping hand in studies, arts and health for at-risk youth – NOLA.com

Established during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Annas Place NOLA is moving ahead with its mission to support underserved youth in New Orleans while facing a different kind of adversity the coronavirus.

Throughout the year, the organization provides primarily Black youth, ages 5-18, with after-school music- and arts-based programming, along with academic education. Its annual summer camp typically runs five full days a week and offers instrumental music lessons and computer coding classes, along with field trips and activities that focus on virtual arts, dance, mindfulness and leading a healthy lifestyle.

This summer, because of COVID-19, Annas Place summer camp went virtual. Partnerships with local community groups and individuals have enabled it to supply students in need with laptops.

I have to say we are very lucky in this time to still be able to connect with them, and that people are still so motivated to help our students, said Brianna Carr, who became the director of Annas Place NOLA about a year ago. There have definitely been challenges in my first year, obviously, but it still brings me a lot of joy just to be able to connect with them, even in this virtual platform.

Annas Place also operates a food pantry, which has more than doubled its distribution within recent months. Around the time coronavirus began spreading throughout New Orleans, Annas Place was providing 25 families per month with bags of groceries. That number has grown to 63 families per month.

Our food pantry is doing amazing work, Carr said. They are working diligently to provide the homeless, out-of-work musicians and families with food.

Although Annas Place currently caters to youth and families in Treme, the Lower 9th Ward and Uptown Gentilly, the group initially concentrated its efforts on Treme, which carries high rates of poverty, crime and homelessness.

According to The Data Center, the average household income in Orleans Parish is $67,224, while the average in the area served by St. Annas Place is $28,970. The life expectancy in Orleans Parish is 75.8; in the St. Annas Place area, its 63.6.

Through collaborations with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Loyola University, NOLA Code, The Microsoft Store and Tulane University, among other institutions, Annas Place helps youth in struggling neighborhoods discover their potential and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Shalom Andersons 11-year-old son Caleb Montgomery has participated in Annas Place programs for more than four years. He is currently enrolled in the virtual summer camp.

He misses the interaction with the kids, which is not abnormal, but overall he loves it, said Anderson, noting that Caleb especially enjoys the music and art lessons. Hes drawing like crazy now.

Felicia Parish has three children enrolled in the program: Chyna Beaulieu, 15; Felein Beaulieu, 14; and Chy'anna Beaulieu, 13.

I signed them up because I needed them to stay busy. I didn't want them to not be doing anything, she said, explaining that they have participated in the organizations after-school programs for several years. I thought it was a good place for them to meet new friends and still learn at the same time.

Chyna and Felein now attend parochial schools.

(Annas Place) gives you great opportunities opportunities that you wouldn't get anywhere else, said Parish.

Although the youth centers fall programming will likely take place on a virtual platform, it will focus on academics and music lessons. Registration runs from July 17 through Sept. 15, via annasplacenola.org. Students who are disproportionately affected by poverty are given priority, Carr said.

We do make it a point to look at those applications first, because we are here to hopefully create some kind of equal footing in the system for Black and Brown youth, and for children highly affected by poverty, she said.

The transformation of certain students points to the programs success.

One (student), who (likely) would have followed down a path that most of his family did in the drug trade, has graduated high school and is looking into college. We're just beginning to see our older students' lives change from that of their parents and their grandparents, Carr said. I love seeing their perspectives change once they've been here for a while.

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Anna's Place NOLA offers a helping hand in studies, arts and health for at-risk youth - NOLA.com