LOCAL SPONSOR
Total Page Visits: 1563 - Today Page Visits: 5
6 May
Top tips for optimal eye care
(BPT) – If you spend any extended length of time working on a screen, it’s possible that your eyes could be suffering from neglect and overwork. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help safeguard your optical health. “Even if you don’t currently experience vision problems or have concerns about your optical health, it’s important to take proactive steps now,” says Chris DeSantis, senior vice president, GMM, sundries and services, BJ’s Wholesale Club. Get regular exams Having your eyes checked on schedule and keeping up to date on your prescriptions for glasses or contacts is crucial to maintaining your best possible vision and proper eye health. BJ’s Wholesale Club has updated and redesigned their Optical Centers to be even more convenient and accessible and have implemented additional protocols to help keep members safe and healthy. At BJ’s Optical, members will find an even larger, high-quality frame assortment for the whole family, along with top contact lens brands and innovative prescription eyeglass lenses that can be customized to suit any lifestyle — all at an incredible value. That includes stylish designer name brands plus BJ’s exclusive Berkley Jensen and Club DeCode frames. You can also order contact […]
4 May
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER By Carol Wilson
Seven years ago, I was 68-1/2 and not aging well. Thoughts of my parents early passing weighed heavily on me. My mother passed away at 42. My father passed away at 46. Subconsciously, I felt that health and fitness should always be a priority for me because of this loss. I love to exercise. I have always gone to the gym. I’ve always done my best in making good food choices. My menopause came at 55. Regardless of my exercise routine, strict diet and attempts at appearing positive, I gained weight. I felt a loss of energy. Felt bloated. Felt uncomfortable, most of the time. I wore sweats a lot. I was beginning to feel, look and act matronly. I was collecting unemployment for the first time since graduating from high school. I went to Weight Watchers and even lost 1 or 2 pounds. In mid-November 2013, a girlfriend of mine, invited me to join her in a Nutritional Cleansing lifestyle program that is also a vehicle for financial security through networking. I reluctantly agreed to go with her to an event. I officially started my new lifestyle on December 1, 2013 – holidays and all. By January 1st, 2014 while so many people around me were feeling pretty miserable and lethargic, I was already beginning to release pounds and inches. My body was completely “de-toxed” – probably […]
4 Apr
4 easy ideas to enhance your 2021 garden
(BPT) – Gardening enthusiasm is surging thanks to our increased time at home — whether on a small-space patio or in a larger backyard. In fact, people spent 42% more time gardening in 2020 than the year before, according to Axiom Marketing’s 2021 Gardening Insight Survey, and it is estimated the pandemic contributed to creating nearly 20 million new “gardeners.” Many experts agree the trend toward nurturing flowers, plants and vegetables will continue into 2021 and beyond. If you’re looking to test your new green thumb or bring this year’s garden to the next level, consider these top trends and simple ideas from the experts at Ball Horticultural Company: The year-round fresh and healthy garden Gardening can provide fresh access to produce that can help encourage healthy eating. You can feel confident knowing exactly where your food comes from and enjoy the satisfaction of growing it yourself. Plus, it doesn’t get fresher than picking something from your own garden just minutes before preparing a dish. You don’t need an expansive garden to enjoy the many benefits of fresh, healthy vegetables and herbs. In fact, you don’t need a garden at all! Check out Kitchen Minis from PanAmerican Seed® and enjoy […]
10 Mar
Jump start weight loss 7 healthy habits to help
1) Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is important! Aim to drink 64 ounces or more of water every day. Here are some tips to help you get your H20 in: Always have water on hand. Get a nice water bottle and carry it with you wherever you go. Not a fan of water? Add some flavoring to it. Try adding mint, cucumbers, berries, lemons, or limes. 2) Eat your veggies. We encourage you to eat 4+ cups of veggies daily. Eating a variety of vegetables daily will ensure you get all of the health benefits they have to offer. Here are some ways to prep and spice up your veggies: Try grilling them.This method locks in flavor and caramelizes veggies to give them a crispy sweetness. Drizzle them with olive oil and dash on your favorite seasoning. Place directly in a grilling basket or wrap in tinfoil to lock in heat. Looking for convenience?Keep steam-in bag vegetables from the grocery store’s frozen food section on hand. Steamed veggies are full of minerals and vitamins. 3) Keep portions in mind. While it’s important to fuel your body with the right foods, it is also crucial to eat the right amounts. How many servings are in […]
