How Yoga Helps Digestion

 

Maintaining a healthy digestive-system is an essential aspect of remaining fit and retaining a sense of wellness and wellbeing. As well assisting with the digestive-process generally, practicing yoga can also help to relieve the distress of digestive-disorders such as Crohn’s disease and Colitis. Engaging in yoga regularly can provide fast-relief for such conditions, and can also have benefits for many people, living with a serious illness or recovering from an invasive medical procedure or type of surgery.

 

Yoga can help aid the digestive-process through the application of breathing techniques and patterns. These can help the body to produce extra energy, which is helpful in removing the toxic materials that linger in the body following the consumption of un-healthy foodstuffs. The materials are also formed as the result of other factors, such as stress and leading an un-healthy lifestyle. However, there are several yoga-poses that offer great assistance to the process of digestion.

 

For instance – the Ushtrasana pose helps to reduce constipation by flexing the intestines and stomach so it can be more efficient at digesting food. This body-movement is also known as the “camel pose”. The Trikonasana position can produce similar benefits by stimulating the appetite to ensure you eat when you should and the Matsyendrasana technique produces a massage and manipulation of the abdominal organs involved in digestion, thereby making the process more seamless and efficient. As well as aiding the digestive process, yoga can also help to reduce body-weight and improve blood-circulation, as well as provide a desire to stay fit and eat healthily. A healthy diet can help to increase the body’s energy, and provide benefits that help inspire you to stick to it.

 

As these are all fairly complex poses, and need to be practiced in a very specific manner in order to guarantee success; it is important to seek professional guidance before attempting them.

 

Categories: body, digestion nbsp, digestive, digestive process, Healthy, nbsp, process, yoga

Orthorexia: When healthy eating isn’t healthy anymore

 

While most of us have heard of common eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, another similar condition that has been around for decades is only just now beginning to gain recognition, and it can be as destructive as its more well-known counterparts. While it has yet to be included in the DSM-IV (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used by mental health practitioners to diagnose mental health issues), orthorexia was coined by physician Steven Bratman back in 1979.  And as the world we live in becomes one that is more and more obsessed with searching for the “right” type of diet, this type of condition becomes more commonly found amongst those who suffer.

 

How does orthorexia differ from anorexia and bulimia?

 

Unlike anorexia nervosa, where the sufferer wants to eat as little as possible, and bulimia nervosa, where the sufferer binges and purges their food in order to prevent gaining weight, with orthorexia those suffering become obsessed with what they believe to be (but what may not be) “healthy eating”.

 

According to Emmy Gilmour, Clinical Director at London-based eating disorder recovery clinic The Recover Clinic, “Orthorexia is when a way of eating shifts from being a choice and temporary measure to becoming part of who you are and how you live”.

 

In the past this condition has been confused with both anorexia nervosa and bulimia, seen as just a slightly different version of the two. But while all three are characterized by an obsession with food, it is the nuances of orthorexia that set it apart. Take for instance, a run of the mill vegan or gluten-free diet. The eater in question does need a certain amount of diligence and focus to be sure that the food they ingest is in keeping with their lifestyle diet of choice. But when it comes to orthorexia, that diligence and focus takes a dangerous turn and becomes a fixation on the purity and so-called properness of the food itself. This fixation allows them to assert authority and power in an area of their lives that they have complete control over, unlike, potentially, many other areas of life.

 

The line between being mindful of what you eat and being obsessed with it, to one’s own detriment, is a very thin one indeed, and one that can make recognition of orthorexia difficult. Like with other obsessive conditions, those who suffer from orthorexia often isolate themselves in order to make space for the planning and preparing of meals. They may avoid eating out or eating with others, avoiding the temptation by bringing their own food everywhere they go. Orthorexic eating has even been described as being “like a religion” where “it becomes a position and not a preference”. So while there is nothing wrong with trying to eat “clean”, the extreme side of the single-mindedness involved with healthy eating can potentially come full circle to a very dangerous place.

 

What is the treatment for orthorexia?

It is important to get treatment for orthorexia as one would for any other type of obsessive condition and/or eating disorder. Specialist centers can help those who can no longer help themselves but are ready to make a change.

 

 

Categories: anorexia nervosa, eating, eating disorder, Food, Healthy, Healthy Eating, Mental Health, nbsp, orthorexia

Five Improvements Over The Years That Have Mad A Major Impact On Overall Health

 

Nowadays, everyone is concerned about health. That is not to say that in past years people have not been concerned about health, but in recent years the focus on getting and staying healthy has jettisoned its way into being one of the most talked about topics in the world. Being that health has become such a major focus, it only makes sense that improvements have been made to help those who are looking to either reverse ill effects of having lived an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as helping those who are already fit and healthy to remain that way.

 

 

Affordable Insurance

One of the major factors that many people have struggled with in the past has been the inability to afford healthcare insurance. We have entered a time where more people are able to access insurance so that they can see primary physicians and specialists. When people are able to afford treatment for conditions that they may or may not be aware that they have, that person has a much better chance of being healthy.

 

 

Increased Knowledge of Fitness

In past decades, fitness experts and healthcare professionals pushed the idea that cardiovascular workouts were the number one way to lose weight and keep the heart strong. While this is absolutely true, cardiovascular work is only one piece of the puzzle to achieving and maintaining a healthy physique. Different modalities of fitness like strength training, Pilates, yoga, Qi Gong, etc., have proven themselves to play a vital role in physical fitness. Strength training helps to keep bones strong and helps to build lean, healthy muscle tone. Yoga and Pilates help to strengthen and tone core muscles while improving balance and flexibility. Yoga is also a great way to connect the mind and body for a feeling of overall physical and mental well-being.

 

 

Better Foods

Having a clean diet is essential to improving health. More companies are offering natural and organic alternatives, and more consumers are becoming aware of which ingredients are natural and which ingredients are not. This knowledge has prompted many to make better choices about the foods they consume.

