Hack your health: a guide to tracking yourself to a happier, healthier you – The Guardian

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These days, we take our healthy lifestyle with us everywhere we go: in our ears, on our wrists and inside our phones. But with so many options, how do you know youve found the right fit and how do you know where your money would be best spent?

Spend a few minutes to make sure youre using the best tools and understand the ways you can be supported in achieving your goals.

We know that even a few minutes of physical activity is good for us. Wearable tech makes it easier to keep track of how youre moving, whether youre getting your heart rate up, and what more you could be doing.

Dedicated fitness devices such as Fitbit and Garmin Vivoactive take out some of the manual input, syncing automatically with tracking apps.

If you like something fancier, smart watches have loads of features and there are so many options you can afford to be choosy. For hardcore adventure, check out the Garmin Fenix series. Serious athletes can opt for a performance tracker and vest, complete with inbuilt GPS. If a brisk walk with your dog is more your style, a luxurious Fossil watch might suit.

Todays best smartwatch models can perform lots of tricks, like searching the internet with your voice, tracking your location with GPS or even monitoring your heart rate to protect your overall health. Photograph: Halfpoint Images/Getty Images.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is vital to a long life. Fresh vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and lean meats will all support a strong body.

Look into biomarkers: anything that can indicate something about your health. Measuring these markers can help you to better understand your body and recognise when things seem out of balance. Talk to your doctor about starting with a full blood test to look at cholesterol, vitamin counts and organ function.

You can also measure some of these markers on your own, and use online personal test and dashboard apps such as InsideTracker or i-screen. Otherwise, pharmacies often have free blood pressure checks, while your wearable or smart watch probably has a heart rate tracker built in.

As an added bonus, a healthy diet is also better for the environment, which is good for everyone.

Getting a massage, going to the physio or getting a chiro treatment shouldnt just be reserved for when youre injured. Treat yourself to these preventative therapies regularly for overall body and mind health.

The great news is, if you have health insurance, you may be able to get a rebate for all these services. Health insurance covers more than just hospital visits. These days, you can enjoy all kinds of preventative healthcare, such as dental, optical, physio and massage.

Just as you expect your devices, apps and fitness gear to work for you, so should your health fund. There are two types of health funds: those run to benefit investors and shareholders, and those run to benefit members. Look for options that put people before profits, and make sure you know how to choose the right fit.

Health funds that are not-for-profit or part of a not-for-profit group are designed to give back to members. There are funds for different occupations, regional areas and community groups, and you can find yours through websites such as the Members Health Fund Alliance.

Regularly assess and review your fund to make sure its focus is to give back to members thats you. Youll usually find it means extra money in your pocket.

Whatever your healthy lifestyle choices, theres an app to help you stay focused. Most apps sync with wearables, but if thats not for you, they also have manual options.

If youre just starting out, apps such as Couch to 5K can ease you into a healthier lifestyle and encourage you along the way. MyFitnessPal is a simple way to monitor food intake, while Sleep Cycle will let you know if youre getting quality sleep.

For a more complete program, opt for an app that covers exercise regimes, food and mental wellbeing. Apple Health allows you to collate and organise all your data (including third party) in one place, around activity, mindfulness, sleep and nutrition. Strava is a popular choice for runners and cyclists, or check out Centr, which has the added bonus of Chris Thor Hemsworth. The be.come project is holistic, with a focus on loving how you feel.

If youre into weightlifting, Strong will keep you motivated, while Yoga Studio is ideal for those of us who like a good stretch. And if you want something a little different, Zombies, Run! will help you stay fit while you outrun the apocalypse.

Podcasts are rapidly becoming a favourite way to get information, so its no surprise there are lots for fitness. The Dumbbells is a funny series hosted by health-loving comedians, while Sparta Chicks focuses on practical empowerment.

Work, Play, Love is all about balancing the realities of life with being your best self. If youre interested in biohacking and pushing your body to the limits, you might enjoy Bulletproof Radio or diving into the latest in cutting-edge medical research with Rhonda Patrick of Found my Fitness or Peter Attia MD of The Drive.

And if youre just looking for great entertainment while you work out, these podcasts will have you hooked.

Staying healthy isnt just about exercising well and eating right. You have to keep your mind nourished, too.

Guided meditation and mindfulness apps, such as these by Andrew Johnson, will bring you back to emotional balance. Making time for friends and family can improve your sense of wellbeing. And make sure youre getting a good rest, so youre ready to tackle tomorrow with gusto.

To learn more about Members Health and the funds that put people before profits, go to membershealth.com.au.

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Hack your health: a guide to tracking yourself to a happier, healthier you - The Guardian

5 Healthy Habits In Middle Age Could Help You Live 10 Years Longer, Harvard Study Finds – CBS Boston

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(CBS Local) Healthy habits such as exercising for at least 30 minutes a day or drinking in moderation can help you stave off diseases for an extra decade, according to new research.

The study, published last week in the British Medical Journal, found that those who led a healthy lifestyle are more likely to be free of illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

A healthy lifestyle was defined by those with at least four of the following five factors:

Based on data from about 110,000 people, researchers from The Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health then determined how long people could live free of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes from the age of 50.

We observed that adherence to a low-risk lifestyle was associated with a longer life expectancy at age 50 free of major chronic diseases of approximately 7.6 years in men and 10 years in women compared with participants with no low-risk lifestyle factors, the researchers concluded.

On average, the results showed that women leading a healthy lifestyle could enjoy 34.4 years free from those diseases, compared to 23.7 years for women who had none of the five healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Men who adopted at least four of the five healthy living factors could expect a further 31.1 years free from disease, in contrast to just 23.5 years for men who did not follow any of the healthy lifestyle factors.

Given the high cost of chronic disease treatment, public policies to promote a healthy lifestyle by improving food and physical environments would help to reduce health care costs and improve quality of life, said senior author Frank Hu, Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology and chair, Department of Nutrition.

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5 Healthy Habits In Middle Age Could Help You Live 10 Years Longer, Harvard Study Finds - CBS Boston

Unveiling gluten-free misperceptions: ‘Don’t assume gluten-free products are healthy by default’ – FoodNavigator.com

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The global market for gluten-free food products is growing at 9.1% per year. According to industry estimates, the market is predicted to reach 29.12bn by 2025.

It is understood that such impressive market growth is, in part, linked to the perception that gluten-free products are healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts. Advocacy of gluten-free diets by celebrities and health influencers may also be a contributing factor.

This begs the question: from a nutritional profile standpoint, are gluten-free products healthier? Fresh research from Irish non-government organisation (NGO) SafeFood suggests a number of misconceptions about gluten-free products exist, particularly related to health.

The island of Ireland (IOI) boasts a strong gluten-free market. In the UK, the gluten-free market was valued at 438m in 2016 up 36% from 2015. And in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), the market was estimated to be worth 66m in 2017 similarly up by 36% year-on-year.

SafeFoods research focused on products and consumers in both Northern Ireland and the ROI. The NGO surveyed nutritional information displayed on 67 gluten-free snack foods available for sale in four retailers: Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu, and Aldi.

Gluten-free snack foods included nut products, savoury snacks, cereal and baked products, and confectionery.

SafeFood also commissioned a survey of 2,018 consumers on the IOI between January and March 2019 to gather data on attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions of gluten-free diets.

