5 Practical Steps You Can Take to Lose Weight by Summer
The time to start planning for your summer body isn’t the first time you reach for your bathing suit. While it’s NEVER too late to begin your health and fitness journey, setting a seasonal goal can hold you accountable to yourself and help you reach your goals faster. Here are 5 practical steps you can take right now to lose weight by summer. Join a Group Accountability Fitness Program Local gyms often have monthly weight loss programs run by a professional personal trainer. These fitness groups are designed to inspire and motivate you to lose weight, while providing you with the education and tools you need to get there. From diet tips, to guided exercise classes, these challenge groups are perfect for anyone looking to fast track their weight loss. Best of all? You can join with a friend or family member and make a commitment to fitness together. Whether you’re a fitness guru or a beginner, the classes can usually be modified to increase or decrease intensity. This allows you benefit from group motivation while also meeting your unique fitness needs. Start Tracking Your Fitness Goals The technology age means it’s now easier than ever to track your goals. […]
5 ways gardening and plants can reduce stress
BPT) – In today’s busy world, we’re continually searching for new ways to slow down and unwind. This has led more people to discover the calming benefits of gardening and how incorporating plants into decor provides a way to reduce everyday stress. Studies have shown that indoor plants clean the air by removing 87 percent of airborne toxins in 24 hours, and can make people more relaxed. In fact, the very act of planting and maintaining a garden provides relaxing stress relief in today’s busy world. With such pronounced benefits, there are many reasons people who live in crowded cities and spacious suburbs have taken up gardening. For a closer look, green industry experts at RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) offer these five ways gardening can help you create a stress-relieving sanctuary at home. Add a fiddle leaf fig to your living room With large, waxy green leaves that look like a fiddle, the photogenic fiddle leaf fig adds a stunning pop of green to any living space. The trees thrive in bright to medium light and prefer room temperatures. Water them only when the surface of the soil is dry or when the leaves start to wilt; […]
Tips to keep your pet healthy in the heat
(BPT) – Spring is here, summer is approaching fast and it’s time to get outside and start taking advantage of the warmer weather. Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, has a few tips and tricks on how to keep your pet happy and healthy in the heat. Before you start your jogging treks, hiking excursions or bicycle touring with your furry partner by your side, it’s important to understand these spring/summer safety measures to keep your pet happy and safe. Easing into exercise After sitting around all winter, it is not a good idea to jump right into a full exercise regimen full speed ahead. The best approach to get your pet ready for more activities outside is a gradual introduction into exercise. A game of fetch is a perfect way to get your pet up and moving. The Chuckit! Launcher and Locator Sound Ball provides an easy way for your pet to increase their stamina, with the added entertainment of retrieving a ball that emits an audible pulse sound every few seconds to help pet parents and dogs locate the ball in any terrain after launch. If your pet enjoys chasing ground pursuits (think rabbits and squirrels), the […]
Autism Awareness Month By: Nicole Iuzzolino
The month of April is a time to promote Autism awareness and to make sure that everyone who is affected can gain opportunities to succeed to their full potential in life. For those who are not fully aware of what exactly Autism is a, “it’s a brain-based disorder characterized by social-communication challenges and restricted repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests…” as stated by the Autism Science Foundation. Generally you can not see that an individual has Autism by their appearance, just by how they interact and behave. There is also no single cause for Autism, as it affects all genders and races. With more than 3.5 million having Autism, the Autism Society has really flourished. This society was founded in 1965, with the first Autism Awareness Month occurring in April 1970. There are many ways, big or small, that you can participate in spreading awareness for this cause the month of April! The easiest and most popular aware to participate is by ¨sharing the puzzle¨. This symbol, which looks like a ribbon covered in puzzle pieces, is the most recognizable one among the community. You can pin it on your shirt, bag, or even post a picture of it on a […]
Problem Gambling: Know When to Stop Before You Start
(BPT) – The bright lights. The energy and laughter that fills the room. Casinos are fun and exciting to the vast majority of people but for some, they can be problematic. Casinos are a form of entertainment, so how do you ensure what’s meant to be a fun and leisurely activity continues to be a positive experience? Time spent at a casino should be a planned and budgeted entertainment option — like you would approach an evening out for dinner or a sporting event. There are preventative measures that can be taken to help ensure that an experience at a casino remains a fun one. Leading experts in the field of gambling research maintain that it starts with being an informed consumer who understands the realities of gaming. “Being informed means understanding your thoughts about the next big win, beating the odds, and finding the hot machine or deck of cards,” said Dr. James Whelan of the University of Memphis. “Misunderstanding these thoughts about chance can lead to harmful mistakes and excessive losses of money. Informed consumers know that setting limits on how much you spend and how long you play is the best way to not let these thoughts […]