 

 

Improved Cookware

Knowing the type of surface that foods have been prepared upon is just as important as knowing what types of foods you are eating. Many nonstick pots and pans contain substances that can be harmful. The fumes from these harmful substances goes into the environment and into the food that you prepare for yourself and your family. Fortunately, there are a few companies that make safe, nonstick cookware so that you can feel confident that you are ingesting a truly healthy meal.

 

 

Oral Healthcare

We all know the importance that oral healthcare plays in our overall well-being. It is more than just having white teeth and fresh breath, though these are certainly indicators of good oral health. Equally important is having teeth that function as they were intended to function. If you have lost one tooth or many teeth, dental implants have the ability to improve your appearance and function in the same manner as natural teeth. Properly functioning teeth are an absolute must-have in order to maintain optimal health, say the experts at Midtown Dental Centre.

 

Overall health is important for everyone. Improvements such as being able to practice better health can make a major difference in the quality of our lives.

 

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Categories: health, Healthy, major, major impact, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, oral healthcare, Strength Training, teeth

4 Tips for a Speedy and Healthy Recovery

 

Recovering from an accident, a severe illness, or surgery requires careful effort and patience. The path to recovery is often riddled with obstacles you could only imagine. Simply sitting around and waiting to feel better may delay the recovery process and a more proactive mindset can often speed up this process. Consider these options if recovery is your main concern as it can be more quickly achieved by following these four tips.

 

Eat Healthy

A nutritious diet is essential for helping the body to heal quickly and completely. If the doctor did not recommend a specific diet, plan meals around the five basic food groups of protein, dairy, grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Aim for the age-specific calorie intake that is appropriate for someone recovering from a physical condition, and include one or two healthy snacks between meals.

 

Stay Mobile

Most doctors want their patients out of bed and fairly active during the recovery phase. Ask the doctor for specific guidelines about how much activity, and type, you should be involved in. People who are very weak may only be able to get into a Knee Walker Shop wheelchair or roller for a short time at first. Others might be able to take a few steps, increasing their walking time each day. Work with the doctor or a physical therapist associated with your condition to optimize mobility and facilitate recovery. Mobility strengthens a person’s muscles and bones while helping him or her to become steadier on their feet and reduce the risk of falling.

 

Follow the Doctor’s Orders

It is important to understand the physician’s specific orders for a successful recovery. If physical or occupational rehab is ordered, for example, the patient should follow the orders as directed, unless symptoms suggest otherwise. Taking the right medication on time is also important. Failure to follow through on the doctor’s guidelines may disrupt the healing process.

 

Enjoy Social Activities

Getting involved in social activities during recovery plays a key role in restoring the person’s health. Talking and laughing with friends and relatives or participating in activities that are suited to the recovering person’s abilities helps to make the time pass more pleasantly and promotes vital social interaction. Without connecting to others, a person who is trying to heal may feel isolated and unloved, which can actually deter recovery.

 

Getting well takes time. However, a patient who is working through recovery following a significant injury, illness, or surgery can take a proactive approach to encourage more rapid and complete healing. Taking good care of both body and mind will promote a sense of well-being that goes hand-in-hand with a speedy recovery.

 

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Categories: doctor, Healthy, healthy recovery, nbsp, recovery, recovery nbsp, social activities, time

4 Tips for a Speedy and Healthy Recovery

 

Recovering from an accident, a severe illness, or surgery requires careful effort and patience. The path to recovery is often riddled with obstacles you could only imagine. Simply sitting around and waiting to feel better may delay the recovery process and a more proactive mindset can often speed up this process. Consider these options if recovery is your main concern as it can be more quickly achieved by following these four tips.

 

Eat Healthy

A nutritious diet is essential for helping the body to heal quickly and completely. If the doctor did not recommend a specific diet, plan meals around the five basic food groups of protein, dairy, grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Aim for the age-specific calorie intake that is appropriate for someone recovering from a physical condition, and include one or two healthy snacks between meals.

 

Stay Mobile

Most doctors want their patients out of bed and fairly active during the recovery phase. Ask the doctor for specific guidelines about how much activity, and type, you should be involved in. People who are very weak may only be able to get into a Knee Walker Shop wheelchair or roller for a short time at first. Others might be able to take a few steps, increasing their walking time each day. Work with the doctor or a physical therapist associated with your condition to optimize mobility and facilitate recovery. Mobility strengthens a person’s muscles and bones while helping him or her to become steadier on their feet and reduce the risk of falling.

 

Follow the Doctor’s Orders

It is important to understand the physician’s specific orders for a successful recovery. If physical or occupational rehab is ordered, for example, the patient should follow the orders as directed, unless symptoms suggest otherwise. Taking the right medication on time is also important. Failure to follow through on the doctor’s guidelines may disrupt the healing process.

 

Enjoy Social Activities

Getting involved in social activities during recovery plays a key role in restoring the person’s health. Talking and laughing with friends and relatives or participating in activities that are suited to the recovering person’s abilities helps to make the time pass more pleasantly and promotes vital social interaction. Without connecting to others, a person who is trying to heal may feel isolated and unloved, which can actually deter recovery.

 

Getting well takes time. However, a patient who is working through recovery following a significant injury, illness, or surgery can take a proactive approach to encourage more rapid and complete healing. Taking good care of both body and mind will promote a sense of well-being that goes hand-in-hand with a speedy recovery.

 

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Categories: doctor, Healthy, healthy recovery, nbsp, recovery, recovery nbsp, social activities, time

Diet Proof Your Fridge

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

When you’re trying to eat healthily, the key to success often lies in preparation and organisation. After all, if you come home from work to find nothing in the fridge to make a healthy meal, that’s when you’re most likely to phone for a fattening takeaway. And if when you open your fridge, all you see is calorific treats, then temptation is hard to resist.