Gluten is a mixture of proteins gliadins and glutelins that is found in wheat, barley, rye, oats, triticale, kamut, and spelt.

As SafeFood notes in its report, gluten is used for many different technological purposes in the processing of food, such as:

The product survey revealed that 75% of all gluten-free snack products analysed were high in fat, 69% were high in sugar, and their calorie levels were deemed similar to that of a standard chocolate bar.

Consumer survey results found that one in five people (23%) buy gluten-free foods. Yet, 92% of those people did not have a gluten-related disorder, nor had been diagnosed with coeliac disease.

A misperception of the health benefits of gluten-free products was also observed, with more than one in five respondents (23%) deeming gluten-free products to be lower in fat than gluten counterparts.

Twenty-one percent thought gluten-free products were lower in sugar, and 19% believed a gluten-free diet to be a healthy way to lose weight.

SafeFood stressed that for people with gluten-related ailments, avoiding gluten is non-negotiable.

For those people who have a diagnosis of coeliac disease or those with a gluten-related disorder, avoiding gluten in their daily diet is an absolute must, said SafeFood dietician Joana Da Silva.

Addressing all consumers, the NGO noted a number of recommendations, including not to assume that gluten-free products are healthy by default. SafeFood also urged consumers to read the front and back-of-pack nutrition information on product labels to identify options lower in fat and sugar.

The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), which similarly acknowledged the rise in the number of people avoiding gluten as part of a healthy lifestyle, stressed that a gluten-free diet is only vital for people with gluten-related disorders, such as coeliac disease.

However, for people without a medical reason to avoid glucose, there is no consistent evidence that eating a gluten-free diet will provide any health benefit, BNF assistant nutrition scientist Alex White told FoodNavigator.

Where unnecessary to do so, cutting out gluten can potentially have adverse effects, he continued. Gluten-containing foods like wholegrain products provide many nutrientssuch as fibre and some vitamins and minerals, which may not be equally abundant in gluten-free foods and products.

A diet rich in fibre contributes for example to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiota. In addition, products that are gluten-free can still be high in saturated fat, sugars and salt.

Both SafeFood and BNF highlighted that above all, a healthy diet is key. Select snacks that are naturally lower in fat, sugar and salt, and are a better source of fibre, such as fruit and vegetables, rather than heavily processed snack foods, advised SafeFood.

BNFs White told this publication that regardless of the dietary pattern chosen, a healthy, varied and balanced diet should be followed, based on wholegrains and fruit and vegetables, some good quality protein such as oily fish, pulses, eggs and lean meat.

The assistant nutrition scientist also recommended limiting intake of sugar and salt, and replacing foods high in saturated fat with some foods rich in unsaturated fat.

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Unveiling gluten-free misperceptions: 'Don't assume gluten-free products are healthy by default' - FoodNavigator.com

Texas Has a Serious Food Insecurity Problem, but Texans Have Solutions – Reform Austin

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Texas Has a Serious Food Insecurity Problem, but Texans Have Solutions

By Isobella Harkrider

When H-E-B opened its MacGregor grocery store in Houston in December, it changed lives.

The storefront is a new beginning for area residents who previously had limited access to supermarkets and now have more food options after a nearby Kroger closed in 2017. The residents of the historically predominantly African American neighborhood can now purchase their fresh produce and other grocery needs with ease. Unfortunately, simple grocery shopping for healthy food in 2020 shouldnt be such a difficulty, or a wait, but it is in Texas.

Food desert is a term that has grown in popularity over the years, for areas where theres a grocery store shortage, or when a grocery store shuts down and causes limited access to nutritious food, which affects the health of the community, especially for those without an automobile.

Feeding Texas CEO Celia Cole weighs in, Texas has the greatest number of people living in low-income and low-access (LILA) areas at 5 million and ranks sixth in the nation for the highest percentage of its population living in LILA areas at 20 percent.

Sadly, one in seven Texans experiences food insecurity, according to Feeding Texas, a nonprofit formerly known as the Texas Food Bank Network. Texas is also one of 15 states with higher food insecurity than the national average.

In reference to the grand opening of MacGregor market, Scott Packard, Houston Health Department Chief Communications Officer told Reform Austin, we consider the H-E-B MacGregor grocery store to be a great success. The reaction from the community seems to be overwhelmingly positive. Many people in this community have transportation barriers that make it very challenging, sometimes impossible, to make it to a grocery store many miles from home.

When asked about other recent changes to communities in Houston without access to grocery stores, Packard said, our department has conducted a few recent community assessments in the Kashmere Gardens and Fifth Ward communities. These communities also experience challenges with access and proximity to healthy food options. Its difficult to predict where food deserts will become better or worse. To predict forward, we would have to analyze trends in community developmental patterns, housing cost, displacement, wages and other social-economic factors.

An estimated 724,750 food-insecure individuals live in the Greater Houston area, according to the key findings from a 2019 research report from the Kinder Institute for Urban Research on food insecurities. Potential remedies arising from the research include, funders, government policies, the mindset of altruism and backbone organizations that require them to adopt to policies, processes and mindsets that encourage collaborations, promoting flexibility of operations and adopting more behavioral metrics while eschewing competitive actions.

Packard said that addressing food deserts takes a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors, and there are companies in Houston doing great work like building gardens in communities that dont have access to fresh produce.

Today the phrase food desert is well-known because it describes a big public health issue. Usually the closest food source is what influences an individuals or familys food choices, and limited access to nutritious food causes concern for health issues and illnesses, with the greatest negative health effects happening to the elderly and children. In Texas, 14.3% of children live in food-insecure homes.

Regarding the importance of healthy eating habits for children especially, as what children eat when they are young can become a foundation for their eating habits throughout their life, the Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told Reform Austin, Texas agriculture is fundamental when promoting local foods.

The goal is to not only provide locally sourced and healthy meals for school lunches but to pass those healthy lifestyle changes along to students for each meal they choose, Miller said. I want all Texans to make health conscious decisions that will sustain local economies and build a healthier future for the great state of Texas.

What we eat and the access to healthy foods can greatly affect our lifespan, Shelby Massey, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, told Reform Austin, When people lack access to healthy, affordable food, they are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Texas and in the United States, but is eighty percent preventable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Access to healthy, affordable food close to where a person lives greatly impacts their ability to make healthy choices.

Packard pointed out an economic effect.

The lack of fruit and vegetables can manifest as chronic diseases in young children, families and the elderly. Managing diseases, prescribing medications and related sick days from work all affect the economic productivity of a community, he said.

From a well-being standpoint, we envision a community where people are free from the impacts of chronic diseases, it begins with creating an environment where making the healthy choice is feasible and easy to do for families in Texas.

Nourishing minds and bodies can also inspire advocacy in areas prone to food deserts.

This past fall, data in a report called the Community Health Needs Assessment, by the Parkland Health & Hospital System and the Dallas County Health Department identified the geographic areas and populations that experience the most significant health disparities and most unhealthy locations of the city.

The Dallas Morning News reported the next step is to tackle the issues of health disparities piece by piece, with a more specific focus on chronic illnesses and other ailments such as pediatric asthma, breast cancer and mental health.

