February is American Heart Month

-

 

American Heart Month is a good time for everyone to focus on their cardiovascular health. With heart disease being so common, it's important to know how to prevent heart disease as well as symptoms and risk factors. For more information on heart health and prevention visit:
CDC Resources on Heart Disease
ABC's of Heart Health
Preventing High Blood Pressure




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Build a Low Cost Home Gym

-
Image
So many of us wish we could get more use out of our gym memberships, but with hectic lives and unpredictable schedules, it's not always so easy. If you find it too hard to get out of your house every day for a workout, why not bring the gym to you? Creating a gym in your home can save time and money -- there's no need to own the same heavy, expensive equipment found at a standard gym. You may be surprised at how easy it is to tailor a home gym to fit you personal needs. All you need are a few tangible pieces and a motivational vibe! Below are five necessities to start building your home gym. Atmosphere: Think about what you like most about the gym and figure out how to bring some of that atmosphere to your own space. If natural light is a must have for you, find a space upstairs with great windows to create the look you want. If you like to watch TV while you sweat, set up your gym in a room that has screen access. Need a little visual motivation? Try something simple like...
Read more

Developing a Workout Routine

-
Image
Developing a routine when working out is important for achieving fitness goals and protecting your body from injury. Below are some tips and tools on developing the perfect workout routine. Use these tips to customize a workout routine that works for you! Tip 1: Consistency Building a strong fitness routine does not happen overnight. You must develop a process and work at it regularly. Decide how many days you are going to work out each week and commit to fitting it into your schedule. Tip 2: Recover Your muscles need time to recover to completely benefit from your physical efforts. When creating your routine, make sure there are days for rest! You do not have to remain completely inactive on recovery days. Long walks, light yoga and casual swimming are all things that get your body moving while still allowing time for your muscles to recoup. Tip 3: Variety Consistency is important when you are thinking about duration and frequency of exercise. Variety is import...
Read more

The Health Benefits of Animal Relationships

-
Image
  Whether it's a dog waiting at the door, a cat curled up nearby, backyard birds visiting a feeder, or a favorite horse at the barn, relationships with animals can support our wellbeing in surprising ways.  Research suggests that spending time with animals may help reduce feelings of stress and loneliness, encourage movement and outdoor time, and provide a sense of companionship and routine. Many people also report feeling calmer and more present when interacting with animals.  Animal relationships don't require pet ownership. Watching wildlife, volunteering at a shelter, visiting a farm, pet sitting for loved ones, or simply "paws-ing" to appreciate the creatures around us can offer moments of connection and joy. This week, consider taking a few minutes to notice the animals in your life or in your community. Small moments of connection can have a meaningful impact on overall wellbeing. Wellness Tip: Take a short "animal break" today. Say hello to a pet, wa...
Read more

Morning Mindfulness

-
Image
How we wake up and start the day can greatly impact how the rest of our day goes. If you're looking for some way to start your day off more relaxed and mindful, try adding these into your routine! 1.) First Sounds Starting off the day with a loud alarm that makes you tense is a startling way to start the day. Instead, choose an alarm with soothing noises - chimes, bells, or relaxing music. This will allow you to slowly adjust from sleep to being alert. 2.) Hydrate Before Coffee When we wake up, our bodies are dehydrated. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee first thing, try drinking a glass of water, then move onto the coffee or tea. 3.) Observe Nature Instead of reaching for technology first thing, go outside and take in the sky or trees. Watch the sunrise while you sip your coffee or tea. Then move on to start your day. 4.) Get Ready the Night Before Instead of rushing around in the morning, try packing your lunch, organizing your work bag, and setting out your ...
Read more

Nonphysical Benefits to Exercise

-
Image
We often focus on how important physical activity is for shaping and toning our bodies. We discuss how exercising is great for our heart, lungs and other vital organs, but sometimes we forget the nonphysical benefits exercise can provide. Here are three nonphysical benefits to keep in mind next time you take on physical activity. Improves sleep. Quality sleep is vital for your overall health. Regular activity can help you fall asleep more quickly, sleep more deeply and wake feeling more energetic and refreshed. Boosts mood and self-confidence. Exercise is a tremendous stress reliever and the endorphins produced can help reduce feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety. Being active and feeling strong makes you naturally feel more self-confident.  Does amazing things for the brain. Activities like Sudoku or crossword puzzles can help keep your brain active, but little comes close to the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain. It can help brain functions as di...
Read more

Lunch Break Workout Tips

-
Image
Do you wake up with the determination to fit in a workout only to find that there just doesn't seem to be enough time? Try fitting in a workout during your lunch break! There's plenty you can do in 30-60 minutes mid-day. If you're at a loss for ideas, think about running, walking, cycling, taking a fitness class, going to a gym near your office, or doing a body weight workout. Working out mid-day can make you feel happier and more productive throughout the rest of the day. Here are some tips to get you started! 1.) Pack your clothes the night before or pack a gym bag for the entire work week. Make sure you have everything you need to complete your workouts. Include facial wipes, brush, and other items that you may need when you're finished with your workout. 2.) Pack your own lunch. Practice meal prepping at the beginning of the week or pack leftovers from dinner the prior night. Instead of spending time and money going out for lunch, spend your lunch break wor...
Read more

Kitchen Hacks for a Healthier Week

-
Image
Do you feel a little rushed during the work week? Is it difficult to prepare healthy meals after a long day of work? These kitchen hacks may make all the difference in helping you to have a week of healthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners! 1) Cook up a big batch of quinoa or rice (or both) to use for meals throughout the week . You can add these to salads for a more filling lunch, scramble up with some eggs for a hearty breakfast, and use them for simple dinners throughout the week. If you want to make a larger batch, both quinoa and rice can be frozen for later use. 2) Prep some overnight oats.  Overnight oats make a great healthy quick meal in the morning. You can prep the containers ahead of time making a different variety for different days of the week! To make: put a serving of oats along with any toppings (chia seeds, dried cranberries, nuts, nut butters, etc) in a jar, add milk or non dairy milk of your choice and put in the fridge until you're ready to eat it. Top w...
Read more