One way to ensure you stick to your healthy resolutions is to organise your fridge cleverly. It’s not just what you put in your fridge but how you organise it that can make all the difference. Here’s how…

 

 

Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Keep your healthiest snacks at eye level in the fridge so that they are the first thing you see when you open the fridge door. Keep treats at the back or in boxes so that you’re less likely to grab them without thinking.

 

 

Healthy Leftovers
If you’ve made a healthy dish for an evening meal and have some leftovers, package them into single serve boxes so that you can easily take them out for quick and healthy lunches.

 

 

Be Prepared

When you’re feeling peckish, it’s often easier to grab a biscuit or packet of crisps than it is to prepare a healthy snack. Make things easier by pre-cutting fruit and veg into sticks or bite sized pieces so that you can quickly make a fruit salad or raw veg snack when you’re hungry.

 

 

Be Inspired

Don’t let the outside of your fridge go to waste – it’s a great place to stick reminders to help with your healthy eating goals. You could stick a calendar of seasonal vegetables on the outside, or a weekly meal plan to give you inspiration when you’re wondering what to cook. Alternatively, keep a list of healthy snack ideas so you’re reminded of different options when you start reaching for the chocolate.

 

 

Organise, Organise, Organise
Often we have a fridge full of food but when we open the door we still struggle to know what to cook. One way to make things easier is to keep your fridge neat and tidy. Have separate compartments or Tupperware boxes for different types of food – for example, keep all your cold meats together in one box and all your cheeses in another. You can then easily see what is available and plan healthy meals around the ingredients you already have.

 

 

Stay Fresh
Have you ever noticed how unhealthy food seems to stay fresh for longer than the healthy stuff? Quite often that’s because the unhealthy options are packed full of artificial preservatives to make them last longer. It can be disheartening to plan a healthy meal only to find that your salad or vegetable ingredients are past their best. The solution is to make sure fresh ingredients are stored correctly – for some things this may mean removing plastic packaging to stop the ingredients from sweating, whilst other things may last longer if stored in Clingfilm or in a plastic box. A salad crisper is often the best place to store fresh salad ingredients and some fruits will last for longer if kept in the fridge once ripe.

 

For more information about healthy eating, visit: www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthy-eating

Categories: fridge, Healthy, Healthy Eating, healthy meal, healthy snack, ingredients, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, organise, organise organise, stay fresh

Cook Smart: Seven Health Boosting Cooking Tips

 

 

If you’re looking for easy ways to improve your family’s health, there’s no better place to start than in the kitchen. In fact the food you eat is perhaps the biggest factor in creating a healthy lifestyle. Eating the right foods can benefit every part of your body from promoting healthy skin and nails to maintaining a healthy heart and strong immune system.

If you prepare your own food, rather than relying on ready meals and takeaways, you’re already on the right track. But there are many simple changes you can introduce when cooking to make your diet even healthier. Here are seven ideas to try:

 

Get Grilling
When cooking meat, fish or vegetables try grilling rather than frying and you won’t need to use as much fat.

 

Savvy Seasoning
Too much salt in our diet can cause a range of health problems so add herbs or lemon juice for flavour rather than salt.

 

Extra Veggies
Serve one extra vegetable with each meal to boost your vitamin intake.

 

Cut the Fat

When cooking meat remember to trim off any excess fat for a healthier dish.

 

Steamy Stuff
Boost your vitamins – steaming rather than boiling helps vegetables maintain their vitamin levels. You may also find steamed veggies retain more flavour too.

 

Go Brown
Choose brown versions of everyday staples such as bread, rice and pasta which are healthier than the refined white options.

 

Keep it Varied
Don’t stick to the same ingredients day in day out; instead use a wide range of ingredients to ensure you are getting a balanced diet.

 

For more healthy tips, visit: www.nhs.uk/change4life/Pages/change-for-life.aspx

 

Categories: cooking, cooking meat, diet, Healthier, Healthy, nbsp

How to Get Your Child to Eat Healthy

 

 

Many kids have difficulty eating. They will fuss about having to consume a plate of vegetables, meats and fruits. Some kids literally look sick when they see healthy foods, but they do not have the same reaction to tasty treats such as a chocolate bar or a cupcake.

Children need proper food to grow and the only way you can get them to eat is by doing the following things:

 

• Make healthy treats

If your child likes eating cupcakes and cookies, you can bake them at home and substitute most of the unhealthy ingredients for the healthy ones. You can use honey or agave in place of sugar. You can also add some nuts, currants, berries, grated carrots or zucchini.

This way, you give the child what she or he wants, with the added benefit of health.

 

• Create an eating schedule

Children need to eat regularly especially if they are very active; when a child is suffering from low blood sugar, their craving for high sugar foods increases. They could also become cranky and refuse to eat altogether.

 

• Learn to substitute

Some kids dislike particular foods, but have no problem eating others. You should learn what your child likes or dislikes and substitute. For instance, if your child does not like pumpkin, there is no point in making him or her eat it. Substitute with zucchini or butternut instead.

You can also substitute beef steak with healthy treats like grass fed beef sticks, which your child can feed on any time of the day.

 

• Serve smaller quantities

It is better to have your child eat 5 to 6 times a day, and in smaller quantities, than it is to serve large quantities 3 times a day.

Part of the reason that kids refuse to eat is when the food looks too much. Kids feel really grown when they are able to clear their plate and they will even show off about it.

Serve in smaller quantities and your child will be encouraged to eat more.

 

• Make the meals interesting

If your child will not eat fruit, make a fruit smiley face with a variety of colorful fruits such as mango, melon, berries and currants.

Most children have a problem eating breakfast. You can make your pancakes into interesting shapes that your child will look forward to eating. For instance, the ginger bread man.

