LiveWell Vermont

How can you improve your social wellness? Although the implications of loneliness are disheartening, you can take steps to improve your social wellness. Here are a few ways to enhance your relationships with others and connect to your people: Disconnect to connect.  Although technology has many positives, it also can be a barrier to connecting with others at home and work. Make it a regular routine to disconnect from technology every day to spend time in face-to-face communication with family members and professional colleagues.  This video  illustrates the point. Improve your communication skills.  Communicate in person whenever possible. Learn to use “I” statements, such as “I need to talk to you,” instead of “you” statements such as, “You don’t listen.” Consider taking a class in communication skills if you believe yours need some improvement. Be positive.  When you have a positive outlook, other people will enjoy being with you—and you’ll en...

From: The American Cancer Society It’s natural to want to get out in the sun as the weather warms up. And it's safe too, as long as you stick to social distancing guidelines and protect your skin. Ultraviolet (UV) rays – from the sun and other sources like tanning beds – are the #1 cause of  skin cancer . Too much exposure can also cause sunburn, eye damage, and premature wrinkles. Staying in the shade, shielding your skin with clothing, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 can help lower your risk. Take these steps to stay sun-safe: Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Cover up: When you are out, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with wrap-around sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30: Reapply at least every ...

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Zucchini: Z is our final letter!! Thanks for taking this journey through the alphabet with us! Did you know zucchinis can grow more than 3ft in length!! They are usually harvested when they are immature (around 8 inches).  Here are some fast facts on why zucchini rocks: One cup is a whopping 17 calories!! Contains vitamin A, manganese, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. Antioxidant rich too- these antioxidants benefit your eyes, skin and heart. Promotes healthy digestion by containing soluble and insoluble fiber. Rich in water! Low carb, great for individuals with type 2 diabetes and fabulous pasta substitute. Don’t believe us? Google zoodle recipes! Contains vitamin C and beta-carotene- 2 nutrients known for supporting healthy vision Versatile! Does well in stews, salads, stir fry, on a grill, sautéed in a pan, raw with hummus, baked into breads or muffins, or used as lasagna sheets. Hopefully these fast facts helped you find love in zucchini or at the leas...

Yoyo Dieting: Yo-yo dieting, also known as "weight cycling," describes the pattern of losing weight, regaining it and then dieting again. It's a process that causes weight to go up and down like a yo-yo. This type of dieting is common — 10% of men and 30% of women have done it Some of the issues include: Increased Appetite Leads to More Weight Gain Over Time:  Losing weight causes the body to increase appetite and cling to its energy storage. As a result, some yo-yo dieters gain back more weight than they lost. Higher Body Fat Percentage:  A majority of studies show yo-yo dieting leads to a higher body fat percentage. This can lead to other changes that make it harder to lose weight. An Increased Risk of Heart Disease:  The risk of heart disease increases with weight gain and fluctuating weight. The greater the change in weight, the greater the risk. It Can Increase Blood Pressure:  Weight gain, including rebound weight gain in yo-yo dieting, increases ...

eXercise: Only about one in five adults and teens get enough exercise to maintain good health. Being more active can help all people think, feel and sleep better and perform daily tasks more easily. And if you’re sedentary, sitting less is a great place to start. These recommendations are based on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition , published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Recommendations for Adults: Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. Add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days per week. Spend less time sitting. Even light-intensity activity can offset some of the risks of being sedentary. Gain even more benefits by being active at least 300 minutes (5 hours) per...

Wake Up Routine Just as is it important to have a nighttime routine, it can be very beneficial to have a morning routine. Here are a few reasons why: Routines reduce stress. Trying to remember what needs to be done can be stressful and fill our brains with a constantly changing to do list. Having a routine allows you to just do and takes the thinking out of it. This can lead to more of a sense of control and less stress. Think about something you do on a routine basis, like brushing your teeth- you don’t have to put any thought into it, you just do it before bed and go to sleep. Your morning can have that same structure with a routine.  Having a morning routine allows for positive habits. If you are organized with your time, mornings can be the most productive part of your day. With a healthy morning routine, you can create time to exercise, meditate, really enjoy your cup of coffee, or all three! The more you regulate what you do, the easier it becomes. Encourages health...

Videos The internet has a wealth of resources! One of the coolest are exercise videos. Whether you prefer yoga, jazzercise, high intensity interval training or basic strength training, you can find it all online! Check out a few options here: Over 25 Live stream classes: Free Online classes Free Online Yoga Classes: Do Yoga With Me Core Power Yoga You Tube Options Always be sure to consult your doctor before trying a new workout. It is also very important to make sure you protect yourself- if you do not use proper form or do something outside of your physical ability you can cause an injury.