Kayla Repp, Author at Be Well Solutions

Our Top 10 Nutrition Gifts for 2024

Trendy Water Bottles Keep hydration at your fingertips while on the go and minimize plastic waste simultaneously with the trendiest water bottles and tumblers. Consider the versatile Owala Free Sip, which has a spout for sipping or using a straw and a closable lid. Or you might choose the large 40oz tumbler from Stanley with a handle for easy transport. No matter the brand you choose, keep your bottles and reusable straws clean with a Tumbler and Straw Cleaning Kit. Food Delivery Subscription Food delivery services have made meal planning and prep easier with pre-measured meal kits or fully pre-made meals. While subscriptions have become increasingly popular, a few companies are focusing on healthier meal options, such as Sunbasket, Factor, Green Chef, and Purple Carrot. Nutrition App Subscription A nutrition app subscription is a perfect gift option for any tech-savvy [...]

Tags: #foodstoargesolutions, #healthyeatinggifts, #hydrationgear, #kitchenessentials, #mealpreptools, #mindfuleating, #nutritionsubscriptions, #practicalcookbooks, #saltfreeseasoning, #slowcookermeals|

Top Fitness Gifts for Every Exerciser – 2024 Edition

Outdoor Enthusiasts Biking Essentials. Whether biking along a scenic trail or a busy road, the right accessories can make your workout safe and efficient. Virginia Tech and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety compiled a list of helmet ratings to help you find the best option. Keep your phone and personal items nearby with a front frame bag, such as the one from Rockbros. Keep your bike safe with a heavy-duty lock, like the one from Master Lock. Safety First for Fido. Don’t forget the K-9 essentials for any dog walker. No-pull leash and harness options, such as the Gentle Leader Headcollar or Easy Walk Harness, can help keep you in control and minimize unnecessary injuries for you and your pet. Rechargeable LED dog collars can be beneficial for early morning and evening walks to ensure others see you and [...]

Tags: #bikinggear, #giftgiving, #holidayfitnessguide, #kidsfitnessactivities, #outdoorftiness, #petsafety, #reflectivegear, #travelfitnessessentials, exercise, homeworkouts, wellness|

Take the Stress Out of Gift Giving

‘Tis the season for giving! We thoroughly enjoy seeing the faces of our loved ones light up when we give them a heartfelt gift. But choosing the right gift while staying on budget can feel overwhelming. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 41% of American adults report higher stress levels during the holiday season. The 2023 APA poll also found that “43% said that the stress of the holidays interferes with their ability to enjoy them and 36% said the holidays feel like a competition” (APA). The good news is that there are better ways to approach gift-giving, which can help manage the stress that comes with it. Have a Plan and Set a Budget Before the holiday festivities get into full swing, decide your plans and set a budget. Gift-giving can add up quickly, so sticking with a plan [...]

Tags: #budgetfriendlygifts, #creativegiftideas, #familygiftexchange, #financialwellness, #giftgivingtips, #holidayseasonadvice, #mindfulholidays, #thoughtfulgifting, holidaystress, StressManagement|

Why Wait for 2025? Tips for Building Healthy Habits Today!

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves tempted to postpone making healthy changes until January 1st. But why wait? Building healthier habits now can set you up for a more confident and energized new year. Instead of relying on resolutions, which often fizzle by February, consider embracing small, sustainable changes as endorsed by bestselling author, James Clear in his book Atomic Habits. Rather than focusing on setting goals, Clear encourages people to examine and improve their habits (behaviors) – by looking at simple strategies to build good habits and break bad ones, using small but ongoing daily improvements. Focus on Systems, Not Just Goals For years, coaches and other change facilitators had people focus on smart goals. For many people, it’s easy to think in terms of goals — “I want to lose 10 pounds” or “I [...]

Tags: #atomichabits, #behaviorchange, #buildinghealthyhabits, #GoalSetting, #habitformation, #habitloop, #healthandwellness, #holidaywellness, #jamesclear, #mindsetshift, #newyearresolutions, #positivechange, #practicaltips, #smallstepsbigimpact, healthyliving|

Fuel Your Diabetes Knowledge

November is recognized as National Diabetes Month to promote awareness about diabetes and encourage people to take steps toward prevention and better management. Today in the United States there are more than 37 million people living with diabetes, and another 80 million with pre-diabetes, a condition that puts them at greater risk for developing the illness. There are three primary types of diabetes: Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and often resolves following the birth of the baby. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed at a young age and requires insulin treatment for life. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of disorder, accounts for over 90% of cases. Often called “adult-onset diabetes”, this form occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does [...]