• Blend vegetables into a smoothie

Most children dislike vegetables and the more you urge them to eat their vegetables, the more they will detest them.

It is better to serve them in a juice. Add the vegetables to a fruit juice to mask the taste. You can sweeten the juice with some natural sweeteners to make it more delicious.

 

• Don’t make separate meals for your kids

You don’t want to show your kids that they can control what they eat. Your kids need to know that the meal you make is for the whole family.

Making separate meals is tiresome and expensive.

 

• Cook with your kids

Allow your kids to participate in the cooking process as they will naturally want to eat what they have made. They can even name their signature dishes. This process can include all types of meals from salads to main dishes.

 

Categories: Child, Eat, Healthy

How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy When You Are Prone To Cavities

 

Many people are prone to cavities due to the placement and shape of their teeth. Even with frequent brushing, it can be difficult to prevent decay that can occur due to food that becomes lodged or sits on the teeth for too long. To keep your mouth healthy and prevent cavities that can occur from bacteria, there are a few habits to maintain each day.

 

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Visiting the dentist every six months will allow you to have a professional cleaning that will remove the build-up of plaque, say the experts at Westmount Dental Centre. You’ll also have a comprehensive exam to inspect for decay or diseases that can cause cavities to develop.

 

Use an Automated Toothbrush

Automated toothbrushes with rotating-oscillating bristles are more effective at removing plaque on teeth by brushing 3,000 to 7,500 times a minute compared to using a manual toothbrush. This helps to reduce the amount of plaque that is present and even prevent gingivitis with a stronger cleaning.

 

Gargle with Hydrogen Peroxide

Gargling with hydrogen peroxide each day will kill bacteria in the mouth that are prone to cause cavities. Swish the product in your mouth for each day to prevent decay that can develop. You can also soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide once a week to kill bacteria that is present on the bristles.

 

Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste

Brush with toothpaste that contains more fluoride, which is proven to reduce the amount of cavities that develop by helping to remove excess plaque. Your dentist can prescribe a stronger toothpaste that may work better than what you have right now.

 

Floss Each Day

Attempt to floss once a day to ensure that you maintain healthy gums and teeth by removing food that becomes lodged in between teeth. Flossing will also reduce the risk of gingivitis from developing.

 

Get Dental Sealants

Getting dental sealants on your teeth is one of the most effective ways available to preventing cavities by offering a layer of protection. A plastic material is placed on the pits of teeth to protect the surface where food can become lodged and cause cavities.

 

Although the shape and placement of your teeth may make you more prone to developing cavities, you can still prevent them from developing by practicing a few steps. With proper hygiene and with the help of a dental professional, you’ll be able to maintain healthy teeth and gums that will stay in great condition long-term.

 

Categories: cavities, Healthy, teeth

That 2:30 Feeling: Healthy Ways to Give Yourself More Natural Energy

 

Are you one of the 60 percent of Americans who feels tired by the time the afternoon rolls around? If so, you know how hard it can be. Your work performance suffers, you can’t think clearly and all you want to do is go home and relax. Unfortunately, most people can’t just leave work in the middle of the day. When you’re feeling sluggish, however, there are some things you can do to perk yourself up again naturally.

 

Eat a Nutritious Snack

A variety of situations can cause you to feel tired in the afternoon. Sometimes, it’s because your body needs more fuel to run on. If you tend to skip breakfast or get your morning perkiness from sugary coffee and pastries, you get a rush of energy that only carries you through the first several hours of your day. By mid-afternoon, your blood sugar has crashed and you feel drained. This is your body’s signal that you need more food. The best option is to choose a healthy, nutrient-rich snack like nuts and seeds, dried fruit, yogurt or beef jerky. The protein, fat and carbohydrates they contain will provide you with sustained energy for the rest of the day.

 

Use Natural Supplements

Sometimes a light snack just won’t cut it when you’re feeling really tired. When this happens, you need something more potent. There are a variety of natural energy supplements like those from Nature’s Energy can help give you the pick-me-up you need. Guarana is one popular option, and many people find that it doesn’t give them the jitters the way that caffeine can. Some other great options include green tea concentrate, ephedra and ginseng. These supplements boost energy gently and naturally as well as provide antioxidants.

 

Take a Power Nap

Of course, nothing helps restore energy like good old sleep. The best part is that you don’t even need to sleep deeply or for very long. When you’re on your afternoon break, try taking a quick 15 minute nap. Even if you don’t fall asleep completely, this short rest is often enough to make you feel good as new.

 

Move Around

Spending all day sitting in one place also has a way of making you feel tired. The best solution is to get up and move around. This will help loosen up muscles and joints that are stiff from hours of disuse. Furthermore, physical activity dramatically increases the flow of blood to the brain, which helps you work more efficiently and improves your ability to focus and think clearly.

 

Don’t let that 2:30 feeling ruin your day. The next time you’re running on empty, reach for a natural solution. By trying some of the tips above, you can reclaim your lost energy and finish the day with a smile on your face.

 

Categories: Healthy, natural energy, ways

Natural Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy and Beautiful in Winter

 

Does it ever seem like winter is as hard on your skin as it is on your ability to stay warm? Unfortunately, the combination of cold temperatures, wind and low humidity wreaks havoc on skin. You inevitably wind up with sore, cracked and elbows and an itchy scalp, and the only part of your face with any moisture left is your runny nose. Fortunately, there are a few natural ways you can protect your skin and your looks this winter.

 

Drink More Water

The chilly winter air does more than just dry out your skin. It dries the rest of you, too. As you’re exposed to the air, the water supply in your body is steadily being evaporated through your skin and respiratory system. However, you’re no better off staying indoors. Warm, dry air produced by heating systems will cause you to lose water even more quickly. If you fail to replace this lost moisture, you become dehydrated and your skin is unable to replenish itself. During the winter, be sure to consume plenty of water throughout the day. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in a well-heated environment, you may need to drink more than the recommended eight glasses.