5 Mar
Important questions to ask to maximize health care coverage
(BPT) – Are you comparing health insurance to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your money? Maybe you already have a health care plan but aren’t sure if you’re using all the benefits available to you? Exploring all coverage options can help you lower your costs. It’s important to be proactive and ask questions to your health insurance provider or a licensed agent to explore opportunities to save money while staying as healthy as possible. To help guide your conversation, ask these important questions to help you maximize your health care plan benefits: What services are covered at 100% without having to meet a deductible? In addition to the monthly premium you may pay for health coverage, you often have to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you’ll need to pay that much out of pocket before you are covered and your plan begins to pay its share. However, many plans have exceptions to this rule, so you should ask what is covered immediately. For example, most health plans must cover a set of preventative services at no cost to you. For example, this might cover an annual physical […]
19 Feb
February is American Heart Month on a personal note what could be both more important and more basic than taking care of your heart?
Frighteningly 1 in 3 adults suffer from some form of heart disease including high blood pressure, heart attacks, even erectile dysfunction in men. Heart Disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. and one person dies every 37 seconds from heart disease. Even more scary, 850,000 have had a non-fatal heart attack. Did you know five times more women die from heart attacks than from cancer? So let’s talk about how you can help prevent you and your loved ones from becoming one of these terrifying statistics. Heart attacks and strokes are occurring in younger people. Did you know that by age 12, many of our children have developed the beginning stages of hardening of the arteries? Moreover, it is being discovered that hardening of the arteries is starting even earlier- in the womb. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children as young as eight years old be treated with cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Did you know that 75% of all chronic disease is preventable with diet and lifestyle? Diet is the most powerful tool in prevention. We have more control than we think. When we know more, we can do more. Start taking care of your blood […]
10 Feb
Why eggs are an important first food for children
(BPT) – Trying to decide what first foods to feed your baby? Second-generation egg farmer Ross Dean knew that eggs would be one of his son’s first foods once he was old enough to start eating solid foods. “Many would say that I’m biased, or that they’re easily accessible to me,” said Dean, who works alongside his father and brothers in Iowa and Ohio. “Well, both are true — but the main reason I chose eggs is that they have varying amounts of all of the key nutrients that support neurodevelopment, and they’re also a step in the right direction toward building healthy dietary habits that will help him grow.” The nutritional value of eggs Dean knew that the many nutrients in eggs would make them an ideal food for his son, including: Protein Zinc Iron Vitamin A Vitamin D Choline Choline has been recognized as an essential nutrient that helps brain development, even from an infant’s pre-natal months. Because of their key nutrients, eggs were specifically mentioned as a crucial food source for pregnant women, infants and throughout the lifecycle in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. This Advisory Committee of 20 health and medical experts reviewed […]
13 Jan
Fitness for Dummies: What Is BMI and Other Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re just hopping on the fitness train, learning the lingo takes as much focus as learning to squat. There are tons of questions you should be asking yourself on your fitness journey, and even more words in the fitness dictionary it can be helpful to know. We pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions in our world—and the answers that will help you figure out what the heck it all means. Question: What Is BMI—and How Can I Find Out What Mine Is? Answer: BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It’s a basic measurement of your body fat based on height and weight—you’ll often hear personal trainers talk about it when they set goals with you. A high BMI is often an indicator of other health issues (or their potential), but it’s also not the end-all, be-all of body fat ratio. Some scientists think a BVI—or Body Volume Indicator—or even body fat percentage are more accurate ways to measure your overall health. Still, if you want to find out your BMI, there are plenty of calculators online—like this one—that will help you find your answer! Question: What Is a Target Heart Rate? Answer: You’ve probably been hearing […]