On the topic of food deserts reflecting a communitys health, Feeding Texas Cole adds,Texans living in food deserts face significant barriers to healthy eating, including a lack of financial resources. This can lead to diet-related illnesses and poor health outcomes and drive up state health care costs.

Not every food desert will get a gorgeous 90,000-square-foot H-E-B for their grocery demands.

Large-format grocery stores can be extremely helpful in making food more accessible for folks, but they arent usually universally sufficient solutions for food access problems, said Shelley Parks, the senior public information specialist at the City of Austin.

For example, if the store isnt accessible for someone because they dont have reliable access to a vehicle or it isnt served by transit, we cant say weve solved their food access problem, she said.

There is where Parks said smaller, neighborhood-scale stores can be extremely helpful in serving these kinds of areas.

Austin has a history of inequality and disinvestment in neighborhoods historically populated by people of color, and the current food retail environment reflects that history. The City of Austin is working now to support grocery store expansion in underserved areas, but that work is also part of a broader portfolio of food access work, Parks said.

Understandably, grocery stores want to make a profit and serve as many people as they can. However deciding where or where not to open a store can help or drastically hurt a community. Several years ago when the City of Dallas offered $3 million to any store that would open a large full service grocery store in food desert areas that really could use it, the city received no takers.

In 2017, during Texas 85th Legislature, The Texas Grocery Access Investment Fund, HB 164, failed to pass, it would have provided funds to encourage companies to open grocery stores, mobile markets and farm stands in low- and moderate-income areas to increase access to healthier
foods.

When it comes to finding a solution to food deserts, Packard, of the Houston Health Department, said, Strategies that can make a difference in these areas include alleviating transportation barriers, improving food incentive programming, increasing culturally appropriate health options. These are ideas and best practices that should be integrated into a comprehensive approach to equitable food access.

Cole, of Feeding Texas, shared with Reform Austin that numerous solutions to get food into these deserts are being piloted and some of the more effective are coming from grassroots initiatives working directly with the communities they serve.

In Texas, food banks have adopted these primary approaches to improve access to healthy food and move the needle on healthy eating, Cole said.

These include Feeding Texas, which administers a state grant called Texans Feeding Texans that rescues surplus produce from Texas growers that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to needy families.

Cole explained that food banks operate mobile markets that deliver healthy foods directly to people living in food deserts. Last year, Texas food banks distributed over 42 million pounds of produce to families in need.

Nowadays convenience stores and gas stations sell fresh fruit and vegetables, and when located in a lower-income area, these hubs can be a major force to provide more nutrients to people who live nearby.

For some areas where the option of a supermarket or walkable farmers markets is slim, its taking do-it-yourself nonprofits to fill a void. In southern Dallas, a local nonprofit, Feed Oak Cliff, in a neighborhood that lacks fresh groceries is providing healthy options, and it started with the founders own desire for more salad spots in her neighborhood. Previously she had driven twelve miles to get a salad. Imagine carrying and trekking your groceries back home on foot. How many bags could you carry for a mile? Imagine driving over ten miles or more just to get a simple fresh salad or fresh fruit that every Texan should be able to enjoy and be nourished from.

Back in the Bayou City, Packard provides a view of how a grocery store can become the heart of a neighborhood that needs it most.

This new H-E-B store is right there in the community, more accessible to more people. In terms of community health, a grocery store in a community has countless benefits. The anticipated benefits could range from improved quality of life, increased access to foods, increase social connectedness, and improvements in many other health indicators. A grocery store is a part of the fabric of a community, the benefits will be more pronounced three to five years down the line.

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Texas Has a Serious Food Insecurity Problem, but Texans Have Solutions - Reform Austin

CORRECTING and REPLACING Blue Apron Announces New Collaboration with American Diabetes Association to Offer Recipes For a Healthy Lifestyle – Business…

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The sixth paragraph of the release should read:For additional information on Blue Aprons wellness recipes visit: http://www.blueapron.com/pages/wellness. (instead of http://www.blueapron.com/wellness.)

The corrected release reads:

BLUE APRON ANNOUNCES NEW COLLABORATION WITH AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION TO OFFER RECIPES FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Collaboration further expands Blue Aprons selection of recipes which include Vegetarian, Carb Conscious, Plant-Forward, Mediterranean, 500 Calories or Less, and Diabetes-Friendly offerings

Blue Apron (NYSE: APRN) today announced a new collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as part of its commitment to meeting a wide variety of household preferences and addressing the growing number of consumers interested in healthy lifestyles. Blue Apron will introduce diabetes-friendly recipes that meet ADAs Nutrition Guidance by emphasizing fresh produce and lean protein while reducing added sugar, creating a wholesome selection of meals approved by the nutrition experts at the ADA. Beginning December 30, Blue Apron will feature at least two diabetes-friendly recipes every week on its Signature Two-Serving menu and recipes will be regularly incorporated on its Four-Serving Menu starting next year.

For many people living with diabetes, knowing what to eat is one of the most challenging and critical parts of their diabetes management, said Lauren Grosz, Executive Director, American Diabetes Association. We are excited for our new collaboration with Blue Apron and this exciting opportunity to show that diabetes-friendly meals can be exciting.

The new diabetes-friendly recipes include meals such as: Spicy Salmon & Orange Relish with Salsa Verde Couscous and Quinoa & Vegetable Fried Rice with Sunny Side-Up Eggs & Peanuts, available to order starting now through Blue Aprons website and mobile app.

We are pleased to collaborate with the ADA to offer new diabetes-friendly recipes that appeal to so many consumers, including over 30 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. and those interested in general health and wellness, said Linda Kozlowski, CEO, Blue Apron. This collaboration is one part of our commitment to offering diverse and delicious meals that suit a wide variety of lifestyles and health preferences without sacrificing flavor. Our recipes, whether diabetes-friendly, carb conscious, or plant-forward, are nutritious options you truly want to eat.

In addition to the new diabetes-friendly meals, Blue Apron expanded its Signature Two-Serving menu nationally to offer 11 recipes each week including a broader selection of recipes that cater to a healthy lifestyle and a variety of dietary preferences. The new recipes include labels such as Vegetarian, Carb Conscious, Plant-Forward, Mediterranean, and 500 Calories or Less", making it easier for customers to find and select recipes for a healthy lifestyle. At least half of the recipes Blue Apron offers each week on its Signature Two-Serving plan will feature one or more of these labels, as part of its ongoing commitment to delivering balance and discoverythrough a variety of ingredients, cuisines, preparation times, and meals that range from nutritious to more indulgent.

For additional information on Blue Aprons wellness recipes visit: http://www.blueapron.com/pages/wellness.

For additional information on the ADA visit: http://www.diabetes.org.

About Blue Apron:

Blue Aprons mission is to make incredible home cooking accessible to everyone. Launched in 2012, Blue Apron is reimagining the way that food is produced, distributed, and consumed, and as a result, building a better food system that benefits consumers, food producers, and the planet. The Company has developed an integrated ecosystem that enables the Company to work in a direct, coordinated manner with farmers and artisans to deliver high-quality products to customers nationwide at compelling values.

About American Diabetes Association:

Every day more than 4,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes in America. Nearly 115 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes and are striving to manage their lives while living with the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nations leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For nearly 80 years the ADA has been driving discovery and research to treat, manage and prevent diabetes, while working relentlessly for a cure. We help people with diabetes thrive by fighting for their rights and developing programs, advocacy and education designed to improve their quality of life. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).