 

Use a Natural Moisturizer

It’s common to use a moisturizer to protect those dry patches in the winter. Unfortunately, it often seems like the benefits are minimal, and sometimes they appear to make dry, flaky skin worse. This is largely due to the alcohol and fragrances used in these products. Alcohol is a harsh chemical that can cause further drying by stripping away skin’s natural oils. Meanwhile, artificial fragrances can cause irritation and provoke skin allergies, leading to increased redness and itching. Instead of using chemical products, try something natural. An essential oil expert who works for a bulk herbs supplier recommends using Lavender Oil to moisturize hands. This, she says, can be combined with skin-friendly jojoba oil to promote both healing and hydration of the skin.

 

Get Some Sunshine

The vitamin in sunshine, that is. Because the sun is further away from the Earth in winter, and because daylight hours are shorter, we don’t get as much UV exposure. While too much can be harmful, our bodies rely on UV rays to help us produce vitamin D. Research has found that the skin utilizes vitamin D for producing new, healthy cells. When levels of the nutrient were low, the skin became thinner, more vulnerable to damage and less able to heal. Consider taking a quality vitamin D supplement or adding more fish to your diet to boost your levels and protect your skin.

Taking care of your skin in the winter can feel like a losing battle. However, it’s often a simple matter of replacing the things your skin loses more of when it’s cold out. This winter, try some of these easy tips and see what a difference it makes for your skin.

 

Categories: beautiful, Healthy, natural ways, skin, winter

Nurturing a healthy office environment on the cheap

Long gone are the days when everyone shuffled bleary-eyed into the workplace at 8am, got semi-comfortable in their sad little cubicle with a stiff chair, and only met for chatter around the office water cooler mid-morning or while eating a grim sandwich for lunch under the halogen lights. Now employers are outdoing themselves with the variety of options on hand to bolster the happiness (and therefore productivity) of their employees. From dog friendly working environments, to office gym memberships, cycle schemes, free massages and lunch buffets-there is stiff competition to provide incentive to keep workers emotionally and physically healthy and happy during the 9-5. So how can you nurture the healthy office environment without spending a lot of dough? Try these ideas to make your workplace happier, healthier, and more productive.

 

Walking meetings: Who says you need to sit in the boardroom? Most meetings don’t actually need to be taken sitting down, so lace up your walking shoes and head outside. Even on rainy or snowy days, the brisk air will serve to wake you up, and attendees will have a chance to stretch and work out the kinks! A little cold never hurt anyone, after all.

 

Office massage: Bringing a masseuse into the office on a weekly or bi-weekly basis can up the morale of the team, while only taking a short 15-30 minutes out of their work day. For the low cost of a half or full day masseuse hire, your workers can rotate through the massage chair, finding relief from back, neck and shoulder tension (as well as eye strain brought on by hours sat staring at the computer screen), and come out feeling de-stressed and with boosted energy and concentration levels, ready to get back to the grind. Not to mention no one’s going to call in sick on free massage day, now are they?

 

Standing desks: Study after study show that sitting all day is terrible for your health, and can lead to a variety of problems, from obesity and higher risk of cardiac disease, to diabetes and back issues. Standing all day would seem like the obvious solution, but swapping sitting for standing has its own set of problems. So what’s a worker bee to do? Alternate sitting with standing. With an adjustable sit-stand desk that can be fixed the appropriate height of the employee, monitoring your health is a mere button push away. And if buying a desk like that is out of your office budget, take the cheaper option to get off your bottom and set a timer for 20 minutes. When it goes off, stand up for a bit. Stretch your legs, get a drink of water, walk over to a coworker’s desk-anything to get up, get moving, and stave off the pins and needles-and heart disease and diabetes.

 

With these simple, easy-on-the-purse-strings steps, you can easily make your office one of those progressive places that everyone goes on about. Happier and healthier employees create the kind of workforce that spend their hours doing their best and most inspired work, rather than staring at the clock and waiting for 5pm. And implementing these changes are much cheaper than you’d think. No bounce house or company yoga classes needed (although those are nice ideas too).

 

Categories: Healthy, nurturing, office environment

5 Sure - Five Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy Over the Holidays

 

As the holiday season rolls around, you will encounter an abundance of sugary treats. While this is a big part of the holiday cheer, it’s significantly less cheerful for your teeth. However, these five tips can help you keep your teeth healthy without putting a damper on your enjoyment.

 

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Be sure to balance those sweet treats with plenty of healthy foods like fresh fruit and vegetables. These foods help improve salivary production, which is your mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay. Saliva helps remove leftover bits of food and washes away the acids and bacteria that can damage teeth. Furthermore, the minerals in these foods will help to reinforce tooth structure.

 

2. Take Care with Sticky Candies

Chewy treats like caramels and taffy are especially bad for your teeth. These foods adhere to the nooks and crannies in your teeth, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and plague. In addition, the acidity of the sugar can also wear away at tooth enamel, causing decay and pain. It’s best to limit your consumption of these candies, and when you do eat them, make sure you brush afterward.

 

3. Rinse

Even after you eat non-sticky candies and foods, there will still be ample amounts of sugar and acids left behind. Not only can these contribute to bad breath but they can also cause decay if left there. Fortunately, there’s a quick solution that can be done anywhere. Simply rinse out your mouth with water when you’re finished indulging.

 

4. Go Sugar Free

There are a wide variety of candies available that are sugar-free, yet taste just as good as conventional options. Those meant for diabetics are often sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that has actually been shown to protect teeth from decay. It does this by preventing oral bacteria from metabolizing sugars into erosion-causing acids. If you have to have candy, try substituting sugary candies for sugar-free ones whenever possible.

