Whether you’re a new parent or not, one of the most important things to keep up with when raising a child is their health. Young children should be taught important life lessons such as proper hygiene and nutrition early in on in order for them to form healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

A common epidemic we face in our country today is childhood obesity. A lack of exercise, improper nutrition and too much time with technology can all contribute to the epidemic. While many schools and organizations teach young children healthy habits, it’s important to implement them at home as well. Turning meal and exercise time into delicious and fun activities will both motivate and help children to be interested in healthier habits!

When it comes to food, here are a few tips to begin implementing:

• Swap foods for their healthier counter parts… opt for baked chicken nuggets instead of fried chicken fingers.
• Reduce the amount of sugar consumption by eliminating artificially-sweetened beverages… encourage kids to drinks water or make natural fruit juices and smoothies together.
• Increase the amount of veggies consumed… mac and cheese night? Try mixing in extra veggies.
• Encourage kids to make healthier decisions by packing lunch together and purchasing fresh, healthier snack options such as fruit and nut butters or veggies and hummus.
• Don’t just encourage children to “eat healthy,” spark up conversations and teach them about why and how eating healthy is important.

Physical activities to try:

• Sign your children up for after school activities, whether it’s at the school itself or a local institution.
• Allow them to explore the activities they are interested in whether they are sports, creative arts, cooking, etc.
• Encourage play time with neighbors and peers.
• Set an electronics or technology schedule to ensure they are not spending all of their time in front of screens.
• Participate in activities together over the weekend by going to the beach, pool or even local parks to play sports.

Children who are obese have a higher chance of being teased by their peers, becoming obese as adults and developing other health conditions later on. Fortunately, all of this can be prevented by implemented healthier habits at an early age.

Training for marathons is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Most of the time, the most important thing you need to reach that final stretch is the mental endurance to keep you going all the way to the finish line.

While many people enjoy everything between 5K’s to full marathons, it takes a lot of dedication. It’s important to have a plan in mind and give your body the proper amount of time to train, prepare and most importantly rest. The following are a few tips you can follow in order to ensure your best performance when running a half marathon.

Plan ahead: determine your level of strength and endurance when it comes to running and decide from there. If you fall into the beginner category you will need more time to train than someone who already runs a few times a week and has participated in half marathons in the past. Map out your weekly and monthly running schedule a few months ahead. Preparing well in advance leaves room for sick days or any injuries that may require rest days.

Cross train: once you have your running schedule set, remember to add in cross training. Cross-training benefits runners by strengthening the legs (which makes for a  better runner). Examples of cross training include short distance runs, long distance runs, and other forms of cardio such as cycling or the stairmaster.

Include recovery days: Long runs should be done about once a week with your longest run leading up to race day. With that in mind, remember to give yourself recovery days in between long runs and proper sleep in order to avoid over-exerting yourself and risking injuries.

Fuel your body the proper way: as with all forms of physical training, nutrition is a fundamental part of achieving your ultimate goal. A lack of proper nutrition can lead to exhaustion and decrease performance, the opposite of what we want when we work toward reaching a goal such as completing a half marathon. The majority of your meals should include complex carbs followed by unsaturated fats and protein. Map out a meal plan that meets your specific needs according to your body type and training schedule.
Wear proper gear: the best way to be prepared for race day is to train with the proper gear in the months leading up. Practice your runs using the same shoes you will be using on the day of the half marathon, wear comfortable clothing and socks that won’t slow you down, and headphones that will stay put. The last thing you want are unnecessary distractions. The best way to be prepared is by testing what you will be wearing on the day of the race throughout your training period.

Whether we like it or not, we all experience aging of the skin. As we get older the skin loses its natural elasticity and begins to feel drier than it once did. Unfortunately, this is a natural human process that can’t be stopped. The exact timing of aging skin varies from person to person depending on their genetics, but the good news is that there are a number of ways to prevent it from occurring prematurely. Use the following tips to care for your skin and maintain a youthful glow for as long as possible!

First and foremost, protect your skin from the sun. You’ve probably heard this before, but we’ll emphasize it once again. The change in color you experience from tanning is actually the damage caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Although a little color here and there looks nice, many people tend to overdo it without thinking about the negative repercussions this will have in the future. Opt for natural self-tanners instead and wear sunscreen daily (rain or shine) to protect your skin and keep it at its optimum state.

Collagen, the main structural protein found in the skin, is what keeps our skin looking tight, plump, and youthful. The natural levels of collagen begin to decline in our mid-20’s, but eating a well-balanced diet can help maintain these levels in your system. Many foods such as leafy greens and fish contain collagen and many vitamins and minerals that help give your skin a youthful glow.