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CORRECTING and REPLACING Blue Apron Announces New Collaboration with American Diabetes Association to Offer Recipes For a Healthy Lifestyle - Business...

New Coastal, the Premier Source for CBD Products Promoting Health, Becomes Official Wellness Provider to Retired NFL Players Congress – PRNewswire

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COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --New Coastal, the leading source for full-spectrum CBD-infused health and beauty products designed to ease suffering, promote well-being and combat the worldwide opioid crisis, has been named Official Wellness Provider of the Retired NFL Players Congress.

The historic and unprecedented partnership will benefit the more than 20,000 retired NFL athletes in the organization. With studies showing that CBD can help with pre and post-concussion symptoms, as well as PTSD, the partnership is a natural fit. The two organizations are dedicated to continued research in hopes of finding better, natural, solutions for veterans of the gridiron and veterans of our armed forces.

Ron Brown, the co-founder of New Coastal, was instrumental in the deal. An Olympic gold medalist and All-Pro NFL football player with over 20 years of business experience, Mr. Brown has a passion for causes aimed at treating PTSD and concussion syndromes. It's also apparent that he still values good teamwork.

"The Congress chose to work with New Coastal because they're putting together a team that can really make a difference," Mr. Brown said. "I love that New Coastal's products are extremely high-quality and that they're backed by unique CBD DNA scientific testing.

When you combine the proprietary formulas we've made with the help of the geneticists at Endocanna Health, with the doctors we're working with, like Dr. Patterson from Casa Colina and Dr. Martin at Loma Linda, I think it puts us in the position to offer the highest quality products out there both now and in the future. We'll continue to do more research, but I think we have a team that is pro bowl caliber."

For more information on New Coastal's mission, products and CBD DNA testing, visit http://www.newcoastal.shop.

About New Coastal: Founded in 2018, New Coastal is committed to providing premium CBD products that promote a healthy lifestyle and overall wellness. By offering best-in-class CBD-infused products for a fair and affordable price, Coastal is on a mission to ease pain and suffering, improve quality of life and help tackle the worldwide opioid crisis.

About Retired NFL Players Congress: Players Congress is an independent NFL alumni organization that supports retired NFL players and their families by creating business partnerships and community initiatives. For further information please send inquiry to info@retiredplayerscongress.com.

Contact: Fred Bloom

Phone: (949) 339-5500

Email: fbloom@newcoastalgroup.com

SOURCE newcoastal.shop

http://www.newcoastal.shop

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New Coastal, the Premier Source for CBD Products Promoting Health, Becomes Official Wellness Provider to Retired NFL Players Congress - PRNewswire

WeTheTrillions Says The Future Of Public Health Is Female And Plant-Based – Forbes

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WeTheTrillions wants to make it easier for people - especially women - to eat healthier, with an ... [+] emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods.

Its long been said that food is medicine, but the healthcare system doesnt always treat it as such. Despite the fact that we need to eat every day, multiple times a day, just to stay alive, medical schools in the U.S. provide on average only 19 hours of nutritional education throughout a doctors training.

As a result, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a medicine to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, or any number of other conditions, but they simply might not know how to advise you to try to prevent illness in the first place.

But some folks are trying to change that. WeTheTrillions is a public benefit corporation that is approaching nutritious food as not just part of a healthy lifestyle, but as one of the first to leverage technology and prescription-grade delivered meals as the frontlines of preventative healthcare to stop the epidemic of chronic conditions touching more than 60 percent of adults in the US. The company is named for the trillions of microbes in each of our gut biomes along with trillions of cells, which make up the central focus of the companys food-as-medicine because of the gut biomes role in well, virtually every part of our lives and bodies.

WeTheTrillions main product is ready-to-eat customized meal and snack options, and those who subscribe to their weekly meal plans also have access to health specialists to discuss and stay on top of their goals and concerns. They also provide software to clinicians so they can track progress and help patients reach tangible results through a customized food program. This could be for patients suffering from IBS, diabetes, anemia or any other female-related hormonal imbalances.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50 percent of doctors recommendations to patients with chronic illnesses are not followed and this number goes up to more than 70 percent when it comes to lifestyle changes like dietary guidelines, says Lamiaa Bounahmidi, Founder and CEO of WeTheTrillions. Closing that gap is already making WeTheTrillions an appealing solution to hundreds of doctors across the US who see this as an immediate intervention to leverage theory and practice for preventative healthcare and help save trillions of dollars in healthcare bills - effectively staunching the leading public health crisis of the 21st century: chronic disease.

To know your eligibility for a WeTheTrillions program, you first start by filling out a 3-minute online intake quiz and then have a 20-min call with a health specialist to fully customize your plan and agree on clear target biomarkers levels to reach. The process is based on an aggregation of evidence-based randomized controlled trials to provide a fully science-driven approach beyond fad diets.

Notably, theyre also looking to set up machines in urban and rural food deserts that offer affordable options via subsidization through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other government assistance programs. And all the food is 100% plant-based, a choice justified by medical evidence that currently points to a veggie-heavy diet for its abilities to fight heart disease, diabetes, and strokes as well as hormonal balance and gut health.

But their approach to food as preventative medicine is more specific and science-backed than simply offering healthy plant-based foods. While the meals are, theoretically, for anyone looking to eat well and improve their health, much of the emphasis is on using food to treat Polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause symptoms, fertility, and other issues pertaining to womens reproductive health. Even the general health issues WeTheTrillions seeks to address, like anemia, often disproportionately affect women, especially women of color.

Theres a reason to believe that this method of specifically targeting womens reproductive and general health could be an effective strategy in improving the overall health of society. Overwhelming evidence links maternal health to that of children, which together affect the overall health of society. A society with healthy women is more likely to have healthy children who will grow into healthy adults. WeTheTrillions emphasis on the health of female-sexed people is not exclusive, but it is strong and forward-thinking.

There are a plethora of premade or prepped meal kits on the market now, many of which are vegan, organic, and health-focused. Not all of them, however, can claim to have the medical emphasis of WeTheTrillions, with its specific issue-based meal plans and grand focus on making food accessible via work, school, physicians, and public assistance.In a way, its simplicity is inspiring: to improve the health of society at large, eat plants. The work of doctors, scientists, and public health experts boil down to some tasty vegetables on your plate customized to your unique health needs.

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WeTheTrillions Says The Future Of Public Health Is Female And Plant-Based - Forbes

What will you risk? – Clinton News Record

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Lets get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Supplied

To take a risk; is to venture into the unknown and the uncomfortable. It is often when we venture into this unfamiliar territory where we can grow, learn and expand ourselves as a person to be successful in life.

We all have different levels and definitions of risk as well as methods to determine if an activity is risky and, if well participate in it. When we take risks, they are considered as such because we are not certain what the outcome will be. In much of society today, we have become very risk adverse; and while this has had overarching large-scale social impacts, it has also affected our own individual decisions and behaviors.

