In the heat of summer, it’s easy to make excuses not to exercise, not to cook, and to just give in to the “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer”. However, with a bit of creativity, you can beat the heat, combat metabolic syndrome, and prevent cancer while enjoying yourself. Read more
While many families are focusing on celebrating Father’s Day, we hope to use this traditional holiday not only to honor dads and the important roles they play, but to take a look at a variety of men’s health issues.
First of all, several sports figures have been in the news lately, not because of their athletic stats, but because of their alleged involvement in steroid abuse. Read more
One of the questions I am asked most frequently is, “How have you been able to be such a consistent exerciser for so many years?” My answer is, “I came to exercise for my body, but I stayed for my mind!” What I discovered decades ago about the anti-depressant, anti-anxiety effects of regular exercise has now been documented by solid scientific research. Exercise benefits are documented in three general categories: physical; general emotional well-being and spirituality; mental and cognitive effects. Read more
Finally, spring has arrived, days are longer and warmer and it’s time to walk off the “winter wearies” and welcome a re-invigorated sense of well-being. Opportunities for organized walks abound at this time of year through local charitable organizations: The Heart Walk; the Susan B. Komen 3-Day Walk; and many, many more. Check your local paper for details. Read more
By now, you’ve already read about eating more fruits and veggies, avoiding processed foods, trans fats and saturated fats, and the benefits of moving your body more often. No doubt you’ve also gotten the news about the healing power of antioxidants and phytonutrients, the benefits of fiber, and the dangers of too many calories and too little nutrition, especially when combined with a sedentary yet stressful lifestyle. Read more
February is National Heart Month – a time when the American Heart Association asks us to pay particular attention to our heart health. It is also a time when the initial enthusiasm with which we approached New Year’s resolutions begins to wane. Goals set for more consistent physical activity and including more heart-friendly foods like vegetables and fruits in the diet have been challenged by conflicting priorities such as work and family demands. The “winter blues” are casting a shadow over the hopes we had for positive changes in 2010. Take heart. Read more
The start of the New Year brings renewed resolutions, often related to diet, exercise, weight management, and improved health and fitness. However, with so much often conflicting information out there, it is difficult to discern the difference between accurate data and misinformation. So, we will begin issue with a review of news you can apply to your lifestyle choices to support improved well-being. Remember to set realistic goals and to arrange to get support for yourself in meeting them. (Contact us here at (linda.healingbridges@gmail.com.) Read more
With Thanksgiving just over, and the holiday season entering full swing, it is easy to be swept into the culture of consumerism and mindless over-indulgence. This, combined with time pressure, to-do lists, and financial strain can leave you rushing through the season propelled by stress hormones, and collapsing into exhaustion on New Year’s Day. Besides taking joy from the holiday season, and depleting both your energy and your pocketbook, the immune system and mood can both end up depressed. Read more
As autumn settles in, and with winter just around the corner, public service announcements send reminders about getting a flu shot in an effort to prevent the spread of disease. Our culture reflects a philosophy that emphasizes the avoidance of sickness. However, many people who are not sick would not describe themselves as being optimally well. Read more
So many health issues have chosen October as their time to promote awareness, we decided to list a number of them and give you contact information about where and how to learn more:
1) Brain Injury Awareness: a brain injury occurs every 21 seconds as a result of bicycle and car crashes, sporting accidents, violence, and falls. Prevention is the only cure. For more information and a free resource kit, log onto www.biausa.org. Read more