LiveWell Vermont

Functional Movements that prepare the body for winter are key to maintaining strength, mobility, and injury prevention, especially for activities like shoveling snow, walking on ice, or skiing. These movements enhance overall fitness while targeting muscles and joints often used during colder months. Squats: Strengthening the legs, hips, and core, squats mimic the action of lifting and bending required for shoveling snow or getting up after a fall.  Deadlifts: Deadlifts prepare the back, hamstrings, and glutes for heavy lifting, such as moving snow or carrying winter gear. They teach proper bending technique, reducing strain on the lower back. Try these other exercises that incorporate proper bending technique without weight . Lunges: Forward and reverse lunges build leg strength and stability, improving balance on slippery surfaces. They also engage the core and glutes, which are crucial for walking in snow or uneven terrain.  Core exercises (Planks, Pointer Dogs): A strong core pro

Hobbies play a crucial role in maintaining and improving mental health. Engaging in activities that bring joy, relaxation, or a sense of accomplishment helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression. Hobbies provide an outlet for creative expression and allow individuals to disconnect from daily pressures, offering a mental health break that fosters relaxation and a sense of well-being. Participating in hobbies also stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive functions such as concentration, problem-solving, and memory. Whether it's reading, painting, gardening, or sports, these activities promote mental clarity and mindfulness, often leading to improved mood. Hobbies can also foster social connections, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Group activities, like team sports or book clubs, offer opportunities to build relationships and strengthen community ties, which are vital for emotional health. Moreover, hobbies contribute to a balanced life, helping people cultiv

  Eustress and stress are two distinct types of emotional and physical responses, although they share common roots in the body's reaction to challenges. Stress, in its broader sense, refers to the body's response to demands or threats, triggering the "fight or flight" response. While this response can be helpful in survival situations, prolonged exposure to stress without relief can lead to negative consequences like anxiety, depression, and health issues such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Eustress, on the other hand, is considered positive stress. It occurs when a person faces a challenge that they perceive as within their abilities to handle and that they find motivating. Eustress often leads to personal growth, enhanced performance, and satisfaction. For example, starting a new job, preparing for a competition, or planning a wedding can induce eustress. It energizes individuals, pushing them to rise to the occasion and often leads to feelings of accompli

  As the weather gets cooler, look for ways to stay warm and cozy! Try this heart-healthy take on Butternut Squash Soup. Ingredients 2 teaspoons olive oil or another heart healthy oil 2 medium shallots (chopped) Garlic cloves, minced 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups) 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 2 teaspoons minced, peeled gingerroot 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper (coarsely ground preferred) 1/3 cup fat-free half-and-half 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg Directions Heat the oil in a pressure cooker on sauté. Cook the shallots for 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently. Turn off the pressure cooker. Stir in the squash, broth, gingerroot, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure. Turn off the pressure cooker. Remove the pressure cooker lid. Allow the soup to cool slightly. Working in batches, transfer the

  Flu and Covid immunizations are provided to State Employees and Retirees at State worksites from September 30th through November 7th. For more information including FAQ 's and directions to vaccination sites visit the  LiveWell Vermont Programming  page. Schedule your appointment now at  kinneydrugs.com/livewellvermont/ . According to the  CDC , the  single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get  vaccinated  each year, but preventive actions like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands also can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu.  The tips and resources below will help you learn about actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.  Stay home when you a