Smoking, excessive drinking, and lack of sleep are all bad habits that contribute to premature aging of the skin. Avoiding unhealthy habits such as these are a sure way to keep your skin healthy. Instead, get your sweat on and drink plenty of water throughout the day. These healthy habits are known to benefit your skin by improving circulation and keeping your skin hydrated rather than looking dry, dull, and tired.

Establish a daily skincare routine. Maintaining a regime with products that benefit your skin-type can make a huge difference in how you look and feel. Make sure to moisturize and keep up with your routine daily and you will thank yourself in the long-run. The best time to moisturize the body is right after the shower as it will best absorb the products you use. And as a helpful tip, don’t forget about your hands, neck, and decolletage when you follow your routine every morning and evening.

And finally, pick and choose the right products that work for your needs. Some people have dry skin, while others have oily, combination, or mature skin. Read labels and opt for products that have good-for-you ingredients and less harmful chemicals. Nowadays there are many options for clean skincare that will benefit your skin, and it doesn’t have to be expensive! Natural oils, such as Jojoba oil, are full of nutrients that will feed your complexion and help maintain it’s glow.

For centuries, dogs have been known to be domestic human companions. More than any other animal in the world, they have evolved and adapted to humans in a way that sparks a deep emotional connection. Some even say that dogs have been able to pick up on traits similar to that of infants making them highly dependent on their human owners.

Whether someone is a “dog person” or not, there’s no denying that dogs and humans share a special bond. To add to this, recent studies show that owning a dog can also benefit a person’s mental health in a number of ways. The following are a few of the reasons why owning a dog can benefit your mental well-being:

Exercise: Dogs require a lot of exercise in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and live a longer life. Responsible dog owners know that every day at about the same time, those puppy eyes will creep up on you and require that you go outside and take your furry friend for their daily walk. Owning a dog requires that you go outside daily, whether it’s a run or a walk, and also encourages friendly play. This encourages an active lifestyle and increases the amount of exercise an owner gets on a weekly basis, all of which play a positive role when it comes to mental well-being.

Social: Many dog owners are known to be social people. Taking your dog for a walk or to the park means you will occasionally run into neighborhood friends who want to play or curious people who want to pet your adorable companion and maybe even learn more about their breed. Dogs encourage owners to speak to people they come across, meet new people, and keep up with friends. This benefit can last well into a person’s later years in life when feelings of loneliness tend to be more common as a pet’s companionship seems to ease symptoms of depression or isolation.

Responsibility and routine: Dogs are creatures of habit, and if you own one you know this to be true. Owning a dog means establishing a feeding and walking routine. A dog’s internal clock will mark the time when they are hungry or need to relieve themselves and they will be sure to remind you. This can come with great benefits to those looking to establish a daily routine, and it can also benefit young children as it will teach them responsibility at an early age, all of which make for a more positive and healthier mind.

Provide comfort and make you smile: Pets are not critical. By literally always being there for their owners, dogs can lend an ear and be there to comfort humans when they notice they are feeling down. They also provide mental and physical peace simply by being next to humans and allowing them to pet them. They can even teach us a thing or two about being mindful by reminding us that there is no need to think ahead or look behind, but rather appreciate what’s right in front of you. All of these things are a gateway to stress relief and making humans feel happier overall. This companionship brings a sense of ease and a smile to our face which leads to long-term mental benefits.

Exercise, like many other things, is best done in moderation and at an appropriate level depending on your age and health condition. The majority of people enjoy a regular amount of exercise while others, like athletes or professional trainers, may have a habit of hitting the gym more frequently.

Although there are some professionals that require more frequent exercise than others, exercise addiction is a very real issue that needs to be addressed.

What is exercise addiction?

Exercise addiction is defined as a form of over-exercising that may cause a person to continually workout to the point of pain or exhaustion. Unfortunately, exercise addiction is not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), making it difficult for people to receive proper diagnosis and treatment options.

People who suffer from an exercise addiction typically have an obsession with fitness, withdraw themselves from social activities in order to work out and take part in physical activities and workout multiple times throughout the course of the day on a daily basis. This is due to the fact that exercising releases endorphins, making the person feel rewarded and happy at the end of their workout session.

Who is at risk?

Those who have body image issues have an increased likelihood of suffering from an exercise addiction due to feeling pressured to look good or stay in shape. People who have dealt with past addictions or already show signs of addictive behavior may also have a higher risk.

Common symptoms of exercise addiction are similar to those of common addictions like drugs and smoking such as:

• Obsessive behavior
• Engaging in the behavior continually, even if it causes physical pain
• Continuing to take part in the behavior despite wanting to quit
• Secretly engaging in the behavior

What are the treatment options?