5 Core and Back Exercises for the Appearance of a Cinched Waist
Building a cinched – or smaller – waist doesn’t have to involve crazy diet pills or corsets. While certain core and cardio exercises can help you take inches off your waist line, you can build the appearance of a smaller waist by building up your hip and back muscles. By increasing the size of your shoulders, lats, and hips, while focusing on obliques for core exercises, you can begin to build an “hourglass” figure that makes your waist appear smaller. Here are some basic core and back exercises you can do to safely build the appearance of a cinched-waist. Pull ups Pull ups are one of the fastest ways to build your Latisimus Dorsi (or lat) muscles. Building your lats can give your back the ‘triangle’ appearance that represents the top half of your hourglass. If you’re not able to do a pull up, that’s okay! These exercises can help you get there in stages. You can also use the assisted pull up machine to build your lats over time. Shoulder Press Use dumbbells to perform a shoulder press, or use the shoulder press machine to build strong, toned shoulders. Choose a weight that is challenging enough to complete 10 […]
Healthy Tip 10 Stressful Situations You Should Stop Being OK With
You only live once, therefore, in your life you should do only those things, which make you happy and satisfied. Tolerating and suffering stressful situations might lead you to not living the life you have been dreaming about. Also, if you are being ok with stressful situations, which are unnecessary, you might even lose energy and stop enjoying your life. Thus, there comes a time when you just have to say no to something and stand up for yourself. Sometimes it can be hard to do so but the outcomes are well worth it. The most common 10 things, which you might have been tolerating for too long in your life, are listed below: Choice to be unhappy.– Only you can control your mood and your attitude to many things. Try to find a positive side in everything. People, who are negative, will always find something to complain about. On the other hand, you can find many reasons to smile about if you decide to be positive. Gossiping and judging others.– Drama is all around us and what you need to do here is get away from it. Stay away from people whose main aim in life is to put […]
5 tips to keep allergy sufferers from dreading spring
(BPT) – From flowers poking through the ground to ditching heavy winter parkas, it’s easy to look forward to spring. Unless, of course, you have allergies. Then, the path to warmer weather and additional daylight could be marked with watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. Makes it hard to be excited, right? It doesn’t have to. While spring carries its own concerns for allergy sufferers everywhere, there is relief. Now is the perfect time to set plans in place to help ease your allergy symptoms before they begin. “People think they’re doing everything they can to battle spring allergies,” says allergist Bradley Chipps, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “But many still find themselves under siege from pollen and other allergens that appear once the weather starts to warm up. What they don’t realize is that by following a few simple rules they can make life a lot more pleasant, and their allergies more bearable.” As you start your spring allergy planning, keep these five tips from ACAAI in mind. Use them and your spring will be filled with flowers and breezes, not coughing and sneezes. 1. It may not only be allergies. […]
5 tips from a tea expert to brew the perfect cup
(BPT) – For most of us, a little evening downtime is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. After a hectic day of work, commutes, kids and dinner prep, we deserve to take a moment to slow down and enjoy some hard-earned “me time.” Instead of using this time to stream your favorite show or scroll through social media, try a gentle and relaxing activity that puts your focus on the present moment and makes this time truly enjoyable. “For a relaxing end-of-day activity, there’s nothing quite like preparing and savoring the perfect cup of herbal tea,” says Stephen Twining, whose family founded the world-famous tea brand, Twinings of London, in 1706. The steps we take to prepare and enjoy our perfect cup of tea can help us unwind and feel refreshed, Twining says. Tea releases pleasing scents, the warm brew makes comforting sensations as we wrap our fingers around the mug and take sips, and there’s the deep and satisfying flavors of the tea itself. Of course, when we’re engaged in a mindful activity, it’s that much easier to let go of daily stress and transition into a more relaxed state. Follow these five tips from Twining to brew […]
Is It a cold or the flu? When to seek care
(BPT) – Your nose is running. You are coughing and tired. Are you sure it’s just a cold? You could have influenza, commonly referred to as “the flu.” Although common, the flu can be serious and even lead to hospitalization or death. Knowing the difference between a cold and the flu is very important so you can get the right care, prevent worsening symptoms, and help prevent the spread to family, friends and coworkers. Even if you’ve had the flu vaccination this year, it’s still possible to catch the flu and to pass it on to others. “Every year we find that patients have a tendency to underestimate the flu and forget what a serious health risk that the flu presents, particularly for the very young and for seniors, but really for anyone when it is left unaddressed,” said Dr. Jason Tibbels, MD, board-certified family physician and director for quality programs at Teladoc, the world’s largest and most trusted provider of virtual care delivery services. “Without proper care, the flu can be life-threatening, so it’s vital to seek care as soon as you’re experiencing any symptoms.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the last seven […]