5 Jan
5 benefits of weighted blankets, including better sleep
(BPT) – Quality sleep is essential to good health, but daily life — the stresses of work and family, too much screen time, caffeine or alcohol — disrupts our body’s natural sleep cycle. One tool to promote better sleep is a weighted blanket, but the benefits go beyond sleep. Here are five benefits weighted blankets provide: 1. Helps you fall asleep faster — Most people know what it’s like to toss and turn at night just waiting to fall asleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it should take 10-20 minutes to fall asleep. If it takes you more time than that there are steps you can take like adding a weighted blanket to your bedtime routine. 2. Helps you stay asleep longer — The CDC says adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If you’re in need of more restful slumber, a product like a Tranquility weighted blanket and its calming pressure can help you sleep more soundly with fewer bouts of restlessness so you wake feeling more rested. 3. Enhances relaxation — Weighted blankets offer deep touch pressure, a sensory experience like a soothing hug, which works to relax the nervous system and […]
18 Dec
Easy Hacks to Fit in 10,000 Steps During the Winter
Ahh, winter is here! If you’re not a fan of the cold it can be very tempting to curl up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate to binge your favorite Netflix show. But that’s not how you meet your fitness goals this year. To stay happy and healthy you need to make movement a priority. When your couch tempts you with sneaky lies like, “Humans were meant to hibernate,” you can use these easy hacks reach your daily goal of 10,000 steps. Take a trip to the mall If you’re rich in holiday gift cards from friends and family, walking around the mall can be a great way to fit your steps in. Try alternating stores from multiple floors so you can sneak in some stair work. Just make sure you avoid the extra-buttered-pretzel stands and free Chinese food samples. Remember: you’re there to spend the hard-earned money of your relatives (and get your body moving). A three-hour shopping trip can add thousands of steps to your day. For added fitness motivation, try stocking your gym bag with these awesome essentials while you’re there! Say “not today” to elevators and escalators Make a commitment to go elevator-free […]
10 Dec
How to put a new spin on holiday celebrations this year
(BPT) – COVID-19 restrictions mean the holiday season will be different this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a Grinch. Although extensive travel, large group gatherings and many traditional activities can’t happen, you can find imaginative ways to be just as joyful with a dash of creativity. In fact, many people are embracing this as an opportunity to discover new ways to make one-of-a-kind memories with family, friends and coworkers. Alternative approaches to work holiday parties The culmination of the work year is the annual holiday celebration. This is typically a time to enjoy great food, fun games and cheers to a job well done. However, with the pandemic causing many offices to go remote as well as restrictions for restaurants and group gatherings, this year will have celebrations of a different kind. Fortunately, technology is making many things possible. Employers want to show employees they care and are expected to shake things up in creative ways. This could include sending meals to everyone through home delivery and then meeting online to enjoy them together. This might be a video gathering for an ugly sweater contest paired with fun games that can be played digitally such as […]
10 Dec
Giving Cheer during Covid
So many people always reached into their hearts and homes to give back to the community, especially this time of the year. Many people are alone, social distancing has led to a feeling of isolation and many are out of work, so they are without means to make a holiday in the traditional sense. In years past, volunteerism was always a gift you could give to those in need. This year, thanks to COVID19, social distancing rules have made much of this a risk or unavailable. So how can you give back and lift the spirits of friends and strangers? Donate – whether you have time, a talent, or a basement filled with wonderful items you no longer need that someone else may…it is all needed and appreciated. Problem- Joan lost her job as a waitress due to Covid restrictions. She is not getting by on unemployment and cannot afford the type of family celebration they have always had. She has no discretionary money for gifts, her children have no holiday outfits to look festive, her meal will be meager and there can be no tree as the funds just cannot stretch that far. Possible solutions- Lisa and Karen have […]
