LiveWell Vermont

What is World AIDS Day? "Our efforts have helped set the stage for a historic opportunity, one that the world has today: to change the course of this pandemic and usher in an AIDS-free generation." -Hillary Clinton World Aids Day is observed on December 1st each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. The United States Government 2012 theme for World AIDS Day is "Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation." Learn more about what you can do by clicking HERE!

Thanksgiving is here! This is a special holiday where we look back and count our blessings. Check out some of the great tips below to stay healthy and happy during the holidays. 1. No guilt . If you are on a weight loss diet, decide right now that Thanksgiving will count as a day off. 2. Home cooking . It may be rich and full of calories, but at least it’s low on preservatives, additives, colorings, and other artificial stuff your body does not need. Prepare the meal together with your spouse and children, and enjoy quality time together, before all the guests arrive. 3. Simple Plan. If you are hosting, you don’t need to serve 20 different dishes. Whittle them down to 6. Write down the top 3 dishes you plan on preparing and focus on them. Have your guests chip in with something they will bring. 4. Hors d’oeuvres . People consume 300-500 calories BEFORE the meal begins, just by snacking. So if you plan on appetizers – go by the “less is more” approach. Make them small. Tiny.

With the Fall and Winter months upon us, it’s great to have healthy recipes for preparing salads that use seasonal items such as vegetables.  Here is a recipe that is easy to make, delicious, nutritious, and absolutely beautiful when served! Serves 4 Ingredients: 3 bell peppers, quartered lengthwise ½ lb. small zucchini, cut into ½-inch rounds ½ lb. baby eggplant, cut into ½ inch thick rounds 1 lb. sweet potatoes, cut into cubes 1 bunch scallions 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 4 cups baby arugula, chopped 2 Tbs. aged balsamic vinegar ¼ tsp. kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Directions: Put the peppers on a baking sheet, skin side up.  Roast under the broiler until charred, about 12 minutes.  Put the zucchini, eggplant, sweet potatoes and scallions on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil.  Roast under the broiler until browned and tender.  Remove the vegetables as they are done and allow to cool.   Scallions will b

Have you heard people say they just can't seem to lose weight even when they nearly starve themselves? Have you personally ever felt this way? It's more common than you may think.... A large number of Americans struggle to lose weight, despite adhering to healthy diets and regular exercise programs. So what is really going on? For some individuals, diet and exercise just simply aren't enough. In fact, there are several causes of weight gain that have nothing to do with diet or exercise. If you've been stuck in a weight-loss plateau and nothing seems to be working, keep reading to find out if other factors are to blame... 1. Lack of Sleep Too little sleep can have a huge impact on your waistline. Why? Lack of sleep contributes to altered homrone levels that regulate hunger. According to one study at the University of Chicago, people who slept only four hours a night for two nights had an 18 percent decrease in leptin, a hormone that signals your brain when you&#

The American Cancer Society is marking the 37th Great American Smokeout on November 15 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet more than 45 million Americans still smoke cigarettes. However, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year. As of 2010, there were also 13.2 million cigar smokers in the US, and 2.2 million who smoke tobacco in pipes. Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. The Vermont Quit Network will help you quit your way. They offer classes online, by phone or in person. The Vermont State Employees' Wellness Program and Copley Hospital will be hosting an on-site class this November at