Crystal Petrello, Author at Be Well Solutions

Recipe- Creamy Mango Avocado Smoothie

What’s better than enjoying a nutritious fruit smoothie on a warm summer’s day? This recipe is loaded with in season fruit such as mango and avocados. Avocados are a nutrition powerhouse packed with heart healthy fatty acids that help brain function. Mangoes deliver antioxidants like vitamin A that help lower our risk of developing cancer. Creamy Mango Avocado Smoothie Prep time: 1 min Cook time: 2 min Servings: 2 Ingredients: ½ large Haas avocado ½ cup mango, diced ½ frozen banana 2 tbsp hemp seeds 1.5 cups skim milk Dash of vanilla Ice as needed Optional toppings: coconut flakes, chia seeds, granola Instructions: Peel avocado and discard pit. Blend all ingredients together in a blender. Enjoy plain or in a bowl with toppings. Calories 234 Total Carbohydrates 26grams, Protein 11grams, Fat 11grams This recipe is inspired by our very [...]

Tags: avocado, corporate wellness, corporate wellness program, hydration, mango, nutrition, recipe, smoothie, summer|

Men’s Health Month

In the United States, June is designated as Men’s Health Month. The goal is to raise awareness about the ways men can improve and maintain their health. The five most important things that men can do for their health are to be tobacco free, stay physically active, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight for your height, and get recommended screening tests. In addition to the top five, there are other health behaviors that can increase your likelihood of living a long, healthy life. Below are details about important health behaviors for men: Be Tobacco Free - This includes smokeless tobacco products as well. See our articles about Smoking and Vaping , and reach out to a Be Well Solutions Health Coach to enroll in our Kick Nic smoking cessation program. Stay Physically Active - Aside from being tobacco [...]

Smart Questions for Smart Patients

Quick: “Who is the most responsible for the quality of your medical care?” If you said “my doctor”, you’re just a bit off. It’s you! In today’s fast-paced and medically complex world, it has become clear that patients need to take an active part in the care they receive. Unlike our parents, it is very likely that we will have to change doctors several times in our lives. This means we are responsible for getting the correct information to our new doctors in an accurate way. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, medical mistakes result in between 44,000 - 98,000 American deaths each year. Public agencies are constantly working to improve our hospitals, systems and practices. Be Well Solutions wants to help you become a smarter consumer and help prevent these needless catastrophes. Why should I become a [...]

Tags: choose a doctor, corporate wellness, doctor appointment, medical insurance, smart patient, wellness exam, wellness screening|

Summer Safety- First Aid

We are all so excited to get outside after winter and the 2020 Summer of Quarantine. Let’s prepare to be safe this summer with some Basic First Aid Training. You can get training in-person or online. Although it’s hard to predict when and where, we all know that accidents and disasters can happen. Since the first few minutes following an accident or injury are crucial, being prepared and properly trained can save lives. Be Well Solutions encourages everyone to learn basic first aid in order to offer assistance until trained first responders arrive. In addition to the training, a well-stocked first aid and disaster preparedness kit allows us to respond quickly and effectively. Check your first aid and disaster preparedness supplies regularly, to make sure they are working properly and are up to date. During an emergency, remember to [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, first aid, red cross, safety|

Fruits and Vegetables—Low on Calories and High on Fiber

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” What is it about apples and other fruits and vegetables that make it so crucial for us to have them in our daily diets? Fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber which helps to fill us up, promote health, reduce constipation, reduce blood glucose levels, increase immune support and aid with weight management. An average person needs 25 grams of fiber per day. To put that into perspective, one apple has more than 4 grams of fiber. An apple a day helps you reach your fiber goals! A diet rich in fruits and vegetables also provides essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that are important for good health. Phytonutrients are disease fighting properties that only plants (phyto) possess. These nutrients may also reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. [...]