People who suffer from addictive behavior such as exercise addiction may have a hard time acknowledging that there is a problem. Self-control is vital to treating an exercise addiction and needed in order to take the necessary steps to stop it. Logging your daily routine to help you become more mindful of your habits and avoiding excessive trips to the gym may help. Unfortunately, sometimes this is not enough. If you or someone you know needs professional help, do not hesitate to seek it. You are only a step away from leading a healthier mental and physical lifestyle.

Hospital stays are not typically something we look forward to, but depending on your circumstances there are many ways to make the entire experience easier. Being well prepared can truly go a long way when you have an upcoming trip to the hospital. Additionally, knowing and following general safety guidelines can reduce the risk of preventable accidents and human error.

How to prepare:

• Make sure you pick the right hospital for your condition by doing research beforehand.
• Bring any medications and supplements you are currently taking for your care team to review.
• Make sure you know and provide the names of all medications you are currently taking (generic and brand names). Also be prepared to provide the names of medications you are allergic to.
• Bring a family member or trusted friend who will be there to keep you company or help as needed. They are a positive reinforcement and an essential part of your care team.

Safety tips to follow:

• Get to know your care team and ask them questions about any concerns that may arise.
• Observe and try to remember the medication you are given, if you see that any of them changed, be sure to ask prior to taking them to help minimize medical error.
• Let someone know if you experience pain in order to get checked and catch any potential issues on time.
• Never try to get up on your own, asking for assistance can help decrease the risk of injury or death from hospital falls (which are more common than you might think).
• Make a list of your medications and corresponding dates in which they are to be taken. Make sure a family or friend is in the loop so they can help whenever it’s necessary.

What to pack:

This may vary from patient to patient depending on the medical circumstances and what activities can be performed.

• Necessary documents and paperwork needed for your stay.
• Comfortable clothes that are easy to change into.
• Toiletries.
• Personal items such as photos that bring back positive memories.
• A comfortable pillow.
• Items to stay distracted such as books, magazines, a craft project, and if allowed, electronics for music and entertainment.

Hospital stays are never easy. Whether it’s you or a family member, following simple measures may help you feel more prepared and instead focus your energy on recovering!

Self-care is a term that has been trending recently, and this is because it is something we can all take into consideration and incorporate into our daily lives. Self-care is all about loving and respecting yourself. Whether you feel stressed out or completely relaxed, there are various methods to incorporate that will lead to a more fulfilling life.

Self-care is about finding the things that you enjoy or matter to you and doing more of it. It’s also about knowing when it’s time to pause, slow down, and give your mind, body, and spirit a break from a negative or less than ideal situation you are facing. It’s important to remember that taking a break is not as much about rewarding yourself as it is giving yourself the necessary time to find peace amidst your daily activities.

Establishing what self-care means to you and the ways in which you want to practice it are a crucial step to find peace and happiness in your life. The following are different areas of self-care to explore and examples:

Physical:

Physical self-care involves taking care of your body and its functions. Making sure you are treating yourself well physically, so that you can function to your full capacity. When your body feels restored, relaxed, and full of energy, you can be at an optimum state which will allow you to perform at your best.

-Eat healthy, whole meals

-Exercise regularly by establishing a physical activity that you like such as walking, running, yoga, or any sport

-Sleep 7-9 hours every night

-Rest when you feel unwell

-Keep up with hygiene and develop rituals you will enjoy

-Don’t limit yourself all the time, it’s okay to indulge occasionally

Mental and emotional:

Mental self-care is about awareness and knowing when you are cutting it close to reaching your limit. Avoiding mental self-care can lead to stress, anxiety and other issues. It’s important to keep your mental health in check and know when you need to step back and take a break, and it shouldn’t be once you’ve reached your limit.

-Take a break from a task when you need to

-See a therapist for personal development

-Talk to a family member or close friend about your feelings

-Find healthy activities that that keep your mind active, make you laugh, or make you feel at ease
-Write down your thoughts and allow yourself to release feelings and heal

Spiritual:

Spiritual self-care is about following your morals and values and the beliefs that truly matter to you. Getting in touch with these things and developing a sense of purpose can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life.

-Follow a meditation and mindfulness practice

-Spend time in nature

-Reflect on the things you have and are grateful for

-Develop a habit of repeating positive affirmations daily

-Get involved in activities that spark your creativity

Self-care has several benefits that can outweigh the negative impacts of stress, anxiety, depression and the moments in life that affect us in unhealthy ways. Creating a self-care routine does not have to be complicated, as long as you find activities and habits that you truly enjoy and make you feel better.

Mammograms are used to analyze breast tissue and to detect signs of breast cancer. Although mammograms are not the only form of detecting breast cancer (self-checking and other methods such as MRI’s are also used), it’s important to get annual mammograms after the age of 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer or who may be at a higher risk should begin their regular check-ups earlier, by age 30.