16 Nov
November Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss, possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Alzheimer’s usually starts in the hippocampus, the part of the brain essential in forming memories. As more neurons die, the disease gradually spreads to other parts of the brain making the symptoms progressively worse. Although scientists are learning more every day, right now, they still do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease. Early-onset may be due to genetic mutation and late-onset arise from a series of complex brain changes over decades. Treatment may temporarily delay the appearance of symptoms, but as yet there is no cure. How do I know if It Is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of cognitive loss. In addition to memory problems, someone with Alzheimer’s disease may experience one or more of the following signs: Memory loss Challenges in planning or problem solving Gets lost, disoriented with time and place. Has trouble handling money and paying bills. Repeats questions. Takes longer to complete normal […]
5 Nov
4 Simple Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season
(BPT) – Traditionally, the holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends to reminiscence and celebrate all that has happened throughout the year. But with an ongoing pandemic, many are left looking for new and unique ways to enjoy those time-honored traditions in a way that keeps everyone safe and healthy. So while things will likely look different than we are accustomed to, that doesn’t mean you and your loved ones have to miss out on those most important and cherished traditions. Instead, consider trying these tips and tricks for safe, socially distant holiday fun. Host safely If you plan to host, there are a number of precautions you can take to keep guests safe. If possible, take your gatherings outside where you can increase physical distance and airflow. Choose outdoor activities, such as a bonfire or an active game. If you live in a colder climate, bring out the hats, coats and gloves — and try using a patio or porch heater to warm up. To limit travel, it is best to only invite people from your local area and limit the number of attendees. Provide information to guests about your local safety guidelines and take […]
5 Nov
Healthy sleep is vital for school success
(BPT) – Healthy sleep is vital for student success. Yet, a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) shows that many students are not getting enough sleep, according to more than half of American parents surveyed. No matter where classes are held — in-person, online or in a hybrid format — the group is highlighting the importance of healthy sleep for students. “As many parents and caregivers try to create a routine for their kids, incorporating the right amount of healthy sleep is an important component,” said AASM President Dr. Kannan Ramar. What’s keeping kids up on school nights? From classwork to social media use, there are many things competing for the attention of school-aged children and teens, interfering with their nightly sleep. According to 90% of parents, homework and early school start times are the top barriers impacting the healthy sleep students need each night, followed by time with friends (87%), social media/electronics use (86%), hobbies (86%), sports (85%), chores or jobs (83%), and band/music/clubs (78%). COVID-19 impact on sleep consistency Another disrupter to sleep? The COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest challenges students have been facing during the pandemic has been maintaining a consistent and […]
19 Oct
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month THE FIGHT GOES ON
Breast Cancer Basics According to the American Cancer Society, cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the cells of the breast and can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other areas of the body. Some Sobering Facts: In 2020 alone, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women along with 48,530 new cases of non-invasive. About 42,170 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2020 from breast cancer. As of January 2020, there are more than 3.5 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the leading health issues for females in the United States. 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer, one diagnosis every 2 minutes of every day. Not Just A Female Problem A man’s risk of breast cancer is only about 1%, resulting in approximately 2,620 cases expected to be diagnosed in men. Both men and women are born with some breast cells and tissue. Even though males do not […]
14 Oct
Healthy Foods for Fall that the Whole Family Will Love