Tags: #HealthyEating, #PhysicalActivity, a1ctest, diabetesawareness, diabetesprevention, diabetespreventiontips, diabetesriskfactors, diabetessymptoms, health, healthyliving, healthyweight, nationaldiabetesmonth, StressManagement, type1diabetes, type2diabetes, wellness|

6 Effective Ways to Boost Your Mental Health This Season

Do you ever notice a shift in mood, energy, and overall mental health as the seasons transition? Shorter daylight hours, less sunlight, and isolation can take a toll this time of year. While physical health is important all year long, so is addressing and managing our mental health. Don’t let the challenges of the season get you down. Follow these tips to boost your mental health this fall and winter. Keep Moving Exercise isn't only beneficial for your body; it can positively impact your mental health! It increases the production of endorphins in the body. This hormone is often considered the body’s natural painkiller or mood-booster. Physical activity aids in lowering cortisol levels, a stress hormone. It can help with managing depression and anxiety symptoms. In addition, exercise can also increase concentration, improve self-esteem, promote quality sleep, and raise overall [...]

Tags: #support, bedtimeroutines, boostingmood, coping, exercise, holidaystress, mentalhealthtips, mindfulness, outdoorbenefitsformentalhealth, seasonalchanges, self-care, socialconnections, stayingactive, wellness|

How to Cope with Being a Caregiver

Caregiving is one of the most rewarding things we can do for loved ones. However, it can also lead to feeling overwhelmed, stressed, lonely, and exhausted. According to the Mayo Clinic1, “1 in 3 adults in the United States is an informal or family caregiver.” There’s a good chance that you or someone you know is currently a caregiver. Learning how to cope with the challenges of this role can ensure a healthier experience for everyone involved. Signs of Caregiver Stress Knowing and recognizing the signs of caregiver stress is the first step in healthy coping. These signs can present as physical, mental, or emotional symptoms. Physical signs include fatigue, problems sleeping, sudden changes in weight, headaches, and body aches. It can also include misusing alcohol, medication, or drugs. Mental and emotional signs include increased feelings of anxiety, worry, sadness, [...]

Tags: #mentalhealth, #support, burnout, caregiverstress, Caregivingtips, community, copingstrategies, familycaregiving, health, help, self-care, wellness|

Maximizing Your Home Workouts: Tips for Space, Equipment, and Motivation

Home workouts have been gaining popularity with no signs of slowing down. They bring flexibility and convenience to your exercise schedule to enforce a lasting habit. The variety of home exercise is growing with more apps, equipment, and virtual classes available at your fingertips. However, it can still come with distractions and challenges. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you maximize your home workouts and build a successful habit. Plan Your Space Plan your workout area to be a more successful space. You don’t need a large home gym with state-of-the-art equipment to create an exercise-friendly environment. Begin by choosing a space with minimal distractions. Avoid high-traffic areas of the home and consider a corner or room with a door. Consider distractions near you, such as chores, work, or electronics. Determine the activities you plan to do and [...]

Tags: exercise, exerciseroutine, ExerciseTips, fitness, health, homeworkouts, motivation, stayingmotivated, wellness, workoutequipment|

Unlocking the Power of Nutrition: A Guide to Reducing Cancer Risk

The power of healthy nutrition is often understated. But, as the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reminds us, nearly one third of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes. Some of these lifestyle changes revolve around not using tobacco products and regular exercise, but the majority of recommendations focus on nutritional strategies. As research evolves, so does our understanding of how diet influences cancer risk. Certain foods provide the potential to fight cancer, while others increase the risk. The AICR has recently updated their guidelines, providing actionable steps people can take to reduce their risk by making better dietary choices. Here are some dietary strategies the AICR endorses to reduce lifetime cancer risk. Embrace a Plant-Based Diet One of the cornerstone recommendations is to prioritize whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. These foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, [...]

Tags: #balanceddiet, #HealthyEating, AICRGuidelines, CancerFightingFoods, CancerPrevention, HealthyFoodChoices, HealthyLifestyleTips, nutrition, Plant-BasedDiet, ReducingCancerRisk, ReducingObesityRelatedCancer, WholeGrains|

Exercise and Cancer Prevention

Regular exercise comes with a host of benefits, including cancer prevention. According to the National Cancer Institute, “Approximately 40.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.” With studies showing how prevalent cancer is, being able to lower our risk can make a significant impact. Let’s explore the relationship between exercise and cancer prevention and exercise recommendations. The Benefits of Exercise Observational studies created adequate research to show evidence that exercise can help lower the risk of certain types of cancers, including bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, and stomach cancer (National Cancer Institute). Although more research is needed, limited evidence points to a lowered risk of other cancers like pancreatic, blood, prostate, ovarian, thyroid, liver, and rectum cancer as well. Regular physical activity aids in cancer prevention in several different ways. It [...]

Tags: #PhysicalActivity, CancerRisk, CancerTypesandExercise, exercise, ExerciseandCancerPrevention, ExerciseandQualityofLife, ExerciseforCancerRecovery, ExerciseRecommendationsforAdults, health, HormoneRegulationandCancer, PhysicalActivityGuidelinse, WeightManagementandCancerPrevention, wellness|

About Kayla Repp