 

5. Be Wary of Hard Candies

Hard candies are popular holiday treats. However, as tempting as they might be, you may want to consider avoiding them. They’re responsible for a surprisingly large number of tooth injuries, like cracks and breaks. These conditions can be very painful and may necessitate an emergency visit to your dentist.

 

The holiday season holds many perils for your oral health. Tooth decay, cracks and breaks and tooth pain are all things you must take into consideration. By following these five tips and paying a visit to a quality dental clinic like Brantford Mall Dental Office, you can more effectively protect your teeth without sacrificing the holiday cheer.

 

 

Categories: Healthy, holidays, teeth, ways

Healthy Food Tips During Pregnancy

 

When you find out that you are pregnant, one of the first things that comes to mind, after the euphoria has worn off, is what to do and what not to do to ensure that you give birth to a healthy baby. Suddenly good nutrition becomes incredibly important and right from the start of your pregnancy, you become more conscious about what you should eat and how it could affect the growth of your baby.

 

If you are planning to fall pregnant, you should start thinking about eating healthily before conception as the unborn fetus will benefit most from a healthy diet during the first three months of your pregnancy. A nutritious diet with a steady supply of essential vitamins and minerals, and a balanced amount of protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients, especially iron, is crucial to the development of your baby and will help form a healthy placenta.

 

There is so much information and a wealth of myths on what to eat and what not to eat during pregnancy, that moms-to-be can become quite confused. Added to this is the strangest food cravings that often accompany pregnancy. The following informative facts will help you separate the truth from myth and decide what is best for you and your baby.

 

- There is no need to eat for two.

 

A pregnant mom with average weight will need roughly 300 more calories per day, the equivalent of one banana for example.

 

If you are underweight at conception, speak to your doctor about a weight gaining program to ensure that you get enough nutrients to feed the placenta.

 

If you are overweight, to not go on a diet as you will risk depriving your baby of essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. Change to a healthy diet and consult a nutritionist to help you cut out unhealthy food options.

 

You will gain weight during pregnancy as the baby grows and your doctor will monitor the growth of your baby throughout to ensure healthy development.

 

- For safety, the following foods need to be avoided during pregnancy:

 

• Undercooked or raw poultry and meat to avoid the risk of salmonella or toxoplasmosis.


• Lightly cooked or raw eggs in recipes such as chocolate mousse or homemade mayonnaise.


• Unpasteurized milk, goat or sheep milk, and all types of pt to avoid the risk of Listeria, a build-up of vitamin A in liver products that may cause harm to the fetus.


• Certain cheeses such as Camembert, Brie and blue-veined cheese such as Danish Blue or Stilton due to the risk of Listeria.


• Avoid peanuts, especially if there is a family history of allergies, including conditions such as hay fever, asthma or eczema.


• Avoid eating raw fish and include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna, trout and sardines in the diet no more than twice a week to avoid a build-up of pollutants.

 

- Do not consume alcohol in any form during pregnancy to avoid fetal alcohol syndrome.

 

A Few Handy Tips

 

- To ease the discomfort of morning sickness eat smaller meals and include small amounts of carbohydrates.

 

- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Milk and herbal teas such as chamomile, cinnamon and ginger can be soothing. Ginger reduces the feeling of nausea.

 

- Have something to drink or eat before getting up in the morning.

 

- Get plenty of rest and light exercise in fresh air such as a gentle walk.

 

- Don’t drink any alcohol.

 

Include the following nutritious food in your diet on a daily basis:

 

Broccoli, bananas, avocado, well cooked eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts and nut butters, lean poultry and meat, whole grain bread, dried lentils and beans, Greek yoghurt.

 

Listen to your body and satisfy your cravings within reason. A happy mom who eats a healthy diet will have a good pregnancy and a healthy baby.

 

 

Author : Aria Meyer is a fashion and parenting blogger. She writes for several parenting blogs. She is currently living in West Covina and working closely with Mydeebaby to help them grow the fashion and apparel department.

Categories: diet, Food, Healthy, pregnancy, Pregnant

How to Create and Maintain a Healthy Home Environment

 

By Emma Sturgis

 

A healthy home is a home that is clean, safe and free of harmful chemicals, germs and bacteria. There are various steps you can take to create a healthy home environment that gives you peace of mind.

 

 

Dust

Dust makes your home environment unhealthy for everyone living there. It can be a serious concern for family members with allergies. Carpet is a magnet for dust. If possible, remove the carpeting in your home and replace it with wood, cork, tile or non-vinyl linoleum. If replacing the carpet is not an option for you, be sure that you vacuum your carpets several times a week using a good quality vacuum cleaner.

 

It’s important to note that dust also quickly accumulates in corners, under furniture and in upholstery. A regular, thorough cleaning of these areas can eliminate household dust. According to an expert from Maid Brigade, consistently changing your furnace filter will also help keep the air in your home clean and dust-free.

 

 

Cleaning products

Chemical-based cleaning products can be a hazard if you have children and pets living in your home. They are also harmful to the environment. To create a healthy home, use only green, eco-friendly cleaning products. You might also want to experiment with some of the many homemade cleaning product recipes you can find online.

 

 

Mold

Mold is a health hazard that you don’t want in your home. If you already have evidence of mold, you may need to get a professional to assist you with removing it. You can prevent mold from becoming a health hazard in your home by making sure moisture does not accumulate in your bathroom, basement, attic, around your windows, or in any other area of your home. Proper ventilation is a major factor in preventing mold. Exhaust fans for the bathroom, dehumidifiers for the basement and proper ventilation in the attic and throughout the house are ideal ways to prevent mold.

 

A dedication to cleanliness is one of the best ways to create a healthy home environment. Developing habits such as frequently wiping kitchen and bathroom countertops with a mixture of vinegar and water can keep them free of germs and bacteria. Another good habit for everyone in the house to develop is the removal of their shoes, either outside or just inside the door. A lot of germs and bacteria from the outside environment can be tracked into your home on the bottom of your shoes. With some heightened vigilance and the introduction of a few good habits, your home can become a healthy place for your family.