The process
Mammograms typically last about 20 minutes. During the screening, you and a technologist are the only ones present in the room. The breasts are placed in the machine’s plate and will be compressed for a few seconds. This is done in order to flatten the breasts and capture high-quality pictures of the tissue.

How to prepare
There are a few factors to consider in order to prepare for a mammogram. Avoid wearing deodorant or antiperspirant the day before your screening, as this may show up as white spots, and make sure to discuss breastfeeding or any concerns if you may be pregnant prior to the imaging.
If you are visiting a facility for the first time, bring past records with you so that the old pictures can be compared to the new ones. Additionally, avoid scheduling your appointment the week prior to your period and when your breasts are not swollen. This helps reduce the level of discomfort and to get better quality pictures.

What you should know
After your images are taken, a radiologist will analyze to see if there are any areas of concern. Additional testing, such as an MRI scan or biopsy may be required, although it does not necessarily mean something was detected. Results will be sent directly to your health care provider and typically mailed to you within 30 days or sooner if cancer is detected.

An important thing to keep in mind is to remember to schedule routine mammograms once a year. Detecting signs of breast cancer early is the best way to increase your chances of receiving proper treatment with successful results. And most importantly, don’t be scared, only about 2-4 out of every 1,000 screenings lead to a diagnosis.

If you’re at work or school and feeling drowsy, this post is for you!

When you had a hard time sleeping, we know it’s difficult to keep your body energized throughout the day. At times coffee works best to get the blood flowing, but sometimes it can crash and tire you out again. That’s why food can be your best friend. Food is not the enemy here. When food is consumed your body breaks it down into energy – which is needed when trying to stay alert during a work day. There are types of foods that will make you go to sleep. There are also foods that can help you keep your body up and moving. Here are three types of food you can snack on during the day.

Oats and nuts:

Oatmeal seem to be a popular go-to food when it comes to breakfast. It’s quick and easy to make. Not to mention that it has high complex-carbohydrates that helps you feel and alert after consumption. Before you put away the bread, think of spreading some almond butter because nuts help decrease the tiredness. Maintain the energy level by mixing up the oatmeal and nuts and you’ll feel energized for a while.

Curry:

It may sound weird but Indian food has this special spice that gives you the kick you need when you’re drowsy. That spice is turmeric which has an element that boost energy levels in the body. So if you like something spicy and surprising, try Indian food. We recommend an Indian cookie. They are great for a snack, sweet for your cravings and has that spice you need in the middle of the day.

Pumpkin seeds:

It’s almost that time of year when the pumpkin patch will hatch and there will be a numerous amount of pumpkins to decorate. Hold the seeds on the side! The pumpkin seeds have a lot of zinc and iron and is transferred to the brain when consumed. Talk about brain power! It will definitely be a favorite Fall snack around the office. Keeps you awake and gives you a decoration. What more can you ask?

This is just a few in the endless amount of other nutritious snacks you can consume during your day. So if you can’t settle for coffee, settle for a snack. Or maybe settle in for both!

Do you have a friend that seems like they’re a good guy one day and a bad guy the next? If their personality doesn’t seem stable, they might have a mental disorder called, Borderline Personality.

What is borderline personality disorder?

Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness characterized by unstable moods, behavior and even relationships. Studies shows that only 2% of adults have this behavior – majority are 30-40 years old. This type of personality is difficult for the person and their love ones. People with BPD often have self-doubt and have frequent thoughts of suicide. They need extensive mental health services, which can lead into living a productive lifestyle.

Dealing with a love one with such a disorder can be difficult, but there are ways to keep the peace in the relationship and show the support the person needs. Remember, BPD have a hard time regulating their emotions and behavior. However, there are a few things you can do to help your love one live a productive life.

1. Communication: Like in every healthy relationship, communication is the key. Talking to a love one with BPD and setting healthy boundaries can help them build trust and respect towards you. You may not receive the best response. Therefore, explain to the person the boundaries and why when both parties are calm.
2. Concentrate on emotions: Unlike others, what BPD people say may not interpret to how they want you to take it. When they are in an emotional state they may not make sense in the conversation. Try to stay calm and analyze behaviors. The response should be based of what they are telling you through interpersonal behavior. If it ends in an argument you are allowed to walk away in the situation. When everything is calm, tell the person why you had to walk away.
3. You’re allowed to think of yourself: Sometimes conversations can be rocky. Things that aren’t meant to be said were placed on the table and it may be “toxic” in the moment. It is fine to walk away and have time to yourself. However, concentrate on the good aspects in the relationship and explain to your loved one why you were hurt and how it can be solved.

Having a loved one with borderline personality means the relationship require more attention and effort. Yet if set with healthy boundaries and a good sense of communication, the relationship can be rewarding.