Changing our behaviors to eat better and move more is a risk; and its one that many of us are very uncomfortable taking. There is fear and uncertainty in how we go about changing our behaviors; but also, in wondering if we even can. However, if we dont take the risk, if we dont dive into the uncomfortable and uncertain, what we do risk is far greater than simply being uncomfortable. What we risk is our health; something that none of us wants to lose.

Learning to eat better, to cook healthy, to grocery shop and to meal plan can be intimidating. Walking into a group exercise class, learning how to fit activity into our days, getting up early to go for a walk in the dark and cold can be scary. However, in taking a risk and learning to eat better and move more, the worst that can happen, is that it doesnt work out. This may leave us feeling defeated and frustrated, however; this is not failure.

If we dont reach our goals in changing our behaviours today, all we have done is given ourselves the knowledge of what may not work for us. This is not failure; its a learning experience. We cant be expected to know right away how to make changes in our lives, and how those changes will look. Eating well and being active is a skill that takes time to learn, just as with any other skill in life. Learning to type on keyboard, drive in the winter or read a book all take practice, time and risk. Learning to lead a healthy lifestyle is no different. By working towards small changes every day, we will transform our behaviours and habits. By continually showing up for ourselves and challenging our own boundaries of comfort, we are expanding our ability to succeed in making sustainable behaviour changes for a healthier lifestyle. This isnt to say that at moments we will not be uncomfortable, frustrated, or wondering what to do next. It is to say however, that we will not give up, that we deserve to live a healthy lifestyle and that our family and friends deserve to see us as a role model and an inspiration to make healthy choices of their own.

Our challenge this week is to risk it. To acknowledge our doubts, our fears and our uncertainties. To acknowledge that struggling, is not failing. While we might be afraid to take a risk, lets ask ourselves what could happen if we dont?

How will you take a risk today?

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What will you risk? - Clinton News Record

Removing the stigma on mental health – Arab News

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Tomorrow is a new day. We often hear this phrase, offering us hope and optimism when things are gloomy.In my case, every second of every day is a new opportunity to remind myself how short life is. I assume you are having trouble deciding whether I am depressed or optimistic. The truth is that I am incredibly grateful to not only be alive, but to be living life to the fullest and appreciating it as it comes.

Being a diabetic for 24 years has taught me a lot. I hope I can share this knowledge with my grandchildren one day. The older I grow, the more I understand this complicated health issue and all the various factors that contribute to it.

Speaking about mental health has always been taboo, in both Eastern cultures and, until recently, Western ones. Poor mental health is often associated with insanity, and is never really looked at as a normal part of life. The ups and downs we go through and the challenges we face all play a significant role in our overall wellbeing. This is simply a fact of life.

Why did I decide today to discuss the correlation between mental health and diabetes? A recent German study has shown that diabetes could lead to depression and vice versa, a fact that most people are likely unaware of. Depression takes many shapes and forms. A sleepless night that most of us may brush off as insignificant could, in reality, be one of a series of sleepless nights lasting months, if not years.

It is vital that all people with diabetes regularly monitor their mental well-being and, if necessary, pay a visit to a therapist who can help them lead a healthy lifestyle. There is no shame in seeking help.

What especially motivated me to write on this topic is the recent decision by the Saudi government to substantially invest in mental health institutions, campaign for more awareness and provide support in general for all those who need it. I think this marks a revolution in the health sector, a step toward a balanced life that takes into consideration not only physical health but mental and emotional wellbeing too.

Whether we have diabetes or not, we can all benefit from paying more attention to these contributing factors that determine the quality of our lives. We should take pride in our journeys and experiences regardless of the hardships. As the common saying goes: Diamonds are only created under pressure.

Like all other taboos, we must challenge this one. There is absolutely nothing wrong with acknowledging your symptoms as a first step and taking action as the next. The health sector in Saudi Arabia today is as advanced as anywhere in the world. In fact, people from all over the Arab world visit our top-notch doctors across the Kingdom. I believe this is something we should appreciate and take advantage of to the fullest.

I hope that by the end of this article, you are fully aware of the importance of your mental well-being. Take the steps necessary to reclaim your health and happiness today.

Nada Al-Tuwaijri is an adviser at the Saudi Media Ministry

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point-of-view

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Fitness: How much does exercise inspire other healthy habits? – The Crag and Canyon

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A study suggests that those who start racking up more minutes of exercise are also likely to post lower blood pressure readings, get more sleep and eat more fruits and vegetables.Bill Keay / Postmedia files

Theres no doubt exercise is good for you. If anything, the benefits of regular physical activity arent stated enough, with improved longevity, vitality and quality of life all positive outcomes of being active. Another benefit to exercise that hasnt received the attention it deserves is its ability to spark individuals to adopt healthier habits.

Eating well, sleeping well, maintaining a healthy weight, refraining from smoking, drinking in moderation and reducing sedentary time are all habits worth embracing. When combined with regular exercise, the health benefits are even greater, including slowing down the physical and mental decline often associated with aging. Yet too few Canadians exercise regularly, and even fewer can lay claim to an impressive list of healthy lifestyle behaviours.

The idea that exercise is a gateway to positive lifestyle changes isnt new. Common sense suggests the fitter you are, the more likely you are to choose healthier foods, sleep better, move more and shed some of those unwanted pounds. This has been proved time and time again by novice exercisers who suddenly cant stop talking about the success of their new diet, the number of steps they take daily and the sleep stats logged on their new smartwatch.

But up until now, there has been very little hard data supporting the theory exercise is a catalyst for healthier behaviours, which is why an article posted in the BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine open-access journal is sparking interest. The articles authors reviewed the lifestyle stats accumulated by 34,061 individuals who participated in the Vitality program, an interactive online wellness platform that incentivizes healthy choices like exercise, medical checkups, sleep, healthy food choices and stress-reducing activities. The more healthy choices members make, the more points they accumulate, which they can trade for discount coupons to participating retail outlets (grocery stores, fitness clubs) or add to the point total of their corporate team vying to outperform colleagues on other teams.

The researchers wanted to use the copious data collected by Vitality to determine whether earning physical activity points was followed by improvements in engagement with other health-promoting behaviour and health markers. They also wanted to see if there were differences in healthy uptakes between those who accumulated the greatest number of exercise minutes (150 or more) per week and those who accumulated the fewest (less than 59 minutes) over the same time period.

Turns out all but the already active exercisers in the Vitality program increased the number of minutes per week they were active. And while they were racking up all those exercise minutes, they were also eating more fruits and vegetables, getting more sleep, spending less time being sedentary, cutting back on alcohol, experiencing less stress and posting better health markers (such as lower blood pressure readings).

The improvements were greatest in those with the most to gain, those with low baseline physical activity levels, said the researchers.

One of the unique aspects of the data collected by Vitality is activity monitors were worn by participants, resulting in a more accurate representation of exercise minutes than self-reported stats. Also worth noting is all lifestyle changes occurred in real-world conditions, not in a lab, which makes them more relatable to the average Joe and Jill.

Our study extends previous findings that health behaviours such as physical activity, healthy eating and abstaining from alcohol and smoking tend to co-occur in individuals and the presence of one healthy behaviour is followed by other healthy behaviours, reported the research team.

Why does establishing an exercise routine result in other lifestyle improvements? No one knows for sure, but successfully introducing an exercise habit builds confidence, especially among those who have struggled to maintain a regular workout schedule. Mastery in one domain often reinforces the ability to master another, so once someone has achieved a previously elusive fitness goal, theyre motivated to take on another challenge, like cutting down on high-calorie foods.