10 Motivational Fitness Quotes to Keep You Going Strong in 2018 By Jersey Strong
Hoping to shed some pounds this year? Finding motivation can be tough, especially if you are just starting out. A simple reminder of why you made weight loss a priority this year is all it takes to find that extra spark of determination. To guide you on your journey, here are 10 motivational fitness quotes to keep you inspired and going strong throughout 2018! Create Healthy Habits, Not Restrictions We all know that sticking to a healthy diet is crucial to seeing those pounds slip away. But sometimes your perception of your diet gets in the way of your success. If you see the meal in front of you as a restriction, you won’t enjoy it as much. Instead of zeroing in on the details of your meal, why not focus on creating a healthier habit? Did you choose a better option for breakfast than usual? Did you pass on that dessert? Making better choices leads to a healthier lifestyle. The Only Bad Workout Is The One You Didn’t Do If you’re just beginning your fitness journey, the first few weeks of hitting the gym can seem overwhelming (and sometimes downright intimidating). You may be thinking, “does everyone know what they’re […]
ESSENTIAL OILS TEE TREE
Melaleuca, or Tea Tree oil, is best known for its purifying qualities, which make it useful for cleansing the skin and home surfaces, purifying the air, or promoting healthy immune function. Tea Tree essential oil has over 92 different compounds and limitless applications. The leaves of the Melaleuca tree were used by the Aborigines of Australia for centuries. Tea Tree/Melaleuca is best known for its purifying properties and can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to support a healthy complexion. Tea Tree/Melaleuca is frequently used on occasional skin irritations to soothe the skin and diffusing the oil will help purify and freshen the air. Ready to use tea tree oil to transform your health? Here are the top 10 uses for tea tree oil for natural cures and home remedies. Tea Tree Oil for Acne One of the most common uses for tea tree oil today is in skin care products, as it’s considered one of the most effective home remedies for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the associated negative side effects that many people experience including red, dried and peeling skin. You can […]
5 tips to get in front of the pet hair in your home
(BPT) – From their loyal ways to their silly antics, pets bring so much joy to homes. While you wouldn’t trade any of the cuddles and welcome-home slobbers, one thing most pet owners don’t find quite as lovable is all the pet hair! When you live with a furry friend, it’s inevitable that there will be pet hair everywhere—hiding under tables, collecting in corners and clinging to clothes and furniture. Cleaning up after it all can be hard work—but the good news is that there are some ways to keep it under control. With a few simple steps, you can keep your home clean and free from pet hair (at least until that next shake). 1) Embrace your inner groomer. The best way to deal with pet hair in your home is to stop it even before it starts. Regularly grooming your pet will help control pet hair and shedding. Get into the habit of brushing your pet each day. Chances are, they’ll enjoy the extra attention, and you’ll be able to collect and dispose of their hair before it gets everywhere else. If your pet needs extra care, take them to a groomer every couple of months to really […]
5 cold-weather hacks for winter driving
(BPT) – As drivers bundle up to take on Old Man Winter this season, having a few tricks up your sleeve can be a big help in keeping your cool on the road. Here are five hacks for battling the elements and staying safe on the roads. Got stuck? Snow problem! Hazardous winter weather requires that drivers take additional precautions. According to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, 72 percent of drivers indicated they would not want to drive in icy conditions. Further, 84 percent of Americans recognize the dangers of black ice, the most dangerous weather condition for driving. If you find yourself stuck in the snow and ice, apply a bag of cat litter or sand under your wheels to provide much-needed traction to get out of a snowy situation. As an added bonus, the additional weight over the rear axle (especially for trucks and rear-wheel-drive cars) will further add traction. Floor mats can also come in handy. Place them under your tires in the direction you’re looking to travel. The mats create a mini runway of traction for your vehicle. Here comes the sun When the snow starts to pile on the driveway, nearly a quarter of […]
Starting a Career as a Medical Assistant
Want to break into the medical field but don’t necessarily have the time or resources to get a full medical degree? You’re in luck, because there are plenty of options available for people in your situation. Medical Assistants are one of the fastest growing professions according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. In fact, between 2016 and 2026, there is an expected 29% increase in job growth for Medical Assistants, which is much higher than the average across all occupations. In this article, we will break down what it takes to be a Medical Assistant and what roles you might expect to fill at a Medical Assistant job in a variety of work environments. Education and Training While a job as a Medical Assistant typically only requires a high school diploma or GED, employers are much more likely to select job applicants who have had hands-on training with real medical equipment. This type of experience can be achieved through an accredited Medical Assistant certification program. Another important part of Medical Assistant career training is the completion of an internship at a medical facility. An internship is a perfect chance to get […]
Boomers: 10 reasons to go nuts
