LiveWell Vermont

Did you know that nighttime exposure to LED rays produced by tablets, computers, TV's, and smartphones can disrupt your body's natural rhythms? This can impact your sleep and health! Artificial light produced by these devices impact the quality of sleep you get by slowing the neurons that induce sleep, activating those that cause wakefulness, and suppressing the sleep hormone melatonin. Lack of sleep can contribute to health risks including obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Additionally, lack of sleep can cause concentration issues. Check out these tips below to learn how you can power down and unwind before bed, which can help improve your sleep. Unwind before Bed: At least 15-30 minutes before bed, make sure to power down technology. Electronic Free Zone: Make your bedroom a place free of electronics. Make a List or Write Down Your Thoughts: If you're overthinking before bed, make it a habit to write out those thoughts or to-do

Feeling a little unbalanced? Participate in our summer challenge which will focus on overall life balance. Each of the 4 weeks will have a different focus to help you find or maintain a great life balance! Sign up today in the portal!

Before You Go Outdoors Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. Walk in the center of trails and avoid leaf litter or shrubs. Products containing permethrin kill ticks, which can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remains protective through several washings. Use repellent containing 20% or more DEET on skin, which can protect up to several hours. Apply to children, avoiding the hands, eyes, and mouth. For detailed information about using DEET on children, see recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. After You Come Indoors Bathe or shower as soon as possible.(preferably within two hours) to find ticks that may be on you and wash them off. Conduct a full-body tick check for all parts of your body. Children should be checked under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair.

Toast is an easy breakfast food especially on those mornings where you're pressed for time. However, toast with jam and butter is not the healthiest nor the most filling option. Try some of these ideas to keep you full and energized throughout your morning.   1.) Whole Wheat Toast with Peanut Butter and Fruit Top a piece of whole wheat toast with 1 TBSP of natural nut butter, 1/4 of a banana, a handful of blueberries, and cinnamon sprinkled on top. For a little extra sweetness, try adding some shredded coconut on top. 2.) Sprouted Grain Toast or Whole Wheat Toast Topped with Avocado and a Soft Boiled Egg Take a piece of toast and top it with smashed avocado and a soft boiled egg. Sprinkle a little sea salt and crushed red pepper flakes on top for added flavor. 3.) Whole Wheat Toast with Greek Yogurt and Jam Top a piece of whole wheat toast with plain greek yogurt and a natural blueberry jam. Sprinkle walnuts on top for added protein! 4.) Cinnamon Raisin Toast with Gre

Have you started a running routine this year or are looking for some advice on starting running? Check out these great tips to get you started. 1.) Invest in the right shoes/gear . If your feet and knees are hurting or you running shirt is uncomfortable, it won't make running much fun for you. You don't need to have a lot of gear, just a few things that make running comfortable! 2.) Don't start out trying to go for a fast pace/time. Go for distance at first and don't worry about your pace. Once you have a solid base for mileage, then start adding speed work into your routine if it's your goal to get faster. 3.) Join a running group. Running solo has it's benefits too, but a running group can be very motivating especially on days when you're struggling to get out of the house. 4.) Make running a habit. Even if this means going out for just a few minutes a day - make sure that you get in a routine. 5.) Build mileage gradually. Too much too soo

Cognitive decline is a real concern for many of our aging baby boomers. While not a cure-all, what you eat can help promote cognitive health as you age. According to a variety of research, some vitamins and minerals are linked to improved memory, including vitamins B6, B12, D, C, and E; folate; biotin; coQ10; omega-3 fatty acids; and antioxidants, particularly in the flavonoid family. These nutrients are found in a plethora of delicious foods and are easy to incorporate into your diet to help boost brain function. What are some easy ways to get more brain-boosting nutrients into your diet? Try these tips to make food one of your allies to help maintain and promote cognitive health as you age: Go green. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables in particular have been linked to lower cognitive decline for older adults. Enjoy omega-3 fatty acid foods. These include cold-water fish like salmon, halibut and mackerel as well as beans, flax seeds an

Have you struggled feeling comfortable at the gym? Instead of skipping workouts, keep these five factors in mind when searching for a gym. 1.) Location: Convenience is key. If you have to drive a long way for your workouts then you probably won't be very motivated to do them. Figure out what works best for you. Should you have a gym close to home or close to work? 2.) Suitability : Does the gym support your goals? 3.) Price: Is the gym within your budget? 4.) Staff: Are they qualified and friendly? 5.) Reputation: What are others saying about their experiences there? Many gyms will offer you a free pass to try out their gym and see if you like it. Ask for a free week if they will allow it so you can truly get a feel for how the gym is.

Did you know incorporating these 10 healthy habits can improve your brain health? It's never too late to start new healthy habits!