The message to remember in these results is change begets change. Its also notable were capable of pursuing and achieving more than one goal at a time. Taking this new information into account, monitor several lifestyle markers as you boost your activity levels. Take note of your diet, sleeping habits, blood pressure, heart rate and time spent with your feet up. Chances are if you make a commitment to boost your exercise minutes, youll be motivated to complement your efforts by making other healthy changes. Use an activity monitor to keep track of your stats and an old-fashioned notebook to chart your progress, with the end goal being an improvement in the most important health marker of all: feeling better every day.

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5 health benefits of chia seeds you must be aware of – Republic World – Republic World

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Getting healthy andlosing weight should not be a short-term goal, it should be a part of your lifestyle. If you eat right, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle then you are likely to stay away from diseases. If you are suffering from obesity or want to be healthy, the food you eat becomes very crucial. A balanced diet that includes various foodstuffs packed with proteins and vitamins makes for a healthy body. Here is one such recommendation - Chia seeds:

Chia seeds are known to be obtained from a plant that usually is grown in the desserts. It is known to belong to the mint family. The seeds of the plant are usually called Chia seeds. It is known to have many health benefits and uses. Here are Chia seeds health benefits and uses.

Chia seeds are known to be low in calories. If you are looking towards losing the extra pounds then you should consider making chia seeds a part of your diet. They are known to be a great supplement for weight loss. You will lose weight and stay healthy.

Chia seeds are known to have high fibre content. Having high fibre content helps in your digestion process. If you suffer from constipation or digestion issues, you should start consuming chia seeds. They are also known to help you in managing the blood sugar levels in your body.

ALSO READ |What Is Garlic Oil? Check Out The Surprising Ways It Boosts Your Health

This is yet another chia seed health benefit. Chia seeds are known to behave anti-oxidant properties that help you to reduce the inflammation. If you suffer from common bacterial infections and want to stay away from the cold, then consuming Chia seeds will prove helpful. The anti-oxidant properties help to reduce and fight bacterial infections.

ALSO READ |Coffee: Here Are The Side Effects Of Coffee Overdose You Must Be Aware Of

Chia seeds are known to have higher protein content. That will help you build muscles and lose the extra weight and calories. Apart from that, they are also known to contain vitamins, potassium and other components that are essential for your body.

ALSO READ |Easy And Healthy Drinks To Keep You Warm And Healthy This Winter Season

You can consume chia seeds by sprinkling it to fruits and salads. You can also add these to pudding, it will add taste to the pudding and will be healthy. You can mix chia seeds with sugar and honey. Add a cup of milk and combine the ingredients well.

ALSO READ |Turmeric Benefits: Incredible Reasons To Add Turmeric To Your Winter Diet

Disclaimer: The content provided above is for information purposes. This is no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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15 Motivating Quotes For A Healthy Lifestyle – SteadyStrength

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Dont you want to live as long and happy as you can? Have less medical bills. Wake up with more energy throughout the day. Dont worry about high cholesterol and blood pressure. These are all things that you can attain while living a healthy lifestyle. No one said it was easy. You have to be mentally strong and have will power made of steal. Thats why I decided to give you 15 motivating quotes for a healthy lifestyle.

1. The best feeling is when you know that no one thinks you can do something. Then you prove them all wrong.

2. Nothing worth having is ever easy to come by. The same goes for a healthy life. There may be some hard decisions and a lot of discipline, but when you get what you earn you will appreciate it so much more.

3. Some people may think youre crazy for giving up certain foods. Some people may think youre even crazier if you workout two or three times in a day. Soon enough they will be asking you how you managed to do it.

4. Worry about the big picture. That means a life long habit of training your body and eating well on a regular basis. Your body will take care of the rest.

5. Dont give up just because you think youre trying and you dont see the results that you want. You can push yourself to limits that you never thought possible, only if you really want something.

6. Everyone has will power, including you. If you make a decision to change something in your life then mean it. Go as furiously as you can towards that decision. Dont waver. That will give a chance for doubt to seep in.

7. When you hit obstacles in the road, more often then not you cant control it. What you can control is how you respond to that obstacle that made you fall. Its your decision how confidently you get back up and back on track. Only worry about what you can control.

8. Its not about how fast youre moving. As long as youre moving towards your goals, you are making yourself better. Thats all that matters. Being healthy and strong is a lifelong journey, so you dont have to rush.

9. Look back at #6. Its all about your mindset. If you make a decision and stick by it, everything else will take care of itself.

10. Whatever your best is, give that effort in everything that you do. If you try your hardest then in the end there will be no regrets. You will be ultimately happy with the result.

11. You only get one body and one life on this earth. Respect yourself and love yourself enough to take the best care of yourself.

12. You are the only one who can change you. You are the only one who can make decisions for yourself. You are in full control so there is no excuses. Chase after the body, mind, and health that you want.

13. Nothing will happen if you stand by idly, or just wish for it. A healthy lifestyle requires work, and no one is going to do it for you. Climb your own ladder to success.

14. To reach a goal, first you have to figure out what you want. Picture yourself as the person you want to be and then go after it. Constantly have a clear picture in your mind. Think about it all the time until you reach it. Then guess what? Set another goal to make yourself even better.

15. You are mentally and physically stronger than you ever thought possible, but you wont ever figure that out until you put yourself in that situation. Pursue situations that challenge your mind and body.

If you havent already started making changes in your lifestyle to be more health conscious, I hope this motivated you to do so. Your body is counting on you. Just simple changes in your lifestyle can save you tons of money on doctor visits and medication. Its definitely worth the effort. If you want some advice on how to start living healthier check out the article, The Best Advice On Starting The Healthy Life. Share this with your friends on facebook if you know anyone who is trying to make some healthy changes. The beginning can be the hardest part. But NEVER quit!

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Mountain Trek Retreat Changes the Way Couples Think About Health – DatingNews

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Two years ago, Alex Timmons and his wife, Hannah, were feeling overwhelmed with their lives. At the time, Alex was running a tech startup in the San Francisco Bay Area, but his work didnt feel rewarding, and was deteriorating his health.

My work wasnt helping people; it was just helping influencers get rich, and the stress I put on myself to succeed led to countless sleepless nights and even a trip to the hospital, he told us.

Hannah, who was working a high-end marketing job, was dealing with chronic anxiety and struggling to quiet her negative self-talk.

They decided to reset their lives by attending a weeklong retreat at the Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat and Health Spa in Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia. Alex said he and Hannah thought that the mountain setting would help them unwind, while the healthy eating and exercise components would help them find the balance they sought.

They werent just pleased with the experience they were amazed by it. That retreat changed their lives profoundly.

That week helped us recognize that extremes dont get us where we want to go, Alex said.

Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat and Health Spa can help couples balance their lives and get healthy.

When they returned to their lives in San Francisco, Alex and Hannah implemented the habits they learned at Mountain Trek. They felt like they could not only eat cleaner and sleep better but also keep their stresses and anxieties under control.

But Alex still wasnt satisfied with his job, as he didnt think his work helped anyone.

My job had no reason or value, he told us.