 

Categories: create, Healthy, home environment, maintain

Healthy at Home: How Family Can Influence Teen Drug Exposure

 

 

Teen drug use has become one of the most harmful epidemics in the modern era. Often times, the only hope for preventing teenage intoxication is through a stable family life. This parental guide details seven steps that can be enforced at home to keep teens safe from dangerous chemicals.

 

 

Be a Role Model

By being a person your kids will want to be someday, you can encourage sobriety through drug-free living. Showcase all of the ways a successful lifestyle revolves around responsible habits. Parents can do a great service if they are willing to embody clarity and wisdom. They learn from all you do after all.

 

 

Provide Home Schooling

Schools commonly neglect to educate students about the hazards of drugs, so the task of teaching is left to parents. Therefore, it is wise to explore the topic before teens discover substances on their own time. Be realistic about the effects of drugs, and display nonjudgmental openness to answering questions. Maintain trust by avoiding hyperbole, and stick to the facts at all times. 

 

 

Censor Media

A lot of today’s entertainment glorifies drug use, especially among teenagers. Fortunately, there is a lot of media that does not emphasize these unhealthy behaviors. Astute parents monitor for drug references in music, movies, and shows. Anything that portrays intoxication in a positive light should be banished. 

 

 

Select Social Circles

Weed out bad influences by disallowing certain friends in the house. Encourage healthy social relationships by handpicking acquaintances. Start a network with other parents to organize a map of safe residencies for teens. It doesn’t mean you can’t be friends with others, but keep a clean house and make sure everyone knows the rules.

 

 

Lock the Medicine Cabinet

Sadly, a lot of drug addictions start from a lack of supervision within the home. Adult pharmaceuticals can be accessed if they are not locked away. Prescription drug abuse can be stopped with a keen parental eye. Make sure they know the dangers of mixing drugs.

 

 

Conduct Inspections

Instill permanent sobriety by threatening inspections. Drug tests are readily available in stores, so it is possible to directly measure all instances of ingestion. Failing to prove sobriety should be strictly punished. Before conducting these though, be sure to have open communication. Your kids will respect you when you talk honestly with them about drug use.

 

 

Get Help

If all of the aforementioned tactics fail, be willing to seek an appropriate form of drug addiction treatment that will get their life back on track. The most considerate response for a troubled teen, is to enlist them in a Willow Tree recovery program once they’re ready to change. Support groups are available everywhere!

 

Despite a litany of severe repercussions, it is still so easy for young minds to fall prey to addictive substances that warp their sense of reality. Their only defense might just be a proactively caring guardian and open communication between all of you.

 

Categories: Family, Healthy, Home, teen drug exposure

Easy Ways To Ensure Your Family’s Happiness

There are common factors in all happy families which you can adopt in order to ensure your family unit stays close, trusting and happy. These foundations are ones which experts agree are key to a loving, cheerful home.

Cuddle time

You can’t overdose on hugs, so it’s important that you make time to cuddle those close to you. This time spent together, whether you’re reading, playing games or just talking, is vital for maintaining a close bond and helping your children to feel loved. A happy home is one where each member of the household knows their value within the home, and as parents it is your role in helping your children feel loved every day.

Sing together, stay together

The Von Trapp family had the right idea – singing together is a fantastic way to increase closeness as a family and to bond with your siblings and parents. You can make up your own words to your favourite tunes, dance around the house with your children, or use music to motivate the more boring chores such as cleaning their room. However you choose to do it, music can help create wonderful lasting memories for you and your children to look back on.

Make room for fun

Naturally you want your children to do well and this can only happen if you’re encouraging them to do their homework on time and to do well at school. Of course, it can be easy to get too involved with this mind-set and forget that they are just children. It’s vital that, as a happy family, you make time for light-heartedness and fun to lower tension and anxiety. Spend time together doing the things you all enjoy, such as playing games, taking long walks together or cooking.

Exercise together

Take a run or a bike ride to a local park with your children, or plan a day trip to the nearby beach for some swimming and frisbee on the shore. Not only are these outings fun but they also encourage a healthier lifestyle and teach your children the importance of exercise. You may find it a fun activity in finding an exercise you can all enjoy as a family – why not try different things and see what you all like best?

Create healthy habits

On that note, creating habits which will teach your children the importance of staying healthy are great for ensuring your family stays healthy and happy. Junk food is high in salt and sugar, as well as fat, so you should make an effort to create meals and offer snacks which are rich in nutrients and low in these bad additives. You may find that cooking together as a family will help to teach your children about healthy foods, so that they become more interested in the subject. Kids who make meals are generally more inclined to eat them, which is great if you have a fussy eater in the family.

Reward good behaviour

You should encourage good behaviour in your children, but you don’t need a grand extravagant gesture – why not take a trip to the zoo or see a film with a  popcorn treat ? There are plenty of ways to let your kids know you’re happy with their performance in school. It’s also a way to bond with your child – why not spend some time, one on one, each day with your child. Even if it’s just ten minutes, your child will love the attention and that special time they have with you.

Categories: Child, Children, Family, Family Wellness, Happiness, Healthy, playing games, time

Great Ways To Start Making Healthy Meals Today

One way to make sure the meals you eat are healthy is to prepare them at home. You must first understand how to make those meals by knowing what materials, foods and appliances you need. There is no need to spend a lot of money in order to eat healthy meals at home.

 

Think Color

Instead of focusing on fat grams and calories, think about incorporating a variety of colors into your healthy diet. Buy a many different fruits and vegetables to put into your recipes. These not only help to provide many nutrients and vitamins to your diet, they increase the appeal of your food and vary the number of meals you can create.