So long summer and all of your delicious bounty (yes, we’re looking at you, watermelon). It’s harvest time! Here are healthy foods that celebrate all that autumn has to offer. 1. Think apples. Apple picking is one of the top activities for fall. But what are you going to do with all those apples? Try incorporating them into easy, healthy dinners. Here are some ideas: Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples and Polenta. Remember The Brady Bunch episode where Peter did his best Bogart impression when saying “pork chops and applesauce”? In this recipe, you skip the applesauce and sauté fresh apples instead, which is what makes this dish so special—and good for you, too. Apple, Broccoli, and Butterbean Salad with Walnut Dressing. Packed with protein, veggies, and fruit. Seriously, what’s not to love? Get more apple yumminess in this roundup of apple dinner recipes. 2. Dive into squash and gourds. So many squashes, so little time. What floats your boat: butternut, acorn, spaghetti, pumpkin? We suggest trying them all! 25 Fresh Ways to Have Butternut Squash for Dinner. Just in case you need a few more ideas! 16 Tasty Squash Recipes. We love Real Simple magazine because it always delivers on its promise: keeping meals simple, yet delicious. […]
12 Oct
Fall is not the Fall of Fresh Vegetables
Yes, summer is over and so is the availability for Jersey Fresh tomatoes, corn, peaches and other delectable grown locally. Not to worry, there is still a bevy of fall beauties to appreciate on your kitchen table. Delicious, nutritious, and easy to grow if you haven’t done so already. BEETS come in many gorgeous colors, all equally yummy. You can eat the root and the leaves so nothing goes to waste! Beets are packed with vitamins and minerals, are low in calories and fat. They also contain inorganic nitrates and pigments, which have a number of health benefits. Beets contain a high concentration of nitrates, which may lead to a reduced risk of heart attacks, heart failure and stroke. They also have anti-inflammatory effects, are a good source of fiber. CABBAGE is not just an accompaniment to corned beef. There are so many varieties in so many colors and are very versatile. You can eat it cold like a slaw, stir fry, steam, use in soups, and let your imagination run wild. It is low in calorie, regardless of which variety, and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, high in vitamin C and K, […]
9 Oct
The benefits of biking for kids
(BPT) – For kids, biking is one of the gateways to growing up. Popular films and TV hits such as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Stranger Things” highlight the joy a bike can bring as a fun way to explore or spend time kicking around the neighborhood. Yet, according to a study from the Outdoor Industry Association, bike riding among kids declined 19% between 2007 and 2019. There are plenty of good reasons for anyone to get outside and ride a bike. Especially during this time of social distancing, bike riding offers the perfect opportunity to shake off cabin fever and safely enjoy the fresh air. Benefits of bike riding For tweens and teens, there are many benefits of owning and riding a bike, including: It gets kids outside away from screens to enjoy fresh air and vitamin D–giving sunshine. It promotes cardiovascular health. It builds muscles, while improving balance and coordination. It improves mental health by helping to reduce anxiety or stress. It is good for the environment, offering an emissions-free mode of transportation. It helps build self-confidence and relationships with others who like cycling too. Help for foster kids who need bikes Unfortunately, not every kid has the opportunity […]
2 Oct
Halloween 2020 is on: Guidelines to celebrate in a safe and fun way
(BPT) – Every year, you count down the days until Halloween. You love selecting costumes for your whole family, indulging in all your favorite treats and celebrating with friends. But this year is different — while you long to celebrate the holiday to the fullest, you also want to make choices to keep your family and your community safe. Like many Halloween enthusiasts, rather than forgoing beloved traditions altogether, you are coming up with creative, out-of-the-box ways to celebrate safely and keep everyone healthy this season, but you still need some guidance. The Halloween and Costume Association, The Hershey Company and other partner organizations have joined forces to provide guidance on how best to celebrate Halloween safely this year. The Halloween Safety guidelines — available on Halloween2020.org — are consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Holiday Celebrations Guidelines and include a color-coded COVID risk level map, provided by the Harvard Global Health Institute. “Families and policy-makers need clear and consistent information when it comes to COVID-19 risks to inform decision-making, including how to participate safely in the upcoming Halloween holiday and trick-or-treating activities associated with it,” said Dr. Ingrid Katz, Infectious Diseases Expert, and Associate Faculty […]