So, Alex and Hannah decided to drastically change their lives by becoming Co-Owners of Mountain Trek the place where their transformation started. They wanted to help others make the same health and lifestyle improvements.

As Alex knows from experience, a trip to Mountain Trek can make a lasting impact on guests.

When you come to our welness retreat, you go through a profound health reset, he said.

Guests come to Mountain Trek for a variety of reasons. Some want to disconnect from their lives at home, but many others have health concerns or anxiety.

Most guests (70%) are from the United States, while the other 30% come from Canada.

Our guests are mostly in their late 30s to their early 60s. Theyre usually well ahead in their careers, but that often comes at the cost of their health and well-being, Alex said.

The Mountain Trek program has five fundamental tenets: fitness, nutrition, stress management, sleep, and detoxification.

The fitness part of the experience includes daily mountain hikes of three to four hours. Guests can choose their level of difficulty, as well, so some guests might take part in a challenging hike one day and a less strenuous one the next.

Daily hikes help guests get active while connecting with nature.

Each day, four levels of hikes depart from the lodge. They are led by trained guides who know the area and who make the experience enjoyable. And guests are treated to views of some of the most scenic vistas in the world.

Hiking is such a critical part of the process because time in nature is proven to lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone that causes stress. Further, along with the healthy eating habits promoted at the retreat, guests see their muscle mass increase, and their weight decrease.

Were not a place for couples to come to sit by the lake and drink wine. Its for couples who understand a little hard work goes a long way. In addition to the daily hikes, sunrise yoga and evening fitness classes are on the schedule. Alex said.

In addition to adopting a fitness routine, Mountain Trek teaches guests how to change their eating habits. According to Alex, many people dont eat properly, consuming the wrong foods at the wrong times in the wrong proportions. Instead, they eat too much starchy, sugary, and processed foods, resulting in lower energy levels and expanding waistlines.

Our program follows a 12-hour cycle. We eat six meals from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. They are lower-carb, higher-protein meals that sustain and balance energy. We teach our guests to eat for fuel, not for fun, Alex said.

The retreat also doesnt allow guests to drink alcohol or caffeine. That can be a significant change in many peoples lives.

People really do go through a metabolic reset while at the retreat, said Alex.

But that doesnt mean the retreat deprives guests of anything tasty. For example, Chef Simon Vine recently cooked a delicious meal of rutabaga spaghetti with tempeh-almond meatballs and a tomato-cashew sauce as a healthier substitute to the traditional pasta dish. The chef also prepares snacks that help kickstart the metabolism of guests.

Eating healthy for a week or two is one thing, but Mountain Trek also provides guests with the skills to be mindful about cooking and eating at home. That is one of the key reasons that many guests decide to come to Mountain Trek with their spouses or partners; they want to have someone who can help them stick to these healthy-eating guidelines.

We educate you on how to implement a healthy lifestyle. So, if you come with a spouse or partner, you get to be each others support system when you return home, Alex said.

Though fitness and healthy eating are important parts of the Mountain Trek experience, they arent the only components. The retreat also focuses on ensuring that guests find a balance in each of the retreats other key elements; stress management, sleep, and detoxification.

For example, if youre not eating well, but youre sleeping enough, you still may not feel great. If youre eating and exercising regularly, but you never take a break from alcohol or caffeine, you likewise may not reach your full potential.

When you balance the five elements, they compound upon each other, Alex said.

During the program, guests see significant changes in themselves over a short time. Many people are overwhelmed by the lifestyle changes the retreat asks them to make, but, if they make those sacrifices, theyre satisfied with the results.

Mountain Trek guests enjoy healthy, delicious meals prepared by an in-house chef.

It takes effort to make it through the program, but people leave feeling like theyre 10 years younger. Theyre lighter and happier, Alex told us.

Mountain Trek offers such a life-changing experience for guests that they can often completely reset their lives at home, too. When guests incorporate those elements into their daily lives, they see dramatic changes. Alex said that the staff regularly receives calls from people who have maintained their lifestyle changes for years after the retreat.

Couples who complete Mountain Trek together can also forge new bonds on their journeys to healthier, happier futures, and the challenges required as part of the growth during the retreat often make them stronger.

When couples have these shared experiences, they deepen their relationship. Theyll push their limits and learn about themselves in those moments. They will strengthen their bond, Alex said.

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Time to work together on plans for a healthy lifestyle – TODAYonline

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I read Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loongs National Rally Speech 2017 with interest.

Diabetes mellitus and the associated problem of being overweight are indeed huge health problems for Singaporeans.

Diabetes leads to many complications, which extend beyond the kidneys, heart, and brain.

Half to three-quarters of diabetic patients have fatty liver disease, which has become the most common liver problem in many countries, including Singapore and the United States.

Even in China, where Hepatitis B is prevalent at 10 per cent, the occurrence of fatty liver disease in the general population there is estimated to be 20 per cent.

Patients with the disease are at risk of liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. It is expected to be the major cause of liver problems in the next few decades.

Right now, there is no effective and safe medication for treating fatty liver disease.

Most of the clinical research on pharmacological agents that alter the course of fatty liver disease is still ongoing.

However, most studies have shown that weight loss and regular exercise are key, proven treatments for fatty liver disease. A loss of 5 per cent of ones body weight would lead to an improvement in liver function.

As PM Lee said, there is no single magic way to treat diabetes mellitus. Multiple angles of treatment are needed.

Encouraging people to have a healthy diet and do daily exercise for 30 to 60 minutes are the cornerstones of treating diabetes, as well as the associated problem of fatty liver disease.

It is time for all stakeholders including doctors, patients, food sellers, food manufacturers, and the associated government agencies such as the National Environment Agency and Active SG, as well as the Health Ministry to work together in laying out strategies to help people lead a healthy lifestyle.

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For Myles Family, Healthy Lifestyle Is No Obstacle – Southern Pines Pilot

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They wake up at 4:45 every morning and roll out of bed. First up: obstacle course training.

Well, OK, thats not entirely true. On rest days, they get up at 5:15 a.m.

An Army barracks? Not even close. Meet the Myles family: Kjirsti and Nick, and young sons Liam, 8, and Bennett, 5.

Whereas most of us might be barely open-eyed by 7 a.m. with cup of coffee in hand, the Myles family has completed their workout and gotten ready for the day ahead. And when they finally come home after a long day of school or work as physical therapists? Its time for the family to go in the backyard for another workout.

This is what a typical day in the Myles family looks like. They face the same hectic schedules and responsibilities that most families encounter, but they work toward tackling the feats of a healthy lifestyle the same way they handle everything else together.

Kjirsti and Nick Myles have been interested in health and fitness all of their lives. They both grew up involved in athletics, and they always stayed in shape throughout their time in college and graduate school.

Kjirsti laces up near a list of daily exercises. (Photo by Ted Fitzgerald/The Pilot)

But eight years ago, when the Myleses had their first child, Liam, everything changed.

Liam was born prematurely and spent his first month in the neonatal intensive care unit. When the couple finally brought him home, they discovered the realities of having a child with hyperactivity and an underdeveloped nervous system.

He woke up at 4:30 every morning, and we were like, Well, were up. Hes not going back to sleep, Kjirsti Myles said, so we would feed him and head out for a run at 5 in the morning, and then Nick would go to work. It just became part of our routine, and he thrived off it, and that became our normal.