 

Make Healthy Swaps

There is no need to completely give up a food you really like when healthy swaps are available. For instance, if you really like baked goods or breads, substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose. Sneak in fruits and vegetables when you can to boost nutrition. Use baked tortilla chips instead of fried. Flavor your foods with fresh or jarred spices instead of using a lot of salt. Buy low-fat versions of dairy products, lean meats and low-sugar items.

 

Use the Right Appliances

Cooking healthy at home requires using the right appliances and equipment. An easy way to grill meat or vegetables is with a grill plate or other grilling appliance. Make your own baked goods, pastas, purees and other healthy foods with cheap KitchenAid stand mixers. Food processors, blenders and measuring cups to figure out serving sizes are all important as well when you are going to make meals at home.

 

Plan Your Meals

When you plan your meals a week or two in advance, you not only save money on your grocery bill since you do not need to go quite as often, you also are more likely to eat those meals. When you fail to plan your meals, it is easier to just go out instead. Find new recipes online or with a healthy eating cookbook. Write down all the recipes you want to try, figure out which days to make these and make your grocery list afterwards.

 

Eating healthy meals at home is as easy as planning, prepping and varying your diet. With the right equipment, you can easily be healthy. By cooking this way, you know exactly what goes into your food, which helps to eliminate unhealthy trans fats, artificial sweeteners and other ingredients.

Categories: Healthy, meals, ways

How to Keep Athletic Kids Happy and Healthy

Getting your children to participate in sports and activities is a fundamental part of their wellbeing. Not only is the exercise good for their health, but the camaraderie of sport helps children to develop their relationship wellness. So how can you as a parent help to keep your growing children happy and healthy as they participate in athletic activities?

 

1. Warm Ups: According to family wellness expert Dr. Kristen Bobik, DC, DABCA, Founder of the Balance Doc, ‘Proper warm up’s along with weight lifting and stretching are common in all childhood athletics. Unfortunately, many children are taught the incorrect methods to these activities, or are allowed to perform them incorrectly on a regular basis. Doing so creates abnormal stressors on the vertebrae, bones, muscles and other tissues. It is key that parents ensure that their children are learning and practicing the correct techniques in these practices. Check in with your child’s coach, watch them during a practice, and follow up by having them show you their technique at home, or on personal time.’

 

2. Diet: ‘Nutrition is something that you can’t afford to mess around with when your child is growing and also an active athlete,’ says Bobik. ‘In order for them to reach their full potential the fuel they put in their body must be good fuel full of vitamins and nutrients that the cells need! Ensuring your child eats a breakfast each morning that includes proteins such as eggs and bacon (yes, bacon can be healthy in moderation and if you purchase a brand that does not cure their product) will start the body’s metabolic process and provide fuel for your child’s morning. Eating a small and healthy meal before and after practices or games will allow replenishment to take place and keep the body’s metabolism operating at its peak.’

 

3. Hydration: Bobik asserts, ‘Hydration is key. The body is comprised primarily of water and without it our brain functioning decreases, or body functions are impaired and serious complications from dehydration can occur. It is recommended that active children need eight to 10 glasses of water per day (80-100 oz.) to maintain optimum performance. Sport-drink products can be skipped, as they often contain ingredients that can work against the hydration efforts of the body. Plain water is the best option for children during their day. It is especially important to keep hydrated during games and practices to ensure optimum athletic performance.’

 

4. Supplements: ‘There have been a number of mainstream news articles questioning the efficiency and health benefits of vitamin supplement use,’ notes Bobik. ‘The facts from these studies are often misconstrued and manipulated to benefit a specific point of view. The reality is that a high quality daily vitamin supplement from a reputable health label can provide a growing child more benefits than harm (if any would actually exist). Taking vitamins as instructed on a label or health care provider ensures that the maximum benefits of the supplement are received. A vitamin supplement will compliment a healthy diet thus producing a healthy body. Caution is given in regards to excessive vitamin use. While some vitamins are water soluble and pass through the urine without negative impact on the body, some vitamins are fat soluble (example – Vitamin D) and cannot be passed in the urine. These fat soluble vitamins remain in the body and will build up, possibly creating negative side effects such as headaches, fatigue and nausea. In addition, avoid trendy supplements like Creatine and other “bulking” or “thinning” agents. They are not designed for children or teens to use and often have negative side effects for children and adults alike.’

Categories: athletic kids, body, Child, Children, Healthy, hydration, Supplements, vitamin, vitamin supplement

How And Why You Should Lose Weight For Life

When it comes to weight, many doctors and scientists now believe that your waist measurement is the most important factor. Your fitness levels play a part, of course, but the key thing for your wellness and wellbeing is to keep the amount of fat stored around your middle to a minimum.

 

Knowing your body mass index (usually abbreviated to BMI) is a really good starting point for working out if you are overweight, but it does not represent the whole story by any means. BMI measures how healthy your weight is in relation to your height. You can work out your BMI using any number of available online calculators. If it turns out that you have a high BMI, you are likely to be carrying excess fat. Your health risk, however, could be dependent on whereabouts in your body you store that fat. Storing that fat around your tummy (as opposed to around your bottom or on your thighs) this makes you more likely to develop heart problems or diabetes in later life.

 

For men, a healthy weight circumference is less than 94cm and for women it is having a waist circumference of less than 80 cm. It can be extremely difficult to lose weight (and to keep it off once you have lost it) but it does have many benefits. It may be that you only need to make some very small changes to your general lifestyle in order to help yourself maintain a healthy weight.

 

Obesity is a massive health problem, causing over 9,000 premature deaths in England each year, and it also reduces life expectancy by an average of around nine years for every sufferer.  Obesity is linked to a number of very serious health conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Categories: BMI, cancer, fitness, Healthy, healthy weight, life, Lose weight, nbsp, weight