(BPT) – For the roughly 75 million Americans who make up the baby boom generation, a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons against age-related diseases. “It’s vital at any age to adopt good habits to live a strong, fit and healthy life,” says Dr. Mike Roussell, a nationally recognized nutrition consultant and nutrition adviser to Men’s Health and Shape. “Fueling your life with tasty and nutrient-rich foods while making sure to be active every single day are essential components to keeping your body young and vibrant.” Roussell’s recommendation? Nuts. In particular, pistachios. “Pistachios are a multitasking nut with fiber, healthy fats, and three specific types of antioxidants that may help fight the onset of age-related conditions that lead to poor health in these 10 ways.” 1. Heart health Large population studies show that people who regularly eat nuts, such as pistachios, have a lower risk of dying from heart disease or suffering a heart attack. Pistachios provide 360-degree cardiovascular support in that they can promote improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood vessel function. 2. Anti-inflammatory Excessive inflammation is one of the root causes of age-related conditions, such as arthritis. Pistachios contain a special form of vitamin […]
How to Create Momentum Toward Your Goals by Jill Garaffa
Dear Jill, There’s a pattern that repeats every year (either on my birthday or New Year’s Eve or another milestone) and I’m hoping you can help me break it. Each year, I re-evaluate my life and I look at all the areas of my life that need fixing. I look at my bad habits that I want to change. The first week or so things are fine. Then, I start to slip and eventually completely give up. The following year, the list of things I want to change is discouragingly similar to the year before, so it always looks like I’m trying to fix the same thing. How can I break out of this pattern and get some momentum going in the right direction? Signed, Ground-Hog’s Day Dear Ground Hog’s Day, Thank you for your courage to ask about a topic to which so many people can relate! Having the life experience that you are re-living the same goals & attempts over and over, with no progress can be frustrating. There are a few things I can offer from a coaching standpoint to help you move forward. First, take a look at your language. Anytime your focus is on “fixing” […]
The Best Winter Running Gear By Jersey Strong
It may not feel like it right now, but winter is indeed coming. You want to keep/start running, but let’s be honest, motivation can drop when it’s a little chilly outside — we get it. But never fear! We’ve rounded up some of the best winter gear for running to help you stay warm and fit, no matter the weather! Base Layer Let’s face it — when it’s cold, you’re going to need layers. You want your base layer to be comfortable, stay put, and wick sweat away. We like options made of merino wool — it’s not just for sweaters anymore! Merino wool is breathable, and can keep you warm even in a thin layer. Another great option in material is polyester. Polyester layers well and will provide extra benefits in keeping you dry. Recommendations: Icebreaker – Long Sleeve Crew Pep – Long Sleeve V-Neck for Women Tights No matter what gender you are, tights are pretty essential for keeping your legs warm. Just like your base layer, you want this to stay put without riding up and wick sweat away to prevent chafing. It’s up to you whether you choose full length or 3/4. Some say that the shorter tights give you better range […]
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically. It also has antimicrobial properties so it can help freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues. Clinically speaking, peppermint oil is recommended for its anti-nausea benefits and soothing effects on the gastric lining and colon because of its ability to reduce muscle spasms. It’s important to note that peppermint essential oil is intense and far more concentrated than other essential oils. The topical application of peppermint oil is generally safe, although it may be necessary to dilute with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil. The entire plant contains menthol, an organic compound with local anesthetic properties which provides a wonderful cooling sensation while it naturally alleviates discomfort. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic and carminative properties. Peppermint essential oil has so many uses, it’s no wonder this oil is a staple for many. It’s used to soothe nausea, perk the senses, and cool overworked muscles. Peppermint also helps to clear congestion and quiet headaches . Below are its many uses and benefits. Peppermint Oil Benefits Some of the most common peppermint oil uses include: Reduces stomach aches Soothe digestive issues Freshens bad […]
How to Create Body Gratitude & Appreciation by Jill Garaffa
Dear Jill, Over the past few years I’ve put on weight due to various life changes & stresses. I can’t stand the way my body looks and feels. I exercise and eat healthy, yet I can’t seem to get this extra weight off. I struggle with self criticism and negative thoughts because my body. Do you have any suggestions? Signed, Frustrated Dear Frustrated, As a life coach, I work in the area of energy. What that means is: my concern is not so much for what you are doing; it is in how you are being. We can often “do” all the right things—eat healthy, exercise, etc– but if our “being”—our energy or vibration is off, the physical world (our body) will not budge because our thoughts & feelings are not aligned with what we actually want—they are aligned with what we don’t want. The universe is like a magnet. Energetically speaking: it will give you exactly what you think about & talk about. Our being, or energy, encompasses our thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and our words. For example: If you’re wanting a smaller body, but you are constantly being critical of yourself, thinking “I’m fat” and feeling “fat” and […]