From that point forward, giving Liam and two years later, second son, Bennett the best life they could provide became the Myleses central focus.

The consistent structure of daily workouts has paid off in numerous aspects of Liams life.

Hes just finishing up second grade, and this past year, reading has been a large component of what hes had to do, Myles said. Having an immature nervous system really affects your focus and your attention. Through what we do in our activities, he can better attend, and he can better focus. Its really carried over to him doing well in school.

(Photo by Ted Fitzgerald/The Pilot)

The Myleses now maintain the same workout schedule, but they modify the specific activities that they perform each week. They complete morning workouts six days a week, as well as additional evening workouts three days a week. Most of their workouts only last 20 or 30 minutes. Fridays are considered their rest days, but that doesnt mean they consider it an opportunity for leisure.

Rest days are all relative, Myles said. We still get up at 5:15. We still put sheets on the beds. I think when you have kids, there is no rest. This is what we signed up for.

The Myleses developed a homemade obstacle course in their backyard so they could train for obstacle course races without having to spend extensive amounts of time at the gym, away from their children. Gradually, the kids became more involved in the obstacle course training.

As the children have gotten older, weve now brought them into it, Myles said. Now its not so much about our health and our fitness and our sanity and our outlet. Theyve now become a part of that too.

Obstacle course racing gives Liam and Bennett the opportunity to pursue extracurricular activities that may be much different than those of their classmates at school.

Its a good outlet for them to get their energy out in a positive way, Nick Myles said. I think one of the big positives is that they want to go outside, they want to play, they want to do our obstacle course instead of playing video games or watching TV.

Spartan Race and Rugged Maniac are two races that the Myleses compete in regularly. Last year, Liam did his second kids Spartan Race, and Bennett did his first. As soon as they got their first taste of competitive obstacle course racing, Liam and Bennett couldnt stop asking about when they would get to experience it again.

When we go to races, were each others coaches and cheerleaders, Kjirsti Myles said. I think that means a lot at the end of the day, to want to push each other, do better and be better. Just being able to say to each other, Come on; you got it. You can do it. I think that helps a lot, and I think it makes you stick with it.

I think thats what pushes me, she said, just the fact that I like seeing my family achieve their goals, and that I can help motivate them to do that, I think is what motivates me. For us, signing up for something and having to train for something, it becomes a motivation for us to stay active and stay doing it and have a goal and a purpose, and our children are just a part of all of that.

(Photo by Ted Fitzgerald/The Pilot)

Day in and day out, Kjirsti and Nick Myles work to embody the values of health and fitness that they share with clients at their respective physical therapy jobs. He works at Kinetic Institute Physical Therapy in Sanford, while she is at Pediatric Developmental Therapy in Southern Pines.

With what I do in pediatrics, the same concepts apply, Kjirsti Myles said. Everything I do all day long with all these other kids, I feel like we really practice what we preach. Were telling other people to do it, and were showing that its actually possible.

Not only do the Myleses stick to a consistent training schedule, but they also make sure to prioritize nutrition and healthy eating at all times.

Our kids dont know what McDonalds is; theyve never been to a McDonalds, Myles said. We pack all of our lunches. They bring all of their lunches to school, and we always make sure that its a fruit and a vegetable.

We incorporate the kids into our meal planning and cooking too, she added. We let them go to the store each week and pick out which vegetables they want, or we might make some protein bars, and one of them will be at the counter mixing it up.

They insist that consistently sticking to a healthy diet is not as hard as its often made out to be.

I dont know that theres any challenges with it, Kjirsti Myles said. I think weve really gotten efficient at prepping meals and planning ahead. We create a plan every weekend for the week, because the last thing we want to do is come home and spend time in the kitchen making a healthy dinner. Weve already had it ready to go. We keep it really simple, but its still good.

The Myleses also try to incorporate their healthy lifestyle beyond their workout schedule and meal planning. Each year, the family chooses what they describe as a very random New Years resolution and resolve to stick to it. They target a resolution that will leave a lasting impact on their community.

(Photo by Ted Fitzgerald/The Pilot)

In 2015, the Myleses signed on to their years resolution, but with a hitch: It would require a four-year commitment. They decided to adopt two stretches of highway along McCaskill Road in Carthage.

It started out as us just taking a walk with our dogs and our kids and cleaning up along our road anyway, Myles said. We would just end up with piles of trash that would fill five or six bags. So thats how it all started; we were already doing it, so I thought they should just mark us down and make it official.

Three years later, the Myleses are still upholding their commitment to take care of their share of the community. However, like anything else, they do it in their own unique way. They turn it into a workout

What well do is well actually run the pickup, Myles said, and we know Liam needs to do heavy work, so we got the wagon and let him pull it.

We get a workout, and the road gets clean. We tell our kids that sometimes they have to be willing to do more because people arent willing to step up, so we want them to know they have to step up.

In an effort to further broaden the impact that their lifestyle can have on others, the Myles uploaded their first post on their blog, MylesMania.com, earlier this year. Their blog chronicles experiences with pursuing a healthy lifestyle as well as the multiple facets involved in competing in elite obstacle course racing events.

However, the transition to creating online content for readers was not a seamless one for the Myleses. They credit one of their neighbors, Lara Herbert, for giving them the push to share their story with the online world.

Once we kind of started it, I think it kind of showed me that even if I can inspire one person to live a healthier lifestyle, its worth it, Nick Myles said. Plus, weve kind of been doing that the whole time at work. Ive just never thought of it like that.

If I can even just inspire someone to live a healthier life while enjoying it with their family and their kids, then that would be all worth it in the end.

Medals hang in the garage from various races an competitions. (Photo by Ted Fitzgerald/The Pilot)

The Myleses firmly insist that any family who wants to pursue a collective healthy lifestyle can manage it with the right mindset.

Anybody can do it, Myles said. Even if youre getting in a 20-minute workout a day, that would be a small start. I think you have to want to make a change.

I remember when we first started, she would get me up at 4:30 to work out in the morning, and the first week I was into it. But by the third week, I was tired and didnt want to get up. Now, its just what time we get up in the morning.

Its all about one thing at a time, Kjirsti Myles said. Its about starting small and making simple little changes.

And theyre quick to emphasize that decisions to pursue health and fitness have nothing to do with physical appearance and arent intended to be any kind of quick, temporary fix for unhealthy choices.

I think its a lifestyle, Myles said. I dont think, Oh, its bathing suit season, Ive gotta get on a diet. Its all-year-round, and its not about weighing a certain amount or fitting into a certain dress or pants or anything like that. Its just about being healthy.

Kjirsti and Nick Myles believe that their dedication to teaching their kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle through obstacle course racing will provide their children with the skills and character necessary to tackle any challenges that come their way later in life.

I really like all of the functional obstacle training because its a challenge against yourself, Nick Myles said. Pushing a little harder, trying to go a little faster and not because Im trying to beat anybody.

Im teaching my kids to push themselves and to try to challenge those obstacles and beat those obstacles because if you can beat those obstacles on the course, really it teaches you to challenge those obstacles in life and to try to be your best and never be satisfied.

Read more here:
For Myles Family, Healthy Lifestyle Is No Obstacle - Southern Pines Pilot