LiveWell Vermont

Preventative care is essential for maintaining long-term health, particularly when it comes to blood sugar and heart health. Taking proactive steps now can reduce the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke later in life. Annual physicals and screenings play a critical role. Monitoring your blood sugar levels can help detect early signs of insulin resistance or prediabetes, enabling you to make lifestyle changes before issues escalate. Similarly, keeping track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health metrics ensures potential problems are identified and addressed early. Lifestyle choices are equally vital. A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables supports stable blood sugar and promotes cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity strengthens your heart and helps regulate glucose levels, while managing stress reduces harmful impacts on both systems. Preventative care isn’t just about avoiding illness;...

Spring is a season of renewal, making it the perfect time to not only tidy your home but also refresh your mind and life. Mental and emotional clutter can weigh you down, so here are some tips to declutter your inner world and embrace clarity. 1.      Start with Reflection : Take a moment to identify what’s causing stress in your life. Journaling can help you pinpoint habits, relationships, or thoughts that no longer serve you. Likewise, take time to reflect on what is going well and what you want to keep doing. Consider people, places, activities that make your life good and you want to include more of going forward. 2.      Declutter Your Commitments : Assess your schedule and say "no" to obligations that drain your energy. Focus on activities and relationships that bring you joy and fulfillment. 3.      Refresh Your Space : Clear out items you no longer use and create a calming, clutter-free space to relax in. If your ...

A good night’s sleep doesn’t just happen—it’s influenced by how you spend your day. Incorporating certain activities into your daily routine can help you unwind, improve your sleep quality, and wake up feeling refreshed. 1.      Start with Sunlight : Exposure to natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock, signaling when it’s time to wake up and when to wind down. Catch a little light whenever you can by eating lunch outside, taking a few deep breaths of fresh air before work, or going for a walk after. 2.      Stay Active : Physical activity improves sleep by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise or more. Avoid intense workouts close to bedtime, as they can wake you up! 3.      Take Mental Breaks : Manage stress during the day by incorporating short activities to help you cope, like breaks, a laugh with a friend or deep breathing exercises. Stress management during ...

  Amidst the hustle of tax season, March also brings the bustle of spring. With   80% of Americans 1   planning to spend time spring cleaning this year, don’t forget that your finances could benefit from a refresh. Not only does this allow you to   check in on goals   and the progress you’re making, you can also save money for those rainy days.    Get in the right place at the right time  More daylight at this time of year can be a fun escape, though there’s no room to run when it comes to your bills. Penalties kick in when you miss or make a late payment, and credit card companies collected  more than $14 billion 2  in these fees in 2022. While U.S. lawmakers recently announced regulatory plans to cap these fees at $8 (down from an average of $32), it’s still undetermined how these rules could be applied across the industry.  It’s a timely reminder that avoiding these fees is a step within our own control.   Jotting down ...

  As March ushers in the start of spring, the changing weather can disrupt our hydration habits. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining energy, supporting digestion, and keeping your skin glowing. Here are some easy hydration hacks to help you thrive this season: 1.      Start Your Day Right : Begin each morning with a glass of water to rehydrate after a night’s rest.  2.      Set Hydration Goals : Use a water bottle with time markers or set hourly reminders to stay on track. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, adjusting for activity levels and weather. 3.      Snack on Water-Rich Foods : Incorporate fruits and veggies like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your meals for extra hydration. 4.      Flavor It Up : If plain water feels boring, infuse it with fruits, herbs, or even a slice of ginger to keep it exciting.  There is nothing wrong with adding a splash of lemon for a refre...