Tags: canned food, canned fruit, canned veg, fiber, fresh food, frozen fruit, frozen veg, local produce, low cal, low calorie, weight loss|

Organic vs. Conventional Produce: What is the difference?

A frequent dilemma in the produce aisle: to choose organic or not to choose organic. Perhaps you pick up two apples: one organic and one conventionally grown. Both are round, firm, and red. Both are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So which should you choose? Let’s get the facts straight before heading off to the grocery store. What does “organic” mean? According the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the term “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and handle their crops. They must follow strict guidelines to be labeled with the USDA organic seal. Organic farming practices, established by the USDA, are designed to enhance water and soil quality, reduce overall pollution, and promote sustainability among the farming industry. In organic farming there are practices that are not permitted and are overseen by the USDA. Materials and processes NOT [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, nutrition, organic, produce, USDA, wellness|

Mindfulness Meditation

What is the first thing you think of when someone tells you to meditate? Perhaps you think of monks sitting cross-legged repeating “hum” in a Zen garden. This may be the truth for some, but the modern world has taken a different approach to meditation, combining the practice with a concept known as mindfulness. Mindfulness meditation has shown to have long-lasting benefits and can be easily done by anybody. What is Mindfulness Meditation? Mindfulness meditation is an approach to becoming aware of our breath and mindset. It involves examining each breath we take and noticing how our mind begins to wander during this task. As we continue to practice returning to our breath, we are able to build the muscles of attention and mindfulness. We increase our own ability to stay in the present as we guide ourselves to [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, de-stress, destress, health, meditation, mindful, mindfulness, stress, wellness|

Exercise in the Great Outdoors Safely

Summer is just around the corner! The warmer weather can boost motivation for a consistent exercise routine. It’s the perfect time of year for a variety of outdoor activities. There are still some safety precautions to keep in mind. Use the tips below to keep your outdoor exercise safe and enjoyable. Safety First Safety is key when exercising outside. Choosing to exercise in daylight hours and paying attention to traffic will keep you alert on the road. If you’re in a rural or park setting, consider exercising with a buddy or letting someone know where you are ahead of time and when you plan to return. It’s a good practice to bring both your ID, a little cash, and your charged phone with you for any of those “just in case” scenarios. Also, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Even on [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, exercise, health, hydration, nutrition, summer safety, wellness|

Air Fried Food: Healthy Fast Food?

Potato chips, fried chicken, and French fries overwhelmingly appeal to all the senses with their crispy crunch and flavor. Fried foods are a staple in the American diet because they are fast and convenient. However, these foods have health implications. Fried Food Health Concerns and Solutions: Fried foods are high in saturated fats and trans fats. We know these fats contribute to heart disease, obesity, and type II diabetes. It is important to limit these fats in the diet. Try to choose foods that have healthy fats like nuts, salmon, and skinless chicken. Cooking with oils that contain unsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are better than butter and lard. Think of using fats that are liquid at room temperature and not solid. Decrease the amount of fat used while cooking and switch to an unsaturated [...]

Tags: air fry, corporate wellness, health, heart health, nutrition, recipes, saturated fat, wellness|

Iced Tea for Health

What would your life be like without the 1904 World's Fair? Many of our fun food staples hit the American taste buds at the fair, including the hamburger, hot dog, peanut butter, ice cream cone, cotton candy, and iced tea. During that time, iced tea became a staple of American culture. Health Benefits Heart Health and Cancer Risk There are health protecting properties to plants called phytochemicals. Research is constantly being done about how different phytochemicals correlate to health and wellness. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, usually called EGCG, is a phytochemical found in high amounts in green tea. EGCG has been linked to decreasing inflammation and better heart health . Researchers have also linked a decreased risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer with some of the properties in green tea. Nutrition Minerals such as manganese, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and zinc vary [...]

Tags: black tea, drink, green tea, health, health benefits, herbal tea, hydration, hydration for health, iced tea, phytochemicals, RTD, RTD tea, tea, wellness, white tea|

